Chapter. Beauty y su padre

Beauty and her father entered the great hall. They passed through many rooms, but they did not see the beast. They reached the dining hall.Just as before, a fire was burning in the fireplace and dinner was on the huge table. It looked delicious. Beauty and her father were very hungry because of the long ride. They sat down to eat. They were still eating when they heard footsteps. The beast was approaching. They were both very frightened. When the beast appeared, Beauty trembled, but she tried to hide her fear. She greeted him warmly and this pleased the beast. The merchant was terrified, but he introduced his daughter to the beast.

"This is my youngest daughter, Beauty," he said.

"Good  evening, old man," said the beast. "Good evening Beauty."

"Good evening Beast," Beauty answered sweetly.

"Have you come willingly?" asked the beast.

"Yes," answered Beauty.

"I am pleased with you," said the beast. "Since you have come willingly, you may stay."

The beast turned to her father. "You must leave tomorrow after breakfast and you must never come here again."

The merchant was very sad. "I will never see my favourite daughter again," he thought.

"You mustn't feel sad," said the beast, "I won't hurt your daughter.

She will be happy here. Tomorrow morning you will find two empty chests in your bedroom. You can fill them with gold and gifts for your children."

The next morning, Beauty and her father had their last meal together.

When it was time for her father to leave, they were both very sad.

"We might never see each other again," said the merchant.

"I know," said Beauty. "But don't worry about me. Take care of yourself and my sisters."

Beauty thought, "If I please Beast, perhaps he will let me visit my family." This made her feel better. They went down into the courtyard.

Two horses were waiting. One was carrying the two chests. The other was there for the merchant to ride.

"Goodbye, my dear Beauty," said   the merchant and hugged his daughter.

"Goodbye, Father," said Beauty. They both had tears in their eyes.

The merchant got n his horse and in an instant,  he was gone. Beauty started crying. Slowly and sadly, she walked back to her room. She lay down and fell asleep immediately. Beauty dreamt that she was walking by a small river. A handsome young prince stopped her.

"Oh Beauty, do not be sad. You will be rewarded for your suffering and all your wishes will come true. Remember that I love you. If you make me happy, you will be happy, too."

"What can I do to make you happy, Prince?" Beauty  asked.

"Do not desert me. Save me from my cruel misery," he answered.

"And do not let appearances fool you."

Beauty was mystified. She didn't want to make up from the dreaam, but the clock struck and she opened her eyes.

La belleza y su padre entraron al gran salón. Pasaron por muchas habitaciones, pero no vieron a la bestia. Llegaron al comedor. Como antes, un fuego ardía en la chimenea y la cena estaba en la enorme mesa. Se veía delicioso. La belleza y su padre estaban hambrientos por el largo viaje. Se sentaron a comer. Todavía estaban comiendo cuando escucharon pasos. La bestia se acercaba. Ambos estaban muy asustados. Cuando apareció la bestia, Bella tembló, pero ella trató de ocultar su miedo. Ella lo saludó calurosamente y esto complació a la bestia. El mercader estaba aterrorizado, pero le presentó a su hija a la bestia.

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