Getting to know the beast (48)

Immediately the Evil One disappeared. The Soldier now put on the coat, and dipped his hands into the pockets, to assure himself of the reality of the transaction. Then he hung the bearskin around himself, and went about the world chuckling at his good luck, and buying whatever suited his fancy which money could purchase.

For the first year his appearance was not very remarkable, but in the second he began to look quite a monster. His hair covered almost all his face, his beard appeared like a piece of dirty cloth, his nails were claws, and his countenance was so covered with dirt that one might have grown cresses upon it if one had sown seed!

Whoever looked at him ran away; but because he gave the poor in every place gold coin they prayed that he might not die during the seven years; and because he paid liberally everywhere, he found a night's lodging without difficulty.

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"Bella, would you like to go for a walk with me. The Hospital has a wonderful garden to set in?" Zane asked.

Bella looked up from her book. "Will you read to me?"

Zane laughed "Bella, leave the book here. I want to spend time getting to know each other."

Bella thought about is and then agreed. Zane had to be in a wheelchair so Bella pushed.

It did not take long for her to find the park. They sat down under a Purple Wisteria Tree.

"What kind of tree is this?" Bella asked.

"Wisteria Tree see it has Large purple florals explode on this 10-foot tree. Extremely fragrant, these blooms stand out in the garden. In the summer the Purple Wisteria Tree's attractive foliage will be different but still just as beautiful."

"I love the smell right now." Bella said.

"I'll have some planted for you in our garden." Zane would do anything to keep her happy.

"Tell me what you were like growing up?" Bella asked.

"Well, I was a curious child, my nanny all ways said that 'curiosity kills the cat' but I'm still alive. I loved to read when I was younger at the age of 4 I could already read and understand at a 10th grade level."

"You loved to read, What kind of books." Bella asked.

"I started off with children story, then I was into History Magma, then True History novels. Now I don't have time to read but are enjoying the Fairytales I read to you."

"How many girls have you loved?"

"One"

"What was her name?"

"Bella Beauté"

"Me?"

"Yes you silly girl. You have been the only one to open this beastly heart. I have only loved you." He kissed the hand.

"Do you want children someday?"

"Only with you." Zane said.

Bella blushed at his boldness. She could feel that he loved her and she felt safe with him.

"That enough for today, lets head back." Zane said gathering up their things.

Bella had a great time talking to him and felt she knew him a little better.

When they returned the both showered and he had some work to finish so she read.

◇◇◇♡♡♡◇◇◇ BEARSKIN cont.

In the fourth year he came to an inn where the landlord would not take him in, and refused even to give him a place in his stables, lest the horses should be frightened and become restive.

However, when Bearskin put his hand into his pocket and drew it out full of gold ducats the landlord yielded the point, and gave him a place in the outbuildings, but not till he had promised that he would not show himself, for fear the inn should gain a bad name.

While Bearskin sat by himself in the evening, wishing from his heart that the seven years were over, he heard in the corner a loud groan.

Now the old Soldier had a compassionate heart, so he opened the door and saw an old man weeping violently and wringing his hands.

Bearskin stepped nearer, but the old man jumped up and tried to escape; but when he recognized a human voice he let himself be persuaded, and by kind words and soothings on the part of the old Soldier he at length disclosed the cause of his distress.

His property had dwindled away by degrees, and he and his daughters would have to starve, for he was so poor that he had not the money to pay the host, and would therefore be put into prison.

"If you have no care except that," replied Bearskin, "I have money enough"; and causing the landlord to be called, he paid him, and put a purse full of gold besides into the pocket of the old man. The latter, when he saw himself released from his troubles, knew not how to be sufficiently grateful, and said to the Soldier, "Come with me; my daughters are all wonders of beauty, so choose one of them for a wife. When they hear what you have done for me they will not refuse you. You appear certainly an uncommon man, but they will soon put you to rights."

This speech pleased Bearskin, and he went with the old man. As soon as the eldest daughter saw him, she was so terrified at his countenance that she shrieked out and ran away.

The second one stopped and looked at him from head to foot; but at last she said, "How can I take a husband who has not a bit of a human countenance? The grizzly bear would have pleased me better who came to see us once, and gave himself out as a man, for he wore a hussar's hat, and had white gloves on besides."

But the youngest daughter said, "Dear father, this must be a good man who has assisted you out of your troubles; if you have promised him a bride for the service your word must be kept"

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Bella put her book down as the Doctor came in to give the the Ok to head home if they like.

When the got home Bella walked to the kitchen. She was hungry and wanted to make a meal for her and her beast.

In the fridge she found tilapia. She poached it with lemons and fresh herbs. She made some wild rice and green beans with scallions. It smelled good.

She made her way to Zanes office with the plates.

He was surprised but very glad she was doing things besides reading.