midnight
She recognized some of the girls , and in spite of her courage , sighed as she turned away . Those were the sisters for whom the coach and four waited , with the footman and outriders , and who would be made welcome at all the grand functions of life , while the Cinderellas were relegated to the chimney corner . And the godmother must come out of fairy land , if she came at all , and transformed one with a wand . That was why the glories were so unsubstantial , and why the dream must end at midnight . The babies were clamoring for supper . The house was all alone . She lifted them out and helped them up the steps , then gave them each a biscuit while she prepared their bread and milk .