The Cat rushed up to the Children:
"This way, little master, this way!... I have told Night; and she is delighted to see you."
Tylette's soft voice and smile made Tyltyl feel himself again; and he walked up to the throne with a bold and confident step, saying:
"Good-day, Mrs. Night!"
Night was offended by the word, "Good-day," which reminded her of her eternal enemy Light, and answered drily:
"Good-day?... I am not used to that!... You might say, Good-night, or, at least, Good-evening!"
Our hero was not prepared to quarrel. He felt very small in the presence of that stately lady. He quickly begged her pardon, as nicely as he could; and very gently asked her leave to look for the Blue Bird in her palace.
"I have never seen him, he is not here!" exclaimed Night, flapping her great wings to frighten the boy.
But, when he insisted and gave no sign of fear, she herself began to dread the diamond, which, by lighting up her darkness, would completely destroy her power; and she thought it better to pretend to yield to an impulse of generosity and at once to point to the big key that lay on the steps of the throne.
Without a moment's hesitation, Tyltyl seized hold of it and ran to the first door of the hall.