“Alas!” said she, sighing, “there is nothing I wish so much as to see my father and know what he is doing.”
She happened to turn towards a large mirror that was hanging near her, and there she saw her father arriving sadly at home. Her sisters came out to meet him, and in spite of their efforts to look sorrowful, it was plain that in their hearts they were very glad to see him return alone. The picture disappeared, and Beauty felt very grateful to the beast for thus giving her her wish.
At noon she found dinner ready, and was entertained at table with music, though she [[101]]could see no player. After dinner she found she was very sleepy, and went to lie down in her room. She fell asleep instantly, and dreamed that a handsome young Prince came to her, and said: “Beauty, you need not be so unhappy here as you expect. All your wishes will be granted. Only try to find me out, and love me as I love you, and above all do not trust to appearances.”
In the evening, as she was going to sit down to supper, the beast came and asked leave to sit with her at table. She was frightened, but tried not to show it, saying, “That is as you please.”
“No,” replied the beast, “you alone are mistress here. You need only tell me to go, if my presence troubles you, and I will withdraw at once. Everything here is yours, and I should be much distressed if you were not happy.”
Presently he inquired if she did not think him very ugly.
“Yes,” said Beauty, “but I think you are very kind, too.” [[102]]
They talked for some time, and Beauty found her fear of him almost gone, when suddenly, just as they were leaving the table, the beast said, “Beauty, will you marry me?”
Beauty was so startled that she could hardly speak, but she faltered out, “Oh, no! Beast.”
“Then good night, Beauty,” said the beast, very sadly, and left the room.