Tales from the Brothers Grimm and the Sisters Weird (11 page)

After a few moments, Beauty leaned over him. "Is it
really
you, Beast?" she asked.

"It's really me."

She sighed. "Well, then," she said, resigned, "I suppose I can love you as well in this shape as in any other."

The man who had been Beast sat up and kissed both her hands, and then he kissed her lips.

"Would you consider growing a beard?" Beauty asked.

"Anything for you, my love."

And they lived happily ever after, with frequent visits from both sets of parents, who all came
in
side the castle to see them, though Beast's mother complained frequently about his beard and about Beauty's housekeeping.