“ Indeed, if both the young ladies had really been extremely fond of Blue Beard, they could not have taken greater pains to show themselves off, than they employed [5] in preparing for their appearance at the castle. But, in truth, neither of them liked him. Such, however, is the thoughtless pride of some young ladies, that scarcely any thing pleases them so well as an opportunity of surpassing each other in displaying off their dress, jewels, or other finery. ”

“ Whatever wealth could purchase, or ingenuity contrive, were provided to give to her natural charms all the embellishments which art could bestow.
Nor was Blue Beard himself unemployed: he not only gave orders for himself, but all his servants were provided with the richest clothes, according to their respective situations.
Numerous as were his horses, additional ones were purchased; and new carriages of the grandest designs and the most costly materials, were prepared for his bride against the approaching happy day. ”

“ The splendor and riches of the castle lost all their charms; Fatima no longer prided herself upon her good fortune; she felt that no creature could be more miserable than she was. How soon Blue Beard would return, she had no means of conjecturing; it was not likely, however, that he would be at the castle again for some days to come; she therefore resolved to escape from this dreadful mansion as soon as the entertainment, which was appointed for the next day, should have taken place.
When she arose in the morning, she communicated to her sister the intention she had formed ”

“ Amongst the families that lived within a short distance of his castle, there was an elderly lady and her two daughters. Both these young ladies were highly accomplished, and much admired: but the younger of the two was also thought to be unusually handsome, and was therefore noticed rather more than her sister. It often happens, that beauty is a misfortune; because, if a young lady has not good sense, it will make her vain; and a vain girl generally falls into some kind of misery or trouble.
Blue Beard became acquainted with the mother of these young ladies ”

“ She told them that she did not desire them to like this gentleman either for his wealth or his behaviour; but that it was improper in them to show such weakness, as to avoid any one for such a peculiarity; she reminded them how liable we all are to changes of appearance, from beauty to ugliness, by diseases which we can neither prevent nor remove; and that if they shunned one man because he had a blue beard, they might also avoid others for having black hair, or grey eyes.
The young ladies were convinced of the propriety of what their mamma said ”

“ It could not have been his wish to conceal any articles of value; as nothing could be more valuable than the contents of the treasury. After some deliberation, Fatima said that they could do no harm by merely looking inside; and although her sister reminded her of the promise she had made her husband, and of his express desire, yet she resolved to gratify her irresistible curiosity, and put the [17] key to the door. ”

“ I must however most earnestly caution and require you not to open the blue closet at the end of the gallery; and although I leave the key of it with you, yet I trust you will have the prudence to fulfil my wishes in this particular. Remember this, as you value my love and your own life [15] and happiness."
Mr. Blue Beard in a passion. ”

“ They proceeded into a drawing room that completely surpassed their ideas of grandeur; almost every piece of furniture was of silver; the floor was covered with white velvet, but was ornamented with needle-work that must have occupied the [7] labour of years ”