第四章英语（343字）

Chapter 4: The Royal Invitation

1. Cinderella's stepmother took the envelope, carefully opened it,

2. and read it aloud in front of everyone.

3. It turned out that the King was going to hold a grand royal ball for the Prince,

4. and invited all the eligible young ladies in the kingdom to attend at the palace.

5. Upon hearing this news, the stepsisters were shocked and delighted,

6. and started squealing with excitement,

7. imagining that one of them might win the Prince's favor at the ball.

8. They immediately began discussing which fancy gowns to wear,

9. and what accessories to pair with them,

10. eager to start dressing themselves up at once.

11. Cinderella stood to the side and, hearing that all young ladies were invited,

12. she felt a small wish rise in her heart.

13. She gathered her courage and softly asked, 'Excuse me, may I also attend the ball?'

14. The stepsisters were stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter,

15. thinking Cinderella must be daydreaming.

16. 'You?' the older sister mocked, 'You have nothing decent to wear,

17. how could you go to the ball!'

18. Cinderella blushed, but she still looked hopefully at her stepmother,

19. hoping for permission.

20. Her stepmother narrowed her eyes and gave a false smile,

21. 'Of course you can go, dear—if you finish all your chores first,

22. and if you have a suitable dress to wear.'

23. Cinderella quickly nodded and agreed,

24. her heart filled with gratitude and joy,

25. because at least now she had a chance to go.

26. She returned to her little attic room,

27. and pulled out an old dress her mother had left her,

28. thinking that with a few alterations, perhaps this gown could be worn to the ball.

29. Cinderella made up her mind that no matter how busy or tired she was,

30. she would finish all her work before the ball,

31. so that she could have a chance to make this beautiful dream come true.