one of these Bluebeard wished to marry, but
which he did not mind, they might settle that between themselves.

Neither of these girls had the least desire to have a husband with a
blue beard, and also, not knowing the fate of the other wives, they
did not like to risk disappearing from the world as those had done,
but being very polite young women they would not refuse Bluebeard's
proposals outright. The younger said, "I would not for a moment take
away Sister Anne's chance of marrying such a wealthy man," while
Sister Anne declared that, although the elder, she would much prefer
to give way to her sister. And so it went on for some time.

Then Bluebeard invited the widow and her daughters to spend a week
with him, and many of their neighbours he also invited.

Most sumptuous was the entertainment provided for them. Hunting and
fishing expeditions, picnics and balls went on from morning till
night, and all the night through, so that there was not time even to
think of sleep, only feasting and pleasure the whole week long.

So well, indeed, did the younger sister enjoy this, that by the end of
the week she had begun to think perhaps after all her host's beard was
not so very blue, and that it would be a fine thing to be the mistress
of such a magnificent mansion, and the wife of such a rich husband.

And so, not long afterwards, there was a grand wedding, and the
widow's younger daughter became Mrs. Bluebeard.

About a month later, Bluebeard told his wife that he must leave her
for several weeks, having to travel on business.

"While I am absent, my dear," said he, "invite your relations and
friends and enjoy yourself just as you please in entertaining them.
See here are my keys, the keys of the rooms and of the chests where I
keep my money, my gold and silver plate, and my jewels. Unlock rooms
and chests and use freely what you will."

[Illustration]

"This small key," he added, pointing to quite a little one, "is the
key of the door at the end of the lower landing, you will not need to
use this at all. In fact, should you open that door, or even put this
key into the lock, I should be dreadfully angry, indeed I should make
you suffer for it in a terrible way."

Then Bluebeard bid his wife good-bye, and departed.

As soon as Mrs. Bluebeard's friends and relations knew that her
husband was away, they came flocking to visit her, for they longed to
see all her splendid possessions, but had feared to come befor