She promised her godmother she would not fail to leave the ball before midnight.  She drove away, scarce able to contain herself for joy.  The King’s son, who was told that a great princess, whom nobody knew, was come, ran out to receive her.  He gave her his hand as she alighted from the coach, and led her into the hall where the company were assembled.  There was at once a profound silence; every one left off dancing, and the violins ceased to play, so attracted was every one by the singular beauties of the unknown newcomer.  Nothing was then heard but a confused sound of voices saying:—­

“Ha! how beautiful she is!  Ha! how beautiful she is!”

The King himself, old as he was, could not keep his eyes off her, and he told the Queen under his breath that it was a long time since he had seen so beautiful and lovely a creature.

All the ladies were busy studying her clothes and head-dress, so that they might have theirs made next day after the same pattern, provided they could meet with such fine materials and able hands to make them.

The King’s son conducted her to the seat of honor, and afterwards took her out to dance with him.  She danced so very gracefully that they all admired her more and more.  A fine collation was served, but the young Prince ate not a morsel, so intently was he occupied with her.

She went and sat down beside her sisters, showing them a thousand civilities, and giving them among other things part of the oranges and citrons with which the Prince had regaled her.  This very much surprised them, for they had not been presented to her.

Cinderella heard the clock strike a quarter to twelve.  She at once made her adieus to the company and hastened away as fast as she could.

As soon as she got home, she ran to find her godmother, and, after having thanked her, she said she much wished she might go to the ball the next day, because the King’s son had asked her to do so.  As she was eagerly telling her godmother all that happened at the ball, her two sisters knocked at the door; Cinderella opened it.  “How long you have stayed!” said she, yawning, rubbing her eyes, and stretching herself as if she had been just awakened.  She had not, however, had any desire to sleep since they went from home.

“If you had been at the ball,” said one of her sisters, “you would not have been tired with it.  There came thither the finest princess, the most beautiful ever was seen with mortal eyes.  She showed us a thousand civilities, and gave us oranges and citrons.”

Cinderella did not show any pleasure at this.  Indeed, she asked them the name of the princess; but they told her they did not know it, and that the King’s son was very much concerned, and would give all the world to know who she was.  At this Cinderella, smiling, replied:—­

“Was she then so very beautiful?  How fortunate you have been!  Could I not see her?  Ah! dear Miss Charlotte, do lend me your yellow suit of clothes which you wear every day.”