prettiest lassie, no, that he couldn't do, so he said "No" outright and
closed the door both tight and well. But the Bear called out, "I'll give
you time to think; next Thursday night I'll come for your answer."

Now, the lassie had heard every word that the Bear had said, and before
the next Thursday evening came, she had washed and mended her rags, made
herself as neat as she could, and was ready to start. I can't say her
packing gave her much trouble.

Next Thursday evening came the White Bear to fetch her, and she got upon
his back with her bundle, and off they went. So when they had gone a bit
of the way, the White Bear said, "Are you afraid?"

"No, not at all," said the lassie.

"Well! mind and hold tight by my shaggy coat, and then there's nothing
to fear," added the Bear.

So she rode a long, long way, till they came to a great steep hill.
There on the face of it the White Bear gave a knock, and a door opened,
and they came into a castle, where there were many rooms all lit up,
gleaming with silver and gold, and there too was a table ready laid, and
it was all as grand as grand could be. Then the White Bear gave her a
silver bell. When she wanted anything she had only to ring it, and she
would get what she wanted at once.

Well, when she had had supper and evening wore on, she became sleepy
because of her journey. She thought she would like to go to bed, so she
rang the bell. She had scarce taken hold of it before she came into a
chamber where there were two beds as fair and white as any one would