ou, ever
ventured on to his estate.

But matters were not allowed to remain like this for ever, for
something very wonderful happened to the Beast and to somebody else,
and if that something had not happened this story would never have
been written.

About two miles and three quarters from the Castle gates there lived
a rich merchant and his three daughters. The two elder girls were ugly
disagreeable things, and although they had all they could wish for to
make them happy they were always grumbling; but the youngest daughter,
whose name was Beauty, was very pretty, and her nature was happy and
good, her presence was sunshine, and she was the joy of her father's
heart.

Well, one day the two elder sisters had something to grumble about
with a vengeance, for a telegram arrived to say that the merchant was
no longer a rich merchant, for he had lost all his money.

So the horses and carriages had to be sold, and everything that was
of value was got rid of, the servants were sent away, and the merchant
and his daughters had to do their own work.

Dear me, it was shocking, the way those two sisters grumbled, but
Beauty, oh dear no, she was all smiles, for her heart was as sunny as
ever, as she rolled up the sleeves of her print frock, and cooked the
dinner, and scrubbed the floors, and made herself useful, here, there,
and everywhere.

Things had been going on like this for about three months, when one
fine morning another telegram boy came with another telegram to say
that somebody who owed the merchant a great deal of money was ready to
pay the debt, and all the merchant had to do was to go to the city and
get it.

Of course, everybody was delighted at this good news, and the merchant
didn't waste any time, but started off to the city at once.

"Mind you bring me something back," said the eldest daughter as he was
starting.

"What shall it be?" asked the merchant.

"A white satin dress trimmed with lace and pearls," said his eldest
daughter.

"And you must bring me something too, please, father," said the second
daughter.

"And what do you want," asked the merchant.

"A purse full of gold so that I can buy what I want myself," said the
second daughter.

"I will try and do what you both ask," he said, "and what shall I
bring for my Beauty?"

"I will wait a little for my dresses and things," replied the smiling
Beauty, as she helped her father on with his cloak, "but I should like
you to bring me home a