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 charcoal-burner in an awe-stricken voice . ` We are to have what we want , and do what we please . Only we must not touch the soup-tureen . ' ` No , of course we wo n't , ' answered the wife . ` Why should we wish to ? But all the same it is rather odd , and one ca n't help wondering what is inside . ' For many days life went on like a beautiful dream to the charcoal-burner and his wife .
Their beds were so comfortable , they could hardly make up their minds XXXXX get up , their clothes were so lovely they could scarcely bring themselves to take them off ; their dinners were so good that they found it very difficult to leave off eating .
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