Then they found their tongues , and exclaimed together : ` Oh , yes , yes , my lord ! we will do everything you tell us . How could we be so ungrateful as to disobey you , when you are so kind ? ' The king smiled , and his eyes twinkled . ` Well , let us start at once , ' said he . ` Lock your door , and put the key in your pocket . ' The woman looked as if she thought this was needless , seeing it was quite , quite certain they would never come back . But she dared not say so , and did as the king told her . After walking through the forest for a couple of miles , they all three reached the palace , and by the king 's orders servants led the charcoal-burner and his wife into rooms filled with beautiful things such as they had never even dreamed of . First they bathed in green marble baths where the water looked like the sea , and then they put on silken clothes that felt soft and pleasant . When they were ready , one of the king 's special servants entered , and took them into a small hall , where dinner was laid , and this pleased them better than anything else . They were just about to sit down to the table when the king walked in . ' I hope you have been attended to properly , ' said he , ` and that you will enjoy your dinner . My steward will take care you have all you want , and I wish you to do exactly as you please . Oh , by the bye , there is one thing ! You notice that soup-tureen in the middle of the table ? Well , be careful on no account to lift the lid . If once you take off the cover , there is an end of your good fortune . ' Then , bowing to his guests , he left the room . ` Did you hear what he said ? '
inquired the XXXXX in an awe-stricken voice .
First charcoal-burner end everything forest guests left soup-tureen table tongues