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126 MOONFOLK.
that finally no one believed her, and every one was laughing
at her. At last she declared before the whole court
that she could spin the yarn and knit twelve pairs of
stockings between sunset and sunrise, and have time for
sleep besides. The queen, her mother-in-law, overheard
this foolish boast, and wishing to mortify her, she took
up the offer, and said :
" '
Come, then, my daughter, prove your words by
doing what you say. Knit the stockings, and I will give
you my set of diamonds in payment for them.'
"This was the time for Cinderella to confess her folly,
and escape from the trap her mother-in-law had set for
her ;
but instead of that, the foolish girl persisted in her
folly, and was marched away to a great store-room at the
top of the palace, half filled with wool. A spinningwheel
was set before her, several sets of knitting-needles
laid ready, and then the door was locked. The prince,
her husband, was away from her at the time, or he
never would have allowed this, of course. Poor Cinderella,
forlorn and frightened, sat down among the wool
and began to cry. Suddenly, from the very middle of
the pile, a little voice squeaked out :
" '
Don't cry, princess I'll ; spin and knit a dozen pairs
of stockings for you before midnight, and you may lie
down and go to sleep meantime.'
" '
Thank you very much ;
but who are you, and where
are you?' asked Cinderella, looking
all about her.
" '
Never mind that,' replied the voice.
'
Go to sleep.'