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第7章 剑榜第三

"It seems, then, that this horrible Beast keeps him a prisoner.How can I set him free? I wonder why they both told me not totrust to appearances? I don't understand it. But, after all, it wasonly a dream, so why should I trouble myself about it? I hadbetter go and find something to do to amuse myself."

And then she tenderly embraced Beauty and the Prince, whohad meanwhile been greeting the Fairy and receiving her con-gratulations.

"Do you love me, Beauty? Will you marry me?"

bitterly.

"I am pleased with you," said the Beast. "As you have comeof your own accord, you may stay. As for you, old man," headded, turning to the merchant, "at sunrise to-morrow you willtake your departure. When the bell rings get up quickly and eatyour breakfast, and you will find the same horse waiting to takeyou home; but remember that you must never expect to see mypalace again."

The Beast considered for a moment, and then he said, in a lessfurious tone:

"I have indeed caused this misfortune, but I assure you I did itinnocently. Who could have guessed that to ask for a rose in themiddle of summer would cause so much misery? But as I did themischief it is only just that I should suffer for it. I will thereforego back with my father to keep his promise."

"Only be grateful," he answered, "and do not trust too muchto your eyes. And, above all, do not desert me until you havesaved me from my cruel misery."

"I wish to go back to my palace and see my Beast again," asshe had been told to do.