Gilpin observer., 1908-11-19
THE PRINCE
p no SES
BY Alice N. Richards

Cinderollas green table-cloth trai-
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 scufied the Prince
red bunting sash wound jauntily
about his waist, a gold paper crowl
set at ra!SiSh tilt upon his red hair
The steps.sters, consumed with an
envy that approached wonderfully
near to realism, followed in their
wake.
Now, Tommy, I'm goin' to drop it
aad run" whispered Cinderella. Gin
derella was barelegged, but pair of
gay Turkish slippers Topped on her
feet. a moment later one CT 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 shifted con-
tenptuously as the Prince glared down
at the slipper, surprise and well-meant
hilarity mingled in his freckled face.
Pick it up, stupid prompted a
sepuichral voice from the vine-coyered
riaZza.
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.
Gisgling 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 stealthily to-
ward the steps. Alarmed at these
signs OF 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, petrifed 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
''Aw, 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 souLd the
Fairy Godmother appeared in the door
way.
20. Aunty May isn't Tommy mean >
Every single time We play Cinderella
he spells it all at the end"
"Spoils it all" echoed the stepsis-
ters.
Il just think he might put it on
once" stormed Cinderella. She also
tore of her robes of state and flung
them from her.
See it doa't get even on him. hcr-
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 steps.s-
ters and the Fairy Godmother ccl-
lected the royal belongings.
We'll. Cinderella, how about II? Did
the bail 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
shivered audibly and drew her fiuffy
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 triumphant click and
hurried after her. hut 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 vi
under her. The warm glow from the
hall lamp above fell directly upon her
blight hair and upturned face. Her
eyes cleaned In mischievous chal