THE CAT (_obsequiously, eagerly, mealy-mouthed, rushing to meet the_ CHILDREN) Ah, there you are, my little master!... How well you look and how pretty, this evening!.... I went before you to announce your arrival.... All Is going well. We shall have the Blue Bird to-night, I am sure.... I have just sent the Rabbit to beat the troop in order to convoke the principal animals of the country.... You can hear them already among the foliage.... Listen!... They are a little shy and dare not come near.... (_The sounds are heard of different animals, such as cows, pigs, horses, donkeys, etc. The_ CAT, _aside, to_ TYLTYL, _taking him apart_) But why have you brought the Dog?... I have told you he is on the worst terms with everybody, even the trees.... I fear that his odious presence will spoil everything.... TYLTYL I could not get rid of him.... (_To the_ DOG, _threatening him_) Go away, you ugly thing!... THE DOG Who?... I?... Why?... What have I done?... TYLTYL I tell you, go away!... We don't want you here and there's an end of it.... You're a nuisance, there!... THE DOG I sha'n't say a word.... I shall follow you at a distance.... They sha'n't see me.... Shall I beg?... THE CAT (_aside, to_ TYLTYL) Do you allow this disobedience?... Hit him on the nose with your stick; he is really unbearable!... TYLTYL (_beating the_ DOG) There, that will teach you to be more obedient!... THE DOG (_yelling_) Ow! Ow! Ow!... TYLTYL What do you say?... THE DOG I must kiss you now you've beaten me!... (_He covers_ TYLTYL _with violent kisses and embraces_.) TYLTYL Come.... That will do.... That's enough.... Go away!... MYTYL No, no; I want him to stay.... I am afraid of everything when he is not there.... THE DOG (_leaping up and almost upsetting_ MYTYL, _whom he overwhelms with hurried and enthusiastic kisses_) Oh, the dear little girl!... How beautiful she is!... How good she is!... How beautiful she is, how sweet she is!...I must kiss her!... Once more, once more, once more!... THE CAT What an idiot!... Well, we shall see!... Let us lose no time.... Turn the diamond.... TYLTYL Where shall I stand?... THE CAT In this moonbeam; you will see better.... There, turn it gently!...