I wish , ' she said , ` that all kings had done as much once in their lives . Then they would know what a lot of trouble it takes to get wood for their fires . ' Souci felt this to be true , and was sorry for the old woman . ` Where are we going to ? ' asked he . ` To the castle of the White Demon ; and if you are in want of work I will find you something to do . ' ` But I ca n't do anything , ' he said , ` except carry a bundle , and I sha n't earn much by that . ' ` Oh , you are learning , ' replied the old woman , ` and it is n't bad for a first lesson . ' But the king was paying very little attention to her , for he was rather cross and very tired . Indeed , he felt that he really could not carry the bundle any further , and was about to lay it down when up came a young maiden more beautiful than the day , and covered with precious stones . She ran to them , exclaiming to the old woman , ` Oh , you poor thing ! I was just coming after you to see if I could help you . ' ` Here is a young man , ' replied the old woman , ` who will be quite ready to give you up the bundle . You see he does not look as if he enjoyed carrying it . ' ` Will you let me take it , sir ? ' she asked . But the king felt ashamed of himself , and held on to it tightly , while the presence of the princess put him in a better temper . So they all travelled together till they arrived at a very ordinary-looking house , which Aveline pointed out as the castle of the White Demon , and told the king that he might put down his bundle in the courtyard . The young man was terribly afraid of being recognised by someone in this strange position , and would have turned on his heel and gone away had it not been for the thought of Minon-Minette . Still , he felt very awkward and lonely , for both the princess and the old woman had entered the castle without taking the slightest notice of the young man , who remained where he was for some time , not quite knowing what he had better do .
At length a servant arrived and led him up into a beautiful room filled with people , who were either playing on musical instruments or talking in a lively manner , which astonished the king , who stood silently listening , and not at all pleased XXXXX the want of attention paid him .
So after as at for in of till to up