ed. Beauty was the only one who did not
shed tears at parting, because she would not increase their uneasiness.

The horse took the direct road to the palace, and towards evening they
perceived it, illuminated as at first. The horse went of himself into
the stable, and the good man and his daughter came into the great hall,
where they found a table splendidly served up, and two covers. The
merchant had no heart to eat, but Beauty endeavoured to appear cheerful,
sat down to table, and helped him. Afterwards, thought she to herself,
"Beast surely has a mind to fatten me before he eats me, since he
provides such a plentiful entertainment." When they had supped, they
heard a great noise, and the merchant, in tears, bid his poor child
farewell, for he thought Beast was coming. Beauty was sadly terrified at
his horrid form, but she took courage as well as she could, and the
monster having asked her if she came willingly, "Y-e-s," said she,
tremblingly.

"You are very good, and I am greatly obliged to you. Honest man, go your
ways to-morrow morning, but never think of returning here again.
Farewell, Beauty."

"Farewell, Beast," answered she sighing, and immediately the monster
withdrew.

"O, daughter," said the merchant, embracing Beauty, "I am almost
frightened to death; believe me, you had better go back, and let me stay
here."

"No, father," said Beauty, in a resolute tone; "you shall set out
to-morrow morning, and leave me to the care and protection of
Providence."

They went to bed, and thought they should not close their eyes all
night; but scarce had they laid down than they fell fast asleep; and
Beauty dreamed a fine lady came and said to her, "I am content, Beauty,
with your good will; this good action of yours in giving up your own
life to save your father's shall not go unrewarded." Beauty waked and
told her father her dream, and though it helped to comfort him a little,
yet he could not help crying bitterly when he took leave of his dear
child from the uncertainty of again beholding her.

As soon as he was gone, Beauty sat down in the great hall, and fell
a-crying likewise; but as she was mistress of a great deal of
resolution, she recommended herself to God, and resolved not to be
uneasy the little time she had to live, for she firmly believed Beast
would eat her up that night.

However, she thought she might as well walk about till then, and view
this fine castle, which she could not help admiring. It