And he took up the apple and bit a piece out of it . But no sooner had he got the piece of apple in his mouth than he forgot the Master-maid and that he was to go back in the coach to fetch her . `` I think I must be mad ! what do I want with this coach and horses ? '' said he ; and then he put the horses back into the stable , and went into the King 's palace , and there it was settled that he should marry the bride 's sister , who had rolled the apple to him . The Master-maid sat by the sea-shore for a long , long time , waiting for the Prince , but no Prince came . So she went away , and when she had walked a short distance she came to a little hut which stood all alone in a small wood , hard by the King 's palace . She entered it and asked if she might be allowed to stay there . The hut belonged to an old crone , who was also an ill-tempered and malicious troll . At first she would not let the Master-maid remain with her ; but at last , after a long time , by means of good words and good payment , she obtained leave . But the hut was as dirty and black inside as a pigsty , so the Master-maid said that she would smarten it up a little , that it might look a little more like what other people 's houses looked inside . The old crone did not like this either . She scowled , and was very cross , but the Master-maid did not trouble herself about that . She took out her chest of gold , and flung a handful of it or so into the fire , and the gold boiled up and poured out over the whole of the hut , until every part of it both inside and out was gilded . But when the gold began to bubble up the old hag grew so terrified that she fled as if the Evil One himself were pursuing her , and she did not remember to stoop down as she went through the doorway , and so she split her head and died . Next morning the sheriff came traveling by there . He was greatly astonished when he saw the gold hut shining and glittering there in the copse , and he was still more astonished when he went in and caught sight of the beautiful young maiden who was sitting there ; he fell in love with her at once , and straightway on the spot he begged her , both prettily and kindly , to marry him . `` Well , but have you a great deal of money ? '' said the Master-maid . `` Oh !
yes ; so far XXXXX that is concerned , I am not ill off , '' said the sheriff .
At So about as by if in of until with