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            “Oh, I am, Father.  More than you could ever     imagine.”            She had no sooner said it than her father turned back     and looked at Alexander, who was directing the care of the     horses and the luggage.            “I see,” he said.  “I’m glad you enjoyed it here.”            The banquet that night was wonderful.  The corn     sticks were the last of the season and, though not as good     as some earlier, the king and queen seemed impressed.  As     Louise expressed Alexander’s desire to bring in new     things, she was careful not to mention the Esconodians, for     fear of stirring up her father’s distrust in them.  She     mentioned the corn, potatoes, and strawberries.            The king finished his fifth corn stick, turned to     Alexander, and spoke stiffly.  “My compliments, young     man.”            “Thank you, Your Majesty,” Alexander replied.     They were the only words Alexander spoke during the     whole meal.            When the banquet was coming to a close, Louise     turned to her father.  “Father, would you be willing to go     for a special ride with Alexander and me tomorrow?”            Alexander stiffened and looked at her.  His eyes     showed his concern.  She had not asked him about this, for     she knew he would have tried to talk her out of it.            “What kind of a ride?” the king asked.            “I would like you to ride with us to a village in the     mountains and meet some people - just the three of us.”                                       96
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