She then took the little key , and opened it , trembling , but could not at first see anything plainly , because the windows were shut . After some moments she began to perceive that the floor was all covered over with clotted blood , on which lay the bodies of several dead women , ranged against the walls . -LRB- These were all the wives whom Blue Beard had married and murdered , one after another . -RRB- She thought she should have died for fear , and the key , which she pulled out of the lock , fell out of her hand . After having somewhat recovered her surprise , she took up the key , locked the door , and went upstairs into her chamber to recover herself ; but she could not , she was so much frightened . Having observed that the key of the closet was stained with blood , she tried two or three times to wipe it off , but the blood would not come out ; in vain did she wash it , and even rub it with soap and sand ; the blood still remained , for the key was magical and she could never make it quite clean ; when the blood was gone off from one side , it came again on the other . Blue Beard returned from his journey the same evening , and said he had received letters upon the road , informing him that the affair he went about was ended to his advantage . His wife did all she could to convince him she was extremely glad of his speedy return . Next morning he asked her for the keys , which she gave him , but with such a trembling hand that he easily guessed what had happened . `` What ! '' said he , `` is not the key of my closet among the rest ? '' `` I must certainly have left it above upon the table , '' said she . `` Fail not to bring it to me presently , '' said Blue Beard . After several goings backward and forward she was forced to bring him the key . Blue Beard , having very attentively considered it , said to his wife , `` How comes this blood upon the key ? '' `` I do not know , '' cried the poor woman , paler than death . `` You do not know ! '' replied Blue Beard . `` I very well know . You were resolved to go into the closet , were you not ?
Mighty well , madam ; you shall go XXXXX , and take your place among the ladies you saw there . ''
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