Blue Beard became acquainted with the mother of these young ladies; who having found that he was a gentleman of agreeable conversation and pleasing manners, told her daughters, she would not allow them to be so rude as to shun any person merely on account of a circumstance for which he ought not to be blamed nor despised. She told them that she did not desire them to like this gentleman either for his wealth or his behaviour; but that it was improper in them to show such weakness, as to avoid any one for such a peculiarity; she reminded them how liable we all are to changes of appearance, from beauty to ugliness, by diseases which we can neither prevent nor remove; and that if they shunned one man because he had a blue beard, they might also avoid others for having black hair, or grey eyes. The young ladies were convinced of the propriety of what their mamma said; and though they were quite sure that they could never like Blue Beard, yet they resolved to remain in the room when he visited their mother, and to speak to him with proper civility. After a few days he visited the house again, and had an opportunity of seeing and conversing with the young ladies; they treated him with politeness, and their fears (for they had been somewhat afraid of him) began to subside. He met them in the same manner two or three times afterwards; and at length prevailed on the old lady to come with her daughters to his castle, and there spend with him a few days. [Illustration: Mr. Blue Beard has bad dreams, and determines to get married again.] Vanity on their own account, and respect towards Blue Beard, induced them to make the greatest preparations for the intended visit. The young ladies thought of little but the magnificence of the dresses they should wear, and the taste which should be displayed in every part of their appearance. Indeed, if both the young ladies had really been extremely fond of Blue Beard, they could not have taken greater pains to show themselves off, than they employed in preparing for their appearance at the castle. But, in truth, neither of them liked him. Such, however, is the thoughtless pride of some young ladies, that scarcely any thing pleases them so well as an opportunity of surpassing each other in displaying off their dress, jewels, or other finery. [Illustration: Blue Beard's servant announces his master's intention of coming a courting, to an interesting young lady.]