Princesses and royal ladies from all over the realm were to be entertained there, seven days and seven nights.
Every night a grand ball was to be given, and Olga was summoned to each of the balls.

It was on account of her pleasing manner and her great beauty that she had been bidden.
"The old flax-spinner curtsied low to the courier and promised that Olga should be at the castle without fail.
"'But, good dame,' cried Olga when the courier had gone, 'prithee tell me why thou didst make such a promise, when thou knowest full well this gown of tow is all I own?
Wouldst have me stand before the prince in beggar's garb?
Better to bide at home for aye than be put to shame before such guests.' "'Have done, my child,' the old dame said.

'Thou shalt wear a court robe of the finest.

Years have I toiled to give it thee, but that is naught.
I loved thee as my own.' "Then the old dame went into an inner room and pricked herself with her spindle until a great red drop of her heart's blood fell into her trembling hand.

With witchery of words she blew upon it, and rolled it in her palm, and muttering, turned and turned and turned it.