POLICEMAN (in distress). I question of there was ever before a member of the Force in such a position. (Yielding.) I expect she’ll come.
(This settles it in the opinion of the children, but their eyes are too bright for such a late hour, and they are ordered to bed. Our POLICEMAN replaces them in their boxes.)
CINDERELLA. One—two—three . . . couchy!
(They disappear.)
POLICEMAN (awkwardly and trying to hedge). Of course this is an out-of-the-way little street for a Godmother to find.
CINDERELLA. Yes, I’ve thought of that. I’d best go and hang about outside; she would know me by my dress.
POLICEMAN (hastily). I wouldn’t do that. It’s a cold night. (He wanders about the room eyeing her sideways.) Balls is always late things.
CINDERELLA. I’m none so sure. In war-time, you see, with the streets so dark and the King so kind, it would be just like him to begin early and close at ten instead of twelve. I must leave before twelve. If I don’t, there’s terrible disasters happens.
POLICEMAN (unable to follow this). The ball might be put off owing to the Prince of Wales being in France.