Part 11

Prince. You say well, fair lady, for no one can look upon you without thoughts of love and joy.

Cinderella. And you, great Prince, have thoughts of great and noble deeds, have you not?

Prince. Yes, I have thoughts of great deeds, of brave men and fair ladies, of games and victories,--but now I have forgotten all but you.

Cinderella. Will you remember me to-morrow or shall I fade away like the dreams of night?

Prince. No dreams could be fairer, but I hope you will not vanish as they do. If you do, I am quite sure that I shall find you!

Cinderella. Don't be too sure, for I am not what I seem. I am a princess only in your thoughts; really I am--

Prince. What? a flower, a star, a goddess?

Cinderella. No, only a woman--

Prince. The best of all, a woman! And now will the dream-woman dance with me?

Cinderella. With pleasure; what lovely music!--and so many pretty women. What beautiful rooms!

Prince. Will you not tell me your name and where you live?

Cinderella. Both are a secret.

Prince. It makes no difference to me, for I know you, and that is enough.

Cinderella. I hear the clock! What hour is it striking?

Prince. Twelve--but that is early. You need not go?

Cinderella. Yes, I must, and quietly. Do not try to keep me, Prince--good night!

Prince. She is gone! and I do not know where she lives. How can I find her? I'll give another ball and hope she will come again.

SCENE IV.--Cinderella's Home

Father. Well, girlies, did you have a pleasant time at the ball?

Katherine. Oh, yes, papa, splendid! But did you see the lovely princess that came so late?

Elizabeth. She was the prettiest girl there. I wonder who she is!

Mother. So do I. It seems to me I've seen her somewhere. Perhaps I've met her in my travels; but I can't remember where it was.

Father. What is her name?

Katherine. I heard some one say she was Lady Far Away. But that's not a real name.

Elizabeth. Perhaps she is a princess in disguise.

Cinderella. Tell me, sister, how this princess looked.

Elizabeth. Oh! she is lovely! Golden curls and blue eyes and such a sweet smile!

Katherine. She wore a beautiful dress that shone like the moonlight.