l believe, the poor father did not feel much like eating or
sleeping; although everything was done for his comfort, and, in the
morning, the Beast sent him home upon a beautiful horse. But though the
birds sang around him, and the sun shone brightly, and all nature was
smiling on his path, the heart of the poor merchant was heavy, when he
thought of his beloved daughters.

When he came near his home, his children came forth to meet him; but,
seeing the sadness of his face, and his eyes filled with tears, they
asked him the cause of his trouble. Giving the rose to Beauty, he told
her all. The two elder sisters laid all the blame upon Beauty; who cried
bitterly, and said that as _she_ was the cause of her father's
misfortune, she alone must suffer for it, and was quite willing to go.
So Beauty got ready for the journey at once. The father (who meant to
return to the Beast _himself_, after embracing his children) tried to
dissuade her, but in vain; and so the two set out together for the
Beast's palace, much to the secret joy of the envious sisters.

When they arrived at the palace, the doors opened of themselves, sweet
music was heard, and they found an elegant supper prepared. As soon as
they had refreshed themselves, the Beast entered, and said in a mild
tone, "Beauty, did you come here willingly to take the place of your
father?" "Yes, sir," she answered in a sweet but trembling voice. "So
much the better for you," replied the Beast. "Your father can stay here
to-night, but he must go home in the morning." The Beast then retired,
giving Beauty so kind a look as he went out, that she felt quite
encouraged. The next morning, when her father left her, she cheered his
heart by telling him that she thought she could soften the Beast's
heart, and induce him to spare her life. After he was gone, she entered
an elegant room, on the door of which was written, in letters of gold,
"Beauty's room."

Lying on the table was a portrait of herself, set in gold and diamonds,
and on the wall, these words: "_Beauty is Queen here; all things will
obey her._" Her meals were served to the sound of music; and at
supper-time, the Beast after knocking timidly, would walk in and talk so
amiably, that she soon lost all fear of him; and once when he failed to
come, felt quite disappointed! At last, one night, he said to her, "Am I
so _very_ ugly?" "Yes, indeed, you are," said Beauty, "but you are so
kind and generous, that I do not mind your lo