Hi, Anton!  Recently you wrote in a message to Ardith Hinton:

AH> The fairy strongly suggested,  instructed,  or  demanded
AH> that  the  Beast  not  let others know he was a handsome
AH> prince until after  he'd  found  a  suitable  bride  who
AH> regarded his good nature as much more important than his
AH> looks.  WRT the word "understanding", I think the author
AH> is  referring  to his comprehension or interpretation of
AH> how the spell works & of how  it  may  be  broken.   The
AH> terms  don't  appear to be negotiable.  But in this case
AH> they do enable him to be sure who honestly loves him for
AH> the right reasons....  :-)

AS> But  must  be  awarded  with  the  wrong ones in the end! 
 
 
          Yes, that thought crossed my mind too.  On the surface of it goodness is rewarded... but if we examine the situation in more depth we notice that the prince no longer looks like the man his future bride has fallen in love with.
   
          The writer seems to assume both parties would be happy with this turn of events.  However, there are other possibilities... e.g. Belle may have liked the way he looked once she'd grown used to it &/or felt relieved that there was little chance of having other women beat a path to his door.  He may not try so hard to be "Mr. Nice Guy" when he looks a lot more presentable, either....  :-Q



AS> An excellent explanation, Ardith. 

    
          Thank you.  I liked yours as well....  :-)



AS> It is the prince's understanding of his predicament.

    
          Agreed... that is my interpretation here.  :-)




--- timEd/386 1.10.y2k+