unhappy father."

He then related his fatal adventure. Immediately the two eldest set up
lamentable outcries, and in a reproachful and malignant tone said all
manner of ill-natured things to Beauty, who did not cry at all.

"Do but see the pride of the little wretch," said they. "She would not
ask for fine clothes, as we did; but no, truly, Miss wanted to
distinguish herself; so now she will be the death of our poor father,
and yet she does not so much as shed a tear."

"Why should I?" answered Beauty; "it would be very needless, for my
father shall not suffer upon my account. Since the monster will accept
of one of his daughters, I will deliver myself up to all his fury, and I
am very happy in thinking that my death will save my father's life, and
be a proof of my tender love for him." "No, sister," said her three
brothers, "that shall not be; we will go and find the monster, and
either kill him or perish in the attempt."

"Do not imagine any such thing, my sons," said the merchant; "Beast's
power is so great that I have no hopes of your overcoming him. I am
charmed with Beauty's kind and generous offer, but I cannot yield to it.
I am old, and have not long to live, so can only lose a few years, which
I regret for your sakes, my poor children.

"Indeed, father," said Beauty, "you shall not go to the palace without
me; you cannot hinder me from following you."

It was to no purpose all they could say, Beauty still insisted on
setting out for the fine palace; and her sisters were delighted at it,
for her virtue and amiable qualities made them envious and jealous.

The merchant was so afflicted at the thought of losing his daughter,
that he had quite forgot the chest full of gold; but at night, when he
retired to rest, no sooner had he shut his chamber door, than to his
great astonishment, he found it by his bedside. He was determined,
however, not to tell his children that he was grown rich, because they
would have wanted to return to town, and he was resolved not to leave
the country; but he trusted Beauty with the secret, who informed him
that two gentleman came in his absence and courted her sisters. She
begged her father to consent to their marriage, and give them fortunes:
for she was so good that she loved them, and forgave them heartily for
all their ill-usage. These wicked creatures rubbed their eyes with an
onion to force some tears when they parted with their sister, but her
brothers were really concern