ed like the older sisters."

Cinderella nodded, "I know it is a custom--that's all," she said.
"Maybe my turn will come when you've both got good husbands and fine
establishments of your own."

The two sisters arose. The first began to yawn loudly; but remembering
her manners she patted her lips with her finger tips, changing the yawn
into a smile. She advanced toward the door by which she had entered.
The second sister made as if to follow her, but turned for a final word.

"It's lovely of you not to be jealous of us, Cinderella," she said. "I
hope your turn will come, too. Good-night."

Cinderella had already relapsed into her dreamy mood. "Good-night,"
she called. And she continued to sit and gaze into the fireplace.

But suddenly she started up excitedly and turned about. She fixed her
gaze upon the door opening to the highway. Her left hand moved
unconsciously to her heart.

Some one was timidly knocking on the door!

She stood for a moment as if to make sure that she had not dreamed that
some one had knocked. It was very late, and the house was in a lonely
spot. Then she advanced, marveling yet unafraid, and removed the bar
from before the door.

The door opened quietly and Everychild stood on the threshold.

CHAPTER X

CINDERELLA'S DECISION

Everychild's eyes beamed with delight. "Then you _did_ come to this
house," he said. "I thought you did; but you ran so fast--I couldn't
be sure where you went." It is true that he was breathing quickly, but
he was perfectly happy.

Cinderella stood regarding him, two finger tips pressed against her
cheek. "Have I--have I ever met you before?" she asked wonderingly.

He did not really reply to this. "I was beside the road with my
companions," he said. "We were lying down. I saw you hurry by. I
could tell something was the matter. I followed you. I hope you don't
mind!"

She regarded him dubiously. "You look like a very nice boy," she said.
"But it's fearfully late for you to be out or for me to ask you to come
in. Still----"

"Please let me come in," pleaded Everychild. "There's something I want
very much to ask you."

After a pause she said, "Well, yes, you may come in." She stood aside,
watching him with a whimsical smile as he advanced into the room.

He stopped in surprise when he saw the figure at the table, bending
over the spoons. It was the Masked Lady. She had put aside her
shepherdess's crook and had become a hou