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130 MOONFOLK.
" Of course you can," the fairy replied, " because we
don't wish you not to see us. But we must not lose
time talking here. So now come along."
So the fairy led, and Ehoda followed through corridors,
and down stairs, and through chamber after chamber,
until they reached a locked door, which, however,
opened at a touch of the fairy's wand, and admitted
them to a splendid room, even more splendid than that
of the Princess Dorma. In the middle of the room sat
Cinderella upon a throne-chair of blue velvet, with a
great gold crown suspended over it,
and a golden footstool
in front of it.
In her arms she held a lovely baby
and both she and the child were dressed in the richest
lace, and embroidery, and purple, and fine linen ; but,
in spite of all these pleasant things about her, Cinderella
was crying bitterly ;
and the little child looking up at
her with great frightened eyes, had put up his little lips
as if about to cry also.
" "Well, my dear, how do you find yourself to-day ? "
asked the fairy godmother, quietly taking a seat and
making herself visible to Cinderella, who started and
cried out :
" Oh, how you frightened me, and how glad I am to
see you, godmother I am so "
unhappy ! !
" Dear me, you're always unhappy,
it seems to me.
What's the matter now ? "
But at this simple question Cinderella began to
blush, and hang her head, and stammer all sorts of