The next day, Belle divided her time between eavesdropping on village conversations in hopes of hearing news of the Beast, and wistfully watching Gaston's house. At times, she heard roars and growls coming from within, and feared the worst.
The following day, Belle overheard a man mention to another that Gaston was at the tavern. Belle hurried there immediately.
Inside, she saw Gaston surrounded by his usual group of fans and lackeys. "I don't know how you do it, Gaston," cooed Bunny (or Bambi or Bubbles), batting her eyes at him. "Having such a ferocious monster right in your own house! Why, I'd be scared to death!"
Gaston shrugged. "It's dangerous, all right. No lesser man could control such a powerful creature. But for me, it's easy. It's just a matter of making it clear who's in charge."
"I don't know, Gaston," said LeFou nervously. "Do you really think it's such a good idea to keep this beast alive, right here in the village? Not that I'm worried for myself, of course," he added hastily. "But I mean, think of the women and children! Wouldn't we all be safer if you just killed him, like you said that night?" There were murmurs of agreement from some of the other villagers.
Gaston turned a cold eye on LeFou. "Do you mean to suggest that I don't know what I'm doing?" he said dangerously.
LeFou wilted under his gaze. "N-no, of course not," he stammered. "I only meant--"
"Do you really believe I'd allow the women and chilldren of this village to be in danger?" Gaston demanded.
"No, no," LeFou said hastily.
"I said I can control this monster, and I can," Gaston stated firmly. "If at any point, I see a problem, of course I'll kill him without hesitation."
Satisfied, the villagers went back to their drinks. If Gaston was in charge, of course everything would be all right.
"Gaston!" The room fell silent as Belle approached. "Why do you keep telling lies?" she demanded. "You know as well as I do that the Beast wouldn't hurt anyone."
"R-i-i-ight," said Gaston, drawing out the syllable. "He's 'kind and gentle.' Just like a little baby kitten. We heard that before." He rolled his eyes. The villagers laughed.
Belle heard lots of whispers among the villagers then: "Crazy...loony...just like her father...all those books she reads, putting wild ideas in her head...needs to get married, that'd straighten her out."
Belle knew it was no use trying to convince them. They firmly believed that the Beast was a murderous monster who would kill them all if Gaston was not there to hold him back.
"Belle," Gaston said patronizingly, "You're obviously upset and not thinking clearly. Why don't I walk you home? I'm sure you'll feel better after a good night's sleep."
Belle did not resist as Gaston put his arm around her and led her out of the tavern. She knew he had to lie in front of the townspeople. Alone, she could speak to him plainly.
"I want to see the Beast," she insisted when they were outside.
To her surprise, he nodded. "Of course, Belle. Whatever you wish." She wondered what he had up his sleeve.