第二章（323字）

Chapter 2: Stepmother and Stepsisters

1. Many years passed and Cinderella grew into a lovely young woman.

2. But her life was just as hard as before.

3. Every morning, Cinderella was awakened by little birds.

4. She immediately began to busy herself with housework.

5. She had to clean the rooms, cook breakfast, and wash clothes.

6. And attend to all sorts of needs of her stepmother and stepsisters.

7. Her stepmother sat high in her chair.

8. Leisurely assigning Cinderella even more tasks.

9. The stepmother said in a falsely gentle voice, 'Dear, today please scrub all the floors of the house.'

10. 'And clean all the windows as well.'

11. Cinderella obediently nodded.

12. Though the tasks were heavy, she did not utter a single complaint.

13. The two stepsisters also constantly ordered Cinderella about.

14. Bossing her around rudely.

15. The older stepsister screeched, 'Cinderella, bring me my breakfast!'

16. The younger one also shouted, 'Cinderella, is my dress ironed yet?'

17. Cinderella always did as she was told.

18. First she served the sisters hot breakfast.

19. Then she delivered the freshly ironed dresses to their rooms.

20. Even when she was so busy running around, Cinderella still kept a gentle smile.

21. She carefully did everything well.

22. The stepmother's black cat Lucifer often added to Cinderella's troubles.

23. No sooner had she mopped the floor clean than Lucifer would walk across it leaving muddy paw prints.

24. Cinderella had no choice but to clean up again.

25. She never lost her temper at the cat.

26. She only gently picked him up and set him aside.

27. Despite the harsh treatment from her stepmother and stepsisters, Cinderella remained optimistic and strong.

28. She met each day with kindness and patience.

29. However, Cinderella was not completely alone.

30. She had some animal friends by her side.

31. They brought a touch of warmth to her life.