Jack quite amazed the public by his rapid calculations on the blackboard . Tommy won in the spelling match , and Demi read a little French fable so well that Uncle Teddy was charmed . `` Where are the other children ? '' asked every one as the curtain fell , and none of the little ones appeared . `` Oh , that is the surprise . It 's so lovely , I pity you because you do n't know it , '' said Demi , who had gone to get his mother 's kiss , and stayed by her to explain the mystery when it should be revealed . Goldilocks had been carried off by Aunt Jo , to the great amazement of her papa , who quite outdid Mr. Bhaer in acting wonder , suspense , and wild impatience to know `` what was going to happen . '' At last , after much rustling , hammering , and very audible directions from the stage manager , the curtain rose to soft music , and Bess was discovered sitting on a stool beside a brown paper fire-place . A dearer little Cinderella was never seen ; for the gray gown was very ragged , the tiny shoes all worn , the face so pretty under the bright hair , and the attitude so dejected , it brought tears , as well as smiles , to the fond eyes looking at the baby actress . She sat quite still , till a voice whispered , `` Now ! '' then she sighed a funny little sigh , and said , `` Oh I wish I tood go to the ball ! '' so naturally , that her father clapped frantically , and her mother called out , `` Little darling ! '' These highly improper expressions of feeling caused Cinderella to forget herself , and shake her head at them , saying , reprovingly , `` You must n't ` peak to me . '' Silence instantly prevailed , and three taps were heard on the wall . Cinderella looked alarmed , but before she could remember to say , `` What is dat ? '' the back of the brown paper fire-place opened like a door , and , with some difficulty , the fairy godmother got herself and her pointed hat through . It was Nan , in a red cloak , a cap , and a wand , which she waved as she said decidedly , `` You shall go to the ball , my dear . '' `` Now you must pull and show my pretty dress , '' returned Cinderella , tugging at her brown gown . `` No , no ; you must say , ` How can I go in my rags ? ' '' said the godmother in her own voice .
`` Oh yes , so I mus ' ; '' and the Princess XXXXX it , quite undisturbed by her forgetfulness .
amazed asked called carried charmed go know rose said tugging