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第6章 明争暗斗

Just then a strange sound woke her--someone was speakingnot very far away; and opening her eyes she found herself in aroom she had never seen before, which was certainly not nearlyso splendid as those she was used to in the Beast's palace. Wherecould she be? She got up and dressed hastily, and then sawthat the boxes she had packed the night before were all in theroom. While she was wondering by what magic the Beast hadtransported them and herself to this strange place she suddenlyheard her father's voice, and rushed out and greeted him joyfully.Her brothers and sisters were all astonished at her appearance,as they had never expected to see her again, and there was noend to the questions they asked her. She had also much to hearabout what had happened to them while she was away, and ofher father's journey home. But when they heard that she had onlycome to be with them for a short time, and then must go back tothe Beast's palace for ever, they lamented loudly. Then Beautyasked her father what he

"How can you ask me, cruel one? Are you not leaving me tomy death perhaps?"

But presently she heard the Beast coming, and wonderedtremblingly if he meant to eat her up now.

The Beast considered for a moment, and then he said, in a lessfurious tone:

"Oh! what shall I say?" cried Beauty, for she was afraid tomake the Beast angry by refusing.

But no one appeared, and even after another long sleep, fromwhich he awoke completely refreshed, there was no sign of any-body, though a fresh meal of dainty cakes and fruit was preparedupon the little table at his elbow. Being naturally timid, thesilence began to terrify him, and he resolved to search once morethrough all the rooms; but it was of no use. Not even a servantwas to be seen; there was no sign of life in the palace! He beganto wonder what he should do, and to amuse himself by pretendingthat all the treasures he saw were his own, and considering howhe would divide them among his children. Then he went downinto the garden, and though it was winter everywhere else, herethe sun shone, and the birds sang, and the flowers bloomed, andthe air was soft and sweet. The merchant, in ecstacies with all hesaw and heard, said to himself:

many. By this time it was growing dusk, and wax candles in dia-mond and ruby candlesticks were beginning to light themselvesin every room.

"Can you really love such an ugly creature as I am?" said theBeast faintly. "Ah! Beauty, you only came just in time. I wasdying because I thought you had forgotten your promise. But goback now and rest, I shall see you again by-and-by."

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