Once upon a time a lovely girl called Cinderella lived with her stepmother land two

proud land ugly stepsisters. They made her work hard all day, and in the evening she
had to sit among the cinders.

One day the kings son gave a Ball to which everyone was invited. What an unhappy
day that was for Cinderella! She worked harder than ever for her stepmother and two
vain stepsisters, preparing their finest gowns for the Ball.

When everyone had left for the Ball, Cinderella sat sadly by the fire and began to cry.
Suddenly, in a bright flash, a lovely lady appeared. I am your fairy god mother, she
said. Why are you crying? Because I want to go to the Ball, but I have no dress to
wear, said Cinderella. I will help you, said her Godmother. Hurry and bring me a
large pumpkin, some white mice and a rat. Cinderella quickly brought the things to
her Godmother.

Waving her magic wand, the fairy Godmother turned the pumpkin into a golden coach,
the rat into a fine coachman, and the white mice into handsome white ponies.
Cinderellas ragged clothes became a beautiful ball-gown, and on her feet were
sparkling glass slippers. Be off, Dear Child, said the Godmother, but remember
whichever happens, you must leave before the clock strikes twelve, or everything will
turn back the way it was.

When Cinderella arrived at the Ball, she looked so lovely that everyone turned to gaze
at her. The Prince was so enchanted tat he danced only with Cinderella. In her
happiness, the hours slipped by until she suddenly heard the clock striking midnight.
Remembering her Godmothers words, Cinderella fled from the palace, and, in her
haste, she lost a slipper. The Prince ran after her, but all he found was the tiny glass
slipper.

The next day the Prince searched everywhere for the owner of the slipper, declaring he
would marry only the lady whose foot it fitted. When the Prince came to Cinderellas
house, the ugly sisters tried to force their bulging feet into it. But they were much too
big. Finally Cinderella tried, and it fit perfectly! The Prince was overjoyed and asked
Cinderella to be his bride. There was rejoicing throughout the land, and they lived
happily ever .