36 BEAUTY AND THE BEAST.

hall where he had supped, and found a breakfast table, with
some chocolate got ready for him, “Indeed, my good fairy,”
said the merchant aloud, “I am vastly obliged to you for your
kind care of me.” He then made a hearty breakfast, took his
hat, and was going to thestable to pay his horse a visit ; but, as
he passed under one of the arbours which was loaded with
roses, he thought of what Beauty had asked him to bring
back to her, and so he took a bunch’ of roses to carry home.
At the same moment he heard a most shocking noise,
and saw such a frightful beast coming towards him, that he
was ready to drop with fear. “Ungrateful man!” said the
beast in a terrible voice, “I have saved your life by letting
you into my palace, and in return you steal my roses,
Which I value more than anything else that belongs to me.

 

But you shall make amends for your fault with your life: you
shall die in a quarter of an hour.” The merchant fell on’ his
knees to the beast, and clasping his hands, said, “My lord, 1