A Real Cinderella by Nina Rhoades

It was a glorious spring morning about a week later, and Gretel and Higgins were sitting on the pier at Old Point Comfort, watching the departure of a big battle-ship, which was just sailing out of the harbor. At their feet lay the beautiful bay, the little waves sparkling and dancing in the bright sunshine. In New York it was still winter, and piles of snow were melting in the parks, but here in Virginia spring had already come; the birds were singing, and the grass was as green as if it had been June instead of the last of March.

Although it was only a little more than a week since Gretel had left Mrs. Marsh's, she already looked quite a different child. There was a color in her cheeks, and a brightness in her eyes, which it did her brother's heart good to see, and as for her appetite, she felt quite certain she had never eaten so much in her life. She was very happy, and enjoying every new experience and sensation to the full. As yet they had not made any friends at the big hotel, but there was so much to see, and so many pleasant things to do, Gretel had not even thought of other companionship than that of her brother and Higgins. Mr. Douane was growing very fond of his little sister, and he was so kind to her, and so anxious to give her pleasure, that Gretel sometimes felt as if this wonderful new life must be a dream, from which she must surely wake some morning, to find herself back in her little room at Mrs. Marsh's, with nothing more exciting to look forward to than watching the people going into "fairy-land."