Page:Popular story of Blue Beard, or, The effects of female curiosity.pdf/18

( 18 ) Blue Beard, after he had promised to allow this, in order to secure his viction during the short space allotted her for prayer, and that her screams, or groans. might not reach the domestics, led, or rather dragged her up a large hall, in the top of the tower of the castle, to which they were followed by her sister. He then told her to make the best use of the time, as she might expect his return the moment it elapsed, and immediately left the place.

When alone with her sister, Fatima felt her dreadful situation, and again burst into tears. Only fifteen minutes between her and the most cruel death, without the least chance of escape; for Blue Beard had secured the door when he retired, and the staircase they saw only led to the battlements. Fatima's thoughts were now turned to her brothers, whom she expected that day, and she requested her sister to ascend to the top of the tower, to see if there was any appearance of them, for on them her whole expectation of deliverance now rested; or, if she saw any person approaching, to beckon them to come to her assistance.

Fatima's sister immediately ascended to the top of the battlements, where she stood to