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第9章 小玄圣体

The merchant was only too glad when the Beast went away,and though he could not sleep for sadness, he lay down until

"Indeed I should be ungrateful if I did not care for such a kindBeast," cried Beauty indignantly. "I would die to save him frompain. I assure you it is not his fault that he is so ugly."

"No excuse would be necessary," answered the Beast. "If shecomes at all she must come willingly. On no other condition willI have her. See if any one of them is courageous enough, andloves you well enough to come and save your life. You seem tobe an honest man, so I will trust you to go home. I give you amonth to see if either of your daughters will come back with you

"You are very ready with excuses and flattery," he cried; "butthat will not save you from the death you deserve."

"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."

"Oh! he is dead; and it is all my fault," said Beauty, crying

"Who told you that you might gather my roses? Was it notenough that I allowed you to be in my palace and was kindto you? This is the way you show your gratitude, by stealingmy flowers! But your insolence shall not go unpunished." Themerchant, terrified by these furious words, dropped the fatal rose,and, throwing himself on his knees, cried: "Pardon me, noblesir. I am truly grateful to you for your hospitality, which was somagnificent that I could not imagine that you would be offendedby my taking such a little thing as a rose." But the Beast's angerwas not lessened by this speech.

"Oh! no, Beast," said Beauty hastily.

"Yes, dear Beast."