THE CINDERELLA FROCK. 9

of sunshine, and she smiled gratefully, and
the man declined her proffer so stiffly she was
glad to move away. So the children clus-
tered about one side of the gate-way, while
the man stood holding the little one’s hand at
the other, looking for all the world with his
solemn face, Louise said, like the grim drag-
on in the picture, keeping guard over the
“* Palace of Beauty.”’

And now they began to notice for the first
time how fantastically the little creature was
attired. Unlike the showy prints and ging-
hams of the rest, she had on a bright silken
tunic, spangled at the bottom, and loose
trowsers ; and the little graceful hat she
wore was of bright orange, and as curious in
form as it was beautiful.

‘* What a beauty she is !’” whispered Louise
Carl in an ecstasy to the girl beside her.
‘* Just look at her, Lizzie.’’