Page "Bluebeard" Paragraph 3

Very shortly after, Bluebeard announces that he must leave the country for a while ; he gives all the keys of the château to his new wife, telling her they open the doors to rooms which contain his treasures.

He tells her to use the keys freely, and enjoy herself while he is away.

However, he also gives her the key to one small room beneath the castle, stressing to her that she must not enter this room under any circumstances.

She vows she will never enter the room.

He then goes away and leaves the house in her hands.

Immediately she is overcome with the desire to see what the forbidden room holds, and despite warnings from her visiting sister, Anne, the girl abandons her guests during a house party, and takes the key to the room.