Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1909-04-23
THE PRINCE
p OP Q S ES
BY Alice m. Richards

Upon her head lurched a Paris crea
ton donated by the Fairy Godmother
while in her hand swayed a dellrious
ly decorated fan obtained from the
soda water fountain around the cor.
ner. At her side scufFled the Prince,
red bunting sash wound jauntily
about his waist, a gold paper crown
set at rakish tilt upon his red hair.
The stepslsters, consumed with an
envy that approached wonderfully
near to realism, followed in their
wake.
Now, Tommy, I'm goin' to drop 1t
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 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-meaDt
hilarity mingled in his freckled face.
Pick it up, stupid" prompted
piazza.
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 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 cast 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"
"Aw, gwan, Tommy, please"
But Tommy, with a gesture horrify-
Ing to his feminine audience, had fled
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 1t all at the endi"
"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 it don't get even on him, hor.
rid old thing" and away flew the in.
3ured 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 It? Did
the ball come up to your expeeta-
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 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.
n uOlncul ldISF ln6 PflnC1 slammed
the gate with triumphant click and
hurried after her, but at the stems 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
frightened 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
nail lamp above fell directly upon her
bright hair and upturned face. Her
eyes cleaned In mischievous cbal.
lenge. The Prince moved across the
hall, and, leaning against the newell
post looked steadily down at her.
Shy panic flew into her eyes. A quick
breath stirred the soft lace of her
gown. She cast a longing lool, I'm tbe