Page:History of Blue Beard.pdf/8

8 never once thought of the blue closet, which Blue Beard had given her such strict commands not to open; but when all the visitors were gone, and she had retired to her chamber, the restrictions that Blue Beard had put upon her not to examine the closet, raised her curiosity to know its contents to such a degree, as to be almost irresistible.

She took out the key, which was made of the finest gold, with several characters engraved on the handle; and after examining it carefully, she went to consult with her sister on the subject that engrossed her thoughts. Anne used every argument she could think of to persuade Fatima against the imprudence of her desires, in wishing to pry into what Blue



Beard had so strictly forbidden, and also reminded her of the threats he had used; but they were all in vain, for her remonstrances only served to raise Fatima's curiosity the higher, and she determined to gratify it, whatever the result might be.

From the lateness of the hour, she knew there was no danger of her being observed by any of the servants; therefore, in spite of all that her sister could do, she seized one of the candles, and hurried down stairs to the fatal closet. On reaching the door she stopped, and began to reason with herself on the propriety of her conduct; but her anxiety to know what the closet contained, and thinking, as Blue Beard was so very fond of her, that he would easily forgive her disobeying him, she, with a trembling hand, applied the key to the lock, and opened the door.

After unlocking the door, she remained a few moments undetermined whether to proceed or not, but her curiosity urged her forward; and as she observed nothing to intimidate her, she entered with some little degree of resolution. She