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 had like to have turned the heads of the two eldest daughters, who immediately flattered themselves with the hope of returning to town; for they were quite weary of a country life; and, when they saw their father ready to set out, they begged of him to buy them new gowns, caps, rings, and all manner of trifles; but Beauty asked for nothing, for she thought to herself, that all the money her father was going to receive would scarce be sufficient to purchase every thing her sisters wanted. “What will you have, Beauty?” said her father. “Since you are so good as to think of me,” answered she, “be so kind as to bring me a rose; for, as none grow hereabouts, they are a kind of rarity.” Not that Beauty cared for a rose, but she asked for something, lest she should seem by her example to condemn her sisters’ conduct, who would have said she did it only to look particular. The good man went on his journey; but when he arrived there, they went to law with him about the merchandise, and after a great deal of trouble and pains to no purpose, he came back as poor as before.

He was within thirty miles of his own house; thinking on the pleasure he should have in seeing his children again, when, going through a