BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. 85

it, and found that it came from a fine palace lighted all over.
He walked faster, and soon reached the gates, which he opened,
and was very much surprised that he did not see a single person
or creature in any of the yards. His horse had followed him,
and finding a stable with the door open, went into it at once ;
and here the poor beast, being nearly starved, helped himself to
agood meal of oatsand hay. His master then tied him up, and
walked towards the house, which he entered, but still without
seeing a living creature. He went on to a large hall, where he
found a good fire, and a table covered with some very nice dishes,
and only one plate with a knife and fork. As the snow and
rain had wetted him to the skin, he went up to the fire to dry
himself. “I hope,” said he, “the master of the house or his
servants will excuse me, for tobe sure it will not be long now
before Isee them.” He waited a good time, but still nobody
came : at last the clock struck eleven, and the merchant, being
quite faint for the want of food, helped himself to a chicken,
which he made but two mouthfuls of, and then to a few glasses
of wine, yet all the time trembling with fear. He sat till the
clock struck twelve, but did not see a single creature. Henow
took courage, and began to think of looking a little more about
him; so he opened a door at the end of the hall, and went
through it into a very grand room, in which there was a fine
bed; and as he was quite weak and tired, he shut the door,
took off his clothes, and got into it.

It was ten o'clock in the fnorning before he thought of getting
up, when he was amazed to see a handsome new suit of clothes
Jaid ready for him, instead of his own, which he had spoiled.
“To be sure,” said he to himself, “ this place belongs to some
good fairy, who has taken pity on my ill luck.” He looked out
of window, and instead of snow, he saw the most charming

arbours covered with all kinds of flowers. He returned to the
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