` No , No , No ! ' repeated the echoes . Between the fierce sun and his anger at being kept waiting , the Knight of the Fish had grown so hot that he lifted his visor , and when the old woman saw how handsome he was , she began fumbling with the lock of the gate . ` Come in , come in , ' said she , ` so fine a gentleman will do us no harm . ' ` Harm ! ' repeated the echoes , but again the young man paid no heed . ` Let us go in , ancient dame , ' but she interrupted him . ` You must call me the Lady Berberisca , ' she answered , sharply ; ` and this is my castle , to which I bid you welcome . You shall live here with me and be my husband . ' But at these words the knight let his spear fall , so surprised was he . ' I marry YOU ? why you must be a hundred at least ! ' cried he . ` You are mad ! All I desire is to inspect the castle and then go . ' As he spoke he heard the voices give a mocking laugh ; but the old woman took no notice , and only bade the knight follow her . Old though she was , it seemed impossible to tire her . There was no room , however small , she did not lead him into , and each room was full of curious things he had never seen before . At length they came to a stone staircase , which was so dark that you could not see your hand if you held it up before your face . ' I have kept my most precious treasure till the last , ' said the old woman ; ` but let me go first , for the stairs are steep , and you might easily break your leg . '
So on she went , now and then calling back to the young man XXXXX the darkness .
At Between before for in of that till to with