Before the others stirred, she made haste to clean the house and prepare breakfast for the family. When they came to their country house, the merchant applied himself to farming and Beauty rose at four in the morning. But, added they, we are extremely concerned for Beauty, she is such a charming, sweet-tempered creature who speaks so kindly to poor people and has such a friendly, gracious nature. As they were not liked on account of their pride, everybody said they do not deserve to be pitied, we are very glad to see their pride humbled, let them go and give themselves quality airs in milking the cows and minding their dairy. But the good ladies were mistaken, for their lovers slighted and forsook them in their poverty. The two eldest answered that they would never have to leave the town, for they had several prominent merchants who they were sure would be glad to have them, though they had no fortune. Suddenly, all at once the merchant lost his whole fortune, accepting a small country house at a great distance from town, and told his children with tears in his eyes that they must go there and work for their living. They went out every day to parties, balls, plays, concerts, and so forth, and they laughed at their youngest sister, because she spent the greatest part of her time in reading good books. They gave themselves ridiculous airs, and would not visit other merchants' daughters, nor keep company with any but persons of quality. The two eldest had a great deal of pride because they were rich.

Beauty and the beast doodles