Page 29 - Beauty and the Beast

Suddenly he saw, at the end of a long avenue of
trees, a strong light. It seemed to be some
distance away, but he walked towards it, and
presently discovered that it came from a large
palace, which was all lit up.
The merchant thanked heaven for sending him
this help, and hastened to the castle. To his
surprise, however, he found no one about in the
courtyards. His horse, which had followed him,
saw a large stable open and went in; and on
finding hay and oats in readiness the poor animal,
which was dying of hunger, set to with a will. The
merchant tied him up in the stable, and
approached the house, where he found not a soul.
He entered a large room; here there was a good
fire, and a table laden with food, but with a place
laid for one only. The rain and snow had soaked
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