THE FAIR.
There was a large town near Cinderella’s home. Every year there was a fair in this town. The people who had things to sell brought them to the fair.
If you were to walk through the streets of this town you would see booths gaily trimmed with flags and flowers and the branches of trees.
There were many pretty things for sale in these booths. There were silks and satins. There were rings and bracelets and necklaces; and there were toys for boys and girls.
People walked about looking at the beautiful things in the booths. There was music and dancing, and everybody was gay and happy.
One morning Cinderella’s father said, “I am going to the fair. I will buy each of you girls a present, so tell me what you want.” The oldest one said, “O papa, bring me a pretty silk dress. I need a new party dress.” “Oh!” cried the second sister, “I must have a pearl necklace. Do bring me a beautiful pearl necklace.” “Very well,” said the father, “you shall have what you want.” Then he turned to Cinderella and asked, “And what shall I bring you, my daughter?” She replied, “I do not want anything from the fair, father. But please bring me the first branch that touches your hat as you ride home through the forest.”
The two sisters laughed and said: “What a goose you are, Cinderella. Why don’t you ask for something nice?” Her father said, “Yes, daughter, I will bring you anything you wish from the fair.” But Cinderella said, “I do not want anything, father, but the first branch that touches your hat as you ride home through the forest.” So the father mounted his horse and rode off to the fair.
By and by he came back; and sure enough he brought the silk dress and the pearl necklace to the sisters, and to Cinderella he gave the branch she had asked for.
She took the branch and planted it on her mother’s grave. Every day she watered it and at last the branch grew to be a fine tree. Its roots reached down into the ground. Its branches spread out on every side. The birds came and built their nests in it. How glad Cinderella was to see her tree growing so big and strong! When she felt sad and lonely, she went out to her dear tree and it comforted her. The birds, too, were her friends. She talked to them, and brought them crumbs to eat, and they sang their sweetest songs for her.
Suggestions.
Talk of planting trees.
Needs of such plants.
Treatment of birds.
III.
Preparation.
Cinderella’s sisters go to a ball. Explain king, queen, prince. Children give their idea of a ball. Will Cinderella go?
Narration.