Then the Little Princess was overjoyed, but she only nodded her head wisely and said:
“I know, the world is as big as the whole Garden, and wider than the wall. But I can never go out, for the gates are always locked.”
“If you do not go now,” said the fairy, “you will have to go later, and that might not be so well. And you should not argue with me, for I am older than you will ever be, and your godmother, besides. Now kiss me, for I must be going.”
So she flew away, about her other affairs, for she was a very busy old lady indeed.
In the morning the Princess went to breakfast with the King and the Queen.
“Mother,” she said, “it is high time that I went out into the world!”
The Queen was so startled that she dropped her egg on the floor and the King was red as a beet with anger.
“Tut! Tut!” he shouted. “What nonsense is this?”
“My fairy godmother was here last night,” said the Princess, “and she told me all about it. I will go this morning, please, if I may.”
“Nonsense!” roared the King.