THE CAT This way, I know every inch of this palace. It was left to the Fairy Bérylune by Bluebeard.... Let us make the most of our last minute of liberty, while the children and Light pay their visit to the Fairy's little daughter.... I have brought you here in order to discuss the position in which we are placed.... Are we all here?... SUGAR I see the Dog coming out of the Fairy's wardrobe.... FIRE What on earth has he got on?... THE CAT He has put on the livery of one of the footmen of Cinderella's coach.... It was just the thing for him.... He has the soul of a flunkey.... But let us hide behind the balustrade.... It's strange how I mistrust him.... He had better not hear what I have to say to you.... SUGAR It is too late.... He has discovered us.... Look, here is Water also coming out of the wardrobe.... Goodness me, how fine she is!... (_The_ DOG _and_ WATER _join the first group_.) THE DOG (_frisking about_) There! There!... Aren't we fine I.... Just look at these laces and this embroidery!... It's real gold and no mistake!... THE CAT (_to_ WATER) Is that Catskin's "colour-of-time" dress?... I seem to recognise it.... WATER Yes, it's the one that suited me best.... FIRE (_between his teeth_) She's not brought her umbrella.... WATER What's that?... FIRE Nothing, nothing.... WATER I thought you might be speaking of a great red I saw the other day.... THE CAT Come, don't let as quarrel; we have more important things to do.... We are only waiting for Bread; where is he? THE DOG He was making an endless fuss about choosing his dress.... FIRE Worth while, isn't it, for a fellow who looks a fool and carries an enormous stomach?... THE DOG At last, he decided in favour of a Turkish robe, adorned with gems, a scimitar and a turban.... THE CAT There he is!... He has put on Bluebeard's finest dress... _Enter_ BREAD, _in the costume described above. The silk robe is crossed tightly over his huge stomach. In one hand he holds the hilt of a scimitar passed through his sash and in the other the cage intended for the Blue Bird_. BREAD (_waddling conceitedly_) Well?... What do you think of this? THE DOG (_frisking round the_ LOAF) How nice he looks! What a fool he looks! How nice he looks! How nice he looks!... THE CAT (_to the_ LOAF) Are the children dressed?... BREAD Yes, Master Tyltyl has put on Hop-o'-my-Thumb's blue jacket and red breeches; and Miss Mytyl has Gretel's frock and Cinderella's slippers.... But the great thing was the dressing of Light!... THE CAT Why?... BREAD The Fairy thought her so lovely that she did not want to dress her at all!... Thereupon I protested in the name of our dignity as essential and eminently respectable elements; and I ended by declaring that, under those conditions, I should refuse to be seen with her.... FIRE They ought to have bought her a lampshade!... THE CAT And what answer did the Fairy make?... THE LOAF She hit me with her stick on my head and stomach.... THE CAT And then?...