Beauty and the Beast - A Fairy Tale

"BEAUTY" was the youngest of the three daughters of a Merchant. She had been called "Beauty" from her birth, on account of her surpassing Her features were not only handsome in themselves, but they were rendered still more so by the charming modesty, kindness, and frankness which were always beaming in her face. She was beloved by all who were able to value her merits, and was most dear to her father, who had lost his wife, for she was his chief and best companion. Her two sisters were also beautiful in their forms, but their minds were wicked and corrupt. As long as their speech was not heard and their manners not known, they appeared to be handsome, but their beauty seemed to vanish after a little acquaintance with them. They were vain, haughty, and untruthful. The Merchant was once very rich. ...