"
So he entreated the Prince to shoot him dead and cut off his head and
feet.
At last the Prince consented to do so, and scarcely was the deed done
than the fox was changed into a man, who was no other than the brother
of the beautiful Princess, at last released from the spell that had
bound him.
So now nothing was wanting to the happiness of the Prince and his
bride as long as they lived.
* * * * *
FRENCH STORIES
* * * * *
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
ADAPTED BY E. NESBIT
Once upon a time there was a rich merchant, who had three daughters.
They lived in a very fine house in a beautiful city, and had many
servants in grand liveries to wait upon them. All their food was
served on gold and silver dishes, and their gowns were made of the
richest stuff sewn with jewels.
The two eldest were called Marigold and Dressalinda. Never a day
passed but these two went out to some feast or junketing; but Beauty,
the youngest, loved to stay at home and keep her old father company.
Now, it happened that misfortune came upon the merchant. Ships of
his which were sailing the high seas laden with merchandise of great
price, were wrecked, and in one day he found that he was no longer the
richest merchant in the city, but a very poor man.
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