27
glass, that her father had pined himself sick for the loss of her, and she longed to see him again. “I could,” answered she, “indeed promise never to leave you entirely, but I have so great a desire to see my father, that I shall fret to death if you refuse me that satisfaction.” “I had rather die myself,” said the monster, “than give you the least uneasiness. I will send you to your father; you shall remain with him, and poor Beast shall die of grief.” “No,” said Beauty, weeping, “I love you too well to be the cause of your death: I give you my promise to return in a week, for I indeed feel a kind of liking for you. You have shown me that my sisters are married, and my brothers gone to the army; only let me stay a week with my father, as he is alone.” “You shall be there to-morrow morning,” said the Beast, “but remember your promise: you need only lay your ring on the table before you go to bed, when you have a mind to come back: farewell, Beauty.” Beast sighed as usual, bidding her good night; and Beauty went to bed very sad at seeing him so afflicted. When she waked the next morning, she found herself at her father’s, and having rang a little bell, that was by her bed-side, she
