diff options
Diffstat (limited to '44558-h/44558-h.htm')
| -rw-r--r-- | 44558-h/44558-h.htm | 1018 |
1 files changed, 1018 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/44558-h/44558-h.htm b/44558-h/44558-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..e53b88a --- /dev/null +++ b/44558-h/44558-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,1018 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8" /> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> + <title> + The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Wonderful Story Of Blue Beard And His Last Wife, by George Cruikshank. + </title> + + <link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg" /> + + <style type="text/css"> + +body { + margin-left: 15%; + margin-right: 15%; +} + +.title-page +{ + text-align: center; + page-break-before: always; + page-break-after: always; +} + + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + clear: both; +} +h1 +{ + text-align: center; + font-size: x-large; + font-weight: normal; + line-height: 1.6; +} + +h1 small +{ + font-size: small; +} + +.center +{ + text-align: center; +} + +.spaced +{ + line-height: 1.5; +} + +.space-above + +{ + margin-top: 3em; +} + +.big +{ + font-size: large; +} + +.small +{ + font-size: small; +} + + + +img.border +{ + border: 1px solid; +} + +/* no @media - this is the default for all media */ +img.drop-cap + { + float: left; + margin: 0 0.5em 0 0; + } + +.dropletter + { + visibility: hidden; + display: none; + } + +@media handheld + +{ img.drop-cap + { + display: none; + } + + .dropletter + { + visibility: visible; + display: inline; + } +} + +p { + margin-top: .51em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .49em; +} + +.p2 {margin-top: 2em;} +.p4 {margin-top: 4em;} +.p6 {margin-top: 6em;} + +hr { + width: 33%; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: 33.5%; + margin-right: 33.5%; + clear: both; +} + +hr.tb {width: 45%; margin-left: 27.5%; margin-right: 27.5%;} +hr.chap {width: 65%; margin-left: 17.5%; margin-right: 17.5%;} +hr.full {width: 95%;} + +hr.r5 {width: 5%; margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;} +hr.r65 {width: 65%; margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 3em;} + +.pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ + /* visibility: hidden; */ + position: absolute; + left: 92%; + font-size: smaller; + text-align: right; +} /* page numbers */ + +.bb {border-bottom: solid 2px;} + +.bl {border-left: solid 2px;} + +.bt {border-top: solid 2px;} + +.br {border-right: solid 2px;} + +.center {text-align: center;} + +.right {text-align: right;} + +.smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + +/* Images */ +.figcenter { + margin: auto; + text-align: center; +} + +@media screen, print { +.bbox {border: solid black 1px; margin-left: 25%; margin-right: 25%} +.bbox1 {margin: 4em} +} + +@media handheld { +.bbox {border: solid black 1px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;} +.bbox1 {margin: 1em} +} + +/* Transcriber's notes */ +.transnote {background-color: #E6E6FA; + color: black; + font-size:smaller; + padding:0.5em; + margin-bottom:5em; + font-family:sans-serif, serif; } + + </style> + </head> +<body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44558 ***</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[1]</a></span></p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"> +<img src="images/cover.jpg" id="coverpage" width="600" height="1023" alt="Blue Beard Cover" /> +</div> + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<div class="title-page"> +<p class="center"><big>THE</big></p> +<p class="center"><big>Wonderful Story</big></p> +<p class="center"><big>OF</big></p> +<h1>BLUE BEARD,<br /> +AND<br /> +HIS LAST WIFE.</h1> + +<p class="center" style="margin-bottom: 1em;"><big>With many illustrations</big></p> + +<p class="center" style="margin-bottom: 2em;"><big>BY GEORGE CRUIKSHANK.</big></p> + + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 350px;"> +<img src="images/image1.jpg" width="350" height="394" alt="Blue Beard and His Last Wife" /> +</div> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 350px;"> +<img style="margin-top: 1em;" src="images/line1.jpg" width="350" height="23" alt="Line" /> +</div> + +<p class="center" style="margin-top: 1em;"><em>NEW-YORK</em>:</p> +<p class="center">PUBLISHED BY HUESTIS & COZANS,</p> +<p class="center" style="margin-bottom: 2em;">No. 104 Nassau, corner of Ann St.</p> + +<p class="center" style="margin-bottom: 2em;"><small>STEREOTYPED BY</small> <small>VINCENT L. DILL.</small></p> +</div> + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[2]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2>THE WONDERFUL STORY<br /> +OF<br /> +BLUE BEARD.</h2> + +<div><img class="drop-cap" src="images/dropcap-m.jpg" +width="51" height="50" alt="M" /> +</div><p><span class="dropletter">"M</span>ANY +years ago, a noble castle stood +on the side of a hill, surrounded by +the most beautiful gardens, groves, +and fields. It was the residence of +a man amazingly rich; and who +therefore had the rooms of his castle +furnished with all the elegance that opulence could +obtain.</p> + +<p>Almost every one would suppose, that there could +hardly be a happier man than the possessor of so much +wealth, and such a stately dwelling: but it is not in the +power of riches to give happiness; nor can splendor +remove every cause of sorrow and discontent.</p> + +<p>It was the misfortune of this gentleman to be somewhat +disfigured, by the extraordinary circumstance of +having a blue beard. His general complexion was fair; +and the hair on his head was of a light brown colour. +It is therefore no wonder that, with a blue beard, his appearance +should be considered so remarkable as to be +almost forbidding; indeed it was thought so strange, +that he was known only by the name of Blue Beard.</p> + +<p>One of the chief misfortunes which this deformity produced, +was the unwillingness which every young lady +felt, even to be in his company. It was in vain that his +costly carriages and Arabian horses were continually +admired; it was in vain that his wealth was constantly +mentioned in conversation; none of the young ladies +would speak to him, or meet him.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[3]</a></span></p> + +<p>Perhaps one great cause of this aversion arose from +a report that he had had several wives; but no one +seemed to know what had become of any of them. +They had disappeared, but no one knew how.</p> + +<p>Amongst the families that lived within a short distance +of his castle, there was an elderly lady and her two +daughters. Both these young ladies were highly accomplished, +and much admired: but the younger of the two +was also thought to be unusually handsome, and was +therefore noticed rather more than her sister. It often +happens, that beauty is a misfortune; because, if a +young lady has not good sense, it will make her vain; +and a vain girl generally falls into some kind of misery +or trouble.</p> + +<p>Blue Beard became acquainted with the mother of +these young ladies; who having found that he was a +gentleman of agreeable conversation and pleasing manners, +told her daughters, she would not allow them to be +so rude as to shun any person merely on account of a +circumstance for which he ought not to be blamed nor +despised. She told them that she did not desire them to +like this gentleman either for his wealth or his behaviour; +but that it was improper in them to show such +weakness, as to avoid any one for such a peculiarity; +she reminded them how liable we all are to changes of +appearance, from beauty to ugliness, by diseases which +we can neither prevent nor remove; and that if they +shunned one man because he had a blue beard, they +might also avoid others for having black hair, or grey +eyes.</p> + +<p>The young ladies were convinced of the propriety of +what their mamma said; and though they were quite +sure that they could never like Blue Beard, yet they +resolved to remain in the room when he visited their +mother, and to speak to him with proper civility.</p> + +<p>After a few days he visited the house again, and had +an opportunity of seeing and conversing with the young<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[4]</a></span> +ladies; they treated him with politeness, and their fears +(for they had been somewhat afraid of him) began to +subside. He met them in the same manner two or three +times afterwards; and at length prevailed on the old +lady to come with her daughters to his castle, and there +spend with him a few days.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 350px;"> +<img style="margin-top: 2em;" src="images/image2.jpg" width="350" height="422" alt="Mr. Blue Beard has bad dreams" /> +</div> + +<p class="center">Mr. Blue Beard has bad dreams, and determines to get</p> +<p class="center">married again.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 350px;"> +<img src="images/line2.jpg" width="350" height="14" alt="line" /> +</div> + +<p>Vanity on their own account, and respect towards Blue +Beard, induced them to make the greatest preparations +for the intended visit. The young ladies thought of +little but the magnificence of the dresses they should +wear, and the taste which should be displayed in every +part of their appearance.</p> + +<p>Indeed, if both the young ladies had really been extremely +fond of Blue Beard, they could not have taken +greater pains to show themselves off, than they employed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[5]</a></span> +in preparing for their appearance at the castle. +But, in truth, neither of them liked him. Such, however, +is the thoughtless pride of some young ladies, +that scarcely any thing pleases them so well as an +opportunity of surpassing each other in displaying off +their dress, jewels, or other finery.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 350px;"> +<img style="margin-top: 2em;" src="images/image3.jpg" width="350" height="408" alt="Blue Beard decides to go a courting" /> +</div> + +<p class="center">Blue Beard's servant announces his master's intention of coming</p> +<p class="center">a courting, to an interesting young lady.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 350px;"> +<img src="images/line2.jpg" width="350" height="14" alt="line" /> +</div> + +<p>The two young ladies having fully prepared themselves, +they, accompanied by their mamma, on the day +that had been appointed, set out for the castle, and at +length reached the gate that lead through Blue Beard's +grounds; and, although they had heard a great deal +of the taste and expence which had been employed to +improve and decorate the land around the castle, yet +they were surprised by unexpected beauties. The finest +trees overshadowed the walks, and shaded them from +the heat of the sun; the most fragrant shrubs and flowers +perfumed the air; fountains were playing in every<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[6]</a></span> +direction; and alcoves were found in every inviting +spot. Having passed through these delightful grounds, +they reached the castle itself; at the entrance of which +they were received by Blue Beard, and a retinue of servants +in the most costly dresses. The hall was large and +very lofty; its roof was supported by pillars of the finest +marble; the windows were of beautiful stained glass; +and upon the walls were hanging the portraits of the +former possessors of this noble building.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 350px;"> +<img style="margin-top: 2em;" src="images/image4.jpg" width="350" height="395" alt="Blue Beard's chosen love" /> +</div> + +<p class="center">Blue Beard's chosen love.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 350px;"> +<img src="images/line2.jpg" width="350" height="14" alt="line" /> +</div> + +<p>They ascended the staircase, the rails of which were +of brass work, most curiously wrought, and most richly +gilt; the stairs themselves were of Egyptian marble, +covered with crimson velvet. They proceeded into a +drawing room that completely surpassed their ideas of +grandeur; almost every piece of furniture was of silver; +the floor was covered with white velvet, but was +ornamented with needle-work that must have occupied the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[7]</a></span> +labour of years; the curtains were of satin, but were +adorned in a manner to correspond with the carpets: +in short, every thing was more splendid than words +can describe.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 350px;"> +<img style="margin-top: 2em;" src="images/image5.jpg" width="350" height="393" alt="The happy couple" /> +</div> + +<p class="center">The happy couple on their way home from church.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 350px;"> +<img src="images/line2.jpg" width="350" height="14" alt="line" /> +</div> + +<p>The party continued in the castle several days; +during which there was a constant succession of the +most pleasing amusements. Not an interval was allowed +to pass without some kind of entertainment; music, +singing, and dancing; banquets, consisting of every +luxury, were in constant succession.</p> + +<p>Blue Beard had not been inattentive to the ladies +in his personal services: he seemed to watch every +look, that he might know how to please his fair visitors. +Such attentions could not fail to produce some favorable +effect; for it seldom happens, that the person who +really desires to please, fails in pleasing.</p> + +<p>When they were about to depart, Blue Beard entreated +the younger of the two ladies that have been mentioned,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[8]</a></span> +to consent to become his wife. The splendor +of every thing around her, the immense wealth she +would have at command, and the attentions she had +received during her visit, completely captivated the +young lady, so that she no longer felt disposed to resist; +and accordingly, with her mother's approbation, +they were married. She, however, agreed that her sister +should live with her in the castle.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 350px;"> +<img style="margin-top: 2em;" src="images/image6.jpg" width="350" height="391" alt="Blue Beard gives his wife the forbidden key." /> +</div> + +<p class="center">Blue Beard gives his wife the forbidden key.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 350px;"> +<img src="images/line2.jpg" width="350" height="14" alt="line" /> +</div> + +<p>It would be impossible to describe the magnificence +with which this event was celebrated. The costly additions +that were made to the furniture; the expensive +dresses that were provided for the bride; and the sumptuous +entertainments that were given to the company +that attended, far exceeded all imaginary description. +Indeed, there was scarcely any thing wanting for which +she could have wished.</p> + +<p>A new dining hall was prepared; and all the utensils +of the table used upon the occasion, were manufactured<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[9]</a></span> +of pure gold and silver: and persons were sent +many miles to procure the greatest delicacies that could +possibly be obtained.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 350px;"> +<img style="margin-top: 2em;" src="images/image7.jpg" width="350" height="412" alt="Mrs. Blue Beard examining her husband's +treasures." /> +</div> + +<p class="center">Mrs. Blue Beard examining her husband's +treasures.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 350px;"> +<img src="images/line2.jpg" width="350" height="14" alt="line" /> +</div> + +<p>But the greatest solicitude was shown in preparing +the attire of the intended bride. Whatever wealth +could purchase, or ingenuity contrive, were provided to +give to her natural charms all the embellishments which +art could bestow.</p> + +<p>Nor was Blue Beard himself unemployed: he not +only gave orders for himself, but all his servants were +provided with the richest clothes, according to their respective +situations.</p> + +<p>Numerous as were his horses, additional ones were +purchased; and new carriages of the grandest designs +and the most costly materials, were prepared for his +bride against the approaching happy day.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[10]</a></span></p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 350px;"> +<img style="margin-top: 2em;" src="images/image8.jpg" width="350" height="388" alt="Mrs. Blue Beard +opens the door of the forbidden chamber." /> +</div> + +<p class="center">Mrs. Blue Beard opens the door of the +forbidden chamber.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 350px;"> +<img src="images/line2.jpg" width="350" height="14" alt="line" /> +</div> + +<p>When the morning arrived on which this interesting +ceremony was to take place, the day had scarcely dawned +when sounds of joy were heard. The servants arose +to prepare for the series of magnificence that was to take +place; but none of them were moving about earlier than +the bride and bridegroom; who, as they were the most +immediately interested, were also the most anxious, and +therefore among the most early, in preparing for the +events of the day.</p> + +<p>The company assembled to breakfast, and every thing +marked the magnificence of the occasion; and every +countenance contributed to the general cheerfulness. +The church in which the ceremony was to take place +was at some distance. The company proceeded thither +in ten carriages, each drawn by six horses, and attended +by a great retinue of servants. The carriage in which +the bride and bridegroom were seated, was drawn by +Arabian horses; the harness was made of white silk,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[11]</a></span> +woven on purpose; the trappings were of pure silver; +the carriage itself was chiefly formed of pearl, ivory, +and silver; and was lined with white satin, beautifully +embossed.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 350px;"> +<img style="margin-top: 2em;" src="images/image9.jpg" width="350" height="409" alt="Mrs. Blue Beard and her sister considerably +astonished." /> +</div> + +<p class="center">Mrs. Blue Beard and her sister considerably +astonished.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 350px;"> +<img src="images/line2.jpg" width="350" height="14" alt="line" /> +</div> + +<p>When the procession approached the church, it was +met by one hundred young maidens, dressed in white, +singing to a band of the most skilful musicians: and +when the company alighted, the young maidens strewed +flowers for them to walk upon.</p> + +<p>When the ceremony was over, they returned in the +same manner, and were treated with the same complimentary +services: that the hearts of all might rejoice, +the bride and bridegroom distributed money as they +passed along.</p> + +<p>The dinner far exceeded in sumptuousness all that +imagination can conceive. In the different recesses of +this noble apartment, artificial fountains were playing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[12]</a></span> +the most odoriferous waters. The most luxuriant fruit-trees, +standing in vases of gold, invited the guests to +pluck the delicious fruits they bore.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 350px;"> +<img style="margin-top: 2em;" src="images/image10.jpg" width="350" height="323" alt="The sight that astonished Mrs. Blue Beard +and her sister." /> +</div> + +<p class="center">The sight that astonished Mrs. Blue Beard +and her sister.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 350px;"> +<img src="images/line2.jpg" width="350" height="14" alt="line" /> +</div> + +<p>In the evening, the company were introduced to a +ball room. But so resplendent was this saloon, that on +entering it, the eye was subdued by its incomparable +radiance.</p> + +<p>Transparencies, executed by the most eminent painters, +charmed the attentive mind on every side; and the +intervening spaces were filled up with variegated lamps, +all of which were hung upon the surface of reflecting +glass; while from the centre of the ceiling, a chandelier, +suspended by a chain of gold, diffused the splendor +of five hundred wax-lights. Here, also, were fountains +of aromatic waters, and groves of exotic fruit-trees.</p> + +<p>In this apartment, which seemed to realize the fabled +stories of enchantment, dancing, and every other +description of amusement, was continued, until folding<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[13]</a></span> +windows opened, as if of their own accord, and disclosed +a covered path through the most delightful part of the +gardens, to a room in which supper was prepared: this +path was entirely illuminated by splendid lamps; and +the most brilliant fireworks were unremittingly discharged +by artists engaged for the purpose.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 350px;"> +<img style="margin-top: 2em;" src="images/image11.jpg" width="350" height="484" alt="Blue Beard comes home." /> +</div> + +<p class="center">Blue Beard comes home.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 350px;"> +<img src="images/line2.jpg" width="350" height="14" alt="line" /> +</div> + +<p>The bride seemed to think that her life must necessarily +consist of pleasure and happiness: indeed, she +could imagine nothing that could be wanting to complete +her wishes.</p> + +<p>The utmost expectations of the young wife were fully +gratified: every thing that she could wish for was hers, +and her husband behaved with a kindness which made +her feel truly happy.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[14]</a></span></p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 350px;"> +<img style="margin-top: 2em;" src="images/image12.jpg" width="350" height="420" alt="Mrs. Blue Beard in a quandary." /> +</div> + +<p class="center">Mrs. Blue Beard in a quandary.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 350px;"> +<img src="images/line2.jpg" width="350" height="14" alt="line" /> +</div> + +<p>Some time after the marriage had taken place, however, +Blue Beard informed his wife that he had occasion +to take a journey on account of some business, to which +he must attend; "but I beg you, my dearest Fatima, +(for that was the young lady's name,) to have every +sort of entertainment that can amuse you during my +absence. Here are all the keys of the castle; you may +therefore examine the different apartments which you +have not seen; and I hope you will find some that will +surprise and please you as well as those with which +you are already acquainted. I must however most +earnestly caution and require you not to open the blue +closet at the end of the gallery; and although I leave +the key of it with you, yet I trust you will have the +prudence to fulfil my wishes in this particular. +Remember this, as you value my love and your own life<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span> +and happiness."</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 350px;"> +<img style="margin-top: 2em;" src="images/image13.jpg" width="350" height="423" alt="Mr. Blue Beard in a passion." /> +</div> + +<p class="center">Mr. Blue Beard in a passion.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 350px;"> +<img src="images/line2.jpg" width="350" height="14" alt="line" /> +</div> + +<p>Fatima promised that she would obey his desire. +She thanked her husband for his kind attention to her +comforts; and again promised that she would not disappoint +the confidence he had placed in her, but would +carefully abstain from examining the particular apartment +he had named.</p> + +<p>Blue Beard set off upon his journey; and Fatima +having informed her sister of every thing that had passed +in their late conversation, they agreed to invite their +relatives and friends to an entertainment the next day; +but more particularly their two brothers, who, having +been absent from home as military officers, had not yet +seen their sister's magnificent residence.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a></span></p> + +<p>Having arranged every thing for their intended party, +Fatima proposed that they should see the apartments +of which she now had the keys. They accordingly +proceeded to that part of the extensive castle which +they had not as yet seen, and at last arrived at a most +splendid suit of rooms, far surpassing those to which +they had been accustomed.</p> + +<p>On one side of one of these apartments they perceived +a door, which they opened, and found behind it an iron +gate of amazing strength. Among the keys Blue Beard +had left, they found one which opened this massy portal.</p> + +<p>When they entered the room which was before them, +they were surprised to find it almost full of large iron +chests: but their surprise was considerably increased +when they had found, that they were full of gold, silver, +and jewels; even the costliness of the apartments they +had just quitted, seemed insignificant when compared +with the riches which this treasury contained.</p> + +<p>Having fastened the entrance to the treasury, they +sat down and conversed upon what they had seen. +Fatima could not avoid feeling that the personal +deformity in Blue Beard was compensated by the vast +wealth of which she was become the mistress; but +both she and her sister were almost lost in admiration +of the immeasurable riches they had lately beheld.</p> + +<p>In returning to their usual apartments, they passed +the door of the mysterious blue closet, which Blue +Beard had cautioned his wife not to examine. They +could not help expressing their mutual curiosity upon +the interior of this particular chamber. It could not +have been his wish to conceal any articles of value; +as nothing could be more valuable than the contents of +the treasury. After some deliberation, Fatima said that +they could do no harm by merely looking inside; and +although her sister reminded her of the promise she had +made her husband, and of his express desire, yet she +resolved to gratify her irresistible curiosity, and put the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span> +key to the door.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 350px;"> +<img style="margin-top: 2em;" src="images/image14.jpg" width="350" height="400" alt="Miss Anna on top of the tower, on the +lookout for her brother." /> +</div> + +<p class="center">Miss Anna on top of the tower, on the +lookout for her brother.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 350px;"> +<img src="images/line2.jpg" width="350" height="14" alt="line" /> +</div> + +<p>She entered the closet, but it was too dark for her to +discern any object; however, she could just perceive +that there was a window, the shutters of which were +closed: she went forward and removed them. The +instant that light was admitted, her curiosity was gratified. +She found herself amidst the severed limbs and +mutilated bodies of her husband's former wives. The +scene was frightful! Her own future condition, she +immediately thought, might add to these dreadful objects! +Her blood chilled! The very hair rose upon +her head! Nor was her terror diminished, when she +saw upon the wall these awful words—<em>The fate of +broken promises and disobedient curiosity.</em>—She +trembled excessively; and in the alarm of the moment, +she let fall the key of the closet, which she had brought +in her hand: she hastily snatched it from the floor;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span> +and having summoned sufficient courage to close the +shutters, she came out of this dreadful apartment, and +locked the door.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 350px;"> +<img style="margin-top: 2em;" src="images/image15.jpg" width="350" height="440" alt="The Brother arrives." /> +</div> + +<p class="center">The Brother arrives.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 350px;"> +<img src="images/line2.jpg" width="350" height="14" alt="line" /> +</div> + +<p>Fatima hastened to her sister, who not choosing to +partake of her sister's folly, had proceeded to their +customary sitting-room. She related what she had seen; +particularly the sentence which was on the wall. Her +sister partook of her alarm; and feared that evil +consequences would result from this unfortunate affair. +She asked Fatima if she had closed the window-shutters +and brought away the key: and returned every +thing she had moved to its proper place; Fatima said +she had; and, in proof of her answer to the inquiry, +showed the key itself.</p> + +<p>The key, however, was no sooner produced than they +both turned pale with horror. This fatal instrument<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span> +was covered with blood! and all their endeavours could +not clear it of its condemning evidence.</p> + +<p>During the remainder of the evening they employed +themselves in making every sort of exertion to restore +the key to its former state; but all they could do was +ineffectual; it still preserved the testimony of Fatima's +indiscretion. At night they retired to bed; but no sleep +did the wretched girls obtain. The splendor and riches +of the castle lost all their charms; Fatima no longer +prided herself upon her good fortune; she felt that no +creature could be more miserable than she was. How +soon Blue Beard would return, she had no means of +conjecturing; it was not likely, however, that he would +be at the castle again for some days to come; she therefore +resolved to escape from this dreadful mansion as +soon as the entertainment, which was appointed for the +next day, should have taken place.</p> + +<p>When she arose in the morning, she communicated +to her sister the intention she had formed; and they +both began to feel less dread than they had experienced +since the discoveries in the fatal closet. The day advanced, +and they looked forward to the arrival of the +relatives and friends whom they had invited to this +day's entertainment.</p> + +<p>However, in the midst of their mutual congratulations +upon the plan which had been formed, they heard the +arrival of a carriage at the castle, and in a few moments +Blue Beard himself entered their apartment. Fatima +felt all the horror which the remembrance of the closet +could excite, and all the shame which the consciousness +of her own impropriety could not fail to produce.</p> + +<p>Blue Beard did not seem to notice his wife's uneasiness; +but with apparent good humour said, "that he +had not proceeded very far, when he met a messenger +who was coming to the castle to inform him that it was +no longer necessary he should proceed on his intended<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span> +journey; that he had therefore lost no time in returning +home; where," he said, "Fatima's presence rendered +him so peculiarly happy."</p> + +<p>Soon afterwards Blue Beard, as though he wanted +something, asked his wife for the keys. She went to +the chamber and returned with all of them excepting +the one which belonged to the dreadful closet; for it +still preserved the evidence of her disobedience. He +took them with seeming good-natured indifference, and +did not pretend to observe how the wretched girl trembled. +As he held them in his hand, he said to her, with +affected carelessness, "The key of the blue closet is not +here; bring it to me in my dressing-room."</p> + +<p>He arose and left the apartment in which they were +sitting; and Fatima and her sister proceeded to her +chamber. Again they tried to remove the blood with +which the key was stained; but all their efforts were +unavailing. At length Blue Beard called his wife, and +as she and her sister were going to his dressing-room, +they met him in the gallery, close to the stairs which led +to the top of the castle.</p> + +<p>As soon as she approached him, he threw off the disguise +of good nature which he had assumed in the sitting +room, and demanded the key of the closet. The +tone of voice in which this was uttered, struck upon her +ear like the knell for her execution; she seemed to be +deprived of the power of speaking. He became impatient, +and seizing her hand, took from it the blood-stained +key. The wretched girl fell upon her knees, the tears +rushed into her eyes, and enabled her to speak; but by +this time Blue Beard stood over her with his sword +unsheathed.</p> + +<p>Fatima's sister, as she stood by, almost petrified, gave +a dreadful shriek when she saw the instrument of death +raised over her defenceless sister. The sound caught +the ear of Blue Beard; and for a moment his intention<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span> +was suspended. Looking upon his wretched victim, +"Where," said he, "was your promise, when you were +fool enough to enter the closet? and where was the obedience +you promised to pay me, when you suffered your +curiosity to overcome your duty? But you shall commit +no more crimes; therefore receive <em>the fate of broken +promises, and disobedient curiosity</em>."</p> + +<p>These last words roused the almost inanimate girl; +she recollected that she had seen them on the wall of the +fatal closet. He was now about to fulfil his sentence; +his arm was again uplifted; when she entreated him to +spare her for a few minutes, to prepare for this unexpected +end. He consented, after much entreaty, to allow +her a quarter of an hour. As soon as this indulgence +was given her, she begged her sister to ascend the staircase +to the top of the castle, and see if any of their +friends were to be seen. She did so; but no signs of a +human being could be perceived.</p> + +<p>At length the short interval which had been allowed +her came to an end, and Blue Beard approached to complete +his determination. She again implored mercy, and +he, knowing that she was in his power, gave her five +minutes more. She now renewed her frenzied enquiries +to her sister; "Is no one coming?" asked she. +After a short time her sister told her that she saw something +approaching; which cheered the heart of the unhappy +girl. Alas! it was but transient,—it was a flock +of sheep.</p> + +<p>Blue Beard's patience was now exhausted; and he +came to the foot of the tower where Fatima was; when +her sister called out, "I see two horsemen coming." +"Make signs for them to hasten," shrieked the miserable +girl.</p> + +<p>Her brutal husband had now caught her by the hair +of her head, and in spite of her heart-rending cries for +mercy, was about to strike at her with his scymitar,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span> +when two men in soldiers' uniform rushed to the spot, +and plunged their swords in the breast of the relentless +Blue Beard.</p> + +<p>The monster had still sufficient life to speak: he raised +himself on one arm, and looking on them all, thus +spoke: "I am at last justly punished. By the splendor +of my riches, I have induced many a beautiful woman +to become my wife; but as soon as I discovered the +least deviation from truth, or disobedience to my will, +she suffered death. I put Fatima's veracity to the test, +by obtaining her promise that she would not open the +door of the blue closet; and by leaving the key with +her, she broke her word, and the key, which has the +property of preserving the stains of blood, until it be +rubbed with a peculiar oil, afforded the evidence of her +guilt. By the same means I knew that she had disobeyed +my orders, and broken her own promises. These +two faults had incurred my revenge. She has had a +narrow escape; yet I hope she will in future never +break a promise, disobey those to whom she promises +submission, nor give way to the impulse of improper or +forbidden curiosity."</p> + +<p>He grew faint; and having uttered a few prayers for +forgiveness, he fell back, and expired.</p> + +<p>During the day, all the friends who had been invited +arrived. They were told the occurrences which had +happened; and such of them as chose it, saw the horrid +proofs of Blue Beard's cruelty.</p> + +<p>Fatima shortly afterwards had a day of great rejoicing; +she not only gave a magnificent entertainment to +her relations and friends, but the poor, for miles round, +were collected together to partake of her hospitality: +and on this occasion every face glowed with smiles +of happiness.</p> + +<p>Fatima's former days had showed her the sufferings +and privations of the poor; and now she had the power,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span> +she determined to better their condition. With this +view, instead of the miserable hovels usually inhabited +by the labouring poor, she had annually several comfortable +and pleasant cottages built, and to each one she +added, a large plot of ground. To every labouring +family upon her extensive estates, she gave one of these +cottages, and where there were a family of children, she +added to this gift a cow, and a few sheep. By this +means, she enabled them, by their own exertions, instead +of occasional want, always to secure a humble +competence; and in a very short time, every person +upon her estate was rendered happy, and became her +firm friend.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 350px;"> +<img style="margin-top: 4em;" src="images/image16.jpg" width="350" height="222" alt="The Key" /> +</div> + +<hr class="chap" /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span></p> + + + + +<p class="center"><big>PHILIP J. COZANS,</big></p> +<h3>PUBLISHER AND BOOKSELLER,</h3> +<p class="center">No. 116 NASSAU STREET,</p> +<p class="center"><em>NEW-YORK</em>.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 350px;"> +<img src="images/line3.jpg" width="350" height="13" alt="line" /> +</div> + +<p class="center"><small>HAS ALWAYS ON HAND</small></p> +<p class="center">AN EXTENSIVE ASSORTMENT OF</p> +<h3>VALENTINES,</h3> +<p class="center">PLAIN AND COLORED TOY BOOKS, SONG BOOKS,</p> +<p class="center">ALMANACKS, PLAYS, CARDS,</p> +<p class="center">MOTTO VERSES, BLANK BOOKS, STATIONERY, &c.</p> +<p class="center">WHOLESALE AND RETAIL.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 350px;"> +<img src="images/line4.jpg" width="350" height="10" alt="line" /> +</div> + +<p class="center"><em>ALSO JUST PUBLISHED</em>,</p> +<p class="center">THE GUIDE TO PAINTING IN WATER COLORS,</p> +<p class="center">WITH COLORED PLATES,</p> +<p class="center">PRICE 25 CENTS.</p> +<p class="center">YOUTH'S NEW DRAWING BOOK,</p> +<p class="center">AND NEW PROGRESSIVE DRAWING-BOOK,</p> +<p class="center">PRICE 12½ CENTS, EACH.</p> +<p class="center">THE ART OF GOOD BEHAVIOUR,</p> +<p class="center">CONTAINING DIRECTIONS FOR</p> +<p class="center">Giving and attending Parties, Balls, Weddings,</p> +<p class="center"><em>DINNERS, Etc.</em></p> +<p class="center">INCLUDING THE NECESSARY PREPARATIONS AND ARRANGEMENTS</p> +<p class="center"><small>FOR THE</small></p> +<p class="center">MARRIAGE CEREMONY.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 350px;"> +<img src="images/line5.jpg" width="350" height="8" alt="line" /> +</div> + +<p class="center"><small>Country orders attended to with punctuality—and liberal Discount</small></p> +<p class="center">TO THE TRADE.</p> + + +<hr class="chap" /> + + + + +<div class="transnote"> + + +<h3>TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE:</h3> + +<p>Obvious printer errors have been corrected. Otherwise, the author's +original spelling, punctuation, and hyphenation have been left intact.</p> + +<p>The word 'expence' has been retained. It is an obsolete +spelling of 'expense'.</p> + +</div> + +<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44558 ***</div> +</body> +</html> + + + |