Page 45 - RotalTutor

turned toward Denville Castle, everyone came out, shouting goodbye. Louise looked back to see the small, blonde girl poking her head out from the skirts of the old woman who had been the recipient of the chicken. The little girl waved shyly, and Louise could again feel the tears fighting their way to the surface. As they plodded on in silence, she finally had to ask the questions tugging at her heart. “Alexander, those children knew you would have that candy for them, didn’t they?” He nodded. “It all started with Nell, the little girl that came first. She is my favorite. Both of her parents were killed in a horrible accident. I tried to talk to her, but she just wanted to hide from me. I found out she hasn’t talked since the day of the accident. So, one day, I pulled out a piece of candy to give to her. I told her she was beautiful, and I loved her, and that was what the candy meant. Pretty soon I was giving it to all of the children. I’ve just started bringing it every time I come, and they know I’ll have it. I enjoy doing it at many of the towns I visit.” “Do you visit lots of towns?” Louise asked. “As many as I can,” he replied. They rode on in silence for a long time, but the events of the day kept gnawing at Louise until she asked some more questions. “Alexander, who is the old lady she is with?” “That is her grandmother. I’ve thought of seeing if 43