The bee., 1908-11-19

THE PRINCE
PROPOSES
BY Alice N. Richards

II
swept out majestically behind her
Upon her head lurched a Paris crea
tion donated by the Fairy Godmother.
while in her hand swayed a delirious
ly decorated fan obtained from the
soda water fountain around the cor.
ner. At her side scuHied the Prince
q red bunting sash wound iauntily
about his waist, a 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 Il
and run" 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 Ciuderel-
la 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 It up, stupid" prompted
sepulchral voice from the ylne.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 martially 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 east across his
shoulder He backed stealthily 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
stepsisters snickered.
Tommy" whispered the nearest
one, you old silly, put it 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 OFF his insignia
of royalty as he went. Cinderella
stamped her foot. At the sound the
Fairy Godmother appeared in the door
| way.
''O Aunty May. isn't Tommy mean?
Every single time we play Cinderella
he spoils 1t all at the end!"
"Spoils it ALL" echoed the stepsis-
ters.
II Just think ne might put 1t on
once" stormed Cinderella. She also
tore on her robes Of state and flung
them from her.
See il | don't get even on him, hor-
ria old thing" and away flew the in
iured maiden, hot in pursuit Of the
recreaDt Prince. Amid yoluble dis
cussion of the situation. the stepsis-
ters and the Fairy Godmother col
lected the royal belongings.
We'll. Cinderella, how about II 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,
Tommy, come on and never mind that
gate. I'm cold"
There was no reply. Cinderella
shlYered audlbly 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 a 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 pock-
cts and regarded it for a full minute
with thoughtful eyes Then his lips
tightened In sudden resolution.
by Jove! I'll do it now," he ex.
claimed TO the article before him.
STOPPING quickly, he caught it up, and
walked slowly into the house. On the
stairs sat Cinderella, her chin sunk
deep in her palm, one foot curled up
under her. The warm glow from the
hall lamp above fell airectly upon her
bright hair and upturned face. HeI
eyes cleaned In mischievous chal
lenge. The Prince moved across the
hall, and, leaning against the newel
post, looked steadily down at her
Shy panic few into her eyes. A quick