Page 35 - Demo

35when they were all beginning to get used to their new life, their father received news that one of his ships, which he had believed lost, had come safely into port with a rich cargo. All the sons and daughters at once thought that their poverty was at an end and wanted to set out directly for the town; but their father, who was more prudent, begged them to wait a little, and though it was harvest time, and he could ill be spared, determined to go himself to make inquiries.Only the youngest daughter had any doubt but that they would soon again be as rich as they were before. They all loaded their father with commissions for jewels and dresses which it would have taken a fortune to buy; only Beauty, feeling sure that it was of no use, did not ask for anything. Her father, noticing her silence, said: %u201cAnd what shall I bring for you, Beauty?%u201d%u201cThe only thing I wish for is to see you come home safely,%u201d she answered.But this reply vexed her sisters, who fancied she was blaming them for having asked for such costly things. Her father, however, was pleased, but as he thought that at her age she certainly ought to like pretty presents, he told her to choose something.%u201cWell, dear Father,%u201d she said, %u201cas you insist upon it, I beg that you will bring me a rose. I have not seen one since we came here, and I love them so much.%u201dShe asks only for a rose.