Evidently the white lady was of the same opinion as the cats as to the rudeness of being surprised; very probably asking questions would be considered still ruder.
Jeanne was the first to pick up courage.
"Madame," she said, "I don't mean to be rude, but I _am_ so thirsty.
It's with flying, I think, for we're not accustomed to it." "Why did you not say so before ?" said the lady.

"I can give you anything you want.

It has all been ready a long time.

Will you have snow water or milk ?" "Milk, please," said Jeanne.
The lady looked at the cats.
"Fetch it," she said quietly.

The cats trotted off, they opened the door as before, but left it open this time, and in another moment they returned, carrying between them a white china tray, on which were two cups of beautiful rich-looking milk.