The Wonderful Story of Blue Beard, and His Last Wife — Reading Companion

Nor was Blue Beard himself unemployed: he not only gave orders for himself, but all his servants were provided with the richest clothes, according to their respective situations.

Numerous as were his horses, additional ones were purchased; and new carriages of the grandest designs and the most costly materials, were prepared for his bride against the approaching happy day.

When the morning arrived on which this interesting ceremony was to take place, the day had scarcely dawned when sounds of joy were heard. The servants arose to prepare for the series of magnificence that was to take place; but none of them were moving about earlier than the bride and bridegroom; who, as they were the most immediately interested, were also the most anxious, and therefore among the most early, in preparing for the events of the day.

The company assembled to breakfast, and every thing marked the magnificence of the occasion; and every countenance contributed to the general cheerfulness. The church in which the ceremony was to take place was at some distance. The company proceeded thither in ten carriages, each drawn by six horses, and attended by a great retinue of servants. The carriage in which the bride and bridegroom were seated, was drawn by Arabian horses; the harness was made of white silk, woven on purpose; the trappings were of pure silver; the carriage itself was chiefly formed of pearl, ivory, and silver; and was lined with white satin, beautifully embossed.

When the procession approached the church, it was met by one hundred young maidens, dressed in white, singing to a band of the most skilful musicians: and when the company alighted, the young maidens strewed flowers for them to walk upon.

When the ceremony was over, they returned in the same manner, and were treated with the same complimentary services: that the hearts of all might rejoice, the bride and bridegroom distributed money as they passed along.

The dinner far exceeded in sumptuousness all that imagination can conceive. In the different recesses of this noble apartment, artificial fountains were playing the most odoriferous waters. The most luxuriant fruit-trees, standing in vases of gold, invited the guests to pluck the delicious fruits they bore.

In the evening, the company were introduced to a ball room. But so resplendent was this saloon, that on entering it, the eye was subdued by its incomparable radiance.

Transparencies, executed by the most eminent painters, charmed the attentive mind on every side; and the intervening spaces were filled up with variegated lamps, all of which were hung upon the surface of reflecting glass; while from the centre of the ceiling, a chandelier, suspended by a chain of gold, diffused the splendor of five hundred wax-lights. Here, also, were fountains of aromatic waters, and groves of exotic fruit-trees.

In this apartment, which seemed to realize the fabled stories of enchantment, dancing, and every other description of amusement, was continued, until folding windows opened, as if of their own accord, and disclosed a covered path through the most delightful part of the gardens, to a room in which supper was prepared: this path was entirely illuminated by splendid lamps; and the most brilliant fireworks were unremittingly discharged by artists engaged for the purpose.

The bride seemed to think that her life must necessarily consist of pleasure and happiness: indeed, she could imagine nothing that could be wanting to complete her wishes.

The utmost expectations of the young wife were fully gratified: every thing that she could wish for was hers, and her husband behaved with a kindness which made her feel truly happy.

Some time after the marriage had taken place, however, Blue Beard informed his wife that he had occasion to take a journey on account of some business, to which he must attend; "but I beg you, my dearest Fatima, (for that was the young lady's name,) to have every sort of entertainment that can amuse you during my absence. Here are all the keys of the castle; you may therefore examine the different apartments which you have not seen; and I hope you will find some that will surprise and please you as well as those with which you are already acquainted. I must however most earnestly caution and require you not to open the blue closet at the end of the gallery; and although I leave the key of it with you, yet I trust you will have the prudence to fulfil my wishes in this particular. Remember this, as you value my love and your own life and happiness."