SIDE 1

BAKER

Wait. I didn't say-

(JACK exits; BAKER looks at money.)

Five gold pieces! With this money I could buy baking supplies for a year. I could buy a new thatched roof and a new chimney.

(MYSTERIOUS MAN appears from nowhere.)

MYSTERIOUS MAN

But could you buy yourself a child?

BAKER

(startled)

Who are you?

MYSTERIOUS MAN

How badly do you wish a child? Five gold pieces? Ten? Twenty?

BAKER

I've not thought to put a price on it.

MYSTERIOUS MAN

Exactly.

(MYSTERIOUS MAN walks over and takes the gold away.)

The money is not what's important. What's important is that your wish be honored.

(MYSTERIOUS MAN goes around a tree and disappears; BAKER begins darting around trees looking for him.)

BAKER

Come back here! Give me back-

(BAKER sees BAKER'S WIFE, who enters from around

another tree.)

What are you doing here now?

SIDE 2

(BAKER'S WIFE drops to the ground and searches for the bean.)

CINDERELLA

I've already given up one shoe this evening. My feet cannot bear to give up another.

(CINDERELLA begins to leave.)

BAKER'S WIFE

(rising)

I need that shoe to have a child!

CINDERELLA

That makes no sense!

(We hear rumblings from the distance.)

BAKER'S WIFE

Does it make sense that you're running from a prince?

STEWARD

(offstage)

Stop!


BAKER'S WIFE

Here. Take my shoes. You'll run faster.

(BAKER'S WIFE gives CINDERELLA her shoes and takes the golden slipper. CINDERELLA puts on the shoes and exits quickly. STEWARD bounds onstage and looks about.)

STEWARD

Who was that woman?

BAKER'S WIFE

I do not know, sir.

STEWARD

Lying will cost you your life!

(BAKER enters with another cow.)

BAKER

I've the cow.

BAKER'S WIFE

(sees the cow; excited, to BAKER)

The slipper!

(holds up slipper)

We've all four!

(BAKER'S WIFE)

(BAKER'S WIFE runs to BAKER; STEWARD takes the slipper as she passes.)

STEWARD

I will give this to the Prince and we will search the kingdom tomorrow for the maiden who will fit this shoe.

BAKER'S WIFE

(grabs the slipper)

It's mine.

(BAKER'S WIFE and STEWARD begin to struggle. MYSTERIOUS MAN comes from around a tree.)

BAKER'S WIFE

(struggling)

I don't care if this costs me my life-

MYSTERIOUS MAN

(simultaneously)

Give her the slipper and all will-

(CINDERELLA'S PRINCE races onstage.)

CINDERELLA'S PRINCE

I've the maiden's slipper.

(CINDERELLA'S PRINCE produces another slipper.)

STEWARD

And sir, I have succeeded in obtaining the other slipper!

MYSTERIOUS MAN

(to STEWARD)

Give them the slipper, and all will come to a happy end.

STEWARD

Shut up!