Page:Story of Blue Beard, or, The effects of female curiosity.pdf/11

 “Will you come down or not, madam?” said Blue Beard, in the greatest rage imaginable.

“Only one single moment more,” answered she. And then she called out for the last time, “Sister Ann! do you see any one coming?”

“I see,” replied her sister, “two men on horseback coming to the house; but they are still at a great distance.”

“God be praised!” cried she; it is my brothers: give them a sign to make what haste they can.

At the same moment Blue Beard cried out so loud for her to come down, that his voice shook the whole house.

The poor lady with her hair loose, and her eyes swimming in tears, instantly came down, and fell on her knees to Blue Beard, and was going to beg him to spare her life; but he interrupted her saying, “All this is of no use at all, for you shall die:” then seizing her with one hand by the hair, and raising the scimetar he held in the other, was going with one blow to strike off her head.

The unfortunate creature turning towards him, desired to have a single moment allowed for to recollect herself.

“No, no,” said Blue Beard, “I will give you no more time, I am determined—you have had too much already;” and again