`` How could I hope that you would come back to me King 's son ? '' she said . And then he stroked and petted her , and told her of his successful journey , and how he had come back to ask her help , as he believed that it was impossible to find what the King demanded . The White Cat looked serious , and said she must think what was to be done , but that , luckily , there were some cats in the castle who could spin very well , and if anybody could manage it they could , and she would set them the task herself . And then the hands appeared carrying torches , and conducted the Prince and the White Cat to a long gallery which overlooked the river , from the windows of which they saw a magnificent display of fireworks of all sorts ; after which they had supper , which the Prince liked even better than the fireworks , for it was very late , and he was hungry after his long ride . And so the days passed quickly as before ; it was impossible to feel dull with the White Cat , and she had quite a talent for inventing new amusements -- indeed , she was cleverer than a cat has any right to be . But when the Prince asked her how it was that she was so wise , she only said : `` King 's son , do not ask me ; guess what you please . I may not tell you anything . '' The Prince was so happy that he did not trouble himself at all about the time , but presently the White Cat told him that the year was gone , and that he need not be at all anxious about the piece of muslin , as they had made it very well . `` This time , '' she added , `` I can give you a suitable escort '' ; and on looking out into the courtyard the Prince saw a superb chariot of burnished gold , enameled in flame color with a thousand different devices . It was drawn by twelve snow-white horses , harnessed four abreast ; their trappings were flame-colored velvet , embroidered with diamonds . A hundred chariots followed , each drawn by eight horses , and filled with officers in splendid uniforms , and a thousand guards surrounded the procession . `` Go ! '' said the White Cat , `` and when you appear before the King in such state he surely will not refuse you the crown which you deserve . Take this walnut , but do not open it until you are before him , then you will find in it the piece of stuff you asked me for . '' `` Lovely Blanchette , '' said the Prince , `` how can I thank you properly for all your kindness to me ? Only tell me that you wish it , and I will give up for ever all thought of being king , and will stay here with you always . '' `` King 's son , '' she replied , `` it shows the goodness of your heart that you should care so much for a little white cat , who is good for nothing but to catch mice ; but you must not stay . '' So the Prince kissed her little paw and set out . You can imagine how fast he traveled when I tell you that they reached the King 's palace in just half the time it had taken the wooden horse to get there .
This time the Prince was so late that he did not try XXXXX meet his brothers at their castle , so they thought he could not be coming , and were rather glad of it , and displayed their pieces of muslin to the King proudly , feeling sure of success .
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