The voice belonged to Nancy Marsden's brother.

"I have no desire to put myself in your place," said the only girl who could be Cinderella.

"I wouldn't bother about his slipper, not if he went barefooted all his life," said I.

And then, and then, and then ! What a bombardment! How pleased I was! I was inordinately happy, and I didn't eat a thing till the salad.

"How could you!" said Nancy.

"But you didn't recognize me,"—with a show of defiance; "and I expected that you would be the very first."

"Cut off that horrid beard."