The poor girl bore all patiently , and dared not tell her father , who would have rattled her off ; for his wife governed him entirely . When she had done her work , she used to go into the chimney-corner , and sit down among cinders and ashes , which made her commonly be called Cinderwench ; but the youngest , who was not so rude and uncivil as the eldest , called her Cinderella . However , Cinderella , notwithstanding her mean apparel , was a hundred times handsomer than her sisters , though they were always dressed very richly . It happened that the King 's son gave a ball , and invited all persons of fashion to it . Our young misses were also invited , for they cut a very grand figure among the quality . They were mightily delighted at this invitation , and wonderfully busy in choosing out such gowns , petticoats , and head-clothes as might become them . This was a new trouble to Cinderella ; for it was she who ironed her sisters ' linen , and plaited their ruffles ; they talked all day long of nothing but how they should be dressed . `` For my part , '' said the eldest , `` I will wear my red velvet suit with French trimming . '' `` And I , '' said the youngest , `` shall have my usual petticoat ; but then , to make amends for that , I will put on my gold-flowered manteau , and my diamond stomacher , which is far from being the most ordinary one in the world . '' They sent for the best tire-woman they could get to make up their head-dresses and adjust their double pinners , and they had their red brushes and patches from Mademoiselle de la Poche . Cinderella was likewise called up to them to be consulted in all these matters , for she had excellent notions , and advised them always for the best , nay , and offered her services to dress their heads , which they were very willing she should do . As she was doing this , they said to her : `` Cinderella , would you not be glad to go to the ball ? '' `` Alas ! '' said she , `` you only jeer me ; it is not for such as I am to go thither . '' `` Thou art in the right of it , '' replied they ; `` it would make the people laugh to see a Cinderwench at a ball . '' Anyone but Cinderella would have dressed their heads awry , but she was very good , and dressed them perfectly well They were almost two days without eating , so much were they transported with joy . They broke above a dozen laces in trying to be laced up close , that they might have a fine slender shape , and they were continually at their looking-glass . At last the happy day came ; they went to Court , and Cinderella followed them with her eyes as long as she could , and when she had lost sight of them , she fell a-crying . Her godmother , who saw her all in tears , asked her what was the matter . `` I wish I could -- I wish I could -- '' ; she was not able to speak the rest , being interrupted by her tears and sobbing .
This godmother XXXXX hers , who was a fairy , said to her , `` Thou wishest thou couldst go to the ball ; is it not so ? ''
As above at by for from notwithstanding of to without