***

In the meantime, at the tavern, Gaston and Lefou met Monsieur D’Arque who worked at the asylum.

“I don’t usually leave the asylum in the middle of the night,” said Monsieur D’Arque, “but they said
you’d make it worth my while.”

Gaston didn’t say anything. He only pulled out a sack of gold. As soon as Monsieur D’Arque saw it, he
realized Gaston wanted to offer him the money for something in return. “Aah, I’m listening,” he said.

Gaston began to talk, “It’s like this. I’ve got my heart set on marrying Belle, but she needs a little
persuasion… Everyone knows her father’s a lunatic. He was in here tonight raving about a Beast in a
castle…”

“Maurice is harmless,” said Monsieur D’Arque.

“The point is,” Gaston continued, “Belle would do anything to keep him from being locked up.”

“Yeah, even marry him!” added Lefou.

“So you want me to throw her father in the asylum unless she agrees to marry you?” asked D’Arque.

Gaston nodded. Monsieur D’Arque was an evil man, he liked the idea.

“Oh, that is despicable. I love it!” he said.

***

Gaston, Lefou and D’Arque went to Maurice’s cottage. Maurice was getting ready to go to the castle.

“If no one will help me, then I’ll go back alone,” he said, “I don’t care what it takes. I’ll find that castle
and somehow I’ll get her out of there.”

Maurice left the cottage and started his journey. When Gaston, Lefou and D’Arque arrived, he was
already gone. Since they had no other choice, they decided to wait until Belle and her father would come
home.

18