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-The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Popular Story of Blue Beard, by Anonymous

-

-This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with

-almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or

-re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included

-with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org

-

-

-Title: The Popular Story of Blue Beard

-       Embellished with neat Engravings

-

-Author: Anonymous

-

-Illustrator: Anonymous

-

-Release Date: April 14, 2014 [EBook #45381]

-

-Language: English

-

-Character set encoding: ASCII

-

-*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE POPULAR STORY OF BLUE BEARD ***

-

-

-

-

-Produced by David Widger from page images generously

-provided by the Internet Archive

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-THE POPULAR STORY

-

-OF

-

-BLUE BEARD

-

-Embellished with neat Engravings

-

-By Anonymous

-

-[Illustration: 0001]

-

-[Illustration: 0004]

-

-[Illustration: 0005]

-

-[Illustration: 0006]

-

-

-

-

-THE POPULAR STORY OF BLUE-BEARD

-

-|A LONG time ago, and at a considerable distance from any town, there

-lived a gentleman, who was not only in possession of great riches, but

-of the largest estates in that part of the country. Although he had some

-very elegant neat mansions on his estates, he generally resided in a

-magnificent castle, beautifully situated on a rising ground, surrounded

-with groves of the finest evergreens, and other choice trees and shrubs.

-

-The inside of this fine castle was even more beautiful than the

-outside; for the rooms were all hung with the richest damask, curiously

-ornamented; the Chairs and sofas were covered with the finest velvet,

-fringed with gold; and his table-dishes and plates were either of silver

-or gold, finished in the most elegant style. His carriages and horses

-might have served a king, and perhaps were finer than any monarch's of

-the present day. The gentleman's appearance, however, did not altogether

-correspond to his wealth; for, to a fierce disagreeable countenance, was

-added an ugly blue beard, which made him an object of fear and disgust

-in the neighbourhood, where he usually went by the name of Blue Beard.

-

-There resided, at some considerable distance from Blue Beard's castle,

-an old lady and her two daughters, who were people of some rank, but by

-no means wealthy. The two young ladies were very pretty, and the fame of

-their beauty having reached Blue Beard, he determined to ask one of them

-in marriage. Having ordered a carriage, he called at their house, where

-he saw the two young ladies, and was very politely received by their

-mother, with whom he begged a few moments conversation.

-

-[Illustration: 0009]

-

-|After the two young ladies left the room, he began by describing his

-immense riches, and then told her the purpose of his visit, begging she

-would use her interest in his favour. They were both so lovely, he said,

-that he would be happy to get either of them for his wife, and would

-therefore leave it to their own choice to determine upon the subject,

-and immediately took his leave.

-

-When the proposals of Blue Beard were mentioned to the young ladies by

-their mother, both Miss Anne and her sister Fatima protested, that

-they would never marry an ugly man, and particularly one with such a

-frightful blue beard; because, although he possessed immense riches,

-it was reported in the country, that he had married several beautiful

-ladies, and nobody could tell what had become of them.

-

-Their mother said, that the gentleman was agreeable in his conversation

-and manners; that the ugliness of his facs, and the blue beard, were

-defects which they would soon be reconciled to from habit: that his

-immense riches would procure them every luxury their heart could desire;

-and he was so civil, that she was certain the scandalous reports about

-his wives must be entirely without foundation.

-

-The two young ladies were as civil as they possibly could be, in order

-to conceal the disgust they felt at Blue Beard, and, to soften their

-refusal, replied to this effect,--That, at present, they had no desire

-to change their situation; but if they had, the one sister could never

-think of depriving the other of so good a match, and that they did not

-wish to be separated.

-

-|Blue Beard having called next day, the old lady told him what her

-daughters had said; on which he sighed deeply, and pretended to be

-very much disappointed; but as he had the mother on his side, he still

-continued his visits to the family. Blue Beard, knowing the attractions

-that fine houses, fine furniture, and fine entertainments, have on the

-minds of ladies in general, invited the mother, her two daughters, and

-two or three other ladies who were then on a visit to them, to spend a

-day or two with him at his castle.

-

-[Illustration: 0011]

-

-Blue Beard's invitation was accepted, and having spent a considerable

-time in arranging their wardrobe, and in adorning their persons, they

-all set out for the splendid mansion of Blue Beard.

-

-On coming near the castle, although they had heard a great deal of the

-taste and expense that had been employed in decorating it, they were

-struck with the beauty of the trees that overshadowed the walks through

-which they passed, and with the fragrancy of the flowers which perfumed

-the air. When they reached the castle, Blue Beard, attended by a number

-of his servants in splendid dresses, received them with the most polite

-courtesy, and conducted them to a magnificent drawing-room.

-

-An elegant repast was ready in the dining-room, to which they adjourned.

-Here they were again astonished by the grandeur of the apartment and the

-elegance of the entertainment, and the rooms that were open, and were

-truly astonished at the magnificence that everywhere met their view.

-

-The time rolled pleasantly away a-midst a succession of the most

-agreeable felt so happy, that the evening passed away before they were

-aware.

-

-[Illustration: 0013]

-

-|Next day, after they had finished breakfast, the ladies proceeded to

-examine the pictures and furniture of the amusements, consisting of

-hunting, music, dancing, and banquets, where the richest wines, and most

-tempting delicacies, in most luxurious profusion, presented themselves

-in every direction.

-

-The party felt so agreeable amidst these scenes of festivity, that they

-continued at the castle several days, during which the cunning Blue

-Beard, by every obsequious service, tried to gain the favour of his fair

-guests. Personal attentions, even although paid us by an ugly creature,

-seldom fail to make a favourable impression; it was therefore no wonder

-that Fatima, the youngest of the two sisters, began to think Blue Beard

-a very polite, pleasant, and civil gentleman; and that the beard, which

-she and her sister had been so much afraid of, was not so very blue.

-

-A short time after her return home, Fatima, who was delighted with the

-attention which had been paid her at the castle, told her mother

-that she did not now feel any objections to accept of Blue Beard as a

-husband. The old lady immediately communicated to him the change in her

-daughter's sentiments.

-

-[Illustration: 0015]

-

-|Blue Beard, who lost no time in paying the family a visit, was in a few

-days privately married to the young lady, and soon after the ceremony,

-Fatima, accompanied by her sister, returned to the castle the wife of

-Blue Beard.

-

-On arriving there, they were received at the entrance by all his

-retinue, attired in splendid dresses, and Blue Beard after saluting his

-bride, led the way to an elegant entertainment, where, every thing that

-could add to to their comfort being prepared, they spent the evening in

-the most agreeable manner.

-

-|The next day, and every succeeding day, Blue Beard always varied the

-amusements, and a month had passed away imperceptibly, when he told his

-wife that he was obliged to leave her for a few weeks, as he had some

-affairs to transact in a distant part of the country, which required his

-personal attendance.

-

-"But," said he, "my dear Fatima, you may enjoy yourself in my absence in

-any way that will add to your happiness, and you can invite your friends

-to make the time pass more agreeably, for you are sole mistress in this

-castle, Here are the keys of the two large wardrobes; this is the key

-of the great box that contains the best plate, which we use for company;

-this of my strong box, where I keep my money; and this belongs to the

-casket, in which are all my jewels. Here also is a master-key to all the

-rooms in the house; but this small key belongs to the blue closet at

-the end of the long gallery on the ground floor. I give you leave," he

-continued, "to open, or do what you like with all the rest of the castle

-except this closet: now, my dear, remember you must not enter it, nor

-even put the key into the lock. If you do not obey me in this, expect

-the most dreadful of punishments."

-

-[Illustration: 0017]

-

-She promised him implicit obedience to his orders, and then accompanied

-him to the gate, where Blue Beard, after sa luting her in a tender

-manner, stepped into the coach, and drove away.

-

-|When Blue Beard was gone, Fatima sent a kind invitation to her friends

-to come immediately to the castle, and ordered a grand entertainment to

-be prepared for their reception. She also sent a messenger to her two

-brothers, both officers in the army, who were quartered about forty

-miles distant, requesting they would obtain leave of absence, and spend

-a few days with her. So eager were her friends to see the apartments and

-the riches of Blue Beard's castle, of which they had heard so much, that

-in less than two hours after receiving notice, the whole company were

-assembled, with the exception of her brothers, who were not expected

-till the following day.

-

-As her guests had arrived long before the time appointed them for the

-entertainment. Fatima took them thro' every apartment in the castle,

-and displayed all the wealth she had acquired by her marriage with

-Blue Beard. They went from room to room, and from wardrobe to wardrobe,

-expressing fresh wonder and delight at every new object they came to;

-but their surprise was increased when they entered the drawing-rooms,

-and saw the grandeur of the furniture.

-

-During the day, Fatima was so much engaged, that she never once thought

-of the blue closet, which Blue Beard had ordered her not to open; but

-when all the visitors were gone, she felt a great curiosity to know its

-contents. She took out the key, which was made of the finest gold, and

-went to consult with her sister on the subject. Anne used every argument

-she could think of to dissuade Fatima from her purpose, and reminded her

-of the threats of Blue Beard; but all in vain, for Fatima was now bent

-on gratifying her curiosity.

-

-She therefore, in spite of all her sister could do, seized one of the

-candles, and hurried down stairs to the fatal closet. On reaching the

-door she stopped, and began to reason with herself on the propriety

-of her conduct; but her curiosity at length overcame every other

-consideration, and, with a trembling hand, she applied the key to the

-lock, and opened the door. She had only advanced a few steps, when the

-most frightful scene met her view, and, struck with horror and dismay,

-she dropped the key of the closet.

-

-[Illustration: 0020]

-

-|She was in the midst of blood, and the heads, bodies, and mutilated

-limbs of murdered ladies lay scattered on the floor. These ladies had

-all been married to Blue Beard, and had suffered for their imprudent

-curiosity, the key, which was the gift of a fairy, always betraying

-their fatal disobedience.

-

-The terror of Fatima was not diminished on observing these dreadful

-words on the wall--"_The Reward of Disobedience and Imprudent

-Curiosity!_" She trembled violently; but, on recovering a little, she

-snatched up the key, and having again locked the door, left this abode

-of horror.

-

-As soon as she reached her sister's chamber, she related the whole of

-her horrid adventure. They then examined the key, but it was all covered

-with blood, and they both turned pale with fear. They spent a good part

-of the night in trying to clean off the blood from the key, but it was

-without effect, for though they washed and scoured it with brick

-dust and sand, no sooner was the blood removed from one side, than

-it appeared on the other. Fatigued with their exertions, they at last

-retired to bed, where they passed a sleepless and anxious night.

-

-|Fatima rose at a late hour next day, and consulted with her sister how

-she ought to proceed. She thought first of escaping from the castle, but

-as her brothers were expected in an hour or two, she resolved to wait

-their arrival.

-

-A loud knock at the gate made her almost leap for joy, and she cried,

-"they are come! they are come!" but what was her consternation when Blue

-Beard hastily opened the door, and entered. It was impossible for Fatima

-to conceal her agitation, although she pretended to be very happy at his

-sudden and unexpected return.

-

-Blue Beard, who guessed what she had been about, requested the keys,

-in order, as he said, that he might change his dress. She went to her

-chamber, and soon returned with the keys, all except the one belonging

-to the blue closet He took the keys from her with seeming indifference,

-and after glancing at them minutely, said, rather sternly, "How is this,

-Fatima! I do not see the key of the blue closet here! Go and bring it to

-me instantly."

-

-[Illustration: 0023]

-

-The poor girl, feeling the crisis of her fate approaching, said, "I

-will go and search for it," and left the apartment in tears. She went

-straight to her sister's chamber, where they again tried, but in vain,

-to remove the blood from the key. The voice of Blue Beard again calling

-for her, she was forced to return, and reluctantly to give him the fatal

-key.

-

-On examining the key, Blue Beard burst into a terrible rage. "Pray

-Madam," said he, "how came this blood to be here?"

-

-"I am sure I do not know," replied she, trembling, and turning pale.

-

-"What! do you not know!" cried Blue Beard, in a voice like thunder,

-which made poor Fatima start with fear; "but I know well! You have been

-in the forbidden blue closet! And since you are so fond of prying into

-secrets, you shall take up your abode with the ladies you saw there."

-

-[Illustration: 0024]

-

-Almost expiring with fear and terror, the trembling Fatima sunk upon her

-knees, and implored him in the most piteous manner to forgive her.

-But the cruel Blue Beard, deaf to her intreaties, drew his dreadful

-scymetar, and bid her prepare for immediate death.

-

-Blue Beard had raised his arm to give the fatal blow, when a dreadful

-shriek from her sister, who at that moment entered the apartment,

-arrested his attention. She entreated him to spare the life of Fatima,

-but he was deaf to her intercession, and would only grant her one

-quarter of an hour, that she might make her peace with Heaven, before he

-put her to death.

-

-Blue Beard then dragged her up to a large hall in the top of the tower

-of the castle, to prevent her groans being heard, to which they were

-followed by her sister. He then told her to make the best use of

-the time, as she might expect his return the moment it elapsed, and

-immediately left the place.

-

-|When alone with her sister, Fatima felt her dreadful situation, and

-again burst into tears. Only fifteen minutes between her and the most

-cruel death, without the least chance of escape; for Blue Beard had

-secured the door when he retired, and the staircase they saw only led to

-the battlements. Fatima's thoughts were now turned to her brothers, whom

-she expected that day; and she requested her sister to ascend to the top

-of the tower, to see if there was any appearance of them.

-

-Fatima's sister immediately ascended to the top of the battlements,

-while the poor trembling girl below, every minute, cried out, "Sister

-Anne, my dear sister Anne, do you see any one coming yet?"

-

-Her sister always replied, "There is not a human being in view, and I

-see nothing but the sun and the grass."

-

-She was upon her knees bewailing her fate, when Blue Beard, in a

-tremendous voice, cried out, "Are you ready?" the time is expired and she

-heard the sound of his footsteps approaching. She again supplicated

-him to allow her five minutes longer to finish her prayers, which he,

-knowing she was completely within his power, granted her, and again left

-her.

-

-Fatima again renewed her inquiries to her sister "Do you see any one

-coming yet?"

-

-Her sister replied, "There is not a human being within sight."

-

-When the five minutes were elapsed,

-

-"I see," said her sister, "a cloud of dust rising a little to the left."

-

-In breathless agitation, she cried, "Do you think it is my brothers?"

-

-The voice of Blue Beard was heard bawling out, "Are you ready yet?"

-

-She again beseeched him to allow her only two minutes more, and then

-addressed her sister, "Dear Anne, do you see any one coming yet?"

-

-[Illustration: 0027]

-

-"Alas! no, my dearest Fatima," returned her sister, "it is only a flock

-of sheep."

-

-Again the voice of Blue Beard was heard, and she begged for one minute

-longer. She then called out for the last time, "Sister Anne, do you see

-no one coming yet?"

-

-|Her sister quickly answered, "I see two men on horseback, but they are

-still a great way off."

-

-"Thank heaven," exclaimed Fatima, "I shall yet be saved, for it must be

-my two brothers! My dearest sister, make every signal in your power to

-hasten them forward, or they will be too late." Blue Beard's patience

-being now exhausted, he burst open the door in a rage, and made a blow

-at the wretched Fatima, with the intention of striking off her head; but

-she sprang close to him and evaded it. Furious at being foiled in his

-aim, he threw her from him, and then seizing her by the hair of the

-head, was in the act of striking her a blow with his scymetar, when the

-noise of persons approaching, with hasty steps, arrested the progress

-of his sanguinary arm. Blue Beard had not time to conjecture who the

-intruders might be, when the door opened, and two officers, with their

-swords drawn, rushed into the apartment.

-

-Struck with terror, the guilty wretch released his wife from his grasp,

-and without attempting to resist, he tried to effect his escape from the

-resentment of her brothers; but they pursued and seized him before he

-had got above twenty paces from the place.

-

-[Illustration: 0029]

-

-After reproaching Blue Beard with his cruelty, they dragged him back

-to the spot where he intended to have murdered their sister; and there,

-stabbing him to the heart with their swords, he expired, uttering the

-most horrid oaths and execrations.

-

-|Fatima, who had fallen to the ground at the time Blue Beard quitted

-his hold of her, still lay in the same situation insensible; for the

-appearance of her brothers, at the moment she expected certain death,

-had thrown her into a faint, which continued during the whole of the

-time they were engaged in despatching her husband.

-

-The two young officers now turned their attention to their sister, whom

-they raised from the ground; but she could hardly be persuaded of her

-safety, till they pointed to where Blue Beard lay extended and lifeless.

-

-Fatima, on recovering a little, tenderly embraced her deliverers; and

-the appearance of their sister Anne, who had come down from the top of

-the battlements, added to their happiness.

-

-[Illustration: 0031]

-

-As all those horrid murders which had been committed by Blue Beard, were

-unknown to his domestics, on whose credulity he imposed by falsehoods,

-which they had no means of detecting, Fatima and her brothers thought

-the most prudent way to act, was to assemble them together, and then

-disclose the wickedness of their late master.

-

-By the direction of Fatima, her two brothers conducted all the servants

-to the dreadful scene of her husband's cruelties, and then showing them

-his dead body, related the whole occurrences which had taken place. They

-all said that his punishment was not adequate to what he deserved, and

-begged that they might be continued in the service of their mistress.

-

-As Blue Beard had no relations, Fatima was sole heir to the whole of his

-immense property, and mistress of the castle, in the possession of which

-she was confirmed by the laws of the country. She then sent notice to

-all the families in the neighbourhood of the death of her husband, and

-the horrid proofs of his cruelty were laid open for two days to all who

-chose to inspect them. He was then buried privately, along with all the

-bodies of the ladies he had murdered, and the fatal closet underwent a

-complete repair, which removed every trace of his barbarity.

-

-Soon after this, Fatima gave a magnificent entertainment to all her

-friends, where happiness was seen in every face; and on this occasion

-the poor, who were assembled for many miles round, partook most

-liberally of her bounty.

-

-Though possessed of riches almost inexhaustible, Fatima disposed of them

-with so much discretion, that she gained the esteem of every one who

-knew her. She bestowed handsome fortunes on her two brothers; and to her

-sister, who was married about two months after, she gave a very large

-dowry.

-

-The beauty, riches, and amiable conduct of Fatima, attracted a number of

-admirers, and among others, a young nobleman of very high rank, who,

-to a handsome person, added every quality calculated to make a good

-husband; and after a reasonable time spent in courtship, their marriage

-was celebrated with great rejoicings.

-

-

-FINIS

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-End of Project Gutenberg's The Popular Story of Blue Beard, by Anonymous

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-

+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 45381 ***
+
+THE POPULAR STORY
+
+OF
+
+BLUE BEARD
+
+Embellished with neat Engravings
+
+By Anonymous
+
+[Illustration: 0001]
+
+[Illustration: 0004]
+
+[Illustration: 0005]
+
+[Illustration: 0006]
+
+
+
+
+THE POPULAR STORY OF BLUE-BEARD
+
+|A LONG time ago, and at a considerable distance from any town, there
+lived a gentleman, who was not only in possession of great riches, but
+of the largest estates in that part of the country. Although he had some
+very elegant neat mansions on his estates, he generally resided in a
+magnificent castle, beautifully situated on a rising ground, surrounded
+with groves of the finest evergreens, and other choice trees and shrubs.
+
+The inside of this fine castle was even more beautiful than the
+outside; for the rooms were all hung with the richest damask, curiously
+ornamented; the Chairs and sofas were covered with the finest velvet,
+fringed with gold; and his table-dishes and plates were either of silver
+or gold, finished in the most elegant style. His carriages and horses
+might have served a king, and perhaps were finer than any monarch's of
+the present day. The gentleman's appearance, however, did not altogether
+correspond to his wealth; for, to a fierce disagreeable countenance, was
+added an ugly blue beard, which made him an object of fear and disgust
+in the neighbourhood, where he usually went by the name of Blue Beard.
+
+There resided, at some considerable distance from Blue Beard's castle,
+an old lady and her two daughters, who were people of some rank, but by
+no means wealthy. The two young ladies were very pretty, and the fame of
+their beauty having reached Blue Beard, he determined to ask one of them
+in marriage. Having ordered a carriage, he called at their house, where
+he saw the two young ladies, and was very politely received by their
+mother, with whom he begged a few moments conversation.
+
+[Illustration: 0009]
+
+|After the two young ladies left the room, he began by describing his
+immense riches, and then told her the purpose of his visit, begging she
+would use her interest in his favour. They were both so lovely, he said,
+that he would be happy to get either of them for his wife, and would
+therefore leave it to their own choice to determine upon the subject,
+and immediately took his leave.
+
+When the proposals of Blue Beard were mentioned to the young ladies by
+their mother, both Miss Anne and her sister Fatima protested, that
+they would never marry an ugly man, and particularly one with such a
+frightful blue beard; because, although he possessed immense riches,
+it was reported in the country, that he had married several beautiful
+ladies, and nobody could tell what had become of them.
+
+Their mother said, that the gentleman was agreeable in his conversation
+and manners; that the ugliness of his facs, and the blue beard, were
+defects which they would soon be reconciled to from habit: that his
+immense riches would procure them every luxury their heart could desire;
+and he was so civil, that she was certain the scandalous reports about
+his wives must be entirely without foundation.
+
+The two young ladies were as civil as they possibly could be, in order
+to conceal the disgust they felt at Blue Beard, and, to soften their
+refusal, replied to this effect,--That, at present, they had no desire
+to change their situation; but if they had, the one sister could never
+think of depriving the other of so good a match, and that they did not
+wish to be separated.
+
+|Blue Beard having called next day, the old lady told him what her
+daughters had said; on which he sighed deeply, and pretended to be
+very much disappointed; but as he had the mother on his side, he still
+continued his visits to the family. Blue Beard, knowing the attractions
+that fine houses, fine furniture, and fine entertainments, have on the
+minds of ladies in general, invited the mother, her two daughters, and
+two or three other ladies who were then on a visit to them, to spend a
+day or two with him at his castle.
+
+[Illustration: 0011]
+
+Blue Beard's invitation was accepted, and having spent a considerable
+time in arranging their wardrobe, and in adorning their persons, they
+all set out for the splendid mansion of Blue Beard.
+
+On coming near the castle, although they had heard a great deal of the
+taste and expense that had been employed in decorating it, they were
+struck with the beauty of the trees that overshadowed the walks through
+which they passed, and with the fragrancy of the flowers which perfumed
+the air. When they reached the castle, Blue Beard, attended by a number
+of his servants in splendid dresses, received them with the most polite
+courtesy, and conducted them to a magnificent drawing-room.
+
+An elegant repast was ready in the dining-room, to which they adjourned.
+Here they were again astonished by the grandeur of the apartment and the
+elegance of the entertainment, and the rooms that were open, and were
+truly astonished at the magnificence that everywhere met their view.
+
+The time rolled pleasantly away a-midst a succession of the most
+agreeable felt so happy, that the evening passed away before they were
+aware.
+
+[Illustration: 0013]
+
+|Next day, after they had finished breakfast, the ladies proceeded to
+examine the pictures and furniture of the amusements, consisting of
+hunting, music, dancing, and banquets, where the richest wines, and most
+tempting delicacies, in most luxurious profusion, presented themselves
+in every direction.
+
+The party felt so agreeable amidst these scenes of festivity, that they
+continued at the castle several days, during which the cunning Blue
+Beard, by every obsequious service, tried to gain the favour of his fair
+guests. Personal attentions, even although paid us by an ugly creature,
+seldom fail to make a favourable impression; it was therefore no wonder
+that Fatima, the youngest of the two sisters, began to think Blue Beard
+a very polite, pleasant, and civil gentleman; and that the beard, which
+she and her sister had been so much afraid of, was not so very blue.
+
+A short time after her return home, Fatima, who was delighted with the
+attention which had been paid her at the castle, told her mother
+that she did not now feel any objections to accept of Blue Beard as a
+husband. The old lady immediately communicated to him the change in her
+daughter's sentiments.
+
+[Illustration: 0015]
+
+|Blue Beard, who lost no time in paying the family a visit, was in a few
+days privately married to the young lady, and soon after the ceremony,
+Fatima, accompanied by her sister, returned to the castle the wife of
+Blue Beard.
+
+On arriving there, they were received at the entrance by all his
+retinue, attired in splendid dresses, and Blue Beard after saluting his
+bride, led the way to an elegant entertainment, where, every thing that
+could add to to their comfort being prepared, they spent the evening in
+the most agreeable manner.
+
+|The next day, and every succeeding day, Blue Beard always varied the
+amusements, and a month had passed away imperceptibly, when he told his
+wife that he was obliged to leave her for a few weeks, as he had some
+affairs to transact in a distant part of the country, which required his
+personal attendance.
+
+"But," said he, "my dear Fatima, you may enjoy yourself in my absence in
+any way that will add to your happiness, and you can invite your friends
+to make the time pass more agreeably, for you are sole mistress in this
+castle, Here are the keys of the two large wardrobes; this is the key
+of the great box that contains the best plate, which we use for company;
+this of my strong box, where I keep my money; and this belongs to the
+casket, in which are all my jewels. Here also is a master-key to all the
+rooms in the house; but this small key belongs to the blue closet at
+the end of the long gallery on the ground floor. I give you leave," he
+continued, "to open, or do what you like with all the rest of the castle
+except this closet: now, my dear, remember you must not enter it, nor
+even put the key into the lock. If you do not obey me in this, expect
+the most dreadful of punishments."
+
+[Illustration: 0017]
+
+She promised him implicit obedience to his orders, and then accompanied
+him to the gate, where Blue Beard, after sa luting her in a tender
+manner, stepped into the coach, and drove away.
+
+|When Blue Beard was gone, Fatima sent a kind invitation to her friends
+to come immediately to the castle, and ordered a grand entertainment to
+be prepared for their reception. She also sent a messenger to her two
+brothers, both officers in the army, who were quartered about forty
+miles distant, requesting they would obtain leave of absence, and spend
+a few days with her. So eager were her friends to see the apartments and
+the riches of Blue Beard's castle, of which they had heard so much, that
+in less than two hours after receiving notice, the whole company were
+assembled, with the exception of her brothers, who were not expected
+till the following day.
+
+As her guests had arrived long before the time appointed them for the
+entertainment. Fatima took them thro' every apartment in the castle,
+and displayed all the wealth she had acquired by her marriage with
+Blue Beard. They went from room to room, and from wardrobe to wardrobe,
+expressing fresh wonder and delight at every new object they came to;
+but their surprise was increased when they entered the drawing-rooms,
+and saw the grandeur of the furniture.
+
+During the day, Fatima was so much engaged, that she never once thought
+of the blue closet, which Blue Beard had ordered her not to open; but
+when all the visitors were gone, she felt a great curiosity to know its
+contents. She took out the key, which was made of the finest gold, and
+went to consult with her sister on the subject. Anne used every argument
+she could think of to dissuade Fatima from her purpose, and reminded her
+of the threats of Blue Beard; but all in vain, for Fatima was now bent
+on gratifying her curiosity.
+
+She therefore, in spite of all her sister could do, seized one of the
+candles, and hurried down stairs to the fatal closet. On reaching the
+door she stopped, and began to reason with herself on the propriety
+of her conduct; but her curiosity at length overcame every other
+consideration, and, with a trembling hand, she applied the key to the
+lock, and opened the door. She had only advanced a few steps, when the
+most frightful scene met her view, and, struck with horror and dismay,
+she dropped the key of the closet.
+
+[Illustration: 0020]
+
+|She was in the midst of blood, and the heads, bodies, and mutilated
+limbs of murdered ladies lay scattered on the floor. These ladies had
+all been married to Blue Beard, and had suffered for their imprudent
+curiosity, the key, which was the gift of a fairy, always betraying
+their fatal disobedience.
+
+The terror of Fatima was not diminished on observing these dreadful
+words on the wall--"_The Reward of Disobedience and Imprudent
+Curiosity!_" She trembled violently; but, on recovering a little, she
+snatched up the key, and having again locked the door, left this abode
+of horror.
+
+As soon as she reached her sister's chamber, she related the whole of
+her horrid adventure. They then examined the key, but it was all covered
+with blood, and they both turned pale with fear. They spent a good part
+of the night in trying to clean off the blood from the key, but it was
+without effect, for though they washed and scoured it with brick
+dust and sand, no sooner was the blood removed from one side, than
+it appeared on the other. Fatigued with their exertions, they at last
+retired to bed, where they passed a sleepless and anxious night.
+
+|Fatima rose at a late hour next day, and consulted with her sister how
+she ought to proceed. She thought first of escaping from the castle, but
+as her brothers were expected in an hour or two, she resolved to wait
+their arrival.
+
+A loud knock at the gate made her almost leap for joy, and she cried,
+"they are come! they are come!" but what was her consternation when Blue
+Beard hastily opened the door, and entered. It was impossible for Fatima
+to conceal her agitation, although she pretended to be very happy at his
+sudden and unexpected return.
+
+Blue Beard, who guessed what she had been about, requested the keys,
+in order, as he said, that he might change his dress. She went to her
+chamber, and soon returned with the keys, all except the one belonging
+to the blue closet He took the keys from her with seeming indifference,
+and after glancing at them minutely, said, rather sternly, "How is this,
+Fatima! I do not see the key of the blue closet here! Go and bring it to
+me instantly."
+
+[Illustration: 0023]
+
+The poor girl, feeling the crisis of her fate approaching, said, "I
+will go and search for it," and left the apartment in tears. She went
+straight to her sister's chamber, where they again tried, but in vain,
+to remove the blood from the key. The voice of Blue Beard again calling
+for her, she was forced to return, and reluctantly to give him the fatal
+key.
+
+On examining the key, Blue Beard burst into a terrible rage. "Pray
+Madam," said he, "how came this blood to be here?"
+
+"I am sure I do not know," replied she, trembling, and turning pale.
+
+"What! do you not know!" cried Blue Beard, in a voice like thunder,
+which made poor Fatima start with fear; "but I know well! You have been
+in the forbidden blue closet! And since you are so fond of prying into
+secrets, you shall take up your abode with the ladies you saw there."
+
+[Illustration: 0024]
+
+Almost expiring with fear and terror, the trembling Fatima sunk upon her
+knees, and implored him in the most piteous manner to forgive her.
+But the cruel Blue Beard, deaf to her intreaties, drew his dreadful
+scymetar, and bid her prepare for immediate death.
+
+Blue Beard had raised his arm to give the fatal blow, when a dreadful
+shriek from her sister, who at that moment entered the apartment,
+arrested his attention. She entreated him to spare the life of Fatima,
+but he was deaf to her intercession, and would only grant her one
+quarter of an hour, that she might make her peace with Heaven, before he
+put her to death.
+
+Blue Beard then dragged her up to a large hall in the top of the tower
+of the castle, to prevent her groans being heard, to which they were
+followed by her sister. He then told her to make the best use of
+the time, as she might expect his return the moment it elapsed, and
+immediately left the place.
+
+|When alone with her sister, Fatima felt her dreadful situation, and
+again burst into tears. Only fifteen minutes between her and the most
+cruel death, without the least chance of escape; for Blue Beard had
+secured the door when he retired, and the staircase they saw only led to
+the battlements. Fatima's thoughts were now turned to her brothers, whom
+she expected that day; and she requested her sister to ascend to the top
+of the tower, to see if there was any appearance of them.
+
+Fatima's sister immediately ascended to the top of the battlements,
+while the poor trembling girl below, every minute, cried out, "Sister
+Anne, my dear sister Anne, do you see any one coming yet?"
+
+Her sister always replied, "There is not a human being in view, and I
+see nothing but the sun and the grass."
+
+She was upon her knees bewailing her fate, when Blue Beard, in a
+tremendous voice, cried out, "Are you ready?" the time is expired and she
+heard the sound of his footsteps approaching. She again supplicated
+him to allow her five minutes longer to finish her prayers, which he,
+knowing she was completely within his power, granted her, and again left
+her.
+
+Fatima again renewed her inquiries to her sister "Do you see any one
+coming yet?"
+
+Her sister replied, "There is not a human being within sight."
+
+When the five minutes were elapsed,
+
+"I see," said her sister, "a cloud of dust rising a little to the left."
+
+In breathless agitation, she cried, "Do you think it is my brothers?"
+
+The voice of Blue Beard was heard bawling out, "Are you ready yet?"
+
+She again beseeched him to allow her only two minutes more, and then
+addressed her sister, "Dear Anne, do you see any one coming yet?"
+
+[Illustration: 0027]
+
+"Alas! no, my dearest Fatima," returned her sister, "it is only a flock
+of sheep."
+
+Again the voice of Blue Beard was heard, and she begged for one minute
+longer. She then called out for the last time, "Sister Anne, do you see
+no one coming yet?"
+
+|Her sister quickly answered, "I see two men on horseback, but they are
+still a great way off."
+
+"Thank heaven," exclaimed Fatima, "I shall yet be saved, for it must be
+my two brothers! My dearest sister, make every signal in your power to
+hasten them forward, or they will be too late." Blue Beard's patience
+being now exhausted, he burst open the door in a rage, and made a blow
+at the wretched Fatima, with the intention of striking off her head; but
+she sprang close to him and evaded it. Furious at being foiled in his
+aim, he threw her from him, and then seizing her by the hair of the
+head, was in the act of striking her a blow with his scymetar, when the
+noise of persons approaching, with hasty steps, arrested the progress
+of his sanguinary arm. Blue Beard had not time to conjecture who the
+intruders might be, when the door opened, and two officers, with their
+swords drawn, rushed into the apartment.
+
+Struck with terror, the guilty wretch released his wife from his grasp,
+and without attempting to resist, he tried to effect his escape from the
+resentment of her brothers; but they pursued and seized him before he
+had got above twenty paces from the place.
+
+[Illustration: 0029]
+
+After reproaching Blue Beard with his cruelty, they dragged him back
+to the spot where he intended to have murdered their sister; and there,
+stabbing him to the heart with their swords, he expired, uttering the
+most horrid oaths and execrations.
+
+|Fatima, who had fallen to the ground at the time Blue Beard quitted
+his hold of her, still lay in the same situation insensible; for the
+appearance of her brothers, at the moment she expected certain death,
+had thrown her into a faint, which continued during the whole of the
+time they were engaged in despatching her husband.
+
+The two young officers now turned their attention to their sister, whom
+they raised from the ground; but she could hardly be persuaded of her
+safety, till they pointed to where Blue Beard lay extended and lifeless.
+
+Fatima, on recovering a little, tenderly embraced her deliverers; and
+the appearance of their sister Anne, who had come down from the top of
+the battlements, added to their happiness.
+
+[Illustration: 0031]
+
+As all those horrid murders which had been committed by Blue Beard, were
+unknown to his domestics, on whose credulity he imposed by falsehoods,
+which they had no means of detecting, Fatima and her brothers thought
+the most prudent way to act, was to assemble them together, and then
+disclose the wickedness of their late master.
+
+By the direction of Fatima, her two brothers conducted all the servants
+to the dreadful scene of her husband's cruelties, and then showing them
+his dead body, related the whole occurrences which had taken place. They
+all said that his punishment was not adequate to what he deserved, and
+begged that they might be continued in the service of their mistress.
+
+As Blue Beard had no relations, Fatima was sole heir to the whole of his
+immense property, and mistress of the castle, in the possession of which
+she was confirmed by the laws of the country. She then sent notice to
+all the families in the neighbourhood of the death of her husband, and
+the horrid proofs of his cruelty were laid open for two days to all who
+chose to inspect them. He was then buried privately, along with all the
+bodies of the ladies he had murdered, and the fatal closet underwent a
+complete repair, which removed every trace of his barbarity.
+
+Soon after this, Fatima gave a magnificent entertainment to all her
+friends, where happiness was seen in every face; and on this occasion
+the poor, who were assembled for many miles round, partook most
+liberally of her bounty.
+
+Though possessed of riches almost inexhaustible, Fatima disposed of them
+with so much discretion, that she gained the esteem of every one who
+knew her. She bestowed handsome fortunes on her two brothers; and to her
+sister, who was married about two months after, she gave a very large
+dowry.
+
+The beauty, riches, and amiable conduct of Fatima, attracted a number of
+admirers, and among others, a young nobleman of very high rank, who,
+to a handsome person, added every quality calculated to make a good
+husband; and after a reasonable time spent in courtship, their marriage
+was celebrated with great rejoicings.
+
+
+FINIS
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's The Popular Story of Blue Beard, by Anonymous
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 45381 ***
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-<pre>

-

-The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Popular Story of Blue Beard, by Anonymous

-

-This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with

-almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or

-re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included

-with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org

-

-

-Title: The Popular Story of Blue Beard

-       Embellished with neat Engravings

-

-Author: Anonymous

-

-Illustrator: Anonymous

-

-Release Date: April 14, 2014 [EBook #45381]

-

-Language: English

-

-Character set encoding: ASCII

-

-*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE POPULAR STORY OF BLUE BEARD ***

-

-

-

-

-Produced by David Widger from page images generously

-provided by the Internet Archive

-

-

-

-

-

-

-</pre>

-

-    <div style="height: 8em;">

-      <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />

-    </div>

-    <h2>

-      THE POPULAR STORY

-    </h2>

-    <h3>

-      OF

-    </h3>

-    <h1>

-      BLUE BEARD

-    </h1>

-    <p>

-      <br />

-    </p>

-    <h4>

-      Embellished with Neat Engravings

-    </h4>

-    <h2>

-      By Anonymous

-    </h2>

-    <p>

-      <br /> <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0001" id="linkimage-0001"> </a>

-    </p>

-    <div class="fig" style="width:65%;">

-      <img src="images/0001m.jpg" alt="0001m " width="100%" /><br />

-    </div>

-    <h5>

-      <a href="images/0001.jpg"><i>Original</i></a>

-    </h5>

-    <p>

-      <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0002" id="linkimage-0002"> </a>

-    </p>

-    <div class="fig" style="width:65%;">

-      <img src="images/0004m.jpg" alt="0004m " width="100%" /><br />

-    </div>

-    <h5>

-      <a href="images/0004.jpg"><i>Original</i></a>

-    </h5>

-    <p>

-      <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0003" id="linkimage-0003"> </a>

-    </p>

-    <div class="fig" style="width:65%;">

-      <img src="images/0005m.jpg" alt="0005m " width="100%" /><br />

-    </div>

-    <h5>

-      <a href="images/0005.jpg"><i>Original</i></a>

-    </h5>

-    <p>

-      <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0004" id="linkimage-0004"> </a>

-    </p>

-    <div class="fig" style="width:65%;">

-      <img src="images/0006m.jpg" alt="0006m " width="100%" /><br />

-    </div>

-    <h5>

-      <a href="images/0006.jpg"><i>Original</i></a>

-    </h5>

-    <p>

-      <br /><br />

-    </p>

-    <hr />

-    <p>

-      <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> </a>

-    </p>

-    <div style="height: 4em;">

-      <br /><br /><br /><br />

-    </div>

-    <h2>

-      THE POPULAR STORY OF BLUE-BEARD

-    </h2>

-    <p class="pfirst">

-      <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">A</span> LONG time ago,

-      and at a considerable distance from any town, there lived a gentleman, who

-      was not only in possession of great riches, but of the largest estates in

-      that part of the country. Although he had some very elegant neat mansions

-      on his estates, he generally resided in a magnificent castle, beautifully

-      situated on a rising ground, surrounded with groves of the finest

-      evergreens, and other choice trees and shrubs.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      The inside of this fine castle was even more beautiful than the outside;

-      for the rooms were all hung with the richest damask, curiously ornamented;

-      the Chairs and sofas were covered with the finest velvet, fringed with

-      gold; and his table-dishes and plates were either of silver or gold,

-      finished in the most elegant style. His carriages and horses might have

-      served a king, and perhaps were finer than any monarch's of the present

-      day. The gentleman's appearance, however, did not altogether correspond to

-      his wealth; for, to a fierce disagreeable countenance, was added an ugly

-      blue beard, which made him an object of fear and disgust in the

-      neighbourhood, where he usually went by the name of Blue Beard.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      There resided, at some considerable distance from Blue Beard's castle, an

-      old lady and her two daughters, who were people of some rank, but by no

-      means wealthy. The two young ladies were very pretty, and the fame of

-      their beauty having reached Blue Beard, he determined to ask one of them

-      in marriage. Having ordered a carriage, he called at their house, where he

-      saw the two young ladies, and was very politely received by their mother,

-      with whom he begged a few moments conversation.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0005" id="linkimage-0005"> </a>

-    </p>

-    <div class="fig" style="width:65%;">

-      <img src="images/0009m.jpg" alt="0009m " width="100%" /><br />

-    </div>

-    <h5>

-      <a href="images/0009.jpg"><i>Original</i></a>

-    </h5>

-    <p>

-      <br />

-    </p>

-    <p class="pfirst">

-      <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">A</span>fter the two young

-      ladies left the room, he began by describing his immense riches, and then

-      told her the purpose of his visit, begging she would use her interest in

-      his favour. They were both so lovely, he said, that he would be happy to

-      get either of them for his wife, and would therefore leave it to their own

-      choice to determine upon the subject, and immediately took his leave.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      When the proposals of Blue Beard were mentioned to the young ladies by

-      their mother, both Miss Anne and her sister Fatima protested, that they

-      would never marry an ugly man, and particularly one with such a frightful

-      blue beard; because, although he possessed immense riches, it was reported

-      in the country, that he had married several beautiful ladies, and nobody

-      could tell what had become of them.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      Their mother said, that the gentleman was agreeable in his conversation

-      and manners; that the ugliness of his facs, and the blue beard, were

-      defects which they would soon be reconciled to from habit: that his

-      immense riches would procure them every luxury their heart could desire;

-      and he was so civil, that she was certain the scandalous reports about his

-      wives must be entirely without foundation.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      The two young ladies were as civil as they possibly could be, in order to

-      conceal the disgust they felt at Blue Beard, and, to soften their refusal,

-      replied to this effect,&mdash;That, at present, they had no desire to

-      change their situation; but if they had, the one sister could never think

-      of depriving the other of so good a match, and that they did not wish to

-      be separated.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <br />

-    </p>

-    <p class="pfirst">

-      <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">B</span>lue Beard having

-      called next day, the old lady told him what her daughters had said; on

-      which he sighed deeply, and pretended to be very much disappointed; but as

-      he had the mother on his side, he still continued his visits to the

-      family. Blue Beard, knowing the attractions that fine houses, fine

-      furniture, and fine entertainments, have on the minds of ladies in

-      general, invited the mother, her two daughters, and two or three other

-      ladies who were then on a visit to them, to spend a day or two with him at

-      his castle.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0006" id="linkimage-0006"> </a>

-    </p>

-    <div class="fig" style="width:65%;">

-      <img src="images/0011m.jpg" alt="0011m " width="100%" /><br />

-    </div>

-    <h5>

-      <a href="images/0011.jpg"><i>Original</i></a>

-    </h5>

-    <p>

-      Blue Beard's invitation was accepted, and having spent a considerable time

-      in arranging their wardrobe, and in adorning their persons, they all set

-      out for the splendid mansion of Blue Beard.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      On coming near the castle, although they had heard a great deal of the

-      taste and expense that had been employed in decorating it, they were

-      struck with the beauty of the trees that overshadowed the walks through

-      which they passed, and with the fragrancy of the flowers which perfumed

-      the air. When they reached the castle, Blue Beard, attended by a number of

-      his servants in splendid dresses, received them with the most polite

-      courtesy, and conducted them to a magnificent drawing-room.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      An elegant repast was ready in the dining-room, to which they adjourned.

-      Here they were again astonished by the grandeur of the apartment and the

-      elegance of the entertainment, and the rooms that were open, and were

-      truly astonished at the magnificence that everywhere met their view.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      The time rolled pleasantly away a-midst a succession of the most agreeable

-      felt so happy, that the evening passed away before they were aware.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0007" id="linkimage-0007"> </a>

-    </p>

-    <div class="fig" style="width:65%;">

-      <img src="images/0013m.jpg" alt="0013m " width="100%" /><br />

-    </div>

-    <h5>

-      <a href="images/0013.jpg"><i>Original</i></a>

-    </h5>

-    <p>

-      <br />

-    </p>

-    <p class="pfirst">

-      <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">N</span>ext day, after

-      they had finished breakfast, the ladies proceeded to examine the pictures

-      and furniture of the amusements, consisting of hunting, music, dancing,

-      and banquets, where the richest wines, and most tempting delicacies, in

-      most luxurious profusion, presented themselves in every direction.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      The party felt so agreeable amidst these scenes of festivity, that they

-      continued at the castle several days, during which the cunning Blue Beard,

-      by every obsequious service, tried to gain the favour of his fair guests.

-      Personal attentions, even although paid us by an ugly creature, seldom

-      fail to make a favourable impression; it was therefore no wonder that

-      Fatima, the youngest of the two sisters, began to think Blue Beard a very

-      polite, pleasant, and civil gentleman; and that the beard, which she and

-      her sister had been so much afraid of, was not so very blue.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      A short time after her return home, Fatima, who was delighted with the

-      attention which had been paid her at the castle, told her mother that she

-      did not now feel any objections to accept of Blue Beard as a husband. The

-      old lady immediately communicated to him the change in her daughter's

-      sentiments.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0008" id="linkimage-0008"> </a>

-    </p>

-    <div class="fig" style="width:65%;">

-      <img src="images/0015m.jpg" alt="0015m " width="100%" /><br />

-    </div>

-    <h5>

-      <a href="images/0015.jpg"><i>Original</i></a>

-    </h5>

-    <p>

-      <br />

-    </p>

-    <p class="pfirst">

-      <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">B</span>lue Beard, who

-      lost no time in paying the family a visit, was in a few days privately

-      married to the young lady, and soon after the ceremony, Fatima,

-      accompanied by her sister, returned to the castle the wife of Blue Beard.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      On arriving there, they were received at the entrance by all his retinue,

-      attired in splendid dresses, and Blue Beard after saluting his bride, led

-      the way to an elegant entertainment, where, every thing that could add to

-      to their comfort being prepared, they spent the evening in the most

-      agreeable manner.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <br />

-    </p>

-    <p class="pfirst">

-      <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>he next day, and

-      every succeeding day, Blue Beard always varied the amusements, and a month

-      had passed away imperceptibly, when he told his wife that he was obliged

-      to leave her for a few weeks, as he had some affairs to transact in a

-      distant part of the country, which required his personal attendance.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      "But," said he, "my dear Fatima, you may enjoy yourself in my absence in

-      any way that will add to your happiness, and you can invite your friends

-      to make the time pass more agreeably, for you are sole mistress in this

-      castle, Here are the keys of the two large wardrobes; this is the key of

-      the great box that contains the best plate, which we use for company; this

-      of my strong box, where I keep my money; and this belongs to the casket,

-      in which are all my jewels. Here also is a master-key to all the rooms in

-      the house; but this small key belongs to the blue closet at the end of the

-      long gallery on the ground floor. I give you leave," he continued, "to

-      open, or do what you like with all the rest of the castle except this

-      closet: now, my dear, remember you must not enter it, nor even put the key

-      into the lock. If you do not obey me in this, expect the most dreadful of

-      punishments."

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0009" id="linkimage-0009"> </a>

-    </p>

-    <div class="fig" style="width:65%;">

-      <img src="images/0017m.jpg" alt="0017m " width="100%" /><br />

-    </div>

-    <h5>

-      <a href="images/0017.jpg"><i>Original</i></a>

-    </h5>

-    <p>

-      She promised him implicit obedience to his orders, and then accompanied

-      him to the gate, where Blue Beard, after sa luting her in a tender manner,

-      stepped into the coach, and drove away.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <br />

-    </p>

-    <p class="pfirst">

-      <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">W</span>hen Blue Beard was

-      gone, Fatima sent a kind invitation to her friends to come immediately to

-      the castle, and ordered a grand entertainment to be prepared for their

-      reception. She also sent a messenger to her two brothers, both officers in

-      the army, who were quartered about forty miles distant, requesting they

-      would obtain leave of absence, and spend a few days with her. So eager

-      were her friends to see the apartments and the riches of Blue Beard's

-      castle, of which they had heard so much, that in less than two hours after

-      receiving notice, the whole company were assembled, with the exception of

-      her brothers, who were not expected till the following day.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      As her guests had arrived long before the time appointed them for the

-      entertainment. Fatima took them thro' every apartment in the castle, and

-      displayed all the wealth she had acquired by her marriage with Blue Beard.

-      They went from room to room, and from wardrobe to wardrobe, expressing

-      fresh wonder and delight at every new object they came to; but their

-      surprise was increased when they entered the drawing-rooms, and saw the

-      grandeur of the furniture.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      During the day, Fatima was so much engaged, that she never once thought of

-      the blue closet, which Blue Beard had ordered her not to open; but when

-      all the visitors were gone, she felt a great curiosity to know its

-      contents. She took out the key, which was made of the finest gold, and

-      went to consult with her sister on the subject. Anne used every argument

-      she could think of to dissuade Fatima from her purpose, and reminded her

-      of the threats of Blue Beard; but all in vain, for Fatima was now bent on

-      gratifying her curiosity.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      She therefore, in spite of all her sister could do, seized one of the

-      candles, and hurried down stairs to the fatal closet. On reaching the door

-      she stopped, and began to reason with herself on the propriety of her

-      conduct; but her curiosity at length overcame every other consideration,

-      and, with a trembling hand, she applied the key to the lock, and opened

-      the door. She had only advanced a few steps, when the most frightful scene

-      met her view, and, struck with horror and dismay, she dropped the key of

-      the closet.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0010" id="linkimage-0010"> </a>

-    </p>

-    <div class="fig" style="width:65%;">

-      <img src="images/0020m.jpg" alt="0020m " width="100%" /><br />

-    </div>

-    <h5>

-      <a href="images/0020.jpg"><i>Original</i></a>

-    </h5>

-    <p>

-      <br />

-    </p>

-    <p class="pfirst">

-      <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">S</span>he was in the

-      midst of blood, and the heads, bodies, and mutilated limbs of murdered

-      ladies lay scattered on the floor. These ladies had all been married to

-      Blue Beard, and had suffered for their imprudent curiosity, the key, which

-      was the gift of a fairy, always betraying their fatal disobedience.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      The terror of Fatima was not diminished on observing these dreadful words

-      on the wall&mdash;"<i>The Reward of Disobedience and Imprudent Curiosity!</i>"

-      She trembled violently; but, on recovering a little, she snatched up the

-      key, and having again locked the door, left this abode of horror.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      As soon as she reached her sister's chamber, she related the whole of her

-      horrid adventure. They then examined the key, but it was all covered with

-      blood, and they both turned pale with fear. They spent a good part of the

-      night in trying to clean off the blood from the key, but it was without

-      effect, for though they washed and scoured it with brick dust and sand, no

-      sooner was the blood removed from one side, than it appeared on the other.

-      Fatigued with their exertions, they at last retired to bed, where they

-      passed a sleepless and anxious night.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <br />

-    </p>

-    <p class="pfirst">

-      <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">F</span>atima rose at a

-      late hour next day, and consulted with her sister how she ought to

-      proceed. She thought first of escaping from the castle, but as her

-      brothers were expected in an hour or two, she resolved to wait their

-      arrival.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      A loud knock at the gate made her almost leap for joy, and she cried,

-      "they are come! they are come!" but what was her consternation when Blue

-      Beard hastily opened the door, and entered. It was impossible for Fatima

-      to conceal her agitation, although she pretended to be very happy at his

-      sudden and unexpected return.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      Blue Beard, who guessed what she had been about, requested the keys, in

-      order, as he said, that he might change his dress. She went to her

-      chamber, and soon returned with the keys, all except the one belonging to

-      the blue closet He took the keys from her with seeming indifference, and

-      after glancing at them minutely, said, rather sternly, "How is this,

-      Fatima! I do not see the key of the blue closet here! Go and bring it to

-      me instantly."

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0011" id="linkimage-0011"> </a>

-    </p>

-    <div class="fig" style="width:65%;">

-      <img src="images/0023m.jpg" alt="0023m " width="100%" /><br />

-    </div>

-    <h5>

-      <a href="images/0023.jpg"><i>Original</i></a>

-    </h5>

-    <p>

-      The poor girl, feeling the crisis of her fate approaching, said, "I will

-      go and search for it," and left the apartment in tears. She went straight

-      to her sister's chamber, where they again tried, but in vain, to remove

-      the blood from the key. The voice of Blue Beard again calling for her, she

-      was forced to return, and reluctantly to give him the fatal key.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      On examining the key, Blue Beard burst into a terrible rage. "Pray Madam,"

-      said he, "how came this blood to be here?"

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      "I am sure I do not know," replied she, trembling, and turning pale.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      "What! do you not know!" cried Blue Beard, in a voice like thunder, which

-      made poor Fatima start with fear; "but I know well! You have been in the

-      forbidden blue closet! And since you are so fond of prying into secrets,

-      you shall take up your abode with the ladies you saw there."

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0012" id="linkimage-0012"> </a>

-    </p>

-    <div class="fig" style="width:65%;">

-      <img src="images/0024m.jpg" alt="0024m " width="100%" /><br />

-    </div>

-    <h5>

-      <a href="images/0024.jpg"><i>Original</i></a>

-    </h5>

-    <p>

-      Almost expiring with fear and terror, the trembling Fatima sunk upon her

-      knees, and implored him in the most piteous manner to forgive her. But the

-      cruel Blue Beard, deaf to her intreaties, drew his dreadful scymetar, and

-      bid her prepare for immediate death.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      Blue Beard had raised his arm to give the fatal blow, when a dreadful

-      shriek from her sister, who at that moment entered the apartment, arrested

-      his attention. She entreated him to spare the life of Fatima, but he was

-      deaf to her intercession, and would only grant her one quarter of an hour,

-      that she might make her peace with Heaven, before he put her to death.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      Blue Beard then dragged her up to a large hall in the top of the tower of

-      the castle, to prevent her groans being heard, to which they were followed

-      by her sister. He then told her to make the best use of the time, as she

-      might expect his return the moment it elapsed, and immediately left the

-      place.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <br />

-    </p>

-    <p class="pfirst">

-      <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">W</span>hen alone with her

-      sister, Fatima felt her dreadful situation, and again burst into tears.

-      Only fifteen minutes between her and the most cruel death, without the

-      least chance of escape; for Blue Beard had secured the door when he

-      retired, and the staircase they saw only led to the battlements. Fatima's

-      thoughts were now turned to her brothers, whom she expected that day; and

-      she requested her sister to ascend to the top of the tower, to see if

-      there was any appearance of them.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      Fatima's sister immediately ascended to the top of the battlements, while

-      the poor trembling girl below, every minute, cried out, "Sister Anne, my

-      dear sister Anne, do you see any one coming yet?"

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      Her sister always replied, "There is not a human being in view, and I see

-      nothing but the sun and the grass."

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      She was upon her knees bewailing her fate, when Blue Beard, in a

-      tremendous voice, cried out, "Are you ready?" the time is expired and she

-      heard the sound of his footsteps approaching. She again supplicated him to

-      allow her five minutes longer to finish her prayers, which he, knowing she

-      was completely within his power, granted her, and again left her.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      Fatima again renewed her inquiries to her sister "Do you see any one

-      coming yet?"

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      Her sister replied, "There is not a human being within sight."

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      When the five minutes were elapsed,

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      "I see," said her sister, "a cloud of dust rising a little to the left."

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      In breathless agitation, she cried, "Do you think it is my brothers?"

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      The voice of Blue Beard was heard bawling out, "Are you ready yet?"

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      She again beseeched him to allow her only two minutes more, and then

-      addressed her sister, "Dear Anne, do you see any one coming yet?"

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0013" id="linkimage-0013"> </a>

-    </p>

-    <div class="fig" style="width:65%;">

-      <img src="images/0027m.jpg" alt="0027m " width="100%" /><br />

-    </div>

-    <h5>

-      <a href="images/0027.jpg"><i>Original</i></a>

-    </h5>

-    <p>

-      "Alas! no, my dearest Fatima," returned her sister, "it is only a flock of

-      sheep."

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      Again the voice of Blue Beard was heard, and she begged for one minute

-      longer. She then called out for the last time, "Sister Anne, do you see no

-      one coming yet?"

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <br />

-    </p>

-    <p class="pfirst">

-      <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">H</span>er sister quickly

-      answered, "I see two men on horseback, but they are still a great way

-      off."

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      "Thank heaven," exclaimed Fatima, "I shall yet be saved, for it must be my

-      two brothers! My dearest sister, make every signal in your power to hasten

-      them forward, or they will be too late." Blue Beard's patience being now

-      exhausted, he burst open the door in a rage, and made a blow at the

-      wretched Fatima, with the intention of striking off her head; but she

-      sprang close to him and evaded it. Furious at being foiled in his aim, he

-      threw her from him, and then seizing her by the hair of the head, was in

-      the act of striking her a blow with his scymetar, when the noise of

-      persons approaching, with hasty steps, arrested the progress of his

-      sanguinary arm. Blue Beard had not time to conjecture who the intruders

-      might be, when the door opened, and two officers, with their swords drawn,

-      rushed into the apartment.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      Struck with terror, the guilty wretch released his wife from his grasp,

-      and without attempting to resist, he tried to effect his escape from the

-      resentment of her brothers; but they pursued and seized him before he had

-      got above twenty paces from the place.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0014" id="linkimage-0014"> </a>

-    </p>

-    <div class="fig" style="width:65%;">

-      <img src="images/0029m.jpg" alt="0029m " width="100%" /><br />

-    </div>

-    <h5>

-      <a href="images/0029.jpg"><i>Original</i></a>

-    </h5>

-    <p>

-      After reproaching Blue Beard with his cruelty, they dragged him back to

-      the spot where he intended to have murdered their sister; and there,

-      stabbing him to the heart with their swords, he expired, uttering the most

-      horrid oaths and execrations.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <br />

-    </p>

-    <p class="pfirst">

-      <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">F</span>atima, who had

-      fallen to the ground at the time Blue Beard quitted his hold of her, still

-      lay in the same situation insensible; for the appearance of her brothers,

-      at the moment she expected certain death, had thrown her into a faint,

-      which continued during the whole of the time they were engaged in

-      despatching her husband.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      The two young officers now turned their attention to their sister, whom

-      they raised from the ground; but she could hardly be persuaded of her

-      safety, till they pointed to where Blue Beard lay extended and lifeless.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      Fatima, on recovering a little, tenderly embraced her deliverers; and the

-      appearance of their sister Anne, who had come down from the top of the

-      battlements, added to their happiness.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0015" id="linkimage-0015"> </a>

-    </p>

-    <div class="fig" style="width:65%;">

-      <img src="images/0031m.jpg" alt="0031m " width="100%" /><br />

-    </div>

-    <h5>

-      <a href="images/0031.jpg"><i>Original</i></a>

-    </h5>

-    <p>

-      As all those horrid murders which had been committed by Blue Beard, were

-      unknown to his domestics, on whose credulity he imposed by falsehoods,

-      which they had no means of detecting, Fatima and her brothers thought the

-      most prudent way to act, was to assemble them together, and then disclose

-      the wickedness of their late master.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      By the direction of Fatima, her two brothers conducted all the servants to

-      the dreadful scene of her husband's cruelties, and then showing them his

-      dead body, related the whole occurrences which had taken place. They all

-      said that his punishment was not adequate to what he deserved, and begged

-      that they might be continued in the service of their mistress.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      As Blue Beard had no relations, Fatima was sole heir to the whole of his

-      immense property, and mistress of the castle, in the possession of which

-      she was confirmed by the laws of the country. She then sent notice to all

-      the families in the neighbourhood of the death of her husband, and the

-      horrid proofs of his cruelty were laid open for two days to all who chose

-      to inspect them. He was then buried privately, along with all the bodies

-      of the ladies he had murdered, and the fatal closet underwent a complete

-      repair, which removed every trace of his barbarity.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      Soon after this, Fatima gave a magnificent entertainment to all her

-      friends, where happiness was seen in every face; and on this occasion the

-      poor, who were assembled for many miles round, partook most liberally of

-      her bounty.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      Though possessed of riches almost inexhaustible, Fatima disposed of them

-      with so much discretion, that she gained the esteem of every one who knew

-      her. She bestowed handsome fortunes on her two brothers; and to her

-      sister, who was married about two months after, she gave a very large

-      dowry.

-    </p>

-    <p>

-      The beauty, riches, and amiable conduct of Fatima, attracted a number of

-      admirers, and among others, a young nobleman of very high rank, who, to a

-      handsome person, added every quality calculated to make a good husband;

-      and after a reasonable time spent in courtship, their marriage was

-      celebrated with great rejoicings.

-    </p>

-    <h3>

-      FINIS

-    </h3>

-    <div style="height: 6em;">

-      <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />

-    </div>

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-<pre>

-

-

-

-

-

-End of Project Gutenberg's The Popular Story of Blue Beard, by Anonymous

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-</pre>

-

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+  <head>
+    <title>
+      The Popular Story, by Anonymous
+    </title><link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg" />
+
+    <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve">
+
+    body { margin:15%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify}
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+    .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; }
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+    .toc       { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;}
+    .toc2      { margin-left: 20%;}
+    .indent5   { margin-left: 5%;}
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+               text-align: right;}
+    .side      { float: left; font-size: 75%; width: 25%; padding-left: 0.8em;
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+               font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;}
+    p.pfirst, p.noindent {text-indent: 0}
+    span.dropcap         { float: left; margin: 0 0.1em 0 0; line-height: 1 }
+    pre        { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;}
+
+</style>
+  </head>
+<body>
+<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 45381 ***</div>
+
+    <div style="height: 8em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      THE POPULAR STORY
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      OF
+    </h3>
+    <h1>
+      BLUE BEARD
+    </h1>
+    <p>
+      <br />
+    </p>
+    <h4>
+      Embellished with Neat Engravings
+    </h4>
+    <h2>
+      By Anonymous
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0001" id="linkimage-0001"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:65%;">
+      <img src="images/0001m.jpg" alt="0001m " width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h5>
+      <a href="images/0001.jpg"><i>Original</i></a>
+    </h5>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0002" id="linkimage-0002"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:65%;">
+      <img src="images/0004m.jpg" alt="0004m " width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h5>
+      <a href="images/0004.jpg"><i>Original</i></a>
+    </h5>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0003" id="linkimage-0003"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:65%;">
+      <img src="images/0005m.jpg" alt="0005m " width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h5>
+      <a href="images/0005.jpg"><i>Original</i></a>
+    </h5>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0004" id="linkimage-0004"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:65%;">
+      <img src="images/0006m.jpg" alt="0006m " width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h5>
+      <a href="images/0006.jpg"><i>Original</i></a>
+    </h5>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      THE POPULAR STORY OF BLUE-BEARD
+    </h2>
+    <p class="pfirst">
+      <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">A</span> LONG time ago,
+      and at a considerable distance from any town, there lived a gentleman, who
+      was not only in possession of great riches, but of the largest estates in
+      that part of the country. Although he had some very elegant neat mansions
+      on his estates, he generally resided in a magnificent castle, beautifully
+      situated on a rising ground, surrounded with groves of the finest
+      evergreens, and other choice trees and shrubs.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The inside of this fine castle was even more beautiful than the outside;
+      for the rooms were all hung with the richest damask, curiously ornamented;
+      the Chairs and sofas were covered with the finest velvet, fringed with
+      gold; and his table-dishes and plates were either of silver or gold,
+      finished in the most elegant style. His carriages and horses might have
+      served a king, and perhaps were finer than any monarch's of the present
+      day. The gentleman's appearance, however, did not altogether correspond to
+      his wealth; for, to a fierce disagreeable countenance, was added an ugly
+      blue beard, which made him an object of fear and disgust in the
+      neighbourhood, where he usually went by the name of Blue Beard.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There resided, at some considerable distance from Blue Beard's castle, an
+      old lady and her two daughters, who were people of some rank, but by no
+      means wealthy. The two young ladies were very pretty, and the fame of
+      their beauty having reached Blue Beard, he determined to ask one of them
+      in marriage. Having ordered a carriage, he called at their house, where he
+      saw the two young ladies, and was very politely received by their mother,
+      with whom he begged a few moments conversation.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0005" id="linkimage-0005"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:65%;">
+      <img src="images/0009m.jpg" alt="0009m " width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h5>
+      <a href="images/0009.jpg"><i>Original</i></a>
+    </h5>
+    <p>
+      <br />
+    </p>
+    <p class="pfirst">
+      <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">A</span>fter the two young
+      ladies left the room, he began by describing his immense riches, and then
+      told her the purpose of his visit, begging she would use her interest in
+      his favour. They were both so lovely, he said, that he would be happy to
+      get either of them for his wife, and would therefore leave it to their own
+      choice to determine upon the subject, and immediately took his leave.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When the proposals of Blue Beard were mentioned to the young ladies by
+      their mother, both Miss Anne and her sister Fatima protested, that they
+      would never marry an ugly man, and particularly one with such a frightful
+      blue beard; because, although he possessed immense riches, it was reported
+      in the country, that he had married several beautiful ladies, and nobody
+      could tell what had become of them.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Their mother said, that the gentleman was agreeable in his conversation
+      and manners; that the ugliness of his facs, and the blue beard, were
+      defects which they would soon be reconciled to from habit: that his
+      immense riches would procure them every luxury their heart could desire;
+      and he was so civil, that she was certain the scandalous reports about his
+      wives must be entirely without foundation.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The two young ladies were as civil as they possibly could be, in order to
+      conceal the disgust they felt at Blue Beard, and, to soften their refusal,
+      replied to this effect,&mdash;That, at present, they had no desire to
+      change their situation; but if they had, the one sister could never think
+      of depriving the other of so good a match, and that they did not wish to
+      be separated.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br />
+    </p>
+    <p class="pfirst">
+      <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">B</span>lue Beard having
+      called next day, the old lady told him what her daughters had said; on
+      which he sighed deeply, and pretended to be very much disappointed; but as
+      he had the mother on his side, he still continued his visits to the
+      family. Blue Beard, knowing the attractions that fine houses, fine
+      furniture, and fine entertainments, have on the minds of ladies in
+      general, invited the mother, her two daughters, and two or three other
+      ladies who were then on a visit to them, to spend a day or two with him at
+      his castle.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0006" id="linkimage-0006"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:65%;">
+      <img src="images/0011m.jpg" alt="0011m " width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h5>
+      <a href="images/0011.jpg"><i>Original</i></a>
+    </h5>
+    <p>
+      Blue Beard's invitation was accepted, and having spent a considerable time
+      in arranging their wardrobe, and in adorning their persons, they all set
+      out for the splendid mansion of Blue Beard.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      On coming near the castle, although they had heard a great deal of the
+      taste and expense that had been employed in decorating it, they were
+      struck with the beauty of the trees that overshadowed the walks through
+      which they passed, and with the fragrancy of the flowers which perfumed
+      the air. When they reached the castle, Blue Beard, attended by a number of
+      his servants in splendid dresses, received them with the most polite
+      courtesy, and conducted them to a magnificent drawing-room.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      An elegant repast was ready in the dining-room, to which they adjourned.
+      Here they were again astonished by the grandeur of the apartment and the
+      elegance of the entertainment, and the rooms that were open, and were
+      truly astonished at the magnificence that everywhere met their view.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The time rolled pleasantly away a-midst a succession of the most agreeable
+      felt so happy, that the evening passed away before they were aware.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0007" id="linkimage-0007"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:65%;">
+      <img src="images/0013m.jpg" alt="0013m " width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h5>
+      <a href="images/0013.jpg"><i>Original</i></a>
+    </h5>
+    <p>
+      <br />
+    </p>
+    <p class="pfirst">
+      <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">N</span>ext day, after
+      they had finished breakfast, the ladies proceeded to examine the pictures
+      and furniture of the amusements, consisting of hunting, music, dancing,
+      and banquets, where the richest wines, and most tempting delicacies, in
+      most luxurious profusion, presented themselves in every direction.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The party felt so agreeable amidst these scenes of festivity, that they
+      continued at the castle several days, during which the cunning Blue Beard,
+      by every obsequious service, tried to gain the favour of his fair guests.
+      Personal attentions, even although paid us by an ugly creature, seldom
+      fail to make a favourable impression; it was therefore no wonder that
+      Fatima, the youngest of the two sisters, began to think Blue Beard a very
+      polite, pleasant, and civil gentleman; and that the beard, which she and
+      her sister had been so much afraid of, was not so very blue.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A short time after her return home, Fatima, who was delighted with the
+      attention which had been paid her at the castle, told her mother that she
+      did not now feel any objections to accept of Blue Beard as a husband. The
+      old lady immediately communicated to him the change in her daughter's
+      sentiments.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0008" id="linkimage-0008"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:65%;">
+      <img src="images/0015m.jpg" alt="0015m " width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h5>
+      <a href="images/0015.jpg"><i>Original</i></a>
+    </h5>
+    <p>
+      <br />
+    </p>
+    <p class="pfirst">
+      <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">B</span>lue Beard, who
+      lost no time in paying the family a visit, was in a few days privately
+      married to the young lady, and soon after the ceremony, Fatima,
+      accompanied by her sister, returned to the castle the wife of Blue Beard.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      On arriving there, they were received at the entrance by all his retinue,
+      attired in splendid dresses, and Blue Beard after saluting his bride, led
+      the way to an elegant entertainment, where, every thing that could add to
+      to their comfort being prepared, they spent the evening in the most
+      agreeable manner.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br />
+    </p>
+    <p class="pfirst">
+      <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>he next day, and
+      every succeeding day, Blue Beard always varied the amusements, and a month
+      had passed away imperceptibly, when he told his wife that he was obliged
+      to leave her for a few weeks, as he had some affairs to transact in a
+      distant part of the country, which required his personal attendance.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "But," said he, "my dear Fatima, you may enjoy yourself in my absence in
+      any way that will add to your happiness, and you can invite your friends
+      to make the time pass more agreeably, for you are sole mistress in this
+      castle, Here are the keys of the two large wardrobes; this is the key of
+      the great box that contains the best plate, which we use for company; this
+      of my strong box, where I keep my money; and this belongs to the casket,
+      in which are all my jewels. Here also is a master-key to all the rooms in
+      the house; but this small key belongs to the blue closet at the end of the
+      long gallery on the ground floor. I give you leave," he continued, "to
+      open, or do what you like with all the rest of the castle except this
+      closet: now, my dear, remember you must not enter it, nor even put the key
+      into the lock. If you do not obey me in this, expect the most dreadful of
+      punishments."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0009" id="linkimage-0009"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:65%;">
+      <img src="images/0017m.jpg" alt="0017m " width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h5>
+      <a href="images/0017.jpg"><i>Original</i></a>
+    </h5>
+    <p>
+      She promised him implicit obedience to his orders, and then accompanied
+      him to the gate, where Blue Beard, after sa luting her in a tender manner,
+      stepped into the coach, and drove away.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br />
+    </p>
+    <p class="pfirst">
+      <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">W</span>hen Blue Beard was
+      gone, Fatima sent a kind invitation to her friends to come immediately to
+      the castle, and ordered a grand entertainment to be prepared for their
+      reception. She also sent a messenger to her two brothers, both officers in
+      the army, who were quartered about forty miles distant, requesting they
+      would obtain leave of absence, and spend a few days with her. So eager
+      were her friends to see the apartments and the riches of Blue Beard's
+      castle, of which they had heard so much, that in less than two hours after
+      receiving notice, the whole company were assembled, with the exception of
+      her brothers, who were not expected till the following day.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As her guests had arrived long before the time appointed them for the
+      entertainment. Fatima took them thro' every apartment in the castle, and
+      displayed all the wealth she had acquired by her marriage with Blue Beard.
+      They went from room to room, and from wardrobe to wardrobe, expressing
+      fresh wonder and delight at every new object they came to; but their
+      surprise was increased when they entered the drawing-rooms, and saw the
+      grandeur of the furniture.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      During the day, Fatima was so much engaged, that she never once thought of
+      the blue closet, which Blue Beard had ordered her not to open; but when
+      all the visitors were gone, she felt a great curiosity to know its
+      contents. She took out the key, which was made of the finest gold, and
+      went to consult with her sister on the subject. Anne used every argument
+      she could think of to dissuade Fatima from her purpose, and reminded her
+      of the threats of Blue Beard; but all in vain, for Fatima was now bent on
+      gratifying her curiosity.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She therefore, in spite of all her sister could do, seized one of the
+      candles, and hurried down stairs to the fatal closet. On reaching the door
+      she stopped, and began to reason with herself on the propriety of her
+      conduct; but her curiosity at length overcame every other consideration,
+      and, with a trembling hand, she applied the key to the lock, and opened
+      the door. She had only advanced a few steps, when the most frightful scene
+      met her view, and, struck with horror and dismay, she dropped the key of
+      the closet.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0010" id="linkimage-0010"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:65%;">
+      <img src="images/0020m.jpg" alt="0020m " width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h5>
+      <a href="images/0020.jpg"><i>Original</i></a>
+    </h5>
+    <p>
+      <br />
+    </p>
+    <p class="pfirst">
+      <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">S</span>he was in the
+      midst of blood, and the heads, bodies, and mutilated limbs of murdered
+      ladies lay scattered on the floor. These ladies had all been married to
+      Blue Beard, and had suffered for their imprudent curiosity, the key, which
+      was the gift of a fairy, always betraying their fatal disobedience.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The terror of Fatima was not diminished on observing these dreadful words
+      on the wall&mdash;"<i>The Reward of Disobedience and Imprudent Curiosity!</i>"
+      She trembled violently; but, on recovering a little, she snatched up the
+      key, and having again locked the door, left this abode of horror.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As soon as she reached her sister's chamber, she related the whole of her
+      horrid adventure. They then examined the key, but it was all covered with
+      blood, and they both turned pale with fear. They spent a good part of the
+      night in trying to clean off the blood from the key, but it was without
+      effect, for though they washed and scoured it with brick dust and sand, no
+      sooner was the blood removed from one side, than it appeared on the other.
+      Fatigued with their exertions, they at last retired to bed, where they
+      passed a sleepless and anxious night.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br />
+    </p>
+    <p class="pfirst">
+      <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">F</span>atima rose at a
+      late hour next day, and consulted with her sister how she ought to
+      proceed. She thought first of escaping from the castle, but as her
+      brothers were expected in an hour or two, she resolved to wait their
+      arrival.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A loud knock at the gate made her almost leap for joy, and she cried,
+      "they are come! they are come!" but what was her consternation when Blue
+      Beard hastily opened the door, and entered. It was impossible for Fatima
+      to conceal her agitation, although she pretended to be very happy at his
+      sudden and unexpected return.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Blue Beard, who guessed what she had been about, requested the keys, in
+      order, as he said, that he might change his dress. She went to her
+      chamber, and soon returned with the keys, all except the one belonging to
+      the blue closet He took the keys from her with seeming indifference, and
+      after glancing at them minutely, said, rather sternly, "How is this,
+      Fatima! I do not see the key of the blue closet here! Go and bring it to
+      me instantly."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0011" id="linkimage-0011"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:65%;">
+      <img src="images/0023m.jpg" alt="0023m " width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h5>
+      <a href="images/0023.jpg"><i>Original</i></a>
+    </h5>
+    <p>
+      The poor girl, feeling the crisis of her fate approaching, said, "I will
+      go and search for it," and left the apartment in tears. She went straight
+      to her sister's chamber, where they again tried, but in vain, to remove
+      the blood from the key. The voice of Blue Beard again calling for her, she
+      was forced to return, and reluctantly to give him the fatal key.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      On examining the key, Blue Beard burst into a terrible rage. "Pray Madam,"
+      said he, "how came this blood to be here?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I am sure I do not know," replied she, trembling, and turning pale.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "What! do you not know!" cried Blue Beard, in a voice like thunder, which
+      made poor Fatima start with fear; "but I know well! You have been in the
+      forbidden blue closet! And since you are so fond of prying into secrets,
+      you shall take up your abode with the ladies you saw there."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0012" id="linkimage-0012"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:65%;">
+      <img src="images/0024m.jpg" alt="0024m " width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h5>
+      <a href="images/0024.jpg"><i>Original</i></a>
+    </h5>
+    <p>
+      Almost expiring with fear and terror, the trembling Fatima sunk upon her
+      knees, and implored him in the most piteous manner to forgive her. But the
+      cruel Blue Beard, deaf to her intreaties, drew his dreadful scymetar, and
+      bid her prepare for immediate death.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Blue Beard had raised his arm to give the fatal blow, when a dreadful
+      shriek from her sister, who at that moment entered the apartment, arrested
+      his attention. She entreated him to spare the life of Fatima, but he was
+      deaf to her intercession, and would only grant her one quarter of an hour,
+      that she might make her peace with Heaven, before he put her to death.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Blue Beard then dragged her up to a large hall in the top of the tower of
+      the castle, to prevent her groans being heard, to which they were followed
+      by her sister. He then told her to make the best use of the time, as she
+      might expect his return the moment it elapsed, and immediately left the
+      place.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br />
+    </p>
+    <p class="pfirst">
+      <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">W</span>hen alone with her
+      sister, Fatima felt her dreadful situation, and again burst into tears.
+      Only fifteen minutes between her and the most cruel death, without the
+      least chance of escape; for Blue Beard had secured the door when he
+      retired, and the staircase they saw only led to the battlements. Fatima's
+      thoughts were now turned to her brothers, whom she expected that day; and
+      she requested her sister to ascend to the top of the tower, to see if
+      there was any appearance of them.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Fatima's sister immediately ascended to the top of the battlements, while
+      the poor trembling girl below, every minute, cried out, "Sister Anne, my
+      dear sister Anne, do you see any one coming yet?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Her sister always replied, "There is not a human being in view, and I see
+      nothing but the sun and the grass."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She was upon her knees bewailing her fate, when Blue Beard, in a
+      tremendous voice, cried out, "Are you ready?" the time is expired and she
+      heard the sound of his footsteps approaching. She again supplicated him to
+      allow her five minutes longer to finish her prayers, which he, knowing she
+      was completely within his power, granted her, and again left her.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Fatima again renewed her inquiries to her sister "Do you see any one
+      coming yet?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Her sister replied, "There is not a human being within sight."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When the five minutes were elapsed,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "I see," said her sister, "a cloud of dust rising a little to the left."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In breathless agitation, she cried, "Do you think it is my brothers?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The voice of Blue Beard was heard bawling out, "Are you ready yet?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She again beseeched him to allow her only two minutes more, and then
+      addressed her sister, "Dear Anne, do you see any one coming yet?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0013" id="linkimage-0013"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:65%;">
+      <img src="images/0027m.jpg" alt="0027m " width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h5>
+      <a href="images/0027.jpg"><i>Original</i></a>
+    </h5>
+    <p>
+      "Alas! no, my dearest Fatima," returned her sister, "it is only a flock of
+      sheep."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Again the voice of Blue Beard was heard, and she begged for one minute
+      longer. She then called out for the last time, "Sister Anne, do you see no
+      one coming yet?"
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br />
+    </p>
+    <p class="pfirst">
+      <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">H</span>er sister quickly
+      answered, "I see two men on horseback, but they are still a great way
+      off."
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      "Thank heaven," exclaimed Fatima, "I shall yet be saved, for it must be my
+      two brothers! My dearest sister, make every signal in your power to hasten
+      them forward, or they will be too late." Blue Beard's patience being now
+      exhausted, he burst open the door in a rage, and made a blow at the
+      wretched Fatima, with the intention of striking off her head; but she
+      sprang close to him and evaded it. Furious at being foiled in his aim, he
+      threw her from him, and then seizing her by the hair of the head, was in
+      the act of striking her a blow with his scymetar, when the noise of
+      persons approaching, with hasty steps, arrested the progress of his
+      sanguinary arm. Blue Beard had not time to conjecture who the intruders
+      might be, when the door opened, and two officers, with their swords drawn,
+      rushed into the apartment.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Struck with terror, the guilty wretch released his wife from his grasp,
+      and without attempting to resist, he tried to effect his escape from the
+      resentment of her brothers; but they pursued and seized him before he had
+      got above twenty paces from the place.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0014" id="linkimage-0014"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:65%;">
+      <img src="images/0029m.jpg" alt="0029m " width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h5>
+      <a href="images/0029.jpg"><i>Original</i></a>
+    </h5>
+    <p>
+      After reproaching Blue Beard with his cruelty, they dragged him back to
+      the spot where he intended to have murdered their sister; and there,
+      stabbing him to the heart with their swords, he expired, uttering the most
+      horrid oaths and execrations.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br />
+    </p>
+    <p class="pfirst">
+      <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">F</span>atima, who had
+      fallen to the ground at the time Blue Beard quitted his hold of her, still
+      lay in the same situation insensible; for the appearance of her brothers,
+      at the moment she expected certain death, had thrown her into a faint,
+      which continued during the whole of the time they were engaged in
+      despatching her husband.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The two young officers now turned their attention to their sister, whom
+      they raised from the ground; but she could hardly be persuaded of her
+      safety, till they pointed to where Blue Beard lay extended and lifeless.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Fatima, on recovering a little, tenderly embraced her deliverers; and the
+      appearance of their sister Anne, who had come down from the top of the
+      battlements, added to their happiness.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /><br /><a name="linkimage-0015" id="linkimage-0015"> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div class="fig" style="width:65%;">
+      <img src="images/0031m.jpg" alt="0031m " width="100%" /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h5>
+      <a href="images/0031.jpg"><i>Original</i></a>
+    </h5>
+    <p>
+      As all those horrid murders which had been committed by Blue Beard, were
+      unknown to his domestics, on whose credulity he imposed by falsehoods,
+      which they had no means of detecting, Fatima and her brothers thought the
+      most prudent way to act, was to assemble them together, and then disclose
+      the wickedness of their late master.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      By the direction of Fatima, her two brothers conducted all the servants to
+      the dreadful scene of her husband's cruelties, and then showing them his
+      dead body, related the whole occurrences which had taken place. They all
+      said that his punishment was not adequate to what he deserved, and begged
+      that they might be continued in the service of their mistress.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As Blue Beard had no relations, Fatima was sole heir to the whole of his
+      immense property, and mistress of the castle, in the possession of which
+      she was confirmed by the laws of the country. She then sent notice to all
+      the families in the neighbourhood of the death of her husband, and the
+      horrid proofs of his cruelty were laid open for two days to all who chose
+      to inspect them. He was then buried privately, along with all the bodies
+      of the ladies he had murdered, and the fatal closet underwent a complete
+      repair, which removed every trace of his barbarity.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Soon after this, Fatima gave a magnificent entertainment to all her
+      friends, where happiness was seen in every face; and on this occasion the
+      poor, who were assembled for many miles round, partook most liberally of
+      her bounty.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Though possessed of riches almost inexhaustible, Fatima disposed of them
+      with so much discretion, that she gained the esteem of every one who knew
+      her. She bestowed handsome fortunes on her two brothers; and to her
+      sister, who was married about two months after, she gave a very large
+      dowry.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The beauty, riches, and amiable conduct of Fatima, attracted a number of
+      admirers, and among others, a young nobleman of very high rank, who, to a
+      handsome person, added every quality calculated to make a good husband;
+      and after a reasonable time spent in courtship, their marriage was
+      celebrated with great rejoicings.
+    </p>
+    <h3>
+      FINIS
+    </h3>
+    <div style="height: 6em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+
+<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 45381 ***</div>
+</body>
+</html>
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