The Bloody Chamber and Other Stories

A young woman waits for her father’s return, fearing he’s been caught in a snowstorm. Elsewhere, her father’s car has stalled. He goes to find help and comes to a manor. He goes inside and finds it empty aside from a dog, so he makes himself at home. Food and drink appear to have been left for him. After he eats, he finds a phone and a business card for a mechanic, whom he speaks to about his vehicle. However, he’s not able to call his daughter, Beauty. The dog then shows him out. On his way out, the father sees a perfect single rose and picks it for Beauty. Suddenly, his previously unseen host arrives: a “leonine apparition” (45) who attacks him and calls himself “the Beast.” The man protests that the rose was for his daughter, and shows him a photograph. The Beast studies it, then demands the man invite her to dinner. Beauty joins them soon after. She is repulsed by him, but agrees to stay while her father is away on business. During her stay, she lives in luxury but does not see the Beast. Her food is stealthily delivered; after she eats, the dog leads her to the Beast in his study.