Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1908-12-06
The PRINCE
PROPOSES
Dy Alice ~. NIohasdo

Cinderella's green table-clOth train
swept out majestically behind her.
Upon her head lurched a Paris crea-
ton donated by the Fairy Godmother.
while In her hand swayed delirious'
ly decorated fan obtained from the
soda water fountain around the cor
ner. At her side scufiied the Prince.
red bunting sash wound jauntlly
about his waist. gold paper crown
set at a rakish tilt upon his red hair.
The stepsisters, consumed with an
envy that approached wonderfully
near to realism. followed In their
wake.
Now. Tommy. I'm goin' to drop II
and rum" whispered Cinderella Gin
derella was barelegged. but a pair OF
gay Turkish slippers Topped on her
feet. A moment later one OF these re-
posed upon the pathway and Cinderel-
Ia was bounding up the steps OF the
porch. her train streaming out behind
her. The stepSisters sniffed con-
temptuously as the Prince glared down
at the slipper. surprise and wellmeant
hilarity mingled in his freckled face.
Pick 1t up. stupid" prompted a
sepulchral voice from the vine-covered
piazza.
A few minutes later. two pages. who
bore a striking resemblance to the
stepsisters OF a moment before. tot
tered up the path carrying between
them a fat denim cushion. on which
lay the slipper. Behind them stalked
the Prince, his wooden sword clack-
ing nartially upon the gravel. eau
tiously setting down their burden. the
pages, with admirable unconcern. pro.
ceeded to resume their true charac-
ters-that OF the jealous stepsisters.
Giggling immoderately. they strove In
vain to claim the slipper. The Prince
was gradually becoming restless. A
sheepish look stole over his face and
longing glances were cast across his
shoulder. He backed stealthiiy to-
ward the steps. Alarmed at these
signs of a craven spirit. Cinderella
emerged hastily from among the vines
and. mincing across the porch. simpered
coyly at the Prince. who sulked open
ly. and backed closer to the steps.
Foot outstretched. petrified dignity.
Cinderella waited the climax. The
snickered.
Tommy" whispered the nearest
one. you old silly. put 1t on and brace
her and say: Cinderella, wilt thou
be mine?'"
Hurry up. she's gettin' mad"
Jaw. gwan. Tommy. please"
But Tommy, with a gesture horrify-
ing to his feminine audience. had fed
down the path, tearing of his insignia
Of royalty as he went. Cinderella
her foot. At the sound the
Fairy Godmother appeared In the door
way.
20, Aunty May. isn't Tommy mean?
Every single time We play Cinderella
he spoils 1t all at the end"
.'Spoils 1t ALL" echoed the stepsis-
ters
Il just think he might put 1t on
once" stormed Cinderella. She also
tore OF her robes of state and flung
them from her.
See 1t l don't get even on him. hor-
rid old thing" and away few the in
jured maiden. hot in pursuit OF the
recreant Prince. Amid voluble dis !
cussion of the situation. the stepsis-
tiers and the Fairy Godmother col
lected the royal belongings.
We'll. Cinderella, how about 1t? Did
the ball come up to your expecta-
tions?"
Cinderella. standing straight and
slim in the moonlight. watched the
Prince struggle with the latch Of the
gate. which refused to fasten. She |
laughed softly.
Why. silly. Of course. Didn't the
stepsisters look magnificent? They
quite cast me In the shade. Please,
come on and never mind that
gate. I'm cold"
There was no reply. Cinderella |
shivered audibly and drew her fluffy
wrap more closely about her.
You are quite as stubborn as ever. |
sir. I'm going in" She tripped up the
gravel pathway and into the house.
A moment later the Prince slammed |
the gate with q triumphant click and |
hurried after her. but at the steps he |
paused and gave a surprised little !
whistle. Something black and shiny |
and small lay upon the middle stair.
He thrust his hands deep in his peck. |
cts and regarded II for full minute |
with thoughtful eyes. Then his lips |
frightened In sudden resolution.
BY Jove! I'll do II now" he ex-
claimed to the article before him.
STOPPING quickly, he caught II up. and |
walked slowly into the house On the
stairs "a; Cinderella. her chin sunk |
deep in her palm. one foot curled ur
under her. The warm glow from the |
hal! lamp above fell directly upon her
bright hair and upturned face Her