Page 108 - RotalTutor

speak. Louise hurried ahead, and by the time the king arrived, she could see by the look on his face that he knew she had already talked to her mother, and they were waiting for him. He entered cautiously. “All right, Louise,” he said. “We are both here. What’s on your mind?” “Father, I think you know what’s on my mind. I am sure it has not slipped past you why I wanted you to go with us today.” The king nodded. “It is very obvious. You apparently care for Alexander, and you wanted me to see in him what you have seen.” Louise was taken aback by her father’s bluntness, and she could see her mother was too. Louise didn’t feel it was time to hide her feelings for Alexander any further. She looked directly at her father. “And?” The king went over and looked out the window as if trying to gather his thoughts. After a moment, he turned. “Louise, I would be lying if I said I was not impressed with him. At first I thought it might be some show - some pretense. Your letters contained such glowing reports that it seemed almost impossible for any man to be like that. However, as we arrived in the mountain village, I perceived he is truly as you said. As I saw him with the children, I could see why your heart is drawn to him, but...” The king paused. Louise’s heart was pounding within her. “But what, Father?” 106