NOW, Cinderella’s step-sisters (who had not recognised her beneath her mask) were achingly curious to know who the mysterious young lady in the beautiful gown had been, but not nearly so curious as the prince.

Twice more he hosted a sumptuous ball, and twice more Cinderella came and danced until midnight.

On the third night, however, as she raced for the palace doors on the last stroke of twelve, she lost her dainty shoe.

Here was a pretty mystery for the prince, and for her gossipy step-sisters! But the resourceful prince took the shoe, and proclaimed that whomsoever it would fit must be his elusive dancing-partner, and one day his queen.

What the two step-sisters did to make that tiny shoe fit doesn’t bear thinking about. Fortunately, the horrified prince discovered it, and despite their protests turned to Cinderella.

Of course the shoe fitted her perfectly. And so they were married, and crowned, and lived happily ever after.