At noon she found dinner ready for her, and sweet music sounded as she ate. But she saw nobody. At night Beast came and asked leave to sup with her. Of course she could not say no, but she sat in a fright all through supper. He did not speak for some time. Then he said:—
“Beauty, do you think me very ugly?”
“Yes, Beast; I cannot tell a lie. But I think you are very good.” Nothing more was said, and Beauty was beginning to be rid of her fear, when all at once he asked:—
“Beauty, will you marry me?” Beauty was in a fright again, but she answered:—
“No, Beast.” He gave a great sigh which shook the house. Then he got up from the table and said:—
“Good-night, Beauty,” and went away. Beauty was glad he had gone, but she could not help pitying him.
IV. THE CHARM IS BROKEN
Beauty lived in this way three months. The Beast came to supper every night. He did not grow less ugly, but Beauty did not mind his ugliness so much, for she saw how kind he really was. But there was one trouble. Every night the Beast was sure to ask:—
“Will you marry me, Beauty?” and Beauty always answered:—
“No, Beast.”