Page 104 - RotalTutor

Louise turned to her father. “Alexander learned how to make it from a trader, and he taught the cook.” “My compliments, young man. You will have to teach my cook how to make it sometime.” Alexander smiled. “I’d be glad to, Your Majesty.” Alexander offered them each another piece for their ride home, and they gladly accepted. He kept only the smallest piece for himself. The villagers waved farewell. Even the king waved back and smiled. They rode for some time in silence, enjoying their candy. Soon, however, the candy was gone. Louise hoped her father would reveal some of his feelings about the experiences of the day, but he seemed deep in his own thoughts. The silence was almost frightening to her. Could the whole day have done for her father what she had hoped, or could she have made things worse? Alexander, too, seemed hesitant to speak, apparently nervous about what the king thought of him. Finally, Louise had to say something to break the silence. “It sure is beautiful up here this time of year.” Trying to dispel Alexander’s apprehensions, and his fear of speaking unless he was spoken to, she addressed him directly. “Alexander, what is your favorite season on the mountain?” “I don’t know, Your Highness. They are all so wonderful. The fall colors are so beautiful. The winter sunrises and sunsets are incomparable. The new life in the forest in the spring warms my heart. And the summer sun 102