The Fairy Godmother touched Cinderella's clothes with her wand, and this
time her rags became a beautiful costume of silver cloth, covered with
rubies. In place of the worn-out shoes were the wonderful glass
slippers.

"Whatever you do, remember to leave before the clock strikes twelve,"
said the Fairy Godmother, as Cinderella drove away.

When Cinderella arrived at the king's palace, the prince met her at the
door. He would dance with no one else.

Cinderella was very happy. The hours passed swiftly away, but she left
the palace before the clock struck twelve.

The king gave another ball the third night. This time Cinderella wore a
costume of gold cloth, covered with sparkling diamonds; and on her feet
were the wonderful glass slippers.

The prince met her at the door. He led her to the ball room and again
would dance with no one else.

This time Cinderella was enjoying the ball so much that she forgot the
warning of the Fairy Godmother.

Suddenly the clock began to strike twelve. With a cry of alarm she fled
from the ball room, dropping one of her glass slippers in her haste.

The prince hurried after her, but by the time he reached the royal
courtyard the beautiful maiden had disappeared.