"No, I will only see him in your presence; you might otherwise suppose I had influenced his decision. Permit me to have him called." She rang the bell, and ordered the servant to bring lights, and request his young master to come at once to his majesty's presence. "We will soon learn the decision of fate," said Wilhelmine, when the servant had closed the door. "For fate will speak to me through the mouth of my son!" CHAPTER IX. THE DECISION. A few minutes had hardly elapsed before the door of the parlor was opened, and Wilhelmine's son entered. With flushed cheeks and a displeased expression on his handsome face, the boy walked up to the king, who was gazing at him tenderly. "My gracious father," said he, "you promised to join us in the rose-pavilion, down at the river side; and we waited and waited, but all in vain! The sunset was splendid; it was a beautiful sight to see the sun fall into the water all at once; but you would not come to tell the dear sun 'good-night.' Why not? I think a king should always keep his word, and you certainly promised to come!" "Well, my severe young gentleman," said the king, smiling, "I beg your pardon. But I had to speak with your mother on matters of importance, and you must have the goodness to excuse me." The boy turned and looked inquiringly at the face of his mother. "Was it necessary, mamma?" The king burst into laughter. "Really," he cried, "you are a grand inquisitor, my little Alexander. I am almost afraid of you. But you have not yet answered his severity, mamma. Excuse me to this young gentleman by assuring him that we had matters of the gravest importance to discuss." "Alexander knows that what the king says and does is above all blame," replied Wilhelmine, gravely; "and I beg that he may be excused for losing sight of the king and thinking only of the indulgent father. But now hear why your father sent for you, my son; and answer his questions as your little head and heart shall prompt."