In winter, the young ladies were invited to the Royal Ball. For a whole month they tried on taffeta ball gowns, frilly petticoats, and strappy shoes. It was Cinderella, of course, who helped them in and out of their rich costumes, and who pressed and folded everything. Her own clothes were practically rags.
The big night came and poor Cinderella was left at home, sitting alone by the fireplace.
A mouse came up to her and said, “Dear, dear, don’t fret. A good fairy is outside, and she says that you shall go to the ball.”
Cinderella ran out to the courtyard where the good fairy told the young girl:
“Be sure to leave the ball before the clock strikes midnight, or you will be more embarrassed than you ever have been in your life!”