The Wonderful Story of Blue Beard

ANY years ago, a noble castle stood on the side of a hill, surrounded by the most beautiful gardens, groves, and fields. It was the residence of a man amazingly rich; and who therefore had the rooms of his castle furnished with all the elegance that opulence could obtain.
Almost every one would suppose, that there could hardly be a happier man than the possessor of so much wealth, and such a stately dwelling: but it is not in the power of riches to give happiness; nor can splendor remove every cause of sorrow and discontent.
It was the misfortune of this gentleman to be somewhat disfigured, by the extraordinary circumstance of having a blue beard. His general complexion was fair; and the hair on his head was of a light brown colour. It is therefore no wonder that, with a blue beard, his appearance should be considered so remarkable as to be almost forbidding; indeed it was thought so strange, that he was known only by the name of Blue Beard.