her sister of the opportunity of marrying so much to her advantage. But the truth was, they could not bear the ⟨thoughts⟩ of having a husband with a blue beard and, besides, they had heard of his having already been married to several wives, and nobody could tell what had afterwards become of them.
As Blue Beard wished very much to gain their favour, he invited the lady and her daughters, and some ladies who were on a visit at their house, to accompany him to one of his country seats, where they spent a whole week; during which nothing was thought of but parties for hunting and fishing, music, dancing, collations, and the most delightful entertainments. No one thought of going to bed, and the nights Were passed in merriment of every kind.
In short, the time had passed so agreeably, that the youngest of the two sisters began to think that the beard which had so much terrified her was not so very blue; and that the gentleman to whom it belonged was vastly civil and pleasing.
Soon after they returned home, she told her mother that she had no longer any objection to accept of Blue Beard for her husband; and accordingly in a short time they were married.
About a month after the marriage had
