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The two young ladies, who were as civil as they possibly could, 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.
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 ex-
