正文预览

第1章 起风了

Beauty answered politely, and quite enjoyed telling him allthat had happened to her. And when at last the time came forhim to go, and he asked, as he had so often asked before:

"Yes, dear Beast."

Just then a strange sound woke her--someone was speakingnot very far away; and opening her eyes she found herself in aroom she had never seen before, which was certainly not nearlyso splendid as those she was used to in the Beast's palace. Wherecould she be? She got up and dressed hastily, and then sawthat the boxes she had packed the night before were all in theroom. While she was wondering by what magic the Beast hadtransported them and herself to this strange place she suddenlyheard her father's voice, and rushed out and greeted him joyfully.Her brothers and sisters were all astonished at her appearance,as they had never expected to see her again, and there was noend to the questions they asked her. She had also much to hearabout what had happened to them while she was away, and ofher father's journey home. But when they heard that she had onlycome to be with them for a short time, and then must go back tothe Beast's palace for ever, they lamented loudly. Then Beautyasked her father what he

"Can you really love such an ugly creature as I am?" said theBeast faintly. "Ah! Beauty, you only came just in time. I wasdying because I thought you had forgotten your promise. But goback now and rest, I shall see you again by-and-by."

thought could be the meaning of herstrange dreams, and why the Prince constantly begged her notto trust to appearances. After much consideration he answered:"You tell me yourself that the Beast, frightful as he is, loves youdearly, and deserves your love and gratitude for his gentlenessand kindness; I think the Prince must mean you to understandthat you ought to reward him by doing as he wishes you to, inspite of his ugliness."

So she got up and began to explore some of the many roomsof the palace.

Then she fell asleep instantly, and only woke up to hear theclock saying, "Beauty, Beauty," twelve times in its musical voice,which told her at once that she was really in the palace oncemore. Everything was just as before, and her birds were so gladto see her! but Beauty thought she had never known such a longday, for she was so anxious to see the Beast again that she felt as

"What would that matter to you?" said the Prince. "Surely youwould not care?"

"Since you will not, good-night, Beauty," he said. And sheanswered: