CINDERELLA (_in a tremble of exultation_). That’s me. That’s what you’re called at royal balls. Then loud huzzas is heard outside from the excited popu-lace, for by this time the fame of my beauty has spread like wild-fire through the streets, and folks is hanging out at windows and climbing lamp-posts to catch a sight of me. (_Delight of the children._) POLICEMAN. My sakes, you see the whole thing clear! CINDERELLA. I see it from beginning to end—like as if I could touch it—the gold walls and the throne, and the lamp-posts and the horses. POLICEMAN. The horses? CINDERELLA. ... Well, the competitors. The speeches—everything. If only I had my invite! That wasn’t a knock at the door, was it? POLICEMAN (_so carried away that he goes to see_). No. CINDERELLA (_vindictively_). I daresay that flunkey’s sitting drinking in some public-house. (_Here_ MARIE-THERESE _and_ GLADYS, _who have been communicating across their boxes, politely invite the_ POLICEMAN _to go away_.) MARIE. Bonne nuit, Monsieur. GLADYS. Did you say you was going, Mister? POLICEMAN. They’re wonderful polite. CINDERELLA. I doubt that’s not politeness. The naughties—they’re asking you to go away. POLICEMAN. Oh! (_He rises with hauteur._) CINDERELLA. You see we’re to have a bite of supper before I start—to celebrate the night. POLICEMAN. Supper with the kids! When I was a kid in the country at Badgery—you’ve done it again! CINDERELLA. Done what? POLICEMAN (_with that strange feeling of being at home_). I suppose I would be in the way? CINDERELLA. There’s not very much to eat. There’s just one for each. POLICEMAN. I’ve had my supper. CINDERELLA (_seeing her way_). Have you? Then I would be very pleased if you would stay. POLICEMAN. Thank you kindly. (_She prepares the table for the feast. Eyes sparkle from the boxes._) CINDERELLA (_shining_). This is the first party we’ve ever had. Please keep an eye on the door in case there’s a knock. (_She darts into her bedroom, and her charges are more at their ease._) MARIE (_sitting up, the better to display her nightgown_). Monsieur, Monsieur, Voilà! GLADYS. Cinderella made it out of watching a shop window. POLICEMAN (_like one who has known his hostess from infancy_). Just like her. MARIE (_holding up a finger that is adorned with a ring_). Monsieur! GLADYS (_more practical_). The fire’s going out. POLICEMAN (_recklessly_). In with another penny. (_He feeds the fire with that noble coin._) Fellow allies, I’m just going to take a peep into the German trench! Hah!