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第4章 游戏该结束了

And in despair he began to tell the Beast all his misfortunes,and the reason of his journey, not forgetting to mention Beauty'srequest.

Beauty was so terrified by this dream that the next morningshe announced her intention of going back at once, and that verynight she said good-bye to her father and all her brothers andsisters, and as soon as she was in bed she turned her ring roundupon her finger, and said firmly:

"The Beast was mocking us," cried the merchant; "he musthave pretended to give us all these things, knowing that I couldnot carry them away."

"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."

"Ah! Beauty, you are only just in time to save his life. Seewhat happens when people do not keep their promises! If youhad delayed one day more, you would have found him dead."

Beauty answered politely, and quite enjoyed telling him allthat had happened to her. And when at last the time came forhim to go, and he asked, as he had so often asked before:

and stay here, to let you go free. If neither of them is willing,you must come alone, after bidding them good-bye for ever, forthen you will belong to me. And do not imagine that you canhide from me, for if you fail to keep your word I will come andfetch you!" added the Beast grimly.

Beauty answered bravely that she was quite prepared to stay.

"Ah!" cried the merchant, "if I were cruel enough to buy myown life at the expense of one of my children's, what excusecould I invent to bring her here?"