But Beauty thought she had never known such a long day , for she was so anxious to see the Beast again that she felt as if suppertime would never come . But when it did come and no Beast appeared she was really frightened ; so , after listening and waiting for a long time , she ran down into the garden to search for him . Up and down the paths and avenues ran poor Beauty , calling him in vain , for no one answered , and not a trace of him could she find ; until at last , quite tired , she stopped for a minute 's rest , and saw that she was standing opposite the shady path she had seen in her dream . She rushed down it , and , sure enough , there was the cave , and in it lay the Beast -- asleep , as Beauty thought . Quite glad to have found him , she ran up and stroked his head , but , to her horror , he did not move or open his eyes . `` Oh ! he is dead ; and it is all my fault , '' said Beauty , crying bitterly . But then , looking at him again , she fancied he still breathed , and , hastily fetching some water from the nearest fountain , she sprinkled it over his face , and , to her great delight , he began to revive . `` Oh ! Beast , how you frightened me ! '' she cried . `` I never knew how much I loved you until just now , when I feared I was too late to save your life . '' `` Can you really love such an ugly creature as I am ? '' said the Beast faintly . `` Ah ! Beauty , you only came just in time . I was dying because I thought you had forgotten your promise . But go back now and rest , I shall see you again by and by . '' Beauty , who had half expected that he would be angry with her , was reassured by his gentle voice , and went back to the palace , where supper was awaiting her ; and afterward the Beast came in as usual , and talked about the time she had spent with her father , asking if she had enjoyed herself , and if they had all been very glad to see her . Beauty answered politely , and quite enjoyed telling him all that had happened to her .
And when at last the time came for him to go , and he asked , XXXXX he had so often asked before , `` Beauty , will you marry me ? ''
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