The white one ? No . The chestnut ? No . I think , after all , I like the coal-black one best , with the little white star on his forehead . Oh , do stop , just for a minute . ' But Habogi would not stop or listen . ` When you are married you will have plenty of time to choose one , ' was all he answered , and they rode on two or three miles further . At length Habogi drew rein before a small house , very ugly and mean-looking , and that seemed on the point of tumbling to pieces . ` This is my house , and is to be yours , ' said Habogi , as he jumped down and held out his arms to lift Helga from the horse . The girl 's heart sank a little , as she thought that the man who possessed such wonderful sheep , and cows , and horses , might have built himself a prettier place to live in ; but she did not say so . And , taking her arm , he led her up the steps . But when she got inside , she stood quite bewildered at the beauty of all around her . None of her friends owned such things , not even the miller , who was the richest man she knew . There were carpets everywhere , thick and soft , and of deep rich colours ; and the cushions were of silk , and made you sleepy even to look at them ; and curious little figures in china were scattered about . Helga felt as if it would take her all her life to see everything properly , and it only seemed a second since she had entered the house , when Habogi came up to her . ' I must begin the preparations for our wedding at once , ' he said ; ` but my foster-brother will take you home , as I promised . In three days he will bring you back here , with your parents and sisters , and any guests you may invite , in your company . By that time the feast will be ready . ' Helga had so much to think about , that the ride home appeared very short .
Her father and mother were delighted XXXXX see her , as they did not feel sure that so ugly and cross-looking a man as Habogi might not have played her some cruel trick .
In after around as at for of that to with