Monroe City Democrat. (Monroe City, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1908-12-24
the PRINCE
p OP

ly decorated fan obtained from the
soda water fountain around the cor.
ner. At her side scuffled the Prince,
a red bunting sash wound jauntily
about his waist, a gold paper crown
set at 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 it
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.
la was bounding up the steps of the
porch. her train streaming out behind
her. The stepsisters shifted con-
temptuously as the Prince glared down
at the slipper, surprise and well-meant
hllarity mingled in his frecltled face.
Pick 1t up. stupid" prompted
sepulchral voice from the uncovered
piazza.
few minutes later, two pages, who
bore a striking resemblance to the
Btepsisters of q 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 martlally 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 stcpsisters.
Giggling immoderately, they strove in
vain to claim the slipper. The Prince
was gradually becoming restless. A
sheeplsh 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
~. 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 1t on and brace
her and say: Cinderella, wilt thou
be miner"
Hurry up. she's gettin' mad"
Jaw, gwan. Tommy, please"
But Tommy. with 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.
20, Aunty May, isn't Tommy mean?
Every single time we play Cinderella
he spoils. It all at the end!"
"Spoils 1t ALL" echoed the stepsis-
tiers.
II just think he might put 1t on
once" stormed Cinderella. She also
tore OF her robes of state and flung
them from her
See It 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-
ters and the Fairy Godmother col
lscted the royal belongings.
well, Cinderella. how about It? Did
the ball come up to your expecta-
tiops?"
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 fluffy
wrap more closely about her.
You are quite as stubborn as ever
sir. I'm going in" She tripped up the
I 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 surprised little
whistle. Something black and shiny
and small lay upon the middle stair
He thrust his hands deep In his peck
y cts and regarded 1t for full minute
with thoughtful eyes Then his lips
frightened in sudden resolution.
by Jove! I'll do it now" he ex
claimed to the article before him
STOPPING quickly. he caught 1t up, anC
walked slowly into the house. On thu
stairs sat Cinderella, her chin SUM
deep in her palm, one foot curled VI
under her. The warm glow from thu
hall lamp above fell directly upon he