If neither of them is willing , you must come alone , after bidding them good-by for ever , for then you will belong to me . And do not imagine that you can hide from me , for if you fail to keep your word I will come and fetch you ! '' added the Beast grimly . The merchant accepted this proposal , though he did not really think any of his daughters could be persuaded to come . He promised to return at the time appointed , and then , anxious to escape from the presence of the Beast , he asked permission to set off at once . But the Beast answered that he could not go until next day . `` Then you will find a horse ready for you , '' he said . `` Now go and eat your supper , and await my orders . '' The poor merchant , more dead than alive , went back to his room , where the most delicious supper was already served on the little table which was drawn up before a blazing fire . But he was too terrified to eat , and only tasted a few of the dishes , for fear the Beast should be angry if he did not obey his orders . When he had finished he heard a great noise in the next room , which he knew meant that the Beast was coming . As he could do nothing to escape his visit , the only thing that remained was to seem as little afraid as possible ; so when the Beast appeared and asked roughly if he had supped well , the merchant answered humbly that he had , thanks to his host 's kindness . Then the Beast warned him to remember their agreement , and to prepare his daughter exactly for what she had to expect . `` Do not get up to-morrow , '' he added , `` until you see the sun and hear a golden bell ring . Then you will find your breakfast waiting for you here , and the horse you are to ride will be ready in the courtyard . He will also bring you back again when you come with your daughter a month hence . Farewell . Take a rose to Beauty , and remember your promise ! '' The merchant was only too glad when the Beast went away , and though he could not sleep for sadness , he lay down until the sun rose . Then , after a hasty breakfast , he went to gather Beauty 's rose , and mounted his horse , which carried him off so swiftly that in an instant he had lost sight of the palace , and he was still wrapped in gloomy thoughts when it stopped before the door of the cottage .
His sons and daughters , who had been very uneasy at his long absence , rushed to meet him , eager XXXXX know the result of his journey , which , seeing him mounted upon a splendid horse and wrapped in a rich mantle , they supposed to be favorable .
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