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Is anyone there? But the palace was empty. He walked
into the
grounds and saw beautiful rosebushes growing
beside the garden paths. Then he remembered Beauty's
request and picked a rose for her.
At that very moment he heard a deafening
noise. A huge beast appeared and cried out,
You have stolen a rose of mine, one of my
most precious belongings!
For that you must perish. He paused. Unless you have a
daughter who would be willing to die for you. If you have, go
and fetch her and your life will be
spared. When he arrived home, the
merchant told his daughters of the
terrible thing that had happened.
Beauty said to him, Father, let me go
in your place. The father cried out in
protest but Beauty would not listen to him. The following
day.
she mounted her horse, and rode straight to the Beast's
palace.
Once again, the palace seemed deserted. She entered ad
looked around. Inside there was a library and some
magnificent furniture. At midday, she found a sumptuous
meal laid out on the table and beautiful music delighted her
throughout the meal. As dusk approached, she
wondered when the Beast would finally appear. It was
at nine o'clock when a tremendous noise made her
tremble. The Beast was coming!
Would it bother you if I watched you eat your
evening meal?
asked the Beast.
''Master answered Beauty you may do as you please.
I am at your service, said the Beast, who added, tell me
truthfully do you find me ugly?''
You are ugly but you are good-natured. You have treated
me like a real princess. And she found that she was no longer
afraid of him.
Will you marry me? the Beast asked her.
No she answered at once surprised by the question.
At that the Beast left, greatly saddened by her reply. |