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So she got up and began to explore some of the many roomsof the palace.

"Yes, dear Beast."

At first nobody would hear of this arrangement, and her fatherand brothers, who loved her dearly, declared that nothing shouldmake them let her go; but Beauty was firm. As the time drew nearshe divided all her little possessions between her sisters, and said

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

"What is the matter?" she cried.

"Oh! Beast, how you frightened me!" she cried. "I never knewhow much I loved you until just now, when I feared I was toolate to save your life."

The merchant accepted this proposal, though he did not reallythink any of his daughters would be persuaded to come. Hepromised to return at the time appointed, and then, anxious toescape from the presence of the Beast, he asked permission toset off at once. But the Beast answered that he could not go untilthe next day.

"Say 'yes' or 'no' without fear," he replied.

standing opposite the shady path she had seen in her dream. She