But Blue Beard answered:
"No, no, madam; you shall die this very minute."
"Alas," said the poor creature, "if I must die, allow me, at least, a little time to say my prayers!"
"I give you," replied the cruel Blue Beard, "half a quarter of an hour—not one moment longer."
When Bluebeard had left her to herself, she called her sister; and, after telling her that she had but half a quarter of an hour to live:
"Please," said she, "Sister Ann" (this was her sister's name), "run up to the tower, and see if my brothers are in sight; they promised to come and visit me to-day; and if you see them, make a sign for them to gallop on as fast as possible."
Her sister instantly did as she was desired, and the terrified lady every minute called out:
"Sister Ann, do you see anyone coming?"
And her sister answered:
"I see nothing but the sun, which makes a dust, and the grass, which looks green."