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+Project Gutenberg's John and Betty's History Visit, by Margaret Williamson
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: John and Betty's History Visit
+
+Author: Margaret Williamson
+
+Release Date: July 27, 2009 [EBook #29517]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK JOHN AND BETTY'S HISTORY VISIT ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Mark C. Orton, D Alexander, Linda McKeown and
+the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at
+https://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+JOHN AND BETTY'S HISTORY VISIT
+
+BY
+
+MARGARET WILLIAMSON
+
+_ILLUSTRATED FROM PHOTOGRAPHS_
+
+BOSTON LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO.
+
+
+
+
+Published, March, 1910
+
+COPYRIGHT, 1910, BY LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO.
+
+_All rights reserved_
+
+JOHN AND BETTY'S HISTORY VISIT
+
+Norwood Press
+
+BERWICK & SMITH CO.
+
+Norwood, Mass.
+
+U. S. A.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: THEY SUDDENLY SAW THE TREMENDOUS CATHEDRAL LOOMING UP
+BEFORE THEM.--_Page 70._]
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+ CHAPTER                                                    PAGE
+
+     I. FIRST IMPRESSIONS                                     9
+
+    II. THE FIRST EVENING                                    15
+
+   III. WESTMINSTER ABBEY                                    20
+
+    IV. PENSHURST PLACE: THE HOME OF SIR PHILIP SIDNEY       37
+
+     V. THE TOWER OF LONDON                                  50
+
+    VI. ST. PAUL'S CATHEDRAL AND ITS VICINITY                65
+
+   VII. A SUNDAY NIGHT CHAT                                  83
+
+  VIII. WINDSOR CASTLE, STOKE POGES, AND ETON SCHOOL         94
+
+    IX. MORE ABOUT LONDON                                   107
+
+     X. RICHMOND AND HAMPTON COURT PALACE                   122
+
+    XI. STRATFORD-ON-AVON                                   138
+
+   XII. A DAY IN WARWICKSHIRE                               161
+
+  XIII. WARWICK AND KENILWORTH CASTLES                      181
+
+   XIV. SHERWOOD FOREST AND HADDON HALL                     203
+
+    XV. WINCHESTER, SALISBURY, AND STONEHENGE               222
+
+   XVI. CLOVELLY                                            238
+
+  XVII. ROCHESTER AND CANTERBURY                            251
+
+ XVIII. GOOD-BY TO LONDON                                   273
+
+        INDEX                                               289
+
+
+
+
+ILLUSTRATIONS
+
+
+ THEY SUDDENLY SAW THE TREMENDOUS CATHEDRAL
+   LOOMING UP BEFORE THEM (_Page 70_)             _Frontispiece_
+
+                                                          FACING
+                                                           PAGE
+
+ "OH, WHAT'S THIS PLACE? I AM SURE I HAVE SEEN
+   PICTURES OF IT!"                                          12
+
+ "DO YOU REMEMBER THOSE QUAINT LITTLE VERSES
+   ABOUT 'BOW BELLS'?"                                       16
+
+ "I ONLY WISH I COULD BE A GUARD AND RIDE A HORSE
+   LIKE ONE OF THOSE!"                                       20
+
+ "THERE'S THE ABBEY RIGHT AHEAD OF US"                       26
+
+ "WHAT'S THE USE OF HAVING SO MANY DOORS?"                   40
+
+ "THIS SEEMS TO SPEAK OF PEACE, HAPPINESS, AND SAFETY"       44
+
+ "I WANT TO SEE WHO THOSE FELLOWS IN THE FUNNY
+   RED UNIFORMS ARE"                                         50
+
+ "THE KING CANNOT PROCEED INTO THE 'CITY' WITHOUT
+   BEING FIRST RECEIVED AT TEMPLE BAR BY THE
+   LORD MAYOR"                                               68
+
+ "I'D FEEL LIKE 'LITTLE LORD FAUNTLEROY' GOING
+   AROUND WITH THOSE CLOTHES ON!"                            84
+
+ "YOU REMEMBER, DON'T YOU, HAVING THE GUIDE POINT
+   OUT LONDON BRIDGE?"                                       88
+
+ THE MOSS-GROWN SAXON PORCH                                  96
+
+ JOHN MILTON LIVED THERE AFTER HE FLED FROM LONDON          106
+
+ "OH, HERE'S THE OLD CORONATION CHAIR, ISN'T IT?"           114
+
+ "EVERY TIME I VISIT THIS PALACE I MARVEL AT THE
+   AMOUNT OF HISTORY WITH WHICH IT IS CONNECTED"            136
+
+ "WHY, I DIDN'T SUPPOSE IT WAS AS BIG AS THAT!"             140
+
+ "DID ANNE TRULY LIVE HERE?"                                164
+
+ "THEY KNOW HOW IMPORTANT THEY ARE, AND THAT
+   THIS GARDEN WOULDN'T BE COMPLETE WITHOUT
+   THEM"                                                    184
+
+ "IT STILL SEEMS ALIVE WITH MEMORIES OF THE FAIR
+   DOROTHY VERNON"                                          218
+
+ "THERE STILL REMAINS THE QUESTION OF HOW THESE
+   TREMENDOUS STONES WERE BROUGHT HERE"                     236
+
+ ONE OF PLASTER AND THATCH, OVERGROWN WITH ROSES            240
+
+ "YOU'LL FIND NOTHING AT ALL LIKE THIS STRANGE
+   LITTLE CLOVELLY"                                         250
+
+ "WILLIAM OF SENS, IN 1184, FINISHED THE BUILDING
+   WHICH WE NOW SEE"                                        264
+
+ OLD GENTLEMEN, STOUT LADIES, YOUNG PEOPLE, AND
+   SMALL CHILDREN, ALL RIDE IN ENGLAND                      286
+
+
+
+
+JOHN AND BETTY'S HISTORY VISIT
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER ONE
+
+FIRST IMPRESSIONS
+
+
+Two eager young Americans sat, one on each side of the window of an
+English train, speeding towards London. They had landed only that
+morning, and everything seemed very strange to them, as they watched
+the pretty scenes from the car-window. The lady who had met them at
+the steamer, was an old friend of the family, who had often been to
+America, and was well known to the children, though they had never
+seen her son and daughter, whom they had come to visit. Mrs. Pitt soon
+aroused them by saying:--
+
+"Come, John, we are almost there, so please fetch down Betty's wraps
+from the rack. Here are your umbrellas; you may take Betty's bag and
+I'll take yours. Yes, it is really England, and soon we'll be in
+London, where Philip and Barbara are very impatiently waiting to meet
+the American friends with whom they have been exchanging letters for
+so long. They have been studying history hard, and have learned all
+they possibly could about their own country, which they love, and want
+you to know, too. They have never seen very much of England, and this
+is an excellent chance for them to do some sight-seeing with you. I
+think you'll have a jolly time seeing all the strange sights and
+customs, and visiting some historic places. Now, you must not expect
+to find Philip and Barbara just like your friends at home; English
+children dress very differently, and may use some expressions which
+you do not exactly understand, but you'll soon become accustomed to
+them all. Here we are at Waterloo Station."
+
+As the guard swung open the door, two impatient young people hurried
+up to the party.
+
+"Here we are, Mother; did they come?"
+
+John and Betty shyly shook hands with their English friends, but did
+not find anything to say, just at first. Mrs. Pitt went to the
+luggage-van, to find the children's trunks, and the others followed.
+
+"Aren't the trains funny, John?" said Betty, nervously holding her
+brother's hand.
+
+"See, this is the baggage part of the car, but isn't it small!"
+
+"Oh, there are several on each train," explained Philip. "Are your
+vans any bigger?"
+
+"There are our trunks, Mrs. Pitt," called John. "I know them by the
+C's we pasted on the ends."
+
+"Here, porter, put this luggage on a four-wheeler, please," and Mrs.
+Pitt and her charges crowded in, the luggage was piled on top, and
+they drove away.
+
+"Do you think you will like London?" asked Barbara of Betty, rather
+anxiously.
+
+Betty ventured to answer, "Oh, I think so, only it is very different
+from New York."
+
+It certainly was! Great, top-heavy buses swung and lurched past them,
+some of them drawn by splendid horses, but still more with motors. The
+outsides of the vehicles were covered with all sorts of gay
+advertisements and signs, in bright and vivid colors; in this way, and
+in their tremendous numbers, they differ from the New York buses on
+Fifth Avenue.
+
+"To-night, we will take you out for a ride on top of a bus if you
+like, John," said Philip.
+
+John, losing his shyness, began to ask questions, and to give his
+opinion of the things he saw.
+
+"I think the buses are great! I shall always choose that seat just
+behind the driver, where I can talk to him. He must have fine stories
+to tell, doesn't he, Philip? I like the hansoms, too. There really
+seem to be more hansoms than anything else in London! Just look,
+Betty, at that long row there in the middle of the street! I suppose
+they are waiting for passengers. And there's a line of 'taxis,' too.
+My, but these streets are crowded! Fifth Avenue isn't in it!"
+
+Philip and Barbara looked at each other and smiled. All the sights
+which were so familiar to them, seemed very novel to their American
+visitors.
+
+"I suppose it would be just the same to us, if we were to visit New
+York," said Barbara. "Those bus-horses, which you admire, do look very
+fine at first, but the work is so hard on them, that they only last a
+very short time. Their days are about over now, for soon we shall have
+only the motor-buses."
+
+[Illustration: "OH, WHAT'S THIS PLACE? I AM SURE I HAVE SEEN PICTURES
+OF IT!"--_Page 12_.]
+
+"Oh, what's this place?" cried John excitedly. "I am sure I have seen
+pictures of it! Why, Philip, I think you once sent me some
+post-cards which showed this!"
+
+"Oh, yes, this is Trafalgar Square," broke in Mrs. Pitt. "People
+sometimes call it the center of all London. Here is the celebrated
+statue of Lord Nelson--here, in the middle; see all the flower-girls,
+with their baskets, around its foot. That large building, with the
+pillars, is the National Gallery, where I may take you to see the
+pictures. The church near it they call St. Martin's-in-the-Fields.
+Yes, it doesn't seem a very appropriate name now, but once it really
+was 'in the fields,' it has stood here so long. Do you notice all the
+streets leading out from this great square? That way is the direction
+of the Strand and Fleet Street; Westminster Abbey is not far away; and
+you can see the towers of the Houses of Parliament--just there. You
+will soon grow more familiar with all this. Now, we must go this way,
+and before long, we shall be at home. I think you'll be glad to rest
+after your tiresome journey. This is Regent Street, where many of the
+shops are. Aren't they attractive?"
+
+"Yes," said John, "but how very low the buildings are! As far as I can
+see they are all of the same height. They are almost all yellow, too,
+and with the bright buses the scene is very gay."
+
+They rode along for some time, the silence being often broken by
+exclamations and questions. John and Betty could not understand how
+people avoided being run over when they all dashed across the street,
+right under the very noses of the horses. It was amusing to see people
+stumbling up the narrow, winding stairs of the buses, as they jolted
+along, and even the signs over the shops attracted some attention.
+They wondered if the King and Queen could shop in them all, for so
+many bore the words, "Jewelers to T. R. M.," or "Stationers to Their
+Royal Majesties." London seemed very large to them on this first
+drive--very strange and foreign, and they were glad when the cab drew
+up before a big house in a spacious square, and the rest cried, "Here
+we are at home!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWO
+
+THE FIRST EVENING
+
+
+The big library at Mrs. Pitt's home was a fascinating place, the two
+visitors thought. The ceiling was high, the wainscoting was of dark
+wood, and the walls were almost entirely lined with book-cases. John
+was delighted with some little steps, which you could push around and
+climb up on to reach the highest shelves. This room suggested great
+possibilities to both the young visitors, for, as they were to stay
+many months, there would certainly be days when it would be too wet to
+go out, and they could by no means entirely give up their reading.
+
+As they had felt rather chilly on their bus-ride that evening, the
+four young people all came into the library upon their return, and
+drew their chairs up to the tiny grate. Betty and John had greatly
+enjoyed this new experience, for they had been truly English. Having
+jumped aboard while the bus was moving slowly, near the curb, they
+had scrambled up the little steps and taken the seats behind the
+driver. They had not noticed much about where they were going, for it
+had all seemed a jumble of many lights, crowds of people, and noise.
+But John had slipped a coin into the driver's hand, and there had been
+a steady stream of stories from that moment. London bus-drivers have
+plenty to tell, and are not at all loath to tell it--especially after
+the encouragement of a tip. John was delighted to hear about the time,
+one foggy Christmas Eve, when his friend had "sat for four hours, sir,
+without daring to stir, at 'Yde Park Corner." John envied him the
+splendid moment when the fog had finally lifted and disclosed the
+great mass of traffic, which had been blinded and stalled for so long.
+
+As John stood in front of the fire thinking it all over, he suddenly
+exclaimed, "It was fun to hear that driver drop his h's; that was real
+Cockney for you!"
+
+Betty looked puzzled for a moment, and then said, "Wasn't it supposed
+that only people who had been born within the sound of the bells of
+old Bow Church could be real Cockneys?"
+
+[Illustration: "DO YOU REMEMBER THOSE QUAINT LITTLE VERSES ABOUT BOW
+BELLS?"--_Page 17._]
+
+"That's right, Betty; your history is good," said Mrs. Pitt, who had
+just entered; "but John, I must tell you that dropping h's is not
+necessarily Cockney. The peculiar pronunciation of vowels is what
+characterizes a true Cockney's speech, but many others drop h's--the
+people of Shropshire for instance.
+
+"Do you children remember those quaint little verses about Bow Bells?"
+continued Mrs. Pitt. "In the days when Dick Whittington was a boy, and
+worked at his trade in London, it was the custom to ring Bow Bells as
+the signal for the end of the day's work, at eight o'clock in the
+evening. One time, the boys found that the clerk was ringing the bells
+too late, and indignant at such a thing, they sent the following
+verses to him:
+
+     "'Clerke of the Bow Bells,
+       With the yellow lockes,
+     For thy late ringing,
+       Thou shalt have knockes.'
+
+"The frightened man hastened to send this answer to the boys:
+
+     "'Children of Chepe,
+       Hold you all stille,
+     For you shall have Bow Bells
+       Rung at your wille.'"
+
+"That was bright of them," commented John, as he rose to take off his
+coat.
+
+Philip and Barbara had long since thrown off their wraps and pulled
+their chairs away from the fire, saying how warm they were. Even after
+John had dispensed with his coat, Betty sat just as near the tiny
+blaze as she could, with her coat still closely buttoned.
+
+"No, thanks; I want to get warm," she answered, when they spoke of it.
+"It seems to me that it's very cold here. Don't you ever have bigger
+fires?"
+
+As Betty spoke, the little blaze flickered and almost went out.
+
+"I'll shut the window," said Philip. "I remember, now, how cold
+Americans always are over here. Mother has told us how frightfully hot
+you keep your houses. We don't like that, for we never feel the cold.
+Why, just to show you how accustomed to it we English are, let me tell
+you what I read the other day. At Oxford University, up to the time of
+King Henry VIII, no fires were permitted. Just before going to bed the
+poor boys used to go out and run a certain distance, to warm
+themselves. Even I shouldn't care for that!"
+
+"Let's make some plans for to-morrow," exclaimed Mrs. Pitt. "What
+should you like to see first, Betty?"
+
+"I want to go somewhere on a bus!" was John's prompt answer, at which
+everybody laughed except Betty.
+
+"Oh, yes, but let's go to Westminster Abbey just as soon as possible,
+John. I've always wanted so much to see it, that I don't believe I can
+wait now. Think of all the great people who have been associated with
+it," said Betty very earnestly.
+
+"Very well, I quite agree on taking you first to the Abbey," said Mrs.
+Pitt. "It is a place of which I could never tire, myself. And strange
+to say, I very seldom, if ever, get time to go there, except when I'm
+showing it to strangers. Why! It's twenty-five minutes past nine this
+very minute, children; you must go to bed at once!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER THREE
+
+WESTMINSTER ABBEY
+
+
+The first thing that Betty heard the following morning was a gentle
+knock upon her bedroom door, and a voice saying, "It's seven o'clock,
+and will you have some sticks, Miss?"
+
+"What sticks? What for?" Betty asked sleepily.
+
+They were for a fire, it seemed, and Betty welcomed the idea. She was
+soon dressed, and Barbara came to show her the way to the
+breakfast-room.
+
+"You can't think how good it does seem not to be thrown about while
+dressing, as we were on the steamer! Do you know that I can't help
+stepping up high over the door-sills even yet!" laughed Betty, as they
+went downstairs together. "Mrs. Moore, the friend of mother's in whose
+care we came, you know, told me that I should probably feel the motion
+for some time after landing."
+
+[Illustration: "I ONLY WISH I COULD BE A GUARD AND RIDE A HORSE LIKE
+ONE OF THOSE!"--_Page 21._]
+
+To the surprise of John and Betty, there was a very hearty breakfast
+awaiting them. They had expected the meager tea, toast, and jam, which
+some Americans consider to be customary in English homes, because it
+is encountered in the hotels.
+
+Early in the morning, the buses were even more crowded than the night
+before, and they had some difficulty in finding seats. John placed
+himself beside a soldier dressed in a scarlet coat and funny little
+round cap held on sidewise by a strap across his chin, with every
+intention of starting up a conversation with him; but one glance at
+his superior air discouraged the boy from any such attempt. When they
+arrived at Trafalgar Square again, they jumped off, and walked down
+towards the towers of the Houses of Parliament. In front of the Horse
+Guards they stood in admiration of the two mounted sentries, stationed
+there.
+
+"Those black horses are great!" cried John. "How fine those fellows do
+look sitting there like statues in their scarlet uniforms, and their
+shiny helmets with the flying tails to them! I only wish I could be a
+Guard, and ride a horse like one of those!"
+
+"Would you rather be a Horse Guard, or a bus-driver, John?" asked
+Betty teasingly.
+
+"Sometimes you see dozens of the Guards together; that's a fine
+sight!" said Barbara, after the laugh had subsided. "They escort the
+King when he goes out in state. Oh, you'll see them often."
+
+That comforted John somewhat, but he could not resist turning around
+for several glances towards the gateway where the Guards were.
+
+"Why do they always stand there?" he questioned.
+
+Mrs. Pitt explained that they were organized by Charles II, who needed
+all possible protection to enable him to hold the throne after his
+exile in foreign lands. After the days of Cromwell, times were very
+unsettled, and many disturbances were likely to occur. Hence the duty
+of these Guards was probably to keep the peace (the 'prentices and
+common people were very hot-headed), and to escort the King, as they
+still do.
+
+"Perhaps," she went on, "you don't understand who the 'prentices were.
+Long ago it was the custom to apprentice boys to one of the great and
+powerful guilds or companies. These were organizations of many
+merchants belonging to the same trade; such as shipbuilders,
+carpenters, candle-makers, and so forth. Their main object was to see
+that the work which was turned out was good. Every man belonged to his
+guild; some were for 'common and middling folks,' while kings and
+princes were members of others. A great deal of good was done by these
+companies, for each, besides aiding and protecting its own members,
+usually had some other charity. For instance, the guild at Lincoln fed
+yearly as many poor as there were members of the guild; and another
+kept a sort of inn for the shelter of poor travelers. The guilds
+played an important part in the life of the time. Well, as I was
+saying, when a boy had chosen the trade which was to his taste, he
+went to the city, and was apprenticed to a member of one of the
+guilds, with whom he usually lived. The boys were called 'prentices.
+Their life was not an easy one, and yet, it seems to me that they must
+have enjoyed it. In those days, there were great tournaments and grand
+processions of kings, with hundreds of servants and followers, all
+splendidly dressed in brilliant colors. Men wore magnificent clothes
+of silks and velvets and cloth-of-gold, with costly jewels, such as
+ropes of pearls; and their servants, whose duty it was to go before
+their masters on the street, wore suits of livery with the silver
+badge of their master. London in those days was a wonderfully busy
+place! On board the ships sailing up the river were men in strange
+costumes, from foreign lands. The 'prentices would often stop work to
+watch a company of Portuguese sailors pass, or a gorgeous procession
+of bishops with their retainers; and from this little verse we know
+that they did not always return very quickly to their duties. Do you
+know this?
+
+     "'When ther any ridings were in Chepe,
+     Out of the shoppe thider would he lepe;
+     And till that he had all the sight ysein,
+     And danced well, he would not come again.'
+
+"There were always processions, too, in winter as well as in summer,
+for the people seemed not to mind rain or storm in the least. The boys
+had many holidays,--there were frequent pageants, feasts, and
+celebrations of all kinds,--and on the whole, I think they must have
+been very happy in spite of the long hours of work, don't you?
+Another curious custom was the keeping of cudgels in every shop for
+the use of the 'prentices, in case of a fight--and I imagine that they
+were numerous. Now, come close to me, children, while we cross this
+street; there's the Abbey right ahead of us."
+
+As they entered the north transept of Westminster Abbey, the dim
+light, in contrast to the sunshine outside, was almost blinding. At
+first, all was indistinct except the great rose-window, in the
+opposite transept, through which the light strayed in many colors. The
+morning service was in progress, so they sat down near the door, and
+listened and looked. How beautiful!--how tremendous it all was! Even
+John's overflowing spirits were quieted, it was so wonderfully
+impressive! The rose-window still stood out clearly against the deep
+shadows all about it, but a faint light could now be seen coming in
+through the little windows, high up near the roof,--the clerestory
+windows, they are called. Betty could see the massive roof, the long
+aisles crowded with marble monuments, and the pillars. The canon's
+voice was heard intoning in a deep, monotonous key; reading followed,
+and then some one sang, in a high, clear voice, which seemed to come
+from far away, and yet to fill all the space of the great building.
+Betty could not have spoken a word; she was filled with a kind of
+wondering awe such as she had never known before.
+
+John, more matter-of-fact, was examining the statues nearest to him.
+
+He touched Betty's arm to attract her attention, and said, "See, there
+are lots of statues here, Betty, but I only know the names of William
+Pitt and Benjamin Disraeli, 'Twice Prime-Minister.' Do you remember
+him? Wonder if William Pitt was an ancestor of our Mrs. Pitt!" he
+rambled on, not seeing that his sister took no notice of him.
+
+As for Betty, she scarcely knew that any one had spoken to her. She
+seemed to be back in the Middle Ages, and the present had vanished
+away.
+
+When the service was ended, they walked about, examining the monuments
+as they went.
+
+[Illustration: "THERE'S THE ABBEY RIGHT AHEAD OF US."--_Page 25._]
+
+"This long, broad aisle extending from the main entrance to the choir
+is called the nave," explained Mrs. Pitt. "The shorter aisles which
+form the crossing are the transepts, and the choir is always the
+eastern end of the building, containing the altar. These are facts
+which you will want to learn and remember."
+
+"The kings and queens are all buried here, aren't they, Mrs. Pitt?"
+questioned John. "Will they put King Edward here, too, when he dies?"
+
+"A great many kings and queens are buried here, though not all," Mrs.
+Pitt told them. "The Royal Tombs are there, behind those gates, in the
+chapels which surround the choir. We can't go in there unless we take
+a guide, and I thought we would wait for another day to visit the
+lovely chapel of Henry VII and all the famous tombs. I don't want you
+to see too much at one time. No, John, King Edward probably will not
+be buried here. Queen Victoria, his mother, lies at a place called
+Frogmore, near Windsor, and it is likely that her son will choose that
+spot, also. Here's the Poets' Corner, and there is at least one face
+which I'm sure you will be glad to see. This is it."
+
+As she spoke, the party stopped in front of the well-known bust of our
+poet, Longfellow, which I suppose every American is proud to see.
+
+"So they read 'Hiawatha,' even in England," Betty remarked.
+
+"There are tablets all over the floor, under our feet! Look, I'm
+standing on Dickens' grave this very minute! And there's 'Oh, Rare Ben
+Jonson,' right there on the wall; I've always heard of that. And
+here's Spenser, and Chaucer, and Browning, and Tennyson, very close
+together. Oh! It's dreadful! I don't want to step on them! Why,
+everybody who ever was anybody seems to be here!" gasped John,
+forgetting his grammar in his interest.
+
+"Here are busts of Scott (there's the man for me!), and Burns,
+Goldsmith, and Coleridge; I know all these names. Here's a statue of
+Shakespeare, though of course he isn't buried here. There's a tablet
+to Jenny Lind. Wasn't she a singer? Seems to me I've heard my grandpa
+speak of her. And, if here isn't Thackeray's grave--there in the floor
+again! Well! Well!"
+
+"Come over here, John, and see this," called Philip, pointing to a
+tomb on which was this inscription:
+
+     Thomas Parr of ye county of Salop, born A.D. 1483. He lived
+     in the reignes of ten princes, viz.--King Edward IV, King
+     Edward V, King Richard III, King Henry VII, King Henry VIII,
+     King Edward VI, Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth, King James, and
+     King Charles; aged 152 years, and was buryed here, 1635.
+
+"Well, that beats them all!" laughed John, who was greatly pleased.
+
+Mrs. Pitt now led the rest into the little chapel of St. Faith, off
+the south transept, where they sat down to rest.
+
+"It's the most wonderful place I ever dreamed of!" said Betty quietly,
+as though she were talking to herself. "This little chapel is the
+quaintest, oldest thing I ever saw! The walls are so dark; that tiny
+window up so high, hardly lets in any light at all; and the altar,
+with the faded picture, is so strange! I can't believe it is the
+twentieth century; the people in the Abbey now don't seem real to me
+at all. They look so small and shadowy beside the huge statues of
+people of other days! Surely the people the statues represent belong
+here, and not we! Why, I feel so far back in history that I shouldn't
+be in the least surprised to see Raleigh, or Chaucer, or Queen
+Elizabeth, walk into this chapel, right now! I should probably go up
+and say 'How do you do?'" she added laughingly.
+
+Betty did not know that any one had heard her talking, but Mrs. Pitt
+had been listening, and when Betty was silent, she said:
+
+"Come, let's go out into the sunshine of the cloisters now. I am
+really afraid to have Betty stay in here any longer! The first thing
+we know, she'll be disappearing into the Middle Ages! She's almost
+there now!"
+
+As they went through the low door into the cloisters, she continued,
+"I want to explain to you children, that in connection with this
+Abbey, as with all, there was for centuries a great monastery; and
+that the buildings which we shall see, as well as the cloisters, had
+to do with the monks. Henry VIII dissolved all the monasteries in
+England, you remember."
+
+The ancient cloisters of Westminster Abbey are deeply interesting and
+impressive. They are four arcades built around the square grass-plot,
+which was the monks' burial-ground. The fine tracery of the windows is
+now much broken, and is crumbling away with age, but its exquisite
+carving is still plainly seen. The original pavement yet remains; it
+is much worn by the feet of the monks, and is almost covered by
+tablets which mark the resting-places of the abbots, as well as of
+others. The members of our party were touched, as are all, by the
+pathetic simplicity of the epitaph: "Jane Lister, Dear Childe, 1688."
+Those four short words suggest a sad story about which one would like
+to learn more.
+
+"You must know," said Mrs. Pitt, "that the cloisters were something
+besides burial-places. Here the monks spent most of their time, for
+this was the center of the life of the monastery. The southern
+cloister, over opposite, was the lavatory, and there the monks were
+forced to have their heads shaved,--every two weeks in summer, and
+every three in winter. These walls were then painted with frescoes,
+the floor and benches were covered with rushes or straw, the windows
+were partly glazed, and lamps hung from the ceiling. In one of the
+cloisters was held a class of novices, taught by a master, and this
+was the beginning of Westminster School. I believe the pupils were
+allowed to speak only French. How would you like that?"
+
+Adjoining the cloisters are numerous little passageways, with low
+arches, which lead into tiny courts dotted with flowers and little
+fountains. In the houses about, live the canons of the Abbey and
+others connected with the church. Lovely glimpses of sunlight and the
+bright colors of flowers are seen at the ends of these dark, ancient
+passages.
+
+Westminster School may also be reached from the cloisters. Our party
+stood a moment in the doorway of the schoolroom to see the splendid
+old hall, with its fine oaken roof. This was once the dormitory of the
+monks, but is now taken up with the boys' "forms," or desks, piled
+with books. The walls above the wainscoting, and the window-recesses,
+are covered with signatures of the scholars,--some of them famous, for
+the school was begun as long ago as the time of Henry VIII, who was
+the founder. The visitor may see the name of the poet, Dryden, on one
+of the desks; he was a pupil there, as were also Sir Christopher Wren,
+the architect; Ben Jonson; Southey, the poet; and John and Charles
+Wesley.
+
+"What is that iron bar for?" questioned the curious John, pointing to
+a long bar which stretches from wall to wall, across the middle of the
+room.
+
+"That divides the Upper and Lower Classes," was the prompt reply of
+Mrs. Pitt, whose stock of knowledge seemed endless. "At one time, a
+curtain was hung over that bar. Don't you know the story which is told
+in the 'Spectator Papers,' about the boy who accidentally tore a hole
+in this curtain? He was a timid little fellow, and was terrified at
+the thought of the punishment which he felt sure would be his. One of
+his classmates came to the rescue, saying that he would take the blame
+upon himself, which he did. It was years later, when the timid boy had
+become a great judge, that the Civil War broke out, and he and his
+friend took opposite sides. The kind man who had saved his friend from
+punishment was a Royalist, and was captured and imprisoned at Exeter,
+where the other man happened to come at the same time, with the
+Circuit Court. At the moment when nothing remained but to sentence the
+'rebels,' the judge recognized his friend, and by making a very
+hurried trip to London, he was able to secure a pardon from Cromwell,
+and thus succeeded in saving the man's life."
+
+"That was fine!" said John. "He did pay him back after all, didn't
+he? I thought he wasn't going to."
+
+"Now, we will just look into the Chapter House and the old Jerusalem
+Chamber, before we go," said Mrs. Pitt, as they left the school.
+
+The Chapter House is a beautiful, eight-sided room, dating from the
+thirteenth century. Here the business of the monastery was always
+conducted, and at the meetings which came every week, the monks were
+allowed to speak freely, and to make complaints, if they wished. Here
+also the monks were punished.
+
+"They used to whip them against that central pillar, there," the guard
+explained. "Here sat the abbot, opposite the door, and the monks sat
+on benches ranged around the room. Parliament met here for many years,
+too, its last session in this room being on the day that the great
+King Hal died."
+
+The Chapter House has been restored now, and the windows are of modern
+stained-glass. In the cases are preserved some valuable documents, the
+oldest being a grant of land, made by King Offa, in 785.
+
+To reach the Jerusalem Chamber, it is necessary to go through a part
+of the cloisters, and into the court of the Deanery. On one side is
+the old abbot's refectory, or dining-hall, where the Westminster
+school-boys now dine. John went boldly up the steps and entered. After
+a few minutes, he came running out again, exclaiming:
+
+"Nobody stopped me, so I went right in, and looked around. A maid was
+setting the tables, and I noticed that she stared at me, but she
+didn't say anything, so I stayed. The hall is great! It isn't very
+large, but is paneled and hung with portraits. The old tables, a
+notice says, are made from wood taken from one of the vessels of the
+Spanish Armada. Wonder how they found it and brought it here! I was
+just going to ask the maid, when a savage-looking man appeared and
+said I had no business there. So I came away. I don't care; I saw it,
+anyway!" he added, as they approached the entrance of the Jerusalem
+Chamber.
+
+All three sides of this little court were the abbot's lodgings, and
+are now the deanery. The Jerusalem Chamber was built about 1376, as a
+guest-chamber for the abbot's house.
+
+"The name is curious, isn't it?" remarked Mrs. Pitt. "It probably came
+from some tapestries which formerly hung there, representing the
+history of Jerusalem. It was in this room, right here in front of the
+fireplace, according to tradition, that Henry IV died. A strange dream
+had told the King that he would die in Jerusalem, and he was actually
+preparing for the journey there, when he was taken very ill, and they
+carried him into this room. When he asked where they had brought him,
+and the reply was, 'To the Jerusalem Chamber,' he died satisfied. Many
+bodies have lain here in state, too,--among them, that of Joseph
+Addison, whom they afterwards buried in the Abbey. When we come again,
+I will show you his grave. Now, notice the bits of ancient
+stained-glass in the windows, and the cedar paneling; except for that,
+there is nothing specially noteworthy here."
+
+As they left the Dean's Yard and crossed the open space in front of
+the great western towers of the Abbey, John and Betty agreed that if
+they could see nothing more in England, they were already repaid for
+their long journey across the ocean.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER FOUR
+
+PENSHURST PLACE: THE HOME OF SIR PHILIP SIDNEY
+
+
+In Charing Cross Station one morning, Mrs. Pitt hurried up to the
+"booking-office," as the English call the ticket-office, to "book"
+five tickets to Penshurst. While the man was getting her change, she
+turned and said to Philip:--
+
+"Please ask that guard who is standing there, on which platform we
+shall find the 9.40 train for Penshurst."
+
+Philip did so, and returned with the information that they should go
+to Platform 8. So they all mounted the steps and walked over the
+foot-bridge which always runs across and above all the tracks, in an
+English station. There was a bench on the platform, and they sat down
+to await the arrival of the train. About 9.35, five minutes before the
+train was to start, John happened to see a train official sauntering
+by, and asked him if it was correct that the Penshurst train left from
+that platform.
+
+The man stared. "Really, you are quite mistaken," he drawled; "that
+train leaves from Platform 2. You had better hurry, you know; you
+haven't much time."
+
+John waited for nothing more, but ran to tell the rest, and they all
+started for the other end of the station. Up the steep steps again ran
+Mrs. Pitt, with the four young people following. Along the bridge they
+flew till they reached Platform 2, and then they almost fell down the
+steps in their hurry, for the train was already there.
+
+When they were fairly seated in a third-class carriage, John, still
+out of breath, exclaimed:--
+
+"Whew! My! I never ran faster in my life, did you, Philip? How the
+girls kept up, I don't know! You're a first-class sprinter all right,
+Mrs. Pitt! We'd like you on our football team, at home! My, but I'm
+hot!"
+
+He paused for breath, and then went on excitedly:
+
+"There was a close call for you! We'd have lost it if I hadn't spoken
+to that guard, just in fun! There we were calmly waiting, and all of a
+sudden, we took that wild dash across the bridge! It was great! I
+hope somebody caught a photograph of us! I'd like to see one! How
+stupid of the guard to make that mistake! They never seem to know very
+much, anyway. If I ever am a guard, I shall be different; I shall know
+things!"
+
+They all had a good laugh over the adventure, and Mrs. Pitt assured
+John that when he was a guard, they would all promise to use his
+station.
+
+"Don't these trains seem different from ours, Betty?" the future guard
+asked of his sister. "It seems so queer to me why they want to take a
+perfectly good, long car, and chop it up from side to side, into
+little narrow rooms, like this! What's the use of having so many
+doors?--one on each side of every 'compartment'! And then, they put
+handles only on the outside, so you have to let down the window and
+lean away out to open it for yourself, if the guard doesn't happen to
+do it for you! We Americans couldn't waste so much time!"
+
+Just then, Betty, who could contain herself no longer, burst out
+laughing.
+
+"Why, what in the world's the matter?" cried Barbara.
+
+Betty could only point to a passing train. "It's only the funny
+little freight cars!" she finally explained, rather ashamed that she
+had let her feelings escape in that way. "They look so silly to us!
+They seem about a third the size of the ones at home. Really, these
+remind me of a picture in my history-book, of the first train ever run
+in America!"
+
+Mrs. Pitt smiled. "Yes, I can imagine just how strange they must seem
+to you, for I remember very well how I felt the first time I ever rode
+in one of your trains. To me, one of the most interesting things about
+visiting a foreign country, is to see the different modes of travel."
+
+"Oh, please understand that I think so, too!" urged Betty. "It was
+only that I couldn't help laughing just at first, you see. I wouldn't
+have your trains just like ours for anything, and I'm sure that John
+wouldn't either."
+
+[Illustration: "WHAT'S THE USE OF HAVING SO MANY DOORS?"--_Page 39._]
+
+"Now," said Mrs. Pitt, "there is a little confession which I feel that
+I ought to make. It's about where we are going to-day. Probably most
+people would blame me for not taking you to Windsor or Hampton Court,
+on your first trip out of town. Both those places are charming, but
+I wanted to show you, first of all, this dear little corner of Kent.
+All tourists flock to Windsor and Hampton Court, but a great many do
+not know about this tiny, out-of-the-way village, with which I fell in
+love years ago. Penshurst Place was the home of Sir Philip Sidney, and
+is still owned by a member of the same family. You know that Sir
+Philip lived in Queen Elizabeth's time, and that his name stands for
+the model of a perfect courtier and ideal gentleman. He died when he
+was very young--only thirty-two, I think--and he did very little which
+you would suppose could have made him so famous. That is, it was
+little in comparison with what Raleigh and Drake accomplished, and yet
+the name of Sidney ranks with all the rest. It seems to have been more
+in the way he did things, than in what he did. Of course, you remember
+the story of his death,--that when he was dying, he passed a cup of
+water which was brought him, to another dying soldier, saying, 'Thy
+need is greater than mine.' Well, to-day we shall see where he was
+born and bred,--where Ben Jonson, Edmund Spenser, and Queen Elizabeth
+all visited."
+
+They were now riding through Kent, in which county is some of the most
+picturesque English scenery. Although it was only the last of April,
+the grass was the freshest green, the great trees were in full leaf,
+and primroses were beginning to spring up in the fields. They sped
+through little villages of thatched-roofed cottages, each with its
+tiny garden of gay flowers. There were little crooked lanes, bordered
+by high hedges, and wide, shady roads, with tall, stately elms on
+either side, and fields where sheep grazed.
+
+"Oh, there's a cottage which looks like Anne Hathaway's!" exclaimed
+Betty. "It couldn't be, could it? Anyway, it's real story-book
+country!"
+
+They left the train at the little station of Penshurst, two miles from
+the village. Behind the building stood a queer, side-seated wagon,
+with one stout horse. The driver, when Philip found him, seemed loath
+to bestir himself, but was finally persuaded to drive them to the
+castle.
+
+Penshurst village proved to be even prettier than those they had seen
+from the train. The Lord of Penshurst Place is a very wise,
+appreciative man, and he has made a rule that when any cottage in the
+village is found to be beyond repair, it shall be replaced by a new
+house exactly like the original. In consequence, the houses look
+equally old and equally attractive, with their roofs of grayish
+thatch, and the second stories leaning protectingly over the lower
+windows, overgrown with rose-vines.
+
+Mrs. Pitt went into the tiny post-office to buy their tickets of
+admission to the castle, and when she called out that there were also
+pretty post-cards to be had, the others quickly followed. Having
+chosen their cards, they all walked through the little church-yard,
+with its ancient yew trees, and out into a field from which they could
+see Penshurst Place itself.
+
+"Why! isn't it a huge place!" cried Barbara. "This is just as new to
+Philip and me, you know, Betty, for we have never been here, either."
+
+"How charmingly situated it is!" exclaimed Mrs. Pitt enthusiastically.
+"Just a glance at it would tell you that it was never a strong
+fortress. Like Raby Castle, another favorite of mine, I believe that
+Penshurst never stood a siege. But it is so stately and graceful,
+standing in the center of these perfect lawns and groups of noble old
+trees! It is a beautiful contrast to the many fortress-castles! This
+seems to speak of peace, happiness, and safety."
+
+The castle covers a great deal of ground, and is low and square, with
+here and there a turret. A terrace, or broad walk, runs the length of
+the front of the building, where the moat formerly was, and the party
+crossed this to reach the entrance-way. His Lordship came out just
+then, with his dog, and glanced kindly at the eager young people.
+Continuing, they crossed a square court, and came to a second gateway,
+where a servant met them and conducted them into the old-time
+Baronial-hall, dating from the fourteenth century.
+
+"This," announced the guide with tremendous pride, "we believe to be
+the only banquet-hall now remaining in England, where the ancient
+fireplace in the center of the room still exists. You'll see many fine
+halls, but you'll not see another such fireplace."
+
+[Illustration: "THIS SEEMS TO SPEAK OF PEACE, HAPPINESS, AND SAFETY."
+_Page 44._]
+
+John went up to investigate, and found that right in the middle of the
+vast room was a high hearth, on which some logs were piled. "But
+how----?" he was asking, when the guide's explanations flowed on once
+more:
+
+"Yes, the smoke went out through a little hole in the roof. This
+hall has never been restored, you see. That's the best thing about it,
+most people think, lady. Here's the oak paneling, turned gray with
+age; there, up on the wall, are the original grotesque figures, carved
+in wood; here, are two of the old tables, as old as the hall; and
+there's the musicians' gallery, at that end, over the entrance."
+
+Mrs. Pitt was leaning against one of the massive tables, with her eyes
+partly closed. "Let's just imagine the grand feasts which have been
+held here," she mused. "I can almost see the Lord and Lady, dressed in
+purple and scarlet, sitting with their guests at a table across this
+end of the room. A board stretches down the length of the hall, and
+here sit the inferiors and retainers. A long procession of servants is
+winding always around the tables, bearing great roasts, birds,
+pasties, and all sorts of goodies, on huge platters, high above their
+heads. Up in the gallery here, the musicians are playing loudly and
+gayly, and even when they cease the guests do not lack for
+entertainment, for the fool, in his dress of rainbow colors, is
+continually saying witty things and propounding funny riddles. In such
+a place much elegance and ceremony were the necessary accompaniments
+of a grand feast. In a book giving instructions for the serving of the
+Royal table, is this direction, which always interested me: 'First set
+forth mustard with brawn; take your knife in your hand, and cut the
+brawn in the dish, as it lieth, and lay on your Sovereign's trencher,
+and see that there be mustard.' As you see, they were exceedingly fond
+of mustard. Richard Tarleton, an actor of Queen Elizabeth's time, who
+was much at Court as jester, is reported as having called mustard 'a
+witty scold meeting another scold.'"
+
+The guide was growing impatient, and Mrs. Pitt ceased, saying
+reluctantly, "Well, I suppose we must go on."
+
+A servant rang a bell, and soon, down some stairs came a dear little
+old lady dressed in stiff black silk, with white apron and cap, and
+mitts on her hands. She escorted the party up the stairs, into her
+domain.
+
+"Wouldn't you just know to look at her that she had been in the family
+all her life?" whispered Barbara to Betty.
+
+First they saw the Ball-room, a stately apartment in which hang three
+very valuable chandeliers, which Queen Elizabeth gave to Sir Henry
+Sidney. The next room is still called "Queen Elizabeth's Room," for
+here that Queen slept when upon a visit to the house. The same
+furniture which she used is still in place, as well as some tapestries
+made in honor of the visit, by Lady Sidney.
+
+"If Queen Elizabeth slept in that bed," remarked Betty, "she couldn't
+have been very tall."
+
+Their guide, taking this as criticism of one of her beloved treasures,
+was quick to say:
+
+"It only looks short, because it's so uncommon wide, begging your
+pardon, Miss."
+
+"Did that stool belong to anybody?" questioned Barbara, tactfully
+changing the subject. "It looks as if it has a history."
+
+"And it has, Miss; that stool was used by the late Queen Victoria (God
+bless her!), at her coronation at Westminster Abbey!" and the loyal
+old lady patted the black velvet stool respectfully.
+
+The rooms and corridors of the old house are crowded with things of
+interest. Sir Philip's helmet is there, and a bit of his
+shaving-glass. In a small room called the "Pages' Closet," are
+preserved rare specimens of china--Queen Elizabeth's dessert-set, in
+green, and Queen Anne's breakfast-set, in blue and white. Betty and
+Barbara were deeply interested in Mary Stuart's jewel-case, and they
+laughed over a very curious old painting which shows Queen Elizabeth
+dancing. The long picture-gallery is lined with portraits--most of
+them Sidneys--and among them those of the mother of Sir Philip, and of
+his sister, the Countess of Pembroke, for whom he wrote his "Arcadia."
+
+When they again passed through the Ball-room on their way out, they
+were shown a little square window on one of the walls, which they had
+not noticed before.
+
+"Why! I can see down into the Banquet-hall!" exclaimed Philip, who had
+climbed up to look through.
+
+"Yes," said their guide, "in the olden times, the master at the ball
+could look through there to see how the servants were behaving, down
+in the hall below."
+
+Out on the lawn again, they lingered for a few minutes while Mrs. Pitt
+reminded them that there is every reason to believe that under those
+very trees Spenser wrote his "Shepherd's Calendar."
+
+Reluctantly they left the castle and walked back to the carriage,
+which awaited them in the village.
+
+"If all English castles are as beautiful as Penshurst Place," declared
+Betty earnestly, "I can't go back to America until I have seen every
+one!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER FIVE
+
+THE TOWER OF LONDON
+
+
+"I should think they'd call it 'The Towers,' instead of 'The Tower,'"
+remarked Betty, surveying the curious, irregular jumble of buildings
+before her, as they left the bus.
+
+"That's true," Mrs. Pitt agreed; "but I suppose the name was first
+given to the White Tower, which is the oldest part and was built by
+William the Conqueror as long ago as 1080. Why did they call it the
+White Tower? Well, I believe it was because they whitewashed the walls
+in the thirteenth century. Why, what's the matter, John?"
+
+"I want to see who those fellows in the funny red uniforms are," John
+called back, as he ran ahead.
+
+[Illustration: "I WANT TO SEE WHO THOSE FELLOWS IN THE FUNNY RED
+UNIFORMS ARE."--_Page 50._]
+
+When they reached the entrance, they saw John admiring a group of
+these "fellows," who stood just inside the gate. In reality, they are
+old soldiers who have served the King well, and are therefore
+allowed to be the keepers and guides of the Tower. They bear the
+strange name of "beefeaters" (a word grown from the French
+"buffetiers"), and are very picturesque in their gorgeous scarlet
+uniforms, covered with gilt trimmings and many badges, a style of
+costume which these custodians have worn ever since the time of Henry
+VIII, and which was designed by the painter, Holbein.
+
+Any one may pay sixpence for a ticket which entitles him to wander
+about the precincts of the Tower, and to see the "Crown Jewels," and
+the armory, but Mrs. Pitt, being more ambitious for her young friends,
+had obtained a permit from the Governor of the Tower. This she
+presented to the "beefeater" who stood by the first gateway, after
+they had crossed the great empty moat. The old man stepped to a tiny
+door behind him, opened it, disclosing a small, winding stair, and
+called "Warder! Party, please!"
+
+A venerable "beefeater" with white hair and beard came in answer to
+the summons, and bowing politely to the party, immediately started off
+with them. They set out along a little, narrow, paved street, lined
+by ancient buildings or high walls.
+
+"They do say h'as 'ow the Princess Elizabeth, afterwards Queen, was
+h'imprisoned in that room, up there," stated the guide, pointing to a
+small window in a wall on their left. "By Queen Mary's h'orders she
+was brought in through the Traitor's Gate, there. That was a great
+disgrace, you know, Miss," he said to Betty, "for h'all the State
+prisoners entered by there, and few of them h'ever again left the
+Tower."
+
+Before them some steps led down to a little paved court, and beyond,
+under a building, they saw the terrible Traitor's Gate,--a low, gloomy
+arch, with great wooden doors. The water formerly came through the
+arch and up to the steps, at which the unfortunate prisoners were
+landed. As the Princess Elizabeth stepped from the boat, she cried,
+"Here landeth as true a subject, being a prisoner, as ever landed at
+these stairs; and before Thee, O God, I speak it!"
+
+"Isn't there a proverb, 'A loyal heart may be landed at Traitor's
+Gate'?" questioned Mrs. Pitt; and turning to the guide she added,
+"Wasn't it right here where we are standing that Margaret Roper
+caught sight of her father, Sir Thomas More, after his trial?" As the
+guide nodded his assent, she went on, "You all remember Sir Thomas
+More, of course,--the great and noble man whom Henry VIII beheaded
+because he would not swear allegiance to the King as head of the
+Church in England. In those days, an ax was always carried in the boat
+with the prisoner, on his return to the Tower, after the trial. If the
+head of the ax was turned toward the victim, it was a sign that he was
+condemned. It was here, as I said, that Margaret Roper stood with the
+crowd, eagerly watching for the first glimpse of her beloved father;
+and when he came near and she saw the position of the ax, she broke
+away from the soldiers, and flung herself into her father's arms. The
+two were so devoted that their story has always seemed an especially
+pathetic one to me. I suppose there were many like it, however."
+
+"Indeed there were, lady," returned the guide, quite moved.
+
+Just opposite Traitor's Gate is the Bloody Tower, the most picturesque
+bit of the entire fortress. The old portcullis there is known as the
+only one in England which is still fit for use. At the side is an
+ancient and rusty iron ring, which attracted John's attention so much
+that he asked about it.
+
+"Boatmen coming through the Traitor's Gate yonder, used to tie their
+boats to that ring," the "beefeater" told them. "That shows you 'ow
+much farther h'up the water came in those days. H'in a room over the
+gateway of the Bloody Tower there, the Duke of Clarence, h'according
+to some, drowned himself in a butt of Malmsey wine; and in h'an
+adjoining room, they say that the little Princes were murdered by
+h'order of their uncle, the powerful Duke of Gloucester, who stole
+their right to the throne. Right 'ere, at the foot of these steps, is
+where 'e 'urriedly buried them, h'after 'is men 'ad smothered them."
+
+The children stood gazing at the little window over the gateway, their
+eyes big with horror. It did not seem as though such terrible things
+could have been done there in that little room, into which the sun now
+poured through the tiny window.
+
+Every night at eleven o'clock, the warder on guard at the Bloody
+Tower challenges the Chief Warder, who passes bearing the keys. Each
+time this conversation follows:--
+
+"Who goes there?"
+
+"Keys."
+
+"Whose keys?"
+
+"King Edward VII's keys."
+
+"Advance King Edward VII's keys, and all's well."
+
+Not until then, may the keys in the Chief Warder's care be allowed to
+pass on.
+
+Some steps just beyond lead into the Wakefield Tower, where the "Crown
+Jewels" are now kept. The "beefeater" remained below, but Mrs. Pitt
+took the young people up into the little round room where the splendid
+crowns and other jewels are seen, behind iron bars. After examining
+minutely the objects on view, while leaning just as far as possible
+over the rail, John burst out with:
+
+"Just look at those huge salt-cellars!" pointing to several very large
+gold ones. "I should say that the English must be about as fond of
+salt as they are of mustard, to have wanted those great things! Oh, I
+don't care for these!" he added. "They are stupid, I think! Imagine
+being King Edward, and owning such elegant crowns, scepters, and
+things, and then letting them stay way down here at the Tower, where
+he can't get at them! What's the use of having them, I'd like to know!
+Oh, come on! I've seen enough of these!"
+
+"Wait just a minute, John," interrupted Betty. "See! here's Queen
+Victoria's crown, and in it is the ruby that belonged to the Black
+Prince, and which Henry V wore in his helmet at Agincourt! Just
+think!" with a sigh. "Now I'll go."
+
+"Speaking of crowns," observed Mrs. Pitt, in passing down the stairs,
+"have you ever heard about the large emerald which George III wore in
+his crown, at his coronation? During the ceremony, it fell out, and
+superstitious people regarded it as a bad omen. Their fears were
+realized when that sovereign lost something much dearer to him than
+any jewel: his American Colonies."
+
+The previously-mentioned White Tower stands in the center of all the
+other surrounding buildings. It is large and square, with turrets at
+the four corners,--an ideal old fortress. As they approached, the
+guide took out some keys and unlocked a door, starting down some
+steps into the darkness. "Oh, the dungeons!" gasped Betty, and she and
+Barbara shivered a little, as they followed.
+
+Just at the foot they halted, and the guide showed them some round
+holes in the floor.
+
+"'Ere's where they fastened down the rack. This 'ere's the Torture
+Chamber. You may think that being so near the entrance, the cries of
+the victims could be 'eard by the people outside, lady, but these
+walls are so thick that there was no possible chance of that. Ah, down
+in these parts is where we still see things, ladies!"
+
+"Why, what do you mean?" whispered John, dreading and yet longing to
+hear.
+
+Thus encouraged, their guide continued:--
+
+"Once h'every month, it is my turn to watch down 'ere, during the
+night. Some of us don't like to admit it, lady, but we h'all dread
+that! Many things which 'ave never been written down in 'istory, 'ave
+'appened in these 'ere passages and cells! Ah, there are figures glide
+around 'ere in the dead o' night, and many's the times I've 'eard
+screams, way in the distance, as though somebody was being 'urt! Now,
+this way, please, and I'll show you Guy Fawkes's cell,--'im h'as was
+the originator of the Gunpowder Plot, and tried to blow up the 'ouses
+of Parliament."
+
+They felt their way along the uneven floors, and peered into the
+darkness of Guy Fawkes's cell, which was called "Little Ease."
+
+"Just imagine having to stay long in there!" sighed Betty. "Not able
+to stand up, lie down, or even sit up straight! Did they make it that
+way on purpose, do you think?"
+
+"They certainly did, Miss," declared the guide. "They tried to make
+'im confess 'o 'ad associated with 'im in the plot; but 'e wouldn't,
+and they finally put 'im on the rack, poor man! A terrible thing was
+that rack!"
+
+"Let's come away now," broke in Mrs. Pitt quickly. "I really think we
+have all had about enough of this, and there are more cheerful things
+to be seen above."
+
+So they threaded their way out to the entrance again, getting whiffs
+of damp, disagreeable air from several dark dungeons, and passing
+through a number of great apartments stacked with guns. It was a
+relief to gain the main part of the building, where other people were,
+and plenty of warmth and sunlight. Their spirits rose, and they
+laughed and joked while climbing the narrow, spiral stairs.
+
+The large room in which they found themselves was filled with weapons
+also, and various relics of the old Tower. It was used as the great
+Banqueting-hall when the Tower was the Royal Palace, as well as the
+fortress, the State prison, the Mint, the Armory, and the Record
+Office. The apartment above this was the Council Chamber. They went
+up.
+
+"It was here that Richard II gave up his crown to Henry of Bolingbroke
+who became Henry IV, by demand of the people," said Mrs. Pitt.
+"Richard was a weak, cruel king, you remember, and was confined in a
+distant castle, where he was finally murdered. Suppose we examine some
+of this armor now. This suit here belonged to Queen Elizabeth's
+favorite, the Earl of Leicester. Notice the initials R. D., which
+stand for his name, Robert Dudley. This here was made for Charles I
+when he was a boy; and that belonged to Charles Brandon, Duke of
+Suffolk; and this, to Henry VIII himself. Aren't they interesting?
+Yes, what's that you have found, Barbara?"
+
+The two boys were absorbed in the armor for some time, but Barbara and
+Betty liked a figure on horseback, which represents Queen Elizabeth as
+she looked when she rode out in state. It is strangely realistic, for
+the figure is dressed in a gown of the period said to have belonged to
+that Queen.
+
+"Do you suppose that jewels were sewn into the dress where those round
+holes are?" asked Betty, gently touching the faded velvet with one
+finger.
+
+They all examined the dreadful instruments of torture, some of them
+taken from the Armada, and the ghastly headsman's block and mask, and
+then they descended the winding stairs again and went into the little
+shadowy St. John's Chapel, on the floor with the Banqueting-hall.
+
+"I want you all to remember that this is called the 'most perfect
+Norman chapel in England,'" began Mrs. Pitt. "Some day when you have
+learned more about architecture, that will mean a great deal to you.
+These heavy circular pillars and the horseshoe arches show the ancient
+Norman style. It's a quaint place, isn't it? Here Brackenbury, the
+Lieutenant of the Tower, was praying one evening when the order came
+to him to murder the two little Princes. In this chapel, the Duke of
+Northumberland, the aged father of Lady Jane Grey, heard Mass before
+he went out to execution. 'Bloody Mary' came here to attend service
+upon the death of her brother, Edward VI. Somewhere on the same floor
+of this tower, John Baliol, the Scotch King, was imprisoned and lived
+for some time in great state. There is (at any rate, there was) a
+secret passage between this chapel and the Royal Apartments. I have
+read so much about the dreadful conspirators who skulked about the
+Tower, and the fearful deeds that were done here, that I can almost
+see a man in armor, with drawn sword, lurking behind one of these
+pillars!"
+
+Some soldiers in their gay uniforms were parading on Tower Green when
+they went out again, and the scene was a merry, bright one.
+
+"How different from the days when the scaffold stood under those
+trees!" exclaimed Mrs. Pitt, as they approached the fatal spot. "Here
+perished Lady Jane Grey, Anne Boleyn, Katharine Howard, and Queen
+Elizabeth's unfortunate favorite, the Earl of Essex. Most of the
+victims were beheaded just outside, on Tower Hill. Now, we'll look
+into St. Peter's Chapel."
+
+It is a gloomy, unattractive enough little chapel, but there are
+buried here many illustrious men and women, whose lives were unjustly
+taken by those in power. Here lie the queens who suffered at the
+Tower, and, strangely enough, their tombs are mostly unmarked. John
+Fisher, the ancient Bishop of Rochester, lies here, and Guildford
+Dudley, husband to Lady Jane Grey, the Earl of Arundel, Sir Thomas
+More, and many others whose names are forever famous.
+
+Our party visited the little room in the Beauchamp Tower, which so
+many examine with intense interest. Many people were imprisoned there,
+and the walls are literally covered with signatures, verses,
+coats-of-arms, crests, and various devices cut into the stone by the
+captives. Perhaps the most famous is the simple word "JANE," said to
+have been done by her husband, Guildford Dudley. A secret passage has
+been discovered extending around this chamber, and probably spies were
+stationed there to watch the prisoners and listen to what they said.
+
+"That's the Brick Tower," said Mrs. Pitt, pointing to it with her
+umbrella, as she spoke. "There's where Lady Jane Grey was imprisoned,
+and there Sir Walter Raleigh lived during his first stay at the Tower.
+It was when he was in the Beauchamp Tower, however, that he burnt part
+of his 'History of the World,' the work of many years. It happened in
+a curious way! Do you know the story? He was at his window one morning
+and witnessed a certain scene which took place in the court beneath.
+Later, he talked with a friend who had been a nearer spectator of this
+identical scene, and they disagreed entirely as to what passed.
+Raleigh was very peculiarly affected by this little incident. He
+reasoned that if he could be so much mistaken about something which
+had happened under his very eyes, how much more mistaken must he be
+about things which occurred centuries before he was born. The
+consequence was that he threw the second volume of his manuscript into
+the fire, and calmly watched it burn. Think of the loss to us! Poor
+Raleigh! He was finally beheaded, and I should think he would have
+welcomed it, after so many dreary years of imprisonment. He is buried
+in St. Margaret's Church, beside Westminster Abbey, you know."
+
+"Was there a real palace in the Tower?" inquired Betty, while they
+retraced their steps under the Bloody Tower and back toward the
+entrance. "Isn't there any of it remaining?"
+
+"Yes, there was a palace here once, for royalty lived in the Tower
+through the reign of James I. No part of it now exists, however. It
+stood over beyond the White Tower, in a part which visitors are not
+now allowed to see."
+
+On a hill just outside the Tower, in the center of a large, barren
+square, is a little inclosed park with trees and shrubbery. Here stood
+the scaffold where almost all of the executions were held. The place
+is now green and fruitful, but it is said that on the site of the
+scaffold within the Tower, grass cannot be made to grow.
+
+As they walked toward a station of the "Tube," an underground railway,
+John suddenly heaved a great sigh of relief and exclaimed:
+
+"Well, I tell you what! I've learned heaps, but I don't want to hear
+anything more about executions for a few days! What do you all say?"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER SIX
+
+ST. PAUL'S CATHEDRAL AND ITS VICINITY
+
+
+When Betty came down to her breakfast the following morning, she found
+her plate heaped with letters and fascinating little parcels of
+different shapes. For a moment she looked puzzled, then she exclaimed:
+
+"Oh! I know! It's my birthday, and I'm having such a splendid time
+sight-seeing, that I had forgotten all about it! How lovely!" as she
+glanced again at the presents.
+
+"See, John!" she cried, opening the first package, which had an
+American postmark, "see what mother has sent me! It is such a pretty
+tan leather cover, with little handles, to put on my Baedeker. You
+know I always carry the guidebook, and read about things for Mrs.
+Pitt. Now, I can keep the book clean, and besides, people can't
+recognize me as an American just from seeing my red book! That's a
+fine idea, I think!"
+
+John thought that his sister was not opening the bundles quite fast
+enough, so he pounced upon one and unwrapped it for her.
+
+"This long thing is father's gift, Betty. It's an umbrella, of course,
+and a fine one! Here's a card which says, 'Knowing that two umbrellas
+could never be amiss in England, I send this.' Do you suppose he
+guessed that you'd lost yours?"
+
+After the bundles were all opened, the letters hurriedly devoured, and
+Betty had at last settled down to eating her cold breakfast, Mrs. Pitt
+said:
+
+"I had not decided exactly what we would do to-day, and now I think
+I'll let the birthday girl plan. Where will you go, Betty?"
+
+After due consideration, Betty announced that she would choose to
+visit St. Paul's Cathedral, and afterwards, by way of contrast, to
+have lunch at the Cheshire Cheese.
+
+"What in the world's that?" inquired John.
+
+Mrs. Pitt laughed. "You'll see, for we'll go there, as Betty suggests,
+when we have seen St. Paul's. I'm not sure whether you'll care to have
+lunch there, but we'll look in, at any rate. It's rather different
+from the places where you are accustomed to take your lunch! No, you
+must wait, John! I'm not going to tell you any more about it!"
+
+"What a beautiful day!" Betty cried, taking her seat on the bus a
+little later. "I do wish it wouldn't always be so windy, though! I
+almost lost my hat then!"
+
+"As you stay longer in London, you'll notice that a really clear day
+is almost always a very windy one as well. We Londoners have to accept
+the two together," Mrs. Pitt told the visitors.
+
+Leaving Trafalgar Square, the bus carried them by Charing Cross
+Station, in front of which is a copy of the old Charing Cross. Edward
+I, when his queen, Eleanor of Castile, died, put up many crosses in
+her memory, each one marking a spot where her body was set down during
+its journey to Westminster Abbey for burial. A little farther along,
+the bus passed the odd little church of St. Mary-le-Strand, which is
+on an "island" in the middle of that wide street and its great busy,
+hurrying traffic. It is good to remember that on that very spot, the
+maypole once stood. Narrow side streets lead off the Strand, and
+looking down them one may see the river, and understand why the
+street was so named. It originally ran along by the bank of the
+Thames, and the splendid houses of the nobles lined the way.
+
+"These fine stone buildings on our left are the new Law Courts, and
+the griffin in the center of the street marks the position of old
+Temple Bar. There! We've passed it, and now we are in Fleet Street.
+Temple Bar was the entrance to the 'City,' you know. To this day the
+King cannot proceed into the 'City' without being first received at
+Temple Bar, by the Lord Mayor. At one time, the city of London
+comprised a small area (two and a quarter miles from end to end), and
+was inclosed by walls and entered by gates. Originally there were but
+four gates,--Aldgate, Aldersgate, Ludgate, and Bridgegate. Think what
+a small city it was then! It is curious to know that in spite of that,
+there were then one hundred and three churches in London. The real
+center of life for centuries was at 'Chepe,' or Cheapside, as it is
+now called. You'll see it later."
+
+[Illustration: "THE KING CANNOT PROCEED INTO THE 'CITY' WITHOUT BEING
+FIRST RECEIVED AT TEMPLE BAR BY THE LORD MAYOR."--_Page 68._]
+
+Betty had been looking eagerly, even while she listened to what Mrs.
+Pitt was saying. Her eyes now rested upon an old church, over the
+door of which stood a queer, blackened statue of a queen.
+
+"The church is St. Dunstan's," responded Mrs. Pitt again. "That old
+statue of Queen Elizabeth is one of the few things which escaped the
+great fire in the reign of Charles II. The figure once stood on the
+ancient Lud Gate of the city. They say that it was in the church-yard
+of St. Dunstan's that John Milton sold his wonderful poem of 'Paradise
+Lost' for five pounds."
+
+"Let's see,--that would be twenty-five dollars, wouldn't it? I haven't
+your English money clear in my mind yet," John confided to Philip. "I
+can't somehow feel that it's real money unless it's in dollars and
+cents."
+
+Philip soon pointed to a little alley-way on their left, and said,
+"The Cheshire Cheese is in a little court back of there. You can't
+think how many buildings, courts, and alleys are hidden in behind all
+of these shops. Some of the old inns, or coffee-houses, which were
+famous are (or were) there. Now, here's Ludgate Hill, and in a minute
+you'll have a view of St. Paul's."
+
+St. Paul's Cathedral stands on a hill, and because of its position
+and huge dome it is the most conspicuous of London's landmarks. But,
+because of the closely surrounding buildings, it is much hidden from
+near view. As the bus mounted Ludgate Hill, having passed under the
+railroad-bridge, they suddenly saw the tremendous cathedral looming up
+before them.
+
+They paused for a moment by the statue of Queen Anne, in front of the
+main entrance, while Mrs. Pitt, following her delightful habit,
+reminded them of certain notable facts.
+
+"No one knows exactly how long there has been a church upon this
+site," she began, beckoning them closer to her, as the noise of the
+traffic was so great, "but Bede, the oldest historian, says that a
+chapel was built here by a Saxon king, before the time of the Romans.
+When Sir Christopher Wren, the architect, built this present edifice,
+after the great fire of 1666, he found relics of three periods,--the
+Saxon, the British, and the Roman. St. Paul's has been burned five
+times. The last fire (the one of which I just spoke) destroyed the
+church which we know as 'old St. Paul's.' Now, let's go in, for there
+is much to be seen."
+
+Next to St. Peter's at Rome, St. Paul's in London is the largest
+church, in the world. The first impression a person gets is one of
+great vastness and bareness, for, unlike Westminster Abbey, here one
+does not encounter at every step famous statues, memorials, and
+graves. The nave is tremendous in width and in length. Chapels open
+from both sides, but they seem far off and shadowy. Way in the
+distance is the choir, the altar, and the group of chairs used at
+services. Everything is quiet, empty, and bare.
+
+"I never imagined such a huge church!" said Betty, much impressed. "I
+feel lost and cold, somehow. What are you thinking, Mrs. Pitt? I'm
+sure we'd all like to hear."
+
+"I was just picturing, as I always do when I come here, the scenes the
+nave of old St. Paul's presented in Henry VIII's time. Would you like
+to hear? Well, in the sixteenth century, this nave was called 'Paul's
+Walke,' and it was a place of business. Yes," she assured them, as
+John and Betty exclaimed, "down these aisles were booths where
+merchants of all kinds sold their wares. Counters were built around
+the pillars, and even the font was used by the vendors. Pack-horses
+laden with merchandise streamed always in and out, and crowds of
+people elbowed their way about, shouting and gesticulating excitedly."
+
+"But didn't they have any services at all in St. Paul's Cathedral?"
+asked Betty wonderingly.
+
+"Oh, yes!" continued Mrs. Pitt, "the services went on just the same.
+The people were used to the noise and confusion. Here came the tailors
+to look at the fine new clothes which the young dandies wore when they
+took their morning promenades. All the latest books and poems were
+always to be found on sale here. Bishop Earle wrote 'Paul's Walke--you
+may cal--the lesser Ile of Great Brittaine. The noyse in it is like
+that of Bees, in strange hummings, or buzze, mixt of walking, tongues,
+and feet; it is a kind of still roare, or loud whisper.'
+
+"I am glad to be able to say, however," she continued, "that before
+that dreadful period, there was a time when the cathedral was not so
+dishonored. Once these walls were covered with valuable shrines,
+pictures, and tapestries, and costly jewels glittered everywhere.
+There was one huge emerald which was said to cure diseases of the
+eyes. Here came John Wycliffe, the great reformer, at the summons of
+the Archbishop of Canterbury, to answer for the publication of his new
+doctrines. Here, Henry of Bolingbroke prayed for his successful
+seizure of the throne, and here he also wept over the grave of his
+father, John of Gaunt. Sir Philip Sidney was buried here, and his
+father-in-law, Sir Francis Walsingham, Queen Elizabeth's secretary;
+and there was a magnificent monument to Sir Christopher Hatton, Lord
+Chancellor, but these were all destroyed by the Great Fire."
+
+About the aisles and nave are many monuments to great soldiers,
+sailors, painters, statesmen, literary men, and others. Most of them
+are very ugly, and our party did not linger long over these. After
+walking under the dome, and looking up into its tremendous heights,
+they went down into the crypt, which is really the most interesting
+part of the cathedral.
+
+The crypt is vast, dark, and gloomy. Other parties may be heard
+walking about and talking in the distance, without being seen, and
+their voices echo strangely. In the "Painters' Corner," Sir Joshua
+Reynolds, West, Lawrence, Landseer, and Turner, all famous artists,
+lie buried beneath the pavement. Sir Christopher Wren, surrounded by
+members of his family, lies under the dome, as was his wish. Lord
+Nelson and the Duke of Wellington both have splendid tombs there.
+
+"These are all we now have of the monuments of the old cathedral,"
+remarked Mrs. Pitt, pointing to where in a corner some mutilated
+figures, heads, and broken monuments lay, all in a heap.
+
+John was delighted when it was proposed to climb up into the dome, and
+to test the "Whispering Gallery," on the way. It seemed an endless
+climb up the spiral stairs, and Mrs. Pitt, Barbara, and Betty lagged
+behind. When they finally came out into the great round gallery, the
+two boys were over on the opposite side. Betty, after waving to them,
+sat down on a bench against the wall, and suddenly she heard John's
+voice, saying "Glad to see you at last!" She put her lips to the wall
+and whispering an answer, found that John could hear her, too. They
+were having quite a lengthy conversation, holding first their lips to
+the wall to speak, and then their ears to listen, when Mrs. Pitt
+interrupted them.
+
+"That's great fun, but we have still a hard climb before us," she
+reminded them. "I think we had better go on."
+
+The remainder of the way was much more difficult, as the steps were
+steeper and narrower than ever, but they at last emerged on the little
+platform, running around the top of the dome.
+
+"My, what a view!" they cried.
+
+"Yes, you're the first visitors in many a day who could see so far,"
+the man in charge told them.
+
+If the terrible black smoke which comes from the hundreds of chimneys,
+and the fog permit one to see it all, the view is truly fine. It is
+especially interesting to trace the river in its various curves, and
+to pick out the many bridges which span it. Another striking feature
+is the immense number of spires. The guide pointed out the churches to
+them, and also the different parts of the city.
+
+"If you thought it was windy on the bus, Betty, I wonder what you call
+this," exclaimed Barbara, grasping her hat with both hands. "I'm going
+down now."
+
+The others were quite ready to follow, and they wound their way down,
+down, down, until they stood again on the main floor, under the dome.
+
+"This is called St. Paul's Church-yard," said Mrs. Pitt, leading the
+way around back of the cathedral. "This used to be a very busy place.
+St. Paul's School was here, within the yard, as well as many shops.
+The first printer who produced books for children had his shop in this
+corner. In the days when the interior of the building was put to such
+dreadful uses, the outside was treated quite as badly. Shops of all
+kinds were built up against the cathedral, and sometimes the noise
+which the carpenters made greatly disturbed those at the service
+within. It must have been shocking indeed! It is said that for a very
+small sum, the sexton would allow boys to climb up and ring the bells
+as much as they liked; and, on the day of Queen Mary's coronation, she
+saw a Dutchman standing on the weather-vane, waving a flag."
+
+"My! I'd like to have seen that!" cried John, to whom such gymnastic
+feats appealed.
+
+While they walked back to the Cheshire Cheese, Mrs. Pitt explained to
+them what St. Paul's Cathedral once comprised.
+
+"In the London of the Middle Ages, the Church ruled supreme," she told
+them. "At least one-fourth of the entire city was owned by the
+churches and the religious houses. To carry on the monasteries and
+churches, a tremendous number of people were necessary. At St. Paul's,
+in 1450, there were:
+
+     The bishop,
+     Four archdeacons,
+     The treasurer,
+     The precentor,
+     The chancellor,
+     Thirty greater canons,
+     Twelve lesser canons,
+     Fifty chaplains, and
+     Thirty vicars.
+
+These were of the higher rank; there were innumerable others of lower
+rank, such as the master of the singing-school, the binder, and the
+translator. The brewer, in 1286, brewed 67,814 gallons, and the baker
+baked about 40,000 loaves. This gives one a little idea of what it
+meant to conduct a cathedral in those days of the all-powerful
+Church."
+
+Between the poor shops of Fleet Street, open many little passages, and
+these lead into tiny courts and winding alleys. The entrance to one of
+them is marked with the sign, "Wine Office Court." Directly off from
+this narrow, dark alley stands the famous Cheshire Cheese, the only
+genuine old-time tavern or "coffee-house" which still exists
+unchanged. It is a little, low building, with quaint bow-window of
+square panes.
+
+"Why, we can't all get in there, can we?" laughed John, as Mrs. Pitt
+stepped inside. The door is very small, and the hallway was so crowded
+by curious visitors, and by jostling, pushing waiters, that it did not
+seem possible for another person to enter. They managed, however, to
+elbow their way through the crowd into the celebrated "coffee-room"
+itself.
+
+That "coffee-room" is splendid! The ceiling is very low, and the walls
+are wainscoted in dark wood. Although the room is so small, there are
+numerous long tables, and old-fashioned, high-backed settles. One
+seat, in the corner farthest from the door, is marked with a little
+tablet, telling us that there was Dr. Johnson's chosen place. Several
+pictures of that noted gentleman adorn the walls. It always seems
+very much out of keeping with the quaintness of the room, to find it
+full of laughing, chattering Americans. A few quiet English clerks
+come there for their noon meal, but the majority of the patrons of the
+Cheshire Cheese are the tourists.
+
+"There's nothing to do but to wait here until we can get seats," said
+Mrs. Pitt; so they all remained standing in the middle of the floor,
+directly in the path of the waiters, until finally some seats were
+free, and they slid into one of the long benches which extend down
+each side of the tables, placed endwise to the wall.
+
+"Are you sorry you proposed coming here?" Mrs. Pitt asked Betty,
+watching with amusement her crest-fallen face as she saw the soiled
+linen, and untidy look of the entire table.
+
+"Oh, no," Betty answered doubtfully, "only I guess people come here
+more because Dr. Johnson did, than because they like it."
+
+Mrs. Pitt laughed. "That's very true," she said. "The service isn't
+exactly prompt, either. We've already waited quite fifteen minutes, I
+am sure. I ordered lark pie and Cheshire cheese for you, of course.
+Every one takes them on his first visit here."
+
+The lark pie was Dr. Johnson's favorite dish, but that fact does not
+suffice to make it very enjoyable. Betty frankly confessed that she
+could not manage to eat hers, but John pretended to be very
+industrious over his, although he did a good deal of looking about the
+room and commenting upon things he saw.
+
+"There's even sawdust on the floor," he announced jubilantly. "Did you
+ever! My! How hot and stuffy it is here! Were all old inns just like
+this, Mrs. Pitt?"
+
+"Yes, pretty much so, I think," was the response. "There were ever so
+many of them, you know, and each was frequented by a certain class of
+men. For instance, there was the 'British Coffee-house,' where all the
+Scotch visitors went; there was 'Robin's,' which was noted for its
+foreign bankers and ambassadors; and there was 'Dolly's Chophouse,'
+where the wits congregated. Most of the famous clubs held their
+meetings at one or another of the 'coffee-houses,' too. The 'Spectator
+Club' met at 'Button's Coffee-house,' and there the 'Spectator Papers'
+had their beginnings. There Addison, Steele, Pope, and others, spent
+their leisure hours. Some of the London clubs of the eighteenth
+century had very queer names!" she continued. "There was the 'Ugly
+Club,' the 'Quack Club,' the 'Beefsteak Club,' the 'Split-Farthing
+Club,' and the 'Small Coalmen's Music Club,' for example. Here, at the
+Cheshire Cheese, Goldsmith often came with Dr. Johnson. Can't you
+imagine the two sitting over at that table, with Boswell not far away,
+patiently listening, quill in hand? Dr. Johnson was very careless and
+untidy, you know, and invariably spilled his soup. It was he who used
+to walk up and down Fleet Street touching every post he passed!"
+
+All this time they had been waiting for their cheese. When it finally
+came, it proved to be much better than the lark pie. The cheese is
+served in little three-cornered tins, and is poured hot over crisp
+pieces of toast.
+
+When they had finished, they went up the winding stairs to see the
+room where the famous "Literary Club" used to meet. Dr. Johnson's
+chair is preserved there.
+
+"Didn't Dr. Johnson live near here, too, Mother?" asked Barbara, as
+they came out again into the court.
+
+"Yes, I believe he lived in both Johnson and Bolt Courts," Mrs. Pitt
+told them. "His haunts were all about here. In number six, over there,
+Goldsmith is said to have written 'The Vicar of Wakefield.'"
+
+From there, they walked up Fleet Street, discussing their unusual
+lunch as they went. They had all enjoyed it,--even Betty.
+
+She made them all laugh, however, by announcing seriously, "I'm glad I
+went, but I think it is just about as nice to read about lunching
+there, as to really do it. And then, you wouldn't be quite so hungry
+afterwards!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER SEVEN
+
+A SUNDAY NIGHT CHAT
+
+
+It was Sunday afternoon, and the time for John and Betty to send their
+weekly letters home. The day was a beautiful one in early spring, the
+grass and trees in the garden behind the house were very green, birds
+were singing outside, people were continually walking by, and the
+letters progressed but slowly. Every few moments Betty stole a glance
+out-of-doors, and John sat leaning his elbow on the desk chewing the
+end of his penholder, while he gazed steadily out of the window.
+
+"Well, what do you think of it all, John?" asked Betty thoughtfully.
+"Aren't we glad we came, and aren't Mrs. Pitt and Barbara and Philip
+good to us?"
+
+"Just splendid!" exclaimed John most emphatically. He had turned away
+from the window now, and was entering earnestly into the conversation.
+"I just tell you what, Betty, it's a different thing to peg away at
+an old, torn history-book at school, and to come over here and see
+things and places, while Mrs. Pitt tells you about them! Why, I
+honestly like English history the way we're learning it now!"
+
+Betty smiled in an elder-sisterly fashion. "Well, I always did like to
+study history, but it surely makes it nicer and easier to do it this
+way. But besides that, John, don't you think it's queer and very
+interesting to see the way the English do things--all their customs, I
+mean. They're so different from ours! Why, when I first saw Barbara
+that day at the train, I thought it was the funniest thing that her
+hair was all hanging loose down her back. I wouldn't think of being so
+babyish! I thought perhaps she'd lost off her ribbon maybe, but she's
+worn it that way ever since. And her little sailor-hat looks so
+countrified as she has it,--'way down over her ears!"
+
+[Illustration: "I'D FEEL LIKE 'LITTLE LORD FAUNTLEROY' GOING AROUND
+WITH THOSE CLOTHES ON!"--_Page 84._]
+
+"I know it; it seemed mighty funny to me to see Philip's black suit
+with the long trousers, his broad collar, and skimpy short coat! It's
+what all the boys at the Eton School wear, he says. They must feel
+like fools! Why, I'd feel like--like--'Little Lord Fauntleroy' going
+around with those clothes on all the time!" John's voice was full of
+scorn, yet his eyes twinkled with fun. "But, the high hat, just like
+father's opera-hat, which Philip wears, beats it all!" he continued.
+"I'm so used to it now, though, that I don't think of it any more.
+It's queer how soon you get used to things! It's just like riding
+along the streets, and keeping to the left instead of to the right.
+The first time I rode in a hansom (you weren't there that day, Betty)
+and we suddenly turned a corner, keeping close to the left curb, I
+poked open the little door in the roof and shouted, 'Hey there!
+Mister! You'll bump into something if you don't look out!' The driver
+just stared; he didn't seem to know what I was talking about."
+
+"Yes," went on Betty in her turn, "keeping to the left did seem queer
+at first. You know, John, how often we have wished that Dan and the
+automobile were over here. Honestly, I think Dan would surely have an
+accident! He never could remember to keep to the left! Now, we simply
+must go on with our letters! Begin when I say three! One--two--(hurry,
+John, you haven't dipped your pen!), three!" and both commenced to
+write industriously.
+
+The letters were finally finished just as the tea-bell rang. Betty ran
+to wash her hands, and then they went down to the library, where tea
+was served every afternoon that they were at home.
+
+"Why! I quite like tea over here!" Betty remarked. "I never drink it
+at home! Mother would be so surprised if she saw me! Do all English
+people drink it every afternoon as you do, Mrs. Pitt?"
+
+"Yes, it seems to go with the English people, somehow. We'd quite as
+soon think of doing without our breakfast or dinner as our
+four-o'clock-tea. You've noticed, my dear, how I always manage to get
+my tea at some little shop when we are on one of our sight-seeing
+tours. Really, I am quite lost without it! Oh! it's just a habit, of
+course." As she spoke, Mrs. Pitt poured herself another cup.
+
+When the tea things had been removed, and a fire was lighted, stories
+were called for.
+
+"Tell us some of the stories you know about different places and old
+customs, Mother," urged Barbara.
+
+"Very well," said Mrs. Pitt willingly. "Let--me--see! You remember,
+don't you, having the guide point out London Bridge to you, from the
+top of St. Paul's, day before yesterday? That's the oldest bridge, you
+know, for it seems to have existed as long ago as we know anything of
+London itself. But legend has it that before there was any bridge over
+the Thames, people crossed in a ferry which was run by a certain John
+Overs. This man naturally became rich, as very many people were always
+paying him for taking them across the river, but he was a great miser.
+The ferryman had one fair daughter about whom he was as miserly as he
+was with his money,--keeping her shut up out of reach of her lover.
+One day, John Overs thought he would like to save the cost of
+providing food for his household, so he pretended to be dead. He
+expected that his servants would fast in consequence, as was the
+ancient custom; but so great was their joy when they thought their
+master dead, that they all began to dance, to make merry together, and
+to feast upon all they found in the house. The old miser stood this
+just as long as he could, and then he sprang up to lay hands upon
+them. The servants fled, believing that it was something
+supernatural--all except one, who, more daring than the rest, killed
+his master with his weapon. So old John did die after all, but in an
+unexpected way.
+
+"Part the second of my story tells of how the monks of a neighboring
+abbey finally consented to bury the body; when the abbot returned,
+however, he was very angry at what they had done, and gave the friars
+some orders. They dug up the body of the poor old boatman, tied it to
+the back of an ass, and turned the animal loose. The body was finally
+thrown off at the place of public execution (directly under the
+gallows), and there it was buried and remained. Meanwhile the
+daughter, Mary, was having more trouble. Immediately upon the death of
+her father, she had sent for her lover, but in coming to her, he had
+been thrown off his horse and killed. This was too much for the
+unfortunate girl, who decided to retire to a nunnery, leaving her
+entire fortune to found the church of 'St. Mary Overy.' That is the
+real name of the church now known as Southwark Cathedral, which stands
+just across London Bridge. Now, how do you like that story?"
+
+[Illustration: "YOU REMEMBER, DON'T YOU, HAVING THE GUIDE POINT OUT
+LONDON BRIDGE?"--_Page 86._]
+
+"Great!" exclaimed John. "Whoever thought that up had a vivid
+imagination, all right!"
+
+"Why, don't you believe it, John?" said Betty, who always took
+everything most seriously.
+
+When they were quiet again, Mrs. Pitt talked on.
+
+"London Bridge, up to the time of the Great Fire, was crowded with
+houses, you know, and there was even a chapel there. Over the gate at
+the Southwark end of the bridge, the heads of traitors were exhibited
+on the ends of long poles. Here Margaret Roper, whom you met at the
+Tower, came, bargained for, and at last secured the head of her
+father, Sir Thomas More. But, to go back to the houses! Hans Holbein,
+the painter, and John Bunyan, the poet, are both said to have resided
+on London Bridge. I also like the story which tells of a famous wine
+merchant, named Master Abel, who had his shop there. Before his door,
+he set up a sign on which was the picture of a bell, and under it were
+written the words, 'Thank God I am Abel.' Here's a picture of old
+London Bridge. Imagine how quaint it must have looked crowded by these
+picturesque old houses, and with its streets filled with travelers.
+All those entering London from the south came across that bridge,
+which was consequently a great thoroughfare. Near the Southwark side
+of the bridge is where the Tabard Inn stood--the inn from which the
+Canterbury Pilgrims set out; and near the bank, known as Bankside in
+those days, was the celebrated Globe Theatre, connected with
+Shakespeare and his associates. The popular Paris Gardens were there,
+too, where the sport of bear-baiting was seen in Queen Elizabeth's
+time. If we went over there, we could see the former sites of these
+historic places, but they are now covered by unattractive, modern
+buildings or great breweries. It's hard to conjure up the Globe
+Theatre out of present-day Southwark," she added with a sigh, as if
+she were speaking to herself. "Not far from the site of the Tabard
+Inn, a picturesque, gabled house once stood, in which John Harvard was
+born. Yes, John, that was the man who founded Harvard College, at your
+American Cambridge."
+
+"Yes, and I mean to go there myself some day!" announced John,
+immediately fired by the familiar name of our oldest university. "My
+father went, you know."
+
+Mrs. Pitt and the two girls spent the remainder of the evening in
+talking over plans for the next day, but John's thoughts had been
+turned to college, and so he and Philip had a lively time comparing
+notes about English and American colleges.
+
+"Where do you mean to go, Philip?" John inquired.
+
+"Oh, to Cambridge, of course! My father, his father, and all my family
+for generations back have been to Trinity College, Cambridge. That's
+the largest college in England, and was founded by Henry VIII. Oh,
+it's jolly there! There are old quadrangles around which the men live;
+there's a beautiful old chapel, built in the Tudor period; and there's
+the dining-hall. That's grand! Back of the college is the river, the
+Cam. There's a lovely garden there, and over the river on which the
+men go boating, is an old bridge. I had a cousin who lived in the
+rooms which Byron once occupied. He, Macaulay, Tennyson, Thackeray,
+Dryden, and many other famous men went there. Oh, it's the only
+college for me! I shall be there in three years, I hope!"
+
+"Well, Harvard's our oldest college. It was founded by your John
+Harvard almost as soon as Boston itself, and 'Teddy' Roosevelt went
+there! It's good enough for me! The only trouble is that they can't
+seem to beat at football, somehow, and I mean to play and see if I
+can't help 'em win. That's the only trouble with old Harvard, though,"
+John said, feeling that he must be loyal to his college in this
+international discussion; "otherwise she's all right! There's the
+Stadium, where all the big games are played, and there's the Charles
+River for us to row on. There are loads of fine new buildings, too,
+and I'd like those better than the old ones. We don't care who lived
+in 'em! Oh, the fellows at Harvard have a splendid time!"
+
+Mrs. Pitt had overheard some of this conversation with much amusement,
+for the ideas and ideals of the two boys were so different, and so
+very characteristic of each.
+
+"I think you'd enjoy a visit to Cambridge, John," she said. "We must
+try to manage it. You'd find one of our colleges very unlike yours in
+America. Both Oxford and Cambridge Universities are made up of many
+colleges, you know; at Oxford, there are twenty-two, and at Cambridge,
+eighteen. Each college has its own buildings, its own professors, its
+own chapel and dining-hall, and each college is complete in itself,
+although they all belong to one university. You would think the rules
+very strict! When the Cambridge men go to chapel, and at other
+specified times, they are required to wear their gowns and queer
+little flat caps, called 'trenchers' or 'mortar-boards.' At Oxford,
+the gates of each college are closed at nine o'clock every evening; a
+man may stay out later (even until twelve), if he can give a good
+reason for it. If he remains out all night, though, he is immediately
+dismissed. How would you like that?" she laughed, seeing John's
+disgusted expression. "There are men called 'scouts,' who look after
+the men's rooms, and bring them their breakfast. The students are very
+carefully watched, and if one of them stays away from his meals at the
+dining-hall more than two or three times a week, the affair is
+investigated."
+
+"My! When we go to college in America, we are men, and can look after
+ourselves!" John drew himself up very straight, and spoke with great
+dignity. "Cambridge may be older and have more--more--'associations,'
+but I'd rather go to Harvard."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER EIGHT
+
+WINDSOR CASTLE, STOKE POGES, AND ETON SCHOOL
+
+
+"It's only a little more than twenty miles out to Windsor," remarked
+Mrs. Pitt, one June morning. "Suppose we go in the motor, and then we
+can have a glimpse of both Stoke Poges and Eton School, on the way."
+
+There were always many exclamations of delight at mention of the
+"motor," so it was settled, and the party set out at ten o'clock, all
+in the highest of spirits. It was slow and difficult driving through
+the city streets, but the English chauffeur was quite used to keeping
+to the left, as well as being perfectly familiar with the rules which
+govern the traffic, so he had none of the accidents which Betty and
+John had prophesied that their father's American chauffeur would not
+be able to avoid. Very soon, however, they had reached the suburbs,
+and then they came into the open country.
+
+They could go faster now, and the big touring-car sped over the
+wonderfully smooth roads at a speed which delighted the young people.
+The weather was proving a bit uncertain. Every little while, a tiny
+shower descended upon them out of a blue sky full of great white
+clouds, the sun shining warm and bright all the while.
+
+"Oh, don't let's put up any umbrella," exclaimed Betty, during one of
+the showers. "Rain never seems to do any harm in England. You don't
+get wet, and never mind it a bit. Truly, I like it, for it's so pretty
+to see it raining with the sun out. There! now, it's stopped again!
+Just see that lovely rainbow!"
+
+The English country is always beautiful in its individual way, but it
+is especially so on one of these showery days, when every leaf and
+flower looks fresher than ever with the rain-drops glistening on it.
+Now and then, they slowed down while passing through a busy town,
+where pretty ladies and children in little two-wheeled carts drove
+about doing the morning marketing. Most of the way, however, lay
+through country roads bordered by green-hedged fields in which the
+ever-present sheep grazed; and here and there were high brick walls
+over which the stately, vine-covered homes were just visible. There
+were also picturesque little workmen's cottages at the edge of the
+wood, and lodges covered with climbing-roses.
+
+It seemed as though they had only been riding a very short time when,
+upon emerging from a shady road, they drew up at a little gateway.
+John felt impatient at having to stop, and looked questioningly around
+at Mrs. Pitt from his place on the front seat. The others were already
+getting out, he found, and Mrs. Pitt was saying:
+
+"This is Stoke Poges, and I want you to see it, for it's such a lovely
+spot. Probably you have all learned in school parts of Gray's 'Elegy,'
+and very likely you never cared or thought much about the poem. Even
+if that's true, you can't possibly help loving this peaceful,
+beautiful place, in which it was written."
+
+[Illustration: THE MOSS-GROWN SAXON PORCH.--_Page 97._]
+
+They were now walking along a little path which led into the
+church-yard. A straight gravel walk stretches between the graves, up
+to the ancient church, which is very small, and has one tower closely
+covered with ivy. The fine old Saxon porch, and one doorway show great
+age; but it is in the whole effect rather than in any detail of the
+little church and its surroundings that the charm lies. One cannot
+imagine a more quiet, remote spot! On one side is the group of
+yew-trees which Gray mentions in the poem, and in their shelter are
+the hoary stones which mark the graves of the "rude forefathers of the
+hamlet." Standing there, one almost hesitates to speak above a whisper
+for fear of arousing something or somebody out of sleep, or of
+breaking the wonderful spell of the place. Pausing under those trees,
+and feasting one's eyes upon the lovely, rural scene, not a sound
+reaches the ear except the twitter of the birds, and perhaps the faint
+jingle of a cow-bell. Mrs. Pitt gave a start at the sound of John's
+voice, when he suddenly said:
+
+"Let's go and find Gray's tomb, Philip; the guidebook says it's on the
+other side of the church."
+
+The rest lingered for just one more look at the little church, with
+its vines, and the rich, dark-red brick-work of the moss-grown Saxon
+porch, which the sun touches lovingly as it filters through the heavy
+leafage of the yew-trees; then they followed Philip and John.
+
+Close to the outer wall of the church is a large tomb in which Gray is
+buried with his beloved mother. No word on the slab tells that the
+famous poet is buried within; there is only his mother's epitaph,
+which Gray wrote, and in which he speaks of himself as "the only child
+who had the misfortune to outlive her."
+
+When Mrs. Pitt came up, John was standing near the tomb with his hat
+off, saying, "All right, Mr. Gray; I'll read your poem over again just
+as soon as ever I get home."
+
+The bustling, lively scenes of Eton School presented a marked contrast
+to the quiet of Stoke Poges. Moving about the grounds between the
+different school-buildings, were dozens of boys all dressed in the
+regulation Eton suit, such as Philip himself wore. They were laughing,
+shouting, and playing games, just like other boys, but such actions
+somehow seemed out of keeping with their quaint costumes. From the
+automobile John looked down upon them, his eyes full of wonder and
+surprise.
+
+"I suppose they are real boys," he said in a puzzled way, "but they
+don't look like them."
+
+While Philip talked with some of his friends, and John lingered near
+the group, the others visited the beautiful Eton Chapel, and were
+especially interested in the familiar picture of Sir Galahad, which
+hangs there. The principal buildings of the school are ranged about
+two large courts; in the center of the Outer Quadrangle is a bronze
+statue of Henry VI, the founder of the school. The library is valuable
+and contains some costly books and manuscripts. Fox, Peel, Chatham,
+Wellington, and Shelley were Eton boys, and the latter's autograph may
+still be seen on one of the desks.
+
+As they left Eton and crossed the bridge over the Thames, they duly
+admired the magnificent view of Windsor Castle, which may be enjoyed
+from that point. Above its many roofs and towers stands the great
+round keep, the oldest part of the castle, having been built by Edward
+III.
+
+The castle is on a hill in the center of the town, and the quaint,
+red-roofed houses reach even to its walls. After passing the statue of
+Queen Victoria, the automobile left the party at the entrance to the
+castle, through Henry VIII's gateway, carved with the Tudor Rose.
+Inside, they joined a party and were shown about by a guide.
+
+They saw so many buildings that John and Betty found it rather
+bewildering. In thinking it over afterwards, certain objects remained
+most clearly in their memory.
+
+"St. George's Chapel is really the most beautiful thing there, of
+course," said Betty, as they rode away. "I never saw such carving as
+there is on the seats--no, stalls--in the choir! Henry VIII, Jane
+Seymour, and poor Charles I are buried there, too. I like those faded
+banners and the coats-of-arms which belonged to the Knights of the
+Garter. The whole place is lovely, I think. There are lots of little
+chapels off from it, too, like Westminster Abbey; didn't the guide say
+that the tomb of Queen Victoria's father, the Duke of Kent, is there?"
+
+"Yes," answered Mrs. Pitt, "and I hope you haven't forgotten the
+Albert Chapel. It adjoins St. George's, you remember, and we stood in
+the doorway when our turn came and looked in. It is very old, and is
+on the site of an ancient chapel of St. Edward, but Queen Victoria
+made it what it is now, and restored it in honor of her husband,
+Prince Albert. The interior is truly remarkable for its fine marbles,
+mosaics, sculptures, stained-glass, and precious stones. I fancy they
+would not especially appeal to you, however. How did you like the
+State Apartments? It was fortunate that the Royal Family was not in
+residence, so that we could be admitted."
+
+"Well," began John, "they made us hurry so that I didn't see very
+much. That guide drove us along as though we were a flock of sheep! I
+liked that big room though, where all the portraits of the generals
+are. They called it the Waterloo Room, didn't they? Anyway, there were
+splendid pictures of Wellington, Metternich, Blücher, and lots of
+other fellows. Did you see the busts of Wellington and Marlborough in
+one of the other rooms, Philip? There are silk flags which hang over
+both the busts, and that cross old guide growled out that they are
+replaced every year on the anniversaries of the two
+battles;--Wellington gets a new flag on June 18th, because of Waterloo
+in 1815, and Marlborough gets his on August 13th, on account of the
+battle of Blenheim in 1704."
+
+"In that room," explained Mrs. Pitt, "is where the 'command'
+theatrical performances are held. When the King hears the report of a
+play which he thinks he would like, he simply commands the company to
+come to him; and if he happens to be at Windsor, he and the Court
+witness the play in the Waterloo Chamber. Your American Sousa's Band
+played there once. I saw Betty and Barbara lingering before the large
+picture of Charles I and his family. I am glad you liked it, girls,
+for that's an especial delight of mine. Dear little 'Baby Stuart' is
+so lovable! That was in the Van Dyck Room, which contains many of that
+master's works. Those State Apartments are only for the use of Royal
+guests, you understand, when they come on visits. I always wish that
+we could see the King or Queen's private rooms, don't you? It would be
+so interesting. What's your favorite part of the castle, Barbara?"
+
+"Oh, I like the terrace better than anything else," Barbara answered,
+without a moment's hesitation. "The view of the valley, with the river
+and Eton Chapel in the distance, is so pretty! Then, there is
+something so stately and impressive about the wide, long terrace
+itself. I once read that it was Queen Elizabeth's favorite walk, and
+there couldn't be a more appropriate place for a queen to choose. I
+like that gateway with E. R. on it, showing that it was built in
+Elizabeth's reign; and it's fun to look up to the little bay-window
+which is said to have been her room. Then I like the old Curfew
+Tower, too," she added.
+
+"Yes," broke in Mrs. Pitt. "That's one of the gloomiest parts of the
+whole castle, in its history as well as in its aspect. Of course,
+terrible things happened at Windsor just as they did elsewhere; but
+although Windsor dates from a very early period, and figures in the
+reigns of all the sovereigns, its history contains more of the bright
+and happy than of the tragic. Down in a miserable, windowless cell in
+the lower part of the Curfew Tower, it is wrongly said that Queen Anne
+Boleyn was put to spend the night before her execution, as you know,
+and there still remain in the Tower some fearful instruments of
+torture. The Horseshoe Cloister near there, is very ancient, and the
+houses are delightfully medićval. Did you look in some of the tiny
+windows as we passed through? It is said that in a small hall there,
+in the Horseshoe Cloister, Shakespeare's 'Merry Wives of Windsor' was
+first produced."
+
+"Who was it that the guide told us was imprisoned near the Round
+Tower, and who fell in love with a lady whom he saw walking in the
+gardens? I have forgotten the names." It was Betty who spoke, for she
+had been quietly thinking over the visit.
+
+"That was young James of Scotland, whom Henry V caused to be captured
+in time of truce, and thrown into prison at Windsor, where he remained
+almost twenty years. The English treated him kindly, however, and he
+spent his time in studying and watching the lady in the garden, who
+afterwards became his queen."
+
+"Oh! But, really, the stables are best of all!" exclaimed Philip, who
+loved horses like a true Briton. "I do like to go there and be shown
+about by one of those men in the black suits and yellow vests, and the
+bright cockades in their silk hats. Once when I was little, one of
+them let me go into a stall and feed some sugar to a splendid great
+horse named Black Beauty. I wished I could do it to-day, too! All the
+carriages which carry the Court ladies are stupid, I think, but the
+horses and ponies are jolly!" whereupon Philip and John went off into
+an animated discussion about the horses of the Royal Stables, and how
+much they envied the men who cared for them.
+
+"Oh, what a sweet little village!" cried Betty, jumping up excitedly,
+as the automobile slowed down and entered a little narrow lane.
+
+Chalfont St. Giles is an extremely picturesque, old-time village. Its
+thatched-roofed cottages huddle together in a beautiful green valley,
+and about the edge of a pond where ducks swim, and happy, barefooted
+children play. One of the old houses is a place of interest to many,
+as the great poet, John Milton, lived there after he fled from London
+at the time of the plague.
+
+The poet's home is a most primitive cottage with low ceilings, and a
+little dark room, lighted by one casement window, in which he may have
+written part of "Paradise Lost." When standing in that chamber, one is
+reminded of the well-known picture which shows the blind Milton
+dictating one of his poems to a daughter. Outside is a delightful
+old-fashioned garden in which the largest and reddest of poppies grow,
+and where it is said that Milton loved to linger.
+
+"I wish we needn't hurry," sighed Mrs. Pitt, "but I'm afraid we'll be
+late to dinner. See, we are short of time already!"
+
+So they quickly took their seats again for the short trip back to
+town, and drew their wraps about them, as the air had grown chilly.
+They all felt rather tired, and were silent as they reviewed in mind
+the history and scenes of Windsor Castle, one of the most beautiful
+and certainly the most famous of English royal residences.
+
+[Illustration: JOHN MILTON LIVED THERE AFTER HE FLED FROM
+LONDON.--_Page 105._]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER NINE
+
+MORE ABOUT LONDON
+
+
+"Big Ben," the great bell on the clock-tower, was just booming ten
+deep strokes as our party neared the Houses of Parliament. A steadily
+rushing stream of people, buses, hansoms, and trucks (not forgetting
+bicycles, which are still numerous in England), was pouring across
+Westminster Bridge, and swinging around the corner into the wide
+street called Whitehall; but in the near vicinity of the graceful,
+long building, with its pinnacles and spires, in which the English
+laws are made, all was quiet and few people were moving about. In a
+square court from which steps lead down to the river, a sentinel was
+pacing back and forth.
+
+"In the days when the Thames was the most used highway of the
+Londoners, here was probably one of the places where the nobles could
+step on shore from their luxurious barges." Mrs. Pitt said this as
+they were looking down upon the soldier from the street above.
+
+Close up against one side of the Houses of Parliament is Westminster
+Hall, with its quaint row of supporting buttresses. This ancient
+edifice was built by William Rufus, the son of the Conqueror himself.
+Having entered by St. Stephen's Porch, the usual approach, they went
+down a few steps at the left into this fine old room. It is empty now,
+and its vastness is unadorned except by some statues of kings and
+queens along the sides.
+
+"This hall," stated Mrs. Pitt, "was first begun by William Rufus, but
+it has been restored and added to at various times by many of the
+other sovereigns. It also formed part of the ancient Palace of
+Westminster. I want you to notice especially the oak roof with its
+heavy timbers, and unsupported by any columns. It is considered very
+fine in its construction, and I think it beautiful, as well. Have you
+the guidebook, Philip? Read to us some of the great events of the hall
+while we stand here."
+
+So Philip began. "Well, some of the earliest meetings of Parliament
+were held here; also, all the kings as far down the line as George IV
+have celebrated their coronation feasts in this hall. Here Charles I
+was tried and condemned (there's a brass in the floor which marks
+where he stood at the trial), and here Cromwell in royal purple robes
+was received as Lord Protector. Some of the others who were tried here
+are William Wallace, the Scotch patriot, Sir Thomas More, Sir Thomas
+Wyatt, Guy Fawkes, and the Earls of Essex and Strafford. Until very
+recently the Law Courts adjoined here."
+
+"Thank you, Philip; now, if you are ready, Betty, we'll go on and see
+something more of this great building."
+
+It gives one a slight idea of the extent of the huge structure to know
+that therein are one hundred stairways and eleven hundred rooms!
+Visitors are shown the "King's Robing-room," the "Victoria or Royal
+Gallery," the "Prince's Chamber," and so many rooms and corridors,
+that it is impossible to remember them all, or even to appreciate them
+at the time of a visit. Fine wall paintings, statues, and rich
+decorations of all kinds abound. Both the rooms where sit the House of
+Peers and the House of Commons, respectively, are magnificent
+apartments; perhaps the former is rather more splendid in appearance,
+with its stained-glass windows picturing all the English sovereigns,
+its frescoes, and throne, with the gilded canopy.
+
+As they finally passed out and started over toward Westminster Abbey,
+Mrs. Pitt said:
+
+"It was at one of these entrances (perhaps at the very one by which we
+just left), that a most curious thing happened in 1738. It had just
+been decided that ladies should no longer be permitted in the
+galleries of the Houses. Certain noble dames who were most indignant
+at this new rule, presented themselves in a body at the door. They
+were, of course, politely refused admission, and having tried every
+known means of gaining entrance, they remained at the door all day,
+kicking and pounding from time to time. Finally, one of them thought
+of the following plan. For some time they stood there in perfect
+quiet; some one within opened a door to see if they were really gone,
+whereupon they all rushed in. They remained in the galleries until the
+'House rose,' laughing and tittering so loudly that Lord Hervey made a
+great failure of his speech. Wasn't that absurd? It seems that there
+were 'Suffragettes' long before the twentieth century."
+
+Arrived at the Poets' Corner once again, they found that one of the
+vergers was just about to conduct a party "in behind the scenes," as
+Barbara called it. "Behind the scenes" includes the Chapel of Henry
+VII and that of Edward the Confessor, besides the many smaller ones
+which surround the choir.
+
+These little irregular chapels are crowded with all sorts of tombs,
+from those of the long effigy to those of the high canopy. Sometimes a
+husband and wife are represented on the tomb, their figures either
+kneeling side by side, or facing each other. Often the sons and
+daughters of the deceased are shown in quaint little reliefs extending
+all around the four sides of a monument. The figures are of alabaster
+or marble, and there are frequently fine brasses on them which bear
+the inscriptions. It is interesting to remember that the effigy or
+reclining figure of a Crusader always has the legs crossed.
+
+A flight of black marble steps leads up to Henry VII's Chapel. Betty
+thought this reminded her a little of the choir of St. George's Chapel
+at Windsor,--and it is true that the two are somewhat similar. To
+build this memorial to himself, Henry VII tore down another chapel,
+and also an old house in which the poet Chaucer once lived. The
+loveliest feature of this chapel is the "fan-tracery" of the ceiling.
+Its delicacy and grace are very beautiful! There are wonderfully
+carved oak choir-stalls here also, each having been assigned to a
+certain Knight of the Order of the Bath, and decorated with the
+Knight's armorial bearings. Above each stall is a sword and a banner
+of faded colors. The tomb of the founder, Henry VII, and of his wife,
+Elizabeth of York, is in the center of the chapel, and surrounded by a
+brass screen. George II and several members of his family, Edward VI,
+Charles II, William and Mary, Queen Anne and her consort, and
+Cromwell, are all buried near by--most of them having no monuments. In
+the north aisle of this chapel is the tomb of the great Queen
+Elizabeth, and just opposite it, in the south aisle, is that of her
+cousin and enemy, poor Mary Queen of Scots.
+
+Just behind the high altar is the chapel of Edward the Confessor,
+containing the once splendid, medićval tomb of that sainted King. Its
+precious stones have been stolen away now, and the whole is covered
+by a gorgeous cloth put there at the coronation of Edward VII.
+
+"I've seen the tombs of so many kings and queens," exclaimed John,
+heaving a sigh, "that I truly can't take in any more. Why, they're so
+thick all around here that you can't move without bumping into three
+or four of 'em! There's Henry V, and overhead the shield and helmet he
+used at Agincourt; and here's Edward I, and Richard II, and Edward
+III, and Queen Eleanor, and Queen Philippa. Who was she? Oh, here's
+the old Coronation Chair, isn't it?" At sight of this, he once more
+became interested.
+
+This famous old chair was made in the time of Edward I, and every
+English sovereign since that day has been crowned in it. Underneath
+the seat of the chair is kept the ancient Stone of Scone, which is
+said to have been used as a pillow by the patriarch Jacob. Edward I,
+in 1297, brought the stone from Scotland as a sign of his power over
+that country, and placed it in the Abbey. King Edward III's sword and
+shield-of-state stand beside the chair. There is something about these
+three objects which makes one stand long before them. They are so
+ancient--so deeply impressive--and embody so much of English history
+itself.
+
+In a little room above one of the smaller chapels are found the
+curious Wax Effigies. These figures made of wax, and of life size,
+were carried at funerals, and were intended to look like the deceased,
+and dressed in their clothes. They are very ghastly, robed in their
+faded, torn garments, as each peers out from its glass-case. Queen
+Elizabeth, Charles II, William and Mary, Queen Anne, General Monk,
+William Pitt, and Lord Nelson are among those represented.
+
+Betty stood before the figure of Queen Elizabeth, whose waxen face is
+pinched and worn, and really most horrible to look at.
+
+"Didn't she die propped up on the floor in all her State robes?" asked
+Betty.
+
+"Yes," was Mrs. Pitt's reply. "It isn't any wonder that she looked
+like that, is it? She is said to have been beautiful in her youth, but
+later, she became so very ugly that her ladies-in-waiting got false
+looking-glasses, for they didn't dare to allow their mistress to see
+her wrinkles."
+
+[Illustration: "OH, HERE'S THE OLD CORONATION CHAIR, ISN'T IT?"--_Page
+113._]
+
+After lingering for a short time in the grand old Abbey, they all
+mounted a bus and rode down to Bishopsgate Street to take lunch, at
+Crosby Hall.[A] This splendid old example of a London medićval palace
+(having had a varied career since its great days), is now turned into
+a restaurant, and our party took seats at a long table in what was
+once the Banqueting-hall.
+
+[Footnote A: Crosby Hall was taken down in 1908, but is soon to be
+re-erected in Chelsea, near the site of the home of Sir Thomas More.]
+
+"This is really a very historic old house," declared Mrs. Pitt. "It
+was built in 1470 by Alderman Sir John Crosby, who died about the time
+it was finished, and it passed into the hands of the Duke of
+Gloucester, afterwards Richard III. Here, that cruel man had the news
+of the successful murder of the little Princes in the Tower, and here
+held his great feasts--in this room, I suppose."
+
+They were all looking about at the lofty hall with its carved oak
+ceiling, minstrels' gallery, stained-glass windows, and large
+fireplace.
+
+"This has recently all been restored, and I suppose it gives us a very
+slight idea of its past glory. Later on, Sir Thomas More lived here,
+and then Philip Sidney's sister, the Countess of Pembroke, owned it.
+Shakespeare mentions it in his play of 'Richard III,' you know. In
+medićval times, there were many great houses in London (Baynard's
+Castle and Cold Harbour foremost among them), but all except a little
+part of Crosby Hall have disappeared. The owners of these houses, the
+wealthy nobles, lived in great magnificence, having four, six, or even
+eight hundred servants. Just fancy how large the establishments must
+have been! In Queen Elizabeth's day, the French Ambassador was lodged
+here with four hundred retainers. At that time, there were more great
+palaces in London than there were in Verona, Florence, Venice, and
+Genoa, all counted together; but instead of being situated on the
+Grand Canal or in a spacious square, the English palaces stood in
+narrow, filthy streets, surrounded by the poor hovels of the common
+people.--It seems to me that our lunch is a long time coming," she
+commented.
+
+Adjoining Crosby Hall is a very interesting church--St. Helen's, which
+has been called the "Westminster Abbey of the City," because of famous
+citizens of "the City," who are buried there. Among them is Sir Thomas
+Gresham, the great merchant of Queen Elizabeth's reign, who founded
+the Royal Exchange, and did much to increase London's trade. The
+church--dating mostly from the thirteenth to the fifteenth century--is
+very quaint and old. It consists of two parallel naves, divided by
+pillars.
+
+"The church was once connected with an ancient nunnery which covered
+the whole square outside. The naves were originally quite separated by
+a partition; one side was used by the nuns, and the other by the
+regular members of the parish. Shakespeare once lived in St. Helen's
+parish, and is charged up on the church books with a sum of something
+over five pounds." Mrs. Pitt gave this information as they walked
+about, gradually growing accustomed to the dim light.
+
+"See here, John," whispered Philip; "here's something interesting.
+It's this little square hole in the wall, which is called the 'nuns'
+squint.' That woman, whom I suppose is the caretaker, has just been
+telling me what that means. You see, the nunnery was on this side, or,
+at any rate, the part where the nuns slept. When a nun was dying, the
+rest would carry her to that little 'squint,' and in that way she
+could look through to the church and see the altar."
+
+Leaving St. Helen's Place, and passing the picturesque, narrow façade
+(or front) of Crosby Hall, Mrs. Pitt took them along Cheapside, one of
+the most crowded streets of the city. The amount of traffic is
+tremendous there, and it is said that sometimes teams are held eight
+hours in the alleys before they can get out. They noted Bow Church,
+and the site of John Gilpin's house at the corner of Paternoster Row.
+
+"Oh, is that the John Gilpin in Cowper's poem?" cried John, excitedly.
+"He lived here, did he? And where did he ride to?"
+
+"I believe he went out through Tottenham and Edmonton. Mrs. Gilpin was
+at the Bell Inn at Edmonton when she saw her husband fly by. Over the
+entrance at the Bell is such a funny picture of the scene! They don't
+know just where he went, do they, Mother?" inquired Barbara.
+
+"No, I rather think not," was Mrs. Pitt's laughing answer. "Let's walk
+through Paternoster Row, now. The little bookshops are so old and
+quaint! For centuries the booksellers have been loyal to this
+locality, but I hear that they are beginning to move elsewhere now.
+Here's Amen Corner, and Ave Maria Lane is not far away. In London,
+there's a reason for the name of almost every street. The monks, in
+walking from the river to St. Paul's, used to be telling their beads
+and reciting their prayers all the while. You see, the Ave Maria was
+said at this point, and back at the corner came an Amen. In olden
+days, the makers of rosaries and paternosters had their shops in the
+little street we have just left, as well as the booksellers. The
+streets leading off Cheapside show what business was carried on there;
+for instance, on the south side are Bread, Candles, Soap, Fish, and
+Money-changing; and on the north side are Wood, Milk, Iron, Honey, and
+Poultry. By the by, the poet Milton was born in Bread Street. The
+ironmongers congregated in Ironmongers Lane; the vintners or
+wine-merchants were in the Vintry; and the makers of hosiery in
+Hosiery Lane. Now we'll go to Chancery Lane, and pay a short visit to
+the Record Office, for there are some things there which I want you to
+see."
+
+The Public Record Office is a modern building, constructed for the
+purpose of keeping the valuable State documents and archives, which,
+during the present reign, have been moved from the Tower and the
+Chapter House of Westminster Abbey. The different departments of
+government are continually handing over to the Record Office papers
+which are no longer needed for daily use. Among the intensely
+interesting treasures of this museum are the logbooks of the Royal
+Navy, and dispatches from Marlborough, Wellington, and others. There
+are State papers of Wolsey, and Thomas Cromwell, and letters of all
+the kings and queens, as well as of Chaucer, the Black Prince, Raleigh
+at the Tower, Lady Jane Grey as Queen, Sir Philip Sidney on his
+death-bed, and many, many others of equal interest.
+
+"Why, you'd need a whole week to see all these!" exclaimed Betty,
+looking up from her examination of a paper containing the confessions
+of Guy Fawkes.
+
+Mrs. Pitt glanced at her quickly. She was excited, and her face was
+flushed.
+
+"Yes, and we must not stay any longer, for we have seen enough for one
+day. I want to show you just one more thing before we go, however, and
+this is more wonderful than all the rest. See, it is the great
+Doomsday Book!"
+
+Carefully kept under glass, in cases furnished with dark shades to
+pull over when the books are not being examined, are the two large
+volumes of what is known as the "Doomsday Book." On the ancient,
+yellowed parchment pages, and in strange old characters, are the
+records, made at the time of William the Conqueror, of the disposal of
+the lands of England among his Norman nobles. It is simply impossible
+to believe that it is authentic,--that such a very ancient relic
+really can exist!
+
+They soon felt tired and ready to leave any further examination of the
+papers until another visit, however. There are times when all
+sight-seers, no matter how enthusiastic, come to a point where for
+that day they can appreciate no more. So our party adjourned to a
+little tea-shop in Regent Street, and afterwards, to make a few
+purchases at that fascinating shop,--Liberty's.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TEN
+
+RICHMOND AND HAMPTON COURT PALACE
+
+
+"Well, I really don't care much how long the boat is in coming,"
+exclaimed Betty delightedly. "It's such fun to watch all the other
+boats going up and down the river, and to look up at busy Westminster
+Bridge!"
+
+Our friends were at the little landing in the shadow of the
+above-mentioned bridge, awaiting the arrival of the steamer which was
+to carry them to Kew Gardens. It was early morning, and the distant
+roar of the traffic from the great bridge above reached them together
+with the shrill whistles of all the different river craft.
+
+"Hey! There goes _Sir Walter Raleigh_ under the bridge there! I can
+see the name just as plainly! And,--well I never!--there come _Lady
+Jane Grey_ and _Sir Thomas More_! Do all the boats have names like
+that? Wonder how the great people would like it if they knew! _Sir
+Thomas_ is an express; he's on official business this morning, and
+isn't going to stop! Now! here comes _Queen Elizabeth_ herself!
+Nothing less than a queen for me! I hope we'll take her!" John cried
+excitedly.
+
+The _Queen Elizabeth_ did prove to be the Kew and Hampton Court boat,
+so when the gangway was put across, the five went on board and took
+some comfortable seats in the bow.
+
+"Now, there are a number of things which I wish to point out to you
+right away," remarked Mrs. Pitt, "so please be very attentive for a
+few moments. Just as soon as we are started and go under Westminster
+Bridge here, you will have the most beautiful view of the Houses of
+Parliament, on your right. There! See if the great building isn't
+graceful from here! And isn't its river-front imposing with all the
+statues of the sovereigns!
+
+"Now! Quickly! Look to the left, and see the building with the gateway
+and square, blackened towers and battlements. That's Lambeth Palace,"
+she added, "which has been the residence of the Archbishops of
+Canterbury (or the 'Primates of England,' as they are called) for six
+hundred years. It's a delightful old place, with its fine library, and
+its several court-yards! It's very historic as well, for in one of
+those towers, according to some people, the Lollards or followers of
+the religious reformer, Wycliffe, are said to have been tortured.
+Queen Elizabeth's favorite, the unfortunate Earl of Essex, was
+imprisoned there, too.
+
+"Here on our left was the famous amusement-park, Vauxhall, which was
+so popular in the eighteenth century. Some day when you read
+Thackeray's novels you will find it mentioned. There on the right is
+Chelsea, where was Sir Thomas More's home. I think his grounds
+bordered on the river, and he used to walk down to the bank, step into
+his boat, and his son would row him to the city. At his house there he
+was often visited by Henry VIII, Holbein, and the great Dutch scholar,
+Erasmus. Just behind those trees is Cheyne Walk, where Thomas
+Carlyle's house still stands. (There's the old Chelsea Church, which
+is most interesting, and Chelsea Hospital for old pensioners.) There
+have been many famous residents of Chelsea in more recent days; among
+them George Eliot, the great novelist, who died there; Edward
+Burne-Jones, the artist; Rossetti, the poet; Swinburne, Meredith, and
+Whistler. There! now I'll leave you in peace to enjoy your boat-ride,
+and the music."
+
+They now came to a part of the river which is neither especially
+historic nor attractive, and the young people amused themselves for a
+while in talking, or listening to the rather crude music of some old
+musicians on the boat. It was not long, however, before the banks
+again became green and beautiful, and they passed odd little villages,
+and comfortable country-houses, whose smooth terraces slope down to
+the river. On the arrival of the boat at Kew, they went on shore and
+walked towards the celebrated Gardens.
+
+"Have Kew Gardens any story or history to them, or are they just
+famous because of their flowers?" inquired Betty, as they passed
+through the gateway, and caught glimpses of bright blossoms within.
+
+"Oh, rather!" replied Mrs. Pitt. "You'll find plenty of history about
+here, Betty. Let's look at the flowers first, though."
+
+Kew Gardens are most immaculately cared for. Wide gravel-paths stretch
+between the wonderful lawns, which are dotted with flower-beds of all
+shapes. There are hot-houses containing tropical plants, and in the
+"Rock Garden" is a pond where there are pelicans and other strange
+water birds. The party spent an hour very happily in wandering about,
+admiring the beautiful views as they went. Best of all were the
+rhododendrons, which were glorious at this season in their riot of
+pink, deep rose color, and lavender. Betty, who dearly loved flowers,
+could hardly be enticed away from that fascinating spot, and was only
+persuaded at mention of the old palace, which she had not yet seen.
+
+When she reached it, she was rather disappointed. Kew Palace is not
+large, and altogether, is quite unlike a palace, although it was the
+favorite residence of George III and his queen, who died there in
+1818.
+
+"It just looks like any old red-brick Tudor house, which hasn't any
+history at all. Even its rooms are all empty, and it isn't the kind of
+a palace I like!" Betty declared in injured tones.
+
+"Well, cheer up, Betty; we're going to Hampton Court Palace soon, and
+I guess that'll suit you all right. Is this where we take the tram,
+Mrs. Pitt? There's one coming now!" John ran out into the road and
+gesticulated frantically, so that the motorman would be sure to stop.
+That dignified English personage looked rather surprised, but John did
+not care. He liked to take the lead, and to make himself useful
+whenever it was possible.
+
+The ride was not quite as enjoyable as they had hoped, because of a
+very high wind. Upon their perch at the top of the tram, it required
+about all their attention to keep their hats and other belongings from
+blowing away. On the whole, they were quite content to get off at the
+bridge at Richmond, and walk up the long hill to the famous Star and
+Garter Inn.
+
+"This hill seems longer than ever to-day, Mother," Barbara complained.
+"When we reach that lovely surprise view (you know where I mean),
+let's sit down and admire it while we rest a bit."
+
+"Very well, we will," her mother panted; "we're nearly there now."
+
+The view to which Barbara and her mother referred proved to be really
+very beautiful. On one side of the hill is a little park from which a
+precipice descends to the river. Looking through an opening in the
+luxuriant foliage of the trees (an opening which takes the place of a
+picture-frame), one sees a glorious view of the green valley below,
+through which the lazy Thames winds dreamily; and if the day is clear,
+Windsor Castle may just be discerned in the distance.
+
+"Philip, you and John go and engage one of those drivers over opposite
+the hotel, to take us for a little drive in the Park; as soon as I
+order our luncheon, I'll be out again to go along." With that, Mrs.
+Pitt disappeared for a few moments into the Star and Garter.
+
+Richmond Park is a favorite resort for tourists, and driving and
+bicycle parties. It contains some fine old trees, and a great many
+deer which add to its attractiveness. Mrs. Pitt directed the coachman
+not to drive about much, however, but to show them two points of
+interest.
+
+"This is the 'King's Mound,'" she observed, as the horses slowed down.
+"Yes, that little low mound of earth just this side of the clump of
+trees. I'll admit that it looks uninteresting enough; but it is known
+as the spot where Henry VIII stood while listening for the sound of
+the gun at the Tower, which told him of the execution of Anne Boleyn."
+
+"Ugh!" Betty interposed, in disgusted tones, giving a little shudder.
+"Think how he must have felt! Horrid old thing!"
+
+"Don't be silly, Betty!" retorted John. "I guess a little thing like
+that wouldn't trouble him!"
+
+Almost in the center of the Park is a house called White Lodge, which
+has long been a royal residence. It is approached by an avenue, which
+was the scene of Jeanie Deans's interview with Queen Caroline, as
+Scott describes it in his "Heart of Midlothian."
+
+Their lunch was quickly over, and they were again on their way down
+the long hill. In the town of Richmond, they mounted another tram for
+the forty-minute ride to Hampton Court.
+
+"If we only had had a bit more time," Mrs. Pitt apologized, "I should
+have shown you what still remains of the famous old palace of
+Richmond. Henry VIII and Elizabeth both held their courts there often,
+and there the latter died in 1603. The palace was destroyed by order
+of Parliament in 1649; only a small part of it was spared, and in that
+the widow of Charles I, poor Queen Henrietta Maria, was allowed to
+live. Are you getting plenty of history, Betty, my dear?"
+
+"Oh, yes, but I'm always ready for more," smiled that young lady in
+response.
+
+The tram set them down very near the great palace of Hampton Court.
+They went quickly through the entrance-gates of wrought iron, and
+walked towards the building itself. This West Front is as Wolsey left
+it, and is made of the old crimson bricks, with here and there a black
+one. Passing under the gatehouse, they came into the Green or Base
+Court, and here they paused to look about them.
+
+"You'll remember that the great and powerful Cardinal Wolsey built
+Hampton Court," suggested Mrs. Pitt. "He lived in regal state, and had
+almost as large a retinue of servants and followers as the King
+himself. To gratify his great love for splendor and luxury, he built
+this magnificent residence for himself. He was in need of a home a
+little removed from the city, where he could rest and enjoy the fresh
+air. Yet it was also accessible to London, for he could be rowed up
+the river in his barge. Wolsey's two great ambitions--wealth and
+power--were both gratified, and for a while all went well; but time
+brought the King's displeasure, and it was he who took possession at
+Hampton Court after the complete disgrace which led to the death of
+the Cardinal. Henry VIII tore down some of Wolsey's buildings, and put
+up new ones in their stead; and other monarchs added portions also;
+for instance, the huge State Apartments were erected under the
+supervision of Sir Christopher Wren, and by order of King William III.
+We shall see all these later on. Have you noticed those little oriel
+windows of the gatehouse? They are the originals of Wolsey's palace,
+and I think this court here is also much the same as he built it. In
+his day there were pretty latticed windows in these surrounding
+buildings, a grass plot in the center, and around these narrow
+passages Wolsey probably rode on his ass."
+
+"Ass!" cried John. "What for? With all his money, couldn't he even
+have a horse?"
+
+"Oh, rather!" Mrs. Pitt laughed. "No doubt Wolsey would have liked
+one, but he was wise enough to always follow custom in such matters as
+had to do with his outward appearance and attitude. All religious men
+rode on asses; it was the habit of the day. Now, come this way, and
+see the Great Hall. Oh, Philip! Please fetch me my umbrella; I left it
+on the step in the court, there!"
+
+Leading into the second or Clock Court, is Anne Boleyn's gateway.
+Under this is a broad flight of stairs which takes one to the Great
+Hall, erected by Henry VIII, probably on the site of Wolsey's earlier
+hall. It is a grand old room with a fine timber roof, and complete
+with its daďs or raised platform at the end, its minstrels' gallery
+over the entrance doors, its old tapestries, stags' heads, and suits
+of armor, and its windows mostly filled with modern stained-glass. Out
+of the hall are two smaller apartments, which also contain good
+tapestries. From here, the visitor again descends to Anne Boleyn's
+gateway.
+
+"What a funny old clock!" exclaimed Betty, spying it, up above on the
+tower under which they had just passed. "It seems to be so mixed up,
+somehow, that I can't tell the time by it."
+
+"It is curious! It's Henry VIII's Astronomical Clock; it has all sorts
+of appliances and strange attachments. That's why you can't read it.
+It was recently repaired and set going again."
+
+"The King's Grand Staircase" is broad, stately, and quite as
+impressive as its name, and this leads to the pompous State
+Apartments. These great square rooms, one opening out of another,
+seemed endless to the young people, and contained no attractions for
+them. The walls are covered with pictures, some of which are fine, but
+there are so many which are very similar that even Sir Peter Lely,
+Holbein, and Van Dyck become hopelessly tiresome. These rooms also
+contain some old furniture which is interesting, but on the whole, the
+best thing about them is the ever charming view of the gardens from
+the windows. The visitor may enter one tiny room called "Wolsey's
+Closet," which is deeply impressive with its paneled walls and ancient
+ceiling. The very atmosphere of the sixteenth century still seems to
+linger here, and one can easily believe that nothing herein has been
+changed since the great Cardinal used it daily. Near this is a long
+gallery which is supposed to be haunted by the ghost of Queen
+Catharine Howard. After the dullness of the State Apartments, this
+possessed great interest for the boys, and they lingered here as long
+as Mrs. Pitt would allow. They were forced to come away disappointed,
+however, without having heard even one little scream.
+
+"You'd better spend the night here, John," remarked Philip, in teasing
+tones. "That's the proper time to see and hear ghosts." John decided
+not to wait, however.
+
+Of all the one thousand rooms of the great palace, they saw only one
+more, and that was Henry VIII's Gothic Chapel, gorgeous in its fine
+carving and gilding, and in which the magnificent ceremony of the
+baptism of Prince Edward, afterwards Edward VI, was held.
+
+The gardens of Hampton Court are perhaps better known and enjoyed than
+the palace itself. They are very extensive, and are laid out in the
+French style. Directly before the long front of William III's
+addition, is a great round basin with a fountain, and beyond stretches
+the "Long Canal,"--a straight and narrow artificial pond, bordered by
+very beautiful trees. Then there is the "Home Park" on either side of
+the canal; here Henry VIII and Catharine Howard probably wandered
+often during their long honeymoon at Hampton Court; and here William
+III was riding on the day when he was thrown from his horse and
+killed.
+
+There is what is called the "Wilderness,"--in reality a maze--which
+was greatly enjoyed by the party; and nearer the palace, again, is the
+tennis-court, where that game has been played for three centuries and
+a half. Some of the players here have been Henry VIII, the Earl of
+Leicester, Charles I, Charles II, and the present King, Edward VII,
+when he was Prince of Wales.
+
+"And didn't that American, Pettitt, play here?" inquired John. "He won
+the World's Championship in England, you know. Yes, I thought it was
+here, though the word Hampton Court never meant much to me before
+to-day."
+
+There is still the remarkable Hampton Court Vine, the fame of which
+has spread so far. The vine fills a whole greenhouse, and one of its
+branches is a hundred and fourteen feet long. The attendant told Betty
+that the crop consists of about eight hundred bunches, each one
+weighing a pound. Having duly marveled at this, they explored Queen
+Mary's lovely bower or arbor, where that Queen used to sit with her
+ladies at the tapestry-frames.
+
+"Dear me, let's go back now!" said Betty. "I'm sure we've been miles
+over these grounds."
+
+So they walked along the paths where Henry VIII made love to Anne
+Boleyn and Catharine Howard, where Queen Elizabeth took her morning
+walks, and where Pope, Swift, Addison, and Walpole wandered in more
+recent days.
+
+"I think I haven't mentioned Cromwell to you in connection with
+Hampton Court, but he must not be forgotten, for he came here after he
+was made Protector, and lived with as much pomp and splendor as any
+king. Every time I visit this palace I marvel at the amount of history
+with which it is connected, and at the number of scenes for which it
+was the setting!"
+
+As she spoke, Mrs. Pitt was leading the way to the railroad-station. A
+London train came along very soon, fortunately, but they ran up and
+down in vain looking for seats in their customary third-class
+compartment. These were all crowded, the following day being a "bank
+holiday," so when the guard at last came to their rescue, he put them
+in a first-class compartment. This greatly interested John and Betty,
+as they had not seen one before.
+
+[Illustration: "EVERY TIME I VISIT THE PALACE I MARVEL AT THE AMOUNT
+OF HISTORY WITH WHICH IT IS CONNECTED."--_Page 136._]
+
+"It isn't so very different, after all," commented Betty. "The
+cushions are a little nicer, and there's carpet on the floor, but
+that's the only change from an ordinary third-class carriage."
+
+"I know it," said Philip. "And most English people never think of
+traveling first-class except on a long journey; for it really is very
+little better, and the price is so ruinously dear!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER ELEVEN
+
+STRATFORD-ON-AVON
+
+
+"We're going to stay in a really, truly old inn at last, aren't we!"
+Betty gave a sigh of satisfaction and walked rapidly along by Mrs.
+Pitt's side, as that lady led the way from the station at Stratford to
+the famous Red Horse Hotel.
+
+"Stratford is exactly like any other little English town," John was
+commenting to Philip. "There are plenty of new houses made of shiny,
+red bricks, and all put close together in blocks, with their tiny
+lawns and gardens in front. I suppose they build that way even in the
+small towns, because you haven't as much room to spread out as we have
+in America. Too bad, though, I say! Makes a little town look just like
+a big city, only smaller. I thought Stratford would be different!" His
+tones betrayed not a little disappointment.
+
+As they came into the central and older part of the town, however,
+even John was forced to admit that it was "different," after all.
+Along Stratford's narrow, clean little streets stand many old houses
+adorned with great oak timbers, quaint inscriptions, and carvings; and
+quicker than all else, the sight of these, remaining here and there
+between the more modern structures, makes one feel the antiquity of
+the place. These houses totter a little, and lean their upper stories
+over the street,--perhaps with a kind of curiosity to see better the
+strange and more and more startling scenes which the centuries bring
+forth. For instance, what must these ancient houses, which perchance
+witnessed the passing of some splendid pageant of the "spacious times
+of Queen Elizabeth," think of the bustle and prosperous commercial air
+which the town has gradually taken on? What of the sight-seers whose
+automobiles go tearing along, uttering weird and frightful sounds? No
+wonder the old houses stand on tiptoe and bend farther and farther
+over the street in their amazement and horror!
+
+The young people were delighted with the odd little Red Horse Hotel.
+As it was market-day, the wide street before it was crowded with
+people, and down the middle was a row of queer, covered wagons, in
+which the farmers bring their produce, and which are used as stalls on
+arrival at the market-place. The little hotel is severely plain and
+square, and has a passage leading into an old-time court-yard. Inside,
+it has quaint little rooms filled with antique furniture, narrow
+corridors, and uneven floors, with here a step up, and there two steps
+down. Leaving their luggage in the rooms assigned to them, the party
+immediately set out for "the Birthplace," as all Stratford people
+invariably call the famous Shakespeare house on Henley Street.
+
+"Is that it!" gasped John, as they stood on the opposite side of the
+way and gazed across at the first home of the great Poet. "Why, I
+didn't suppose it was as big as that! And it doesn't look old a bit!"
+
+Shakespeare's birthplace has been too often pictured, and is far too
+familiar to all to need any description given it here. Perhaps it does
+seem rather larger than we imagined, and the outside certainly looks
+surprisingly strong and new.
+
+[Illustration: "WHY I DIDN'T SUPPOSE IT WAS AS BIG AS THAT!"--_Page
+140._]
+
+"But you know it now belongs to the nation," Mrs. Pitt explained,
+"and is always kept in perfect condition. The last restoration was
+finished only about fifty or sixty years ago. Although the house was
+so completely renewed, the greatest care was used to make it look as
+nearly as possible as it did at the time of Shakespeare's birth in
+1564. That window above the entrance, with the little diamond panes,
+is the original, and is in the room in which the Poet was born."
+
+Going under the old porch and through the door with its high
+threshold, our friends found themselves in the family living-room of
+the house. It is low and rather dark, and has whitewashed walls and an
+earthen floor. This was in all probability the kitchen and dining-room
+as well, and one is reminded of the fact by a huge fireplace which
+juts out into the room. In olden times this would have been filled
+with great pots and kettles hanging over the fire on cranes. The
+chimney is deep enough and wide enough to have two little seats within
+it--one on either side. John quickly bent down and seated himself
+where he could look straight up the chimney and see a square patch of
+blue sky.
+
+When Mrs. Pitt saw him, she smiled and said, "No doubt, Shakespeare
+himself, when he was a small boy, often sat right there with his
+brothers and sisters. It must have been very pleasant on cold winter
+evenings, to creep into these 'inglenooks,' as they were called,
+beside the great blazing fire, and tell stories. I think the children
+should have felt themselves very lucky to have such delightfully warm
+quarters!"
+
+From a small entry at the rear of this room, the narrow winding stairs
+lead to the floor above. Before going up, Mrs. Pitt wrote their names
+in the huge Visitors' Book. Betty was much pleased to find, while
+carelessly turning its pages, the name of a girl friend who had been
+in England the previous summer.
+
+"How queer that I should see Evelyn's name!" she exclaimed; "but I
+guess almost everybody who visits England comes to this house."
+
+"Aye! We 'ave thousands of visitors 'ere every year, Miss, and the
+most of 'em are Americans, it do appear to me! They do be powerful
+fond o' Shakespeare!" The attendant shook his head knowingly as he
+gave Betty this information.
+
+One of the most interesting rooms in the whole world is that chamber
+on the second floor in which the great Shakespeare was born. In
+itself, it is not in any way remarkable; it contains but a chair or
+two, and an old table, which holds a bust of the Poet. But its plaster
+walls, low ceiling, and even its window-panes, are inscribed with the
+names of great people,--poets, authors, statesmen, men of all
+countries, occupations, and beliefs,--who have journeyed here to pay
+their tribute to the greatest of all poets and writers.
+
+"Whenever I meet people who believe that Lord Bacon or any other man
+wrote Shakespeare's plays, I never discuss the question with them, for
+I have no arguments to withstand their claims," said Mrs. Pitt
+intently. "I only remind myself that if such men as Browning,
+Thackeray, Kean, Scott, and Carlyle, who have all left their
+signatures here, believed that the 'immortal Shakespeare' wrote his
+own plays, I can feel safe in believing so, too. Therefore I want you
+to understand, children, that you are standing in the room where
+Shakespeare was born, and be glad all your lives when you remember
+that you have seen it."
+
+The other room on the second floor--a kind of attic--contains an
+important picture of Shakespeare. It is called the "Stratford
+Portrait," as it was discovered in that native town, and it is now
+thought to have been painted in the eighteenth century, from a bust.
+
+The Shakespeare house is double. In the other half, which is now a
+museum, John Shakespeare, the father of the Poet, used to have his
+shop and carry on his trade, or trades, for, like many people at that
+time, he had several. This museum now contains many relics of
+Shakespeare, which are more or less authentic, as well as a large
+number of First Editions of his plays. The young people were
+interested in an old desk, much scratched and marred, which it is
+supposed that the Poet used when at the Guild School. It is not clear
+whether it was when he was a pupil there, or at the time he was
+"Junior Master," as he is thought to have been by some. The desk is
+long and narrow, having but one little opening into which a hand could
+be reached to pull out the books. It occurred to John that it would
+have been a very convenient place to hide apples or pickles, or any
+such forbidden articles, as the master could never even suspect their
+existence in that dark interior.
+
+"You will see where that desk once stood," remarked Mrs. Pitt, "for
+later, I shall show you the old Guild Hall, and the room where the
+Stratford boys had their lessons. Now, we are all hungry, and we'll go
+straight to the Shakespeare Hotel and have some luncheon. Don't you
+all approve that plan?"
+
+Before leaving "the Birthplace," it must be remembered that there
+exists a really very picturesque old English garden. In it were
+planted, about fifty years ago, a quantity of the flowers which are
+mentioned in the plays of Shakespeare, and the result is a very lovely
+mass of brightly-colored, old-fashioned flowers.
+
+At the Shakespeare Hotel, they were served a typically English
+luncheon of mutton, peas seasoned with mint, greens, and afterwards a
+"gooseberry tart." John and Betty were in gales of laughter when the
+shy, rosy-cheeked maid asked if they would have some "jammed fingers."
+
+"What in the world does she mean?" inquired Betty, between her
+giggles.
+
+"I don't know, I am sure. Do you, Barbara? Oh, yes I do! Probably she
+means 'jam fingers.' I have heard the name. Please bring us some,"
+Mrs. Pitt requested.
+
+The "jammed fingers" proved to be long strips of pastry with jam
+between. They were very good, and John and Betty much preferred them
+to the sour gooseberries, to which they had not taken at all kindly.
+
+The Shakespeare Hotel is much like its neighbor, the Red Horse, except
+for the fact that each room bears the name of one of Shakespeare's
+plays.
+
+"How lovely it would be to sleep in the 'Romeo and Juliet' room,--if
+there is one!" Betty sighed. "I almost wish we had planned to stay
+here, although I do want to write letters on the table in Washington
+Irving's room at the Red Horse!"
+
+Very near the Shakespeare Hotel is what is known as the "John Harvard
+House,"[B]--more accurately, the girlhood home of the mother of John
+Harvard. It is high and narrow, but fully as picturesque as is the
+nearby Tudor House, which is large and square. Both are excellent
+examples of Elizabethan houses, and are very quaint and pretty. The
+lower floor of the Tudor House is a most fascinating shop, in which
+one may find a really astonishing number of post-cards, books,
+pictures, and little souvenirs relating to Shakespeare.
+
+[Footnote B: This has just recently been restored and presented to
+Harvard College. The old house will in the future serve as a
+rendezvous for visiting Americans.]
+
+"Seems to me, everything, from the hotel to the cheapest post-card,
+has the name of Shakespeare attached to it somehow!"
+
+"You are quite right, John!" agreed Mrs. Pitt. "The modern town has
+grown up and literally lives upon Shakespeare! Without him, and the
+immense number of visitors which his memory brings, Stratford could
+hardly exist at all, as there are no factories or important industries
+here."
+
+A long, beautiful afternoon of sight-seeing followed. First, came a
+visit to the site of Shakespeare's home of New Place, to see the old
+foundations. As they stood looking down at the few pathetic remains,
+Mrs. Pitt explained how the house happened to be pulled down.
+
+"It was shameful!" she cried indignantly. "I dislike to think of the
+man who was responsible for its destruction. The house was an old
+one, even in Shakespeare's day, as it was probably erected in 1490 by
+Sir Hugh Clopton. A historian named Leland of the sixteenth century
+says this about New Place and its surroundings: 'There is a right
+goodly chappell, in a fayre street towardes the south ende of the
+towne dedicated to the Trinitye; this chappell was newly re-edified by
+one Hugh Clopton, Mayor of London; this Hugh Clopton builded also by
+the north side of this chappell a praty house of brick and tymbre,
+wherein he lived in his latter dayes and dyed.' To appreciate that
+fully, you should see the queer old spelling! Well, to continue,
+Shakespeare left New Place to his eldest daughter, Susanna Hall, and I
+don't know just how long it remained in the family. However, at length
+it was in the possession of the Rev. Francis Gastrell, who cut down
+Shakespeare's celebrated mulberry-tree because too many visitors
+troubled him by coming there to see it. In 1759, he became so angry in
+a quarrel about the taxes imposed upon New Place, that he had it torn
+down and the material sold. I can never forgive him for that! It seems
+to me that I never knew of anger having led to a more outrageously
+unjust and deplorable act!" Mrs. Pitt's eyes flashed, and her face
+was flushed from her feeling of what one might almost be pardoned for
+terming "righteous indignation."
+
+Leaving New Place, they turned into Chapel Lane, which borders on one
+side the grounds formerly belonging to the Poet's estate.
+
+"Let me give you just a little description of this street in
+Shakespeare's time," Mrs. Pitt reflected. "You must know that sanitary
+conditions were fearful then, and that Stratford was as bad, if not
+worse, than other towns in that respect. Even as late as 1769, when
+Garrick visited here, he considered it 'the most dirty, unseemly,
+ill-paved, wretched-looking town in all Britain.' The people had
+absolutely no idea of cleanliness. In Stratford, there were six places
+where it was lawful to dump rubbish,--right in the street! Just fancy!
+Sometimes these dumps prevented a man from making his way about the
+town. Chapel Lane was considered the worst part of the whole place,
+for besides the fact that there was a dump here, the neighbors in the
+vicinity seemed to be more than usually untidy and
+shiftless,--allowing their pigs to wander about loose, for instance.
+That was the kind of street which Shakespeare must have entered every
+time he left his own house. Think of it! Some people have, I believe,
+attributed his early death to the unhealthful conditions of his
+surroundings. Inside the homes, things were but little better. People
+laid rushes on the floor in the place of carpets, and these became
+filthy from dirt, mud, and other things which clung to them. Fresh
+rushes were brought but seldom. The churches were not often swept or
+cleaned, either. Once, when the roof of the Guild Chapel was being
+repaired, a certain man and his wife were appointed to sweep the
+interior and clear away the cobwebs. A widow used to sweep the
+market-place. She was provided with her utensils,--a shovel,
+broom-stick, and bundle of twigs--and was paid six shillings and
+eightpence a year. How carefully and how often do you suppose she
+swept? Dear me! I sometimes have wished that I had lived in Queen
+Elizabeth's age, but when I remember some of the terrible
+circumstances of that time, I cannot be too thankful that I live in
+the twentieth century!"
+
+They had been standing before the old Guild Hall for some few minutes
+while Mrs. Pitt finished what she was saying. They now turned to
+admire and examine it more closely. It is a building of plaster and
+huge timbers, long and low, with a second story projecting slightly
+over the lower. The old hall on the ground floor is said to be where
+the boy Shakespeare first saw a play. A room just above it was the
+Grammar School, which Shakespeare probably attended for five years,
+and where the desk shown at "the Birthplace" may have been used by
+him.
+
+"It was rather different going to school in those days!" declared Mrs.
+Pitt. "The hours were very long, the lessons hard, and the masters
+strict, and not unwilling to use the rod for the slightest
+misdemeanor. There have been terrible stories of boys being much hurt,
+or even killed as a result of this practice. The pupils sat on narrow
+benches, their heavy books propped up before them on long tables. It
+must have been very hard to stay here in this dark room and listen to
+the master's voice reciting monotonous Latin, while birds sang and the
+fair world of an English summer was just out of reach. If Shakespeare
+was a real boy,--and we think he was--he was surely describing his own
+feelings when he wrote the lines in 'As You Like It' about:
+
+     'The whining schoolboy, with his satchel,
+     And shining morning face, creeping like snail
+     Unwillingly to school,--'"
+
+As they had already walked a good deal that day, Mrs. Pitt found a
+carriage, and they drove to Trinity Church and the Shakespeare
+Memorial. On the way, the driver pointed out the home of Marie
+Corelli, the writer. It is an attractive, square house, which presents
+a very gay appearance, with a box of bright flowers on every
+window-ledge.
+
+Trinity Church stands close beside the picturesque Avon. The waters
+flow gently against the rushes, making a soft music, and the breeze
+just stirs the leaves of the tall trees which keep guard over the
+graves in the church-yard. One feels something of the peace and quiet
+of Stoke Poges, but here the presence,--or, rather, the memory--of the
+great Shakespeare hovers over all, and every one hastens inside to see
+the tomb.
+
+The church is ancient--in part dating from the twelfth century--and it
+contains many interesting monuments, but somehow the whole seems like
+one huge memorial to Shakespeare. On the floor, at one side of the
+chancel, is the slab which marks the Poet's grave, and which bears the
+famous epitaph, said to have been written by himself:
+
+     "Good frend; for Jesus' sake forbeare
+     To digg the dust encloased heare;
+     Bleste be y{e} man y{e} spares thes stones,
+     And curst be he y{t} moves my bones."
+
+On the wall above the tomb is the monument,--a bust of Shakespeare, on
+which the original colors have recently been restored. Nearby are
+buried Anne Hathaway, Shakespeare's wife, his daughter, Susanna Hall,
+and her husband, and other members of the family.
+
+For some minutes our party stood quietly looking over the altar-rail
+at the grave and its inscription, but finally, the arrival of some
+loud-voiced, laughing tourists, who conscientiously made fun of
+everything they saw, caused them to turn away.
+
+Mrs. Pitt then called their attention to some of the stained-glass
+windows. "Two of them were given by Americans," she said. "This one
+here pictures the Seven Ages of Man, which Shakespeare describes in
+'As You Like It,' Do you see? Now come to the back of the church and
+look at the parish register, which contains the record of the baptism
+and burial of Shakespeare. Here it is."
+
+A glass case holds this precious relic, and by studying carefully the
+quaint old writing, the words "Shakespeare" and the dates can be
+traced.
+
+"Think how fortunate that this register was preserved!" exclaimed Mrs.
+Pitt, leaning over to examine it again. "Important records of births,
+marriages, and deaths, as well as notable events, were always kept in
+these books, and yet the people generally did not consider them of
+much value. The parchment leaves were often torn out and used to
+rebind schoolbooks, or to line a housewife's cooking-utensils! Fancy!
+Some vergers, however, recognized the great worth of these books and
+preserved them with care. Luckily the men of this church were of that
+type."
+
+Here the modern verger, in his flowing black gown, accosted them, and
+urged them to buy some of the Shakespeare Post-cards, at a shilling
+each. Having purchased several, and posted them then and there to
+various friends, they left the church and walked down the lovely path,
+shaded by arching lime-trees. They then drove to the Shakespeare
+Memorial, which also stands near the river.
+
+This large, irregular building of red brick and stone, with its one
+high tower, was erected in 1879. In it is a theatre where plays are
+given every spring, on the anniversary of Shakespeare's birth, as well
+as at certain other times. The children were amused at seeing a
+rehearsal in progress on the stage.
+
+"How absurd Lady Macbeth does look strutting about and clasping her
+hands, dressed in that black skirt, shirt-waist, and sailor hat!"
+Betty laughed.
+
+In this Memorial Building are many photographs and paintings of
+celebrated actors and actresses in Shakespearean rôles, as well as a
+very fine library. There is so much to be seen here--so much
+detail--that our friends only took a very hasty look about, and then
+went up into the tower to see the view. Stretched out below them, the
+quaint little town of Stratford and the lovely green meadows through
+which the Avon flows, made a very effective picture!
+
+It was now late afternoon, and the sun was getting lower and lower.
+They did not feel like doing any more real sight-seeing, yet it was
+still too delightful out-of-doors to return to the hotel, so Mrs.
+Pitt, who always had some fascinating plan ready, suggested that they
+walk through the Weir Brake.
+
+"What's that, Mother? You never took us there!" exclaimed Barbara.
+
+"Didn't I? Well, I'll show it to you, and I am sure you will like it,
+too," their mother promised. "Come on! We'll cross this little
+foot-bridge, and go along the opposite bank."
+
+The view of Holy Trinity Church from across the river is very
+charming. The luxuriant foliage almost hides it except for the old
+gray spire, which rises most gracefully above the tree-tops. They
+strolled happily along over the rough field, Betty stopping sometimes
+to gather a few attractive blossoms to add to her bunch of
+wildflowers. The light was wonderfully soft and lovely, and the sun
+had gone down only to leave behind it a sky glorious in its tints of
+pink and lavender, with the deep blue still remaining above.
+
+"Now, we're coming to the Weir Brake!" announced Mrs. Pitt
+triumphantly. "Take care, Barbara! Don't trip over that stump!"
+
+They followed their guide over a stile, across a field where the smell
+of new-mown hay was sweet, through some bars, and finally along a
+narrow, rough path on a steep bank close to the Avon. This was the
+beginning of the Weir Brake, where Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway may
+perhaps have done their courting, as Mrs. Pitt suggested.
+
+The Avon is narrow at this point, and flows rather swiftly. The sunset
+sky was reflected in its waters, which were overshadowed by willow
+trees, rushes, and ferns. On the bank was a tangle of underbrush and
+wild flowers, and above, the great trees,--the elms, of which
+Shakespeare so often speaks. As they rambled on and on, the trees
+seemed to grow larger, and more and more gnarled and picturesque.
+
+"Oh! Can't you just see Titania and Oberon and all the other fairies
+dancing here and playing games about these trees! It looks exactly
+like a stage-setting for 'As You Like It' or 'Midsummer Night's
+Dream,'" exclaimed Betty, who was fascinated with what she saw. The
+evening was just dark enough to produce a weird but beautiful effect
+of shadows under the elm trees.
+
+"I'm rejoiced that it appeals to you so, Betty!" cried Mrs. Pitt.
+"That's just as I always feel! It seems as though you could actually
+touch spots of which Shakespeare must have been thinking when he wrote
+certain passages. And it is a fact that he did often have this or
+similar places in mind; for, although the scene of 'A Midsummer
+Night's Dream' was supposed to be in Greece, Shakespeare allowed his
+characters and his entire background to be as absolutely English as he
+was himself. You know that in olden times, the Forest of Arden covered
+much of Warwickshire; even these old trees with which we are now
+surrounded, are remnants of that splendid woodland which is so
+familiar to us through Shakespeare. It was surely in just such a scene
+that Titania and the other fairies danced, and where Snug, Bottom,
+Flute, Snout, and the rest came to practice their play,--those
+so-called Athenians, who were so exactly like Stratford tradesmen of
+Shakespeare's day. Certainly it was under just such trees that Hermia,
+and Helena, Lysander, and Demetrius wandered!
+
+"And see there where those branches touch the water," she soon
+continued; "might not that have been the very place where poor Ophelia
+lost her life? Listen!
+
+     'There is a willow grows aslant a brook,
+     That shows his hoar leaves in the glassy stream;'
+
+Isn't that a perfect description of this very spot? And then:
+
+     'I know a bank whereon the wild thyme blows,
+     Where oxslips and the nodding violet grows,--'
+
+Just see the violets all about us here! There are the 'pale
+cowslips,' too! Do you see? Oh, it's wonderful,--wonderful to find so
+many of the very flowers which Shakespeare loved and talked of so
+much!--the daisy, the musk-rose and woodbine! There's some right by
+your foot, Betty. But come, come, we really must go now! We'll go back
+by the field above, where it is not so steep and dark. Come, John!"
+
+So they hurriedly retraced their steps toward the town. In skirting
+the fields on the hill-top, they once had to pick their way with some
+difficulty through holes in bristling hedges, and Mrs. Pitt and the
+girls were forced to run away from a buck, but these were little
+incidents to which they were all quite equal, and they arrived at the
+Red Horse Hotel, nothing daunted, just as the dinner-gong sounded
+loudly.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWELVE
+
+A DAY IN WARWICKSHIRE
+
+
+Betty did spend the evening "writing letters in Washington Irving's
+room at the Red Horse," as she had planned. It was in that quaint,
+tiny parlor that Irving wrote his well-known paper about
+Stratford-on-Avon, and perhaps Betty hoped to benefit by the literary
+atmosphere. At any rate, the letters were accomplished with great ease
+and rapidity, after her curiosity had been satisfied by an examination
+of the room.
+
+Washington Irving's armchair is there, and the old poker with which he
+is said to have tended the fire. On the walls hang the pictures of a
+number of actors and actresses who have played Shakespearean parts.
+Except for these, the room differs very little from the rest of the
+inn. About nine-thirty, the children started up to bed, Betty,
+enthusiastic at the prospect of a high four-poster, which "you really
+have to run and give a jump to get into." She and Barbara did not
+stay long awake to enjoy it, however, for it seemed as though their
+heads had hardly touched the pillows before the maid was calling them,
+and the bright sun was pouring in at the windows.
+
+Very early they set out to walk "across the fields to Anne." The
+little village of Shottery, where stands the cottage known all the
+world over as "Anne Hathaway's," is only about a mile distant from
+Stratford, and our party gayly took the path through the
+fields,--perhaps the very one over which Shakespeare trod when he was
+Anne's lover. This led them first past the "back-yards" of Stratford,
+then over a stile and through the green meadows, where daisies and
+cowslips abound. As they went along, Mrs. Pitt repeated to them the
+following little verse from Shakespeare's "Winter's Tale":
+
+     "Jog on, jog on, the footpath way,
+     And merrily hent the stile-a;
+     A merry heart goes all the way,
+     Your sad tires in a mile-a."
+
+The boys learned this, and half-chanted, half-sang it over and over
+while they all kept time to the rhythm.
+
+"There's Shottery, I guess!" Betty called, interrupting the singers,
+as she caught sight of a pretty little group of thatched-roofed
+cottages. "It seems a very short 'mile-a,' doesn't it!"
+
+Anne Hathaway's cottage is even more picturesque than its neighbors,
+or does this only seem so because of the associations which it has for
+all? Every one knows the picture of the cottage. One end stands close
+to the country road, and in front of it, behind a green hedge, is the
+garden. Growing on the cottage walls are at least half a dozen
+different kinds of roses, as well as honeysuckle and jasmine, which
+clamber way up and mingle with the heavy thatch. The old
+casement-windows with their thick panes of glass were swung open to
+let in the morning's fresh air. A young girl dressed in pink and
+carrying a broom, appeared on the doorstep as Philip opened the gate.
+She was evidently rather surprised to see such early visitors, but she
+said they might go in. While Mrs. Pitt paused to speak with her,
+Betty, who had already rushed inside, called out: "Here's the old
+settle! I know it from its pictures!"
+
+Sure enough, there it was, close beside the great fireplace,--we hope
+just where it has always been ever since Anne Hathaway and
+Shakespeare sat there together.
+
+"But, Mother, is that really the same bench, and did Anne truly live
+here?" questioned the all too matter-of-fact Barbara.
+
+"My dear daughter," began Mrs. Pitt, feigning great severity; "banish
+that thought immediately! Just for one little hour we are going to
+know that Anne did live here,--that Will said 'Will you?' and Anne
+said 'I will,' right on this very bench. I quite refuse to listen to
+any doubts on the subject for to-day! You write our names in the book,
+please, Philip. I'm going to rest myself here in Anne's
+rocking-chair!"
+
+The girl with the broom looked at her visitor in a puzzled way, and
+began,--"But, lady, I brought that chair here with me only----" But
+Mrs. Pitt quickly interrupted her, asking some trifling question. Her
+illusions were not to be disturbed, it seemed, and the girl beat a
+retreat.
+
+"Well, Mother," said Philip, "you aren't the only one who has ever
+believed in the house! Here in this old Visitors' Book are the names
+of Dickens, Longfellow, Holmes, General Grant, Edwin Booth, Mary
+Anderson, and----"
+
+[Illustration: "DID ANNE TRULY LIVE HERE?"--_Page 164._]
+
+"Never mind the rest, Phil; if General Grant said so, it's true! He
+knew what he was talking about!" And so John settled the question.
+
+A flag-stone floor is all this little room can boast of, and a low
+ceiling of huge timbers, but it has an air of homelikeness and cosy
+comfort, nevertheless. At the windows are flowers which nod to their
+cousins out in the garden; some gray knitting usually lies on the
+table; and there is the huge fireplace with all its cranes, different
+hooks, pots and kettles; and the crowning glory of all, the old oak
+settle, upon which every visitor religiously seats himself.
+
+"Isn't there any upstairs?" demanded John, before many minutes.
+
+"Oh, yes! May we go up, please?" Mrs. Pitt asked of the attendant.
+"Yes, thank you; I know the way, and I'll be careful."
+
+So they climbed the rickety stairs, and saw a little bedroom under the
+eaves, in which stands an old, very forlorn-looking "four-poster."
+
+"I'm so glad that tiresome, truthful person let us come up alone,"
+said Mrs. Pitt, panting. "If she had come, too, I could not have
+explained that this was Anne's bedroom. She used to sit by this
+window and dream about Will, and watch for his coming, too. She----"
+
+"Don't spoil it all, Mother," pleaded Barbara. "Perhaps it really was
+her room!"
+
+"And didn't I just say as much?" her mother laughed. "But seriously!
+This room never appealed to me as does the one below. Anne couldn't
+have been very comfortable up here. If she was tall, she could hardly
+have stood up straight because of the slanting roof."
+
+So laughingly, they went downstairs and toward the patch of bright
+yellow sun-flowers in the farthest corner of the garden. The young
+girl followed them. "Shall I point out the different flowers?" she
+timidly inquired.
+
+They were duly shown the "rosemary for remembrance," the "pansies for
+thoughts," and a great many others of Shakespeare's loved flowers. The
+view of the cottage from the group of tall sun-flowers is most
+charming. There is surely nothing in the world more picturesque than a
+thatched-roof.
+
+Arrived once again at the Red Horse, they all packed up their
+belongings, and Mrs. Pitt went over to the station with a boy, who
+wheeled the luggage. When the suit-cases were duly labeled
+"Leamington," and the station-master had received his tip of a
+shilling, to insure his remembering them, Mrs. Pitt returned to the
+hotel, where she found five bicycles lined up. At sight of her, the
+rest came running out. "This is great!" cried John, already astride
+one of the bicycles, and impatient for the start.
+
+"Yes," answered Mrs. Pitt, much pleased by the enthusiasm. "I thought
+this would be rather better than driving out to Charlecote and back,
+and then taking the train to Leamington. I know the roads, and am
+delighted at riding once more! I had my divided-skirt with me, you
+see, in case of this very emergency. You girls will manage somehow;
+your skirts are fairly short." This was to Barbara and Betty, and then
+they were off.
+
+The ride of about four miles to Charlecote seemed all too short, for,
+as Betty expressed it, "the roads are so smooth and level that I can't
+stop. My wheel just goes of itself!" They first came in sight of
+Charlecote Park, where there are still great numbers of deer. As the
+party passed, the graceful creatures rose from the tall grass, making
+an extremely pretty picture. They tried in vain to coax them to the
+fence.
+
+"Deer in Shakespeare's time must have been tamer, or he couldn't have
+stolen one," observed John knowingly.
+
+"Isn't the 'Tumble-down Stile' near here, Mother?" Barbara questioned.
+
+"Yes, it's just beyond this turn in the road. There it is now! So long
+as we are believing all we see to-day, I feel quite justified in
+telling you that when the youthful Shakespeare was escaping with his
+deer on his shoulders, he fled by way of this stile. Touch that top
+rail, John, and see what will happen. No, this end of the rail!"
+
+As John put his hand on the place which Mrs. Pitt designated, that end
+gave way and hit the three other rails, so that they also bent down to
+the ground. John was much amused, and repeated the motion again and
+again.
+
+"Did Shakespeare fall over that stile when he was trying to climb it
+with the deer, and did they catch him then?" he asked eagerly.
+
+"Yes, that's the story, and, of course, we know it is true! Now, come
+this way to the gatehouse. I was able to get permission, through an
+influential friend, to take you inside. I am so glad, for not every
+one has such good fortune. This woodland," motioning to the fine old
+oaks, as they sped along, "is also a part of the ancient Forest of
+Arden. That wood was so dense in this county in the thirteenth
+century, that the King ordered the Constable of Warwickshire to cut
+down six acres in breadth between Warwick and Coventry, to insure the
+greater safety of travelers."
+
+They were now getting distant glimpses of the fine Elizabethan
+residence itself. It was built in 1558, the year of Elizabeth's
+accession to the throne, and was made in the general shape of the
+letter E, in honor of that Queen. The color of the ancient bricks has
+been softened and beautified by the hand of Time, which has also
+caused heavy vines to grow upon, and in certain places, almost to
+cover the walls. The different courts, gateways, and gables, are
+therefore most picturesque. The present owner, a descendant of the Sir
+Thomas Lucy whom Shakespeare knew and ridiculed, permits visitors (the
+privileged few) to see the Great Hall and the library.
+
+The former is the most interesting of all the apartments, for here one
+stands in the very room where Shakespeare is said to have been
+questioned by the pompous Sir Thomas Lucy, after the deer-stealing
+episode. This lofty hall has a slight modern atmosphere about it now,
+but the dark paneling, bits of really old glass in the windows, and,
+above all, the bust of Shakespeare, recall the past very vividly to
+mind.
+
+Most historians admit that there is some truth in the story that
+Shakespeare came into unpleasant contact with the Lord of Charlecote,
+through a more or less serious boyish prank; but not all believe that
+there can be any truth in the statement that he was brought into the
+Great Hall by the forester who caught up with him at the "Tumble-down
+Stile." It may be, however, that Shakespeare was later on friendly
+terms with the Lucy family, and so it is possible that he was then
+entertained in the hall.
+
+"You know," remarked Mrs. Pitt, "that the disgrace of that affair with
+Sir Thomas Lucy is thought to have caused Shakespeare to leave his
+native town and go to seek his fortune in far-away London. Therefore
+the prank is said by some to have been a most important, though
+seemingly trivial event in the Poet's life. Shakespeare's revenge
+upon the owner of lovely Charlecote came later, when he very plainly
+described Sir Thomas in his plays, under the name of 'Justice
+Shallow.'"
+
+Another room at Charlecote is very attractive,--that is, the old
+library. There is preserved some wonderful inlaid furniture which
+tradition describes as a gift from Queen Elizabeth to Leicester, and
+which consequently would once have found a place at Kenilworth Castle.
+A very charming view of the lawn sloping gently down to the river is
+seen from the library windows.
+
+Within the precincts of Charlecote is a beautiful church which was
+erected by Mrs. Henry Spenser Lucy, in 1852, upon the site of an
+ancient chapel. Here there are huge tombs in memory of three Lucys,
+and also an interesting monument to the wife of Sir Thomas, with its
+tribute to her lovely character, supposed to have been written by
+Shakespeare's "Justice Shallow" himself, who seems at least to have
+been a devoted husband. This last-mentioned monument was originally a
+part of the older edifice, of course.
+
+It was now about noon, and they were feeling rather hungry, so at a
+short distance from Charlecote they selected an inviting place by the
+roadside, and there they unpacked the lunch which Mrs. Pitt had
+brought. How good it did taste! They all thoroughly enjoyed the
+picnic, and when a scarlet automobile went rushing past them, the
+ladies' veils fluttering in the breeze, Betty merely remarked:--"An
+auto's lovely, of course, but to-day I'd rather have a bicycle. It
+seems more appropriate, somehow."
+
+"Yes," Mrs. Pitt responded. "When you are in such a beautiful county
+as this, and want to see it well, a bicycle is best. And then, I think
+it is more respectful to Shakespeare to go through his beloved haunts
+at a fairly leisurely pace. I imagine that he never would have
+understood how any one could care so little for Warwickshire as to go
+whirling and jiggling along through it in a motor, at thirty miles an
+hour."
+
+Betty had absent-mindedly picked a daisy from the tall grass in which
+she was sitting, and was pulling off its petals, reciting the little
+verse about:
+
+     "Rich man,
+     Poor man,
+     Beggar man,
+     Thief."
+
+"Oh, dear! It's thief!" she cried, making up a wry face. "I'd rather
+have any one than that!"
+
+"Try the other verses," suggested Barbara, entering into the fun.
+
+"What others?" asked Betty in much surprise. "I didn't know there were
+any more."
+
+"Dear me, yes," Mrs. Pitt broke in. "I used to know several of them
+myself,--the one about the house:
+
+     'Big house,
+     Little house,
+     Pig-stye,
+     Barn,'
+
+and about the conveyances:
+
+     'Coach,
+     Carriage,
+     Spring-cart,
+     Wheelbarrow.'
+
+Wasn't there one more, Barbara? Oh, yes, about the dress materials:
+
+     'Silk,
+     Satin,
+     Muslin,
+     Rags.'"
+
+"Well, well!" exclaimed Betty. "I never heard those. They must be just
+English."
+
+"Perhaps so. At any rate, when I was a little girl, I used to say
+them, and believe in them, too. I lived here in Warwickshire, in my
+childhood, you know; my father was rector of a tiny village not far
+from Coventry. There are ever so many queer old rhymes, verses, and
+customs still common among Warwickshire children."
+
+"Tell Betty about some of them, Mother," Barbara urged. "I'm sure that
+she'd like to hear, and we don't need to start on just yet."
+
+Mrs. Pitt leaned thoughtfully against the lowered bars, at the
+entrance to a field. "I'll have to think about it," she said; but she
+soon added, "There was the 'Wishing Tree.' I remember that."
+
+"What was it?" the two girls eagerly questioned. John and Philip,
+privately considering this talk "silly stuff," had retired to the
+farther side of a hay-rick, where they were whittling industriously.
+
+"The 'Wishing Tree' was a large elm that stood in the park of a
+neighboring nobleman's estate. To all the girls of the village, it was
+a favorite spot, and we used to steal through the hedge and very
+cautiously approach the tree. If the cross old gardener happened to
+see us he'd come limping in our direction as fast as his lame legs
+could carry him, calling out angrily that if we did not 'shog off
+right away, he'd set his ten commandments in our faces.' That's an odd
+expression, isn't it? It's very, very old,--so old that Shakespeare
+was familiar with it and used it in one of his plays--'King Henry VI,'
+I think. The gardener meant that he would scratch us with his ten
+fingers--but he wouldn't have, for he was too kind-hearted in spite of
+his threats. He was a queer man, with a brown, wrinkled old face. I
+can see him just as though it were yesterday."
+
+"What was that you said?" asked Betty. "'Shog off!' What does it
+mean?"
+
+"Simply Warwickshire for 'Go away,'" was Mrs. Pitt's careless answer.
+Her thoughts had gone back to her childhood.
+
+"You forgot to tell us what the 'Wishing Tree' was for," Betty timidly
+suggested, fearful of interrupting her reminiscences.
+
+"Why, so I did! We would tiptoe all alone up to the tree, and if,
+under its wide branches, we made a wish, we thought it was sure to
+come true. There was another curious old game of finding out how many
+years we were to live, by a ball. We would bounce it upon the hard
+ground, and catching it again and again in our hands, would chant all
+the while:
+
+     'Ball-ee, ball-ee, tell me true,
+     How many years I've got to go through,
+     One, two, three, four,--'
+
+If that had proved true, I shouldn't be here to-day to tell of it,
+for I was never very skillful with the ball, and could only catch it
+ten or fifteen times at the most."
+
+Mrs. Pitt laughed. "There is so much of ancient folk-lore here in
+Warwickshire," she went on. "I remember that the old country people
+always crossed themselves or said some charm for a protection, when
+one lone magpie flew over their heads. That meant bad luck, for the
+verses said:
+
+     'For one magpie means sorrow,
+       Two, mirth,
+     Three, a wedding,
+       And four, a birth.'
+
+Why, what is it, Barbara?"
+
+Barbara had jumped to her feet, and was wildly waving her arms about
+her head. "It's only a bee," she said, rather ashamed. "I don't like
+them quite so near."
+
+It was delightful to ride along on this "rare day in June," through
+the fair county of Warwickshire,--the "Heart of England." If they were
+just a bit uncomfortably warm on the hill-top where the sun beat down
+upon the fields and open road, they were soon again in the beautiful
+woodland, where the cool air refreshed them, or passing through the
+street of some remote village, shaded by giant elms. In each little
+hamlet, as well as the row of peaceful thatched cottages, with smoke
+curling upwards from their chimneys, there was the ancient
+vine-covered church, with perhaps a Norman tower, where the rooks
+found a home, and the gray old rectory close at hand.
+
+When Betty asked if it was in a church "like this" that Mrs. Pitt's
+father preached, and if her former home resembled the particular
+rectory they then chanced to be passing, Mrs. Pitt replied, "Yes, my
+home was somewhat like this one. All English country churches and
+rectories look very much alike,--that is, almost all are vine-covered,
+and very old and quaint--yet, I think each has its own very distinct
+individuality, too."
+
+Mrs. Pitt, of course, wanted some tea, so about four o'clock they
+stopped at a clean little cottage, near a stretch of woodland. Mrs.
+Pitt herself dismounted and stepped up to the door, which stood
+hospitably open. A little flaxen-haired child ran out curiously at the
+sound of the knock, and then, frightened, scampered away to call her
+mother. That good woman, in her neat black dress and stiffly-starched
+white apron, at once understood the situation.
+
+"You just seat yourselves there under the trees," she ordered them,
+"and I'll bring right out a shive off a loaf of bread, and a tot o'
+tea for each of you."
+
+The young people looked puzzled at this speech, but Mrs. Pitt
+smilingly led the way to the place their hostess designated. In a
+surprisingly short time the woman brought out a table (having scorned
+the assistance of the two boys), spread it with an immaculately clean
+cloth, and set thereon a very tempting loaf of brown bread and a pot
+of steaming tea. There was also jam, of course. While they enjoyed
+their meal, she stood by, her hands on her hips, and a radiant smile
+upon her face at the praises of her guests. Every few moments the
+little girl would peep out from behind the cottage, and once she
+almost came up to the group under the trees; but her mother, when she
+spied her, sent her hastily back, saying by way of an apology:--"She's
+all swatched, but she's only my reckling, you must know." As they rode
+away into the woods, the good woman stood in the middle of the road
+waving her table-cloth for good-by.
+
+"Wasn't she a dandy!" John burst out. "Couldn't understand what she
+said, though! Might just as well have been Greek!"
+
+"She certainly did have some old Warwickshire expressions!" laughed
+Mrs. Pitt. "I don't know when I've heard that word 'reckling.' It
+simply means her youngest child, who she said was all 'swatched.' That
+signifies being untidy, but I am sure I couldn't see the tiniest spot
+of dirt anywhere upon the child."
+
+Betty was rather glad when they at last jumped off their bicycles at
+the hotel in Leamington.
+
+"I guess I'm not used to quite such long rides as you," she said. "It
+has been beautiful, though, and I wouldn't have come by train for
+anything. I just love Warwickshire, and everything about it,
+especially the language, which I mean to learn while I am here."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER THIRTEEN
+
+WARWICK AND KENILWORTH CASTLES
+
+
+The bicycles were returned to their owner in Stratford, and Mrs.
+Pitt's plan was to drive to Warwick and Kenilworth the following day.
+Consequently it was a great disappointment at breakfast-time to see
+gray and threatening clouds overhead, from which rain very soon began
+to descend. The day was also very cold, and such a chilling wind was
+blowing and whistling around the corners of the hotel, that fires were
+lighted in all the tiny grates.
+
+"Whoever heard of such cold weather in June!" John protested, not in
+the best of spirits at being shut up in the house. "It's horrid, I
+say! Ugh! If my fur coat was here, I should put it on, and then get
+inside the fireplace, too."
+
+At this very dismal burst of feeling from John, Mrs. Pitt came to the
+rescue, suggesting a game of billiards. John brightened very
+considerably after this, and the remainder of the day was pleasantly
+spent in writing letters, playing games, and reading aloud from
+Scott's "Kenilworth," in preparation for the morrow's visit to that
+castle.
+
+"Just think of seeing the very spot in the garden where Queen
+Elizabeth met Amy Robsart! And perhaps the same room where she slept.
+Oh, I can hardly wait till morning!" sighed Betty rapturously.
+"Kenilworth" had long been one of her favorite books.
+
+At bedtime Mrs. Pitt, inwardly rather uncertain about the prospects of
+the weather, was outwardly most cheerful with her assurance that she
+"felt sure it would be fine in the morning."
+
+Mrs. Pitt was "usually right about things," as the children had long
+since discovered, and this proved no exception to the rule. The sun
+shone brightly on the morrow, and the whole country-side looked as
+though it had been washed and cleaned so as to appear at its loveliest
+for the visitors.
+
+The drive through Leamington revealed a very pretty watering-place,
+with baths, parks, gay streets of shops, and many neat little private
+villas, each being dignified by a name.
+
+"How do they ever find names enough to go around?" Betty thought to
+herself.
+
+They soon left the town behind, and a short drive along the perfectly
+smooth, wide, country road, brought them to the well-known bridge over
+the Avon, and revealed the fact that the river had not lost a bit of
+its beauty since they left it at the Weir Brake. It is from this
+bridge that the famous view of Warwick Castle is to be had, and a more
+charming picture cannot well be imagined. Just at a bend of the river,
+the great gray front looms up, long and straight, the turrets here and
+there giving it a most formidable air of old-time majesty and
+strength.
+
+Leaving the carriage at the castle entrance, Mrs. Pitt led the way up
+the narrow walk, bounded by high walls of rock, to which the damp moss
+clings and over which flowers and trailing vines hang. Finally they
+passed under an old gateway with a portcullis, and found themselves in
+the inner court-yard of the castle, which is almost round in shape.
+Old towers or buildings very nearly surround this court, and in the
+center is a wonderfully smooth grass-plot, which is sometimes used as
+a tennis-court. Several stately peacocks strutted about displaying
+their magnificent feathers. They were very tame, and almost allowed
+Betty to come near enough to touch them. She was delighted when the
+largest most obligingly dropped a gorgeous feather at her very feet.
+
+"For a souvenir!" she exclaimed, as she picked it up. "How dear of
+him! I like peacocks even if they are proud! I would be, if I lived
+here! They know how important they are, and that this garden wouldn't
+be complete without them."
+
+[Illustration: "THEY KNOW HOW IMPORTANT THEY ARE, AND THAT THIS GARDEN
+WOULDN'T BE COMPLETE WITHOUT THEM."--_Page 184._]
+
+"Do you see that high mound?" asked Mrs. Pitt, pointing to the
+northern end of the court. "There Ćthelflćd, the daughter of Alfred
+the Great, is supposed to have built a castle, and thus the history of
+Warwick may be said to have commenced in 914. Just fancy! Since that
+day, many great families have been in possession here (De Newburghs,
+Beauchamps, Nevilles, Plantagenets),--from traditional Guy of Warwick
+to 'Warwick the King-maker,' and all along the line to the Greville
+family, which has owned it since 1759. 'Warwick the King-maker,' or
+Richard Neville, was the famous baron who possessed such wonderful
+power in England that he could make and unmake kings at his will. It
+was he who captured poor, weak Edward IV, and brought him here as a
+prisoner. Of Guy of Warwick, the great warrior and hero, I shall
+tell you more when we are at Guy's Cliff, where he lived. He is really
+more associated with that place than this. You will see here, however,
+what is known as 'Guy's Porridge Pot.' It is an interesting old
+vessel, very large and made of metal. Most probably it had nothing
+whatever to do with the great Guy; some authorities consider, because
+of the existence of this little rhyme, that it belonged to a certain
+Sir John Talbot, who died about 1365.
+
+     'There is nothing left of Talbot's name,
+     But Talbot's pot and Talbot's Lane.'
+
+But let's go over to that door by which we enter. There comes a guide
+with his party; perhaps we can go in with them."
+
+They found the interior of Warwick Castle very delightful, and in a
+perfect state of preservation, for the family of the present Earl
+occupy it often. The ever-present Great Hall is here more grand and
+lofty than that of Charlecote, though it has not the appearance of as
+great antiquity as the one at beautiful Penshurst Place. Its walls are
+lined with old suits of armor, but, nevertheless, the room is
+furnished with comfortable easy-chairs, as the family, when in
+residence, use this as their living-room. Among the collection of
+armor is the helmet of Oliver Cromwell, and a whole miniature suit of
+mail which was once worn by the little dwarfed son of Robert Dudley,
+the famous Earl of Leicester. In a great bay-window, overlooking the
+Avon, stands the huge caldron of Guy of Warwick. Strangely enough, an
+exquisite Elizabethan saddle of green velvet had found a temporary
+resting-place in its great depths.
+
+"I think this Cedar Room is very beautiful," remarked Mrs. Pitt, as
+they stepped into that apartment. "Do you see that the walls are
+entirely of cedar wood from floor to ceiling? Isn't the effect rich,
+and doesn't it smell good? Do you notice the fine carving, and the
+pictures,--some of Van Dyck's best works? Oh! I must not call your
+attention to so many things all at once!"
+
+In the Green Drawing-room, the Red Drawing-room, the State Bed-room,
+and the various other rooms and corridors, are priceless treasures of
+art; for besides invaluable paintings by the greatest masters, there
+are here beautiful pieces of furniture, made of tortoise-shell and
+inlaid with gold or pearl, and ancient marriage-chests, which once
+belonged to Italian princesses of bygone days. The armory contains one
+of the most valuable collections in England, and in the State Bed-room
+are many relics of Queen Anne. One really wearies of so much
+costliness which it is utterly impossible to appreciate at one visit.
+
+"Haven't we time to walk in the gardens a little longer?" asked
+Barbara, wistfully. To her, Nature was nearer and dearer than all the
+wonders of art and history.
+
+After a ramble through the bewitchingly lovely gardens,--going across
+ancient drawbridges, spanning long-unused, grass-grown moats; under
+little postern-gates; into rustic grottoes--they at last came to the
+conservatory, in which is preserved the "Warwick Vase." This is made
+of white marble, carved with various devices.
+
+"It has a curious history," answered Mrs. Pitt, in reply to the
+children's questions. "In 1770, some workmen found it at the bottom of
+a small lake which is about sixteen miles from Rome. Of course, it is
+not possible to determine with any certainty how it came to be there,
+but as Hadrian's Villa was in A.D. 546 occupied by a king of the
+Goths, an enemy who was then laying siege to Rome, it has been thought
+that the vase was cast into the lake, to save it from the hands of the
+invaders. The second Earl of Warwick was its purchaser."
+
+Slowly and unwillingly they wended their way back through the gardens,
+to the central court of the castle, and then out under the old
+gateway.
+
+"My!" cried John, "it must have taken heaps of soldiers to defend a
+place like this in the Middle Ages! I wish I'd been here when it was
+just plumb full of great warriors,--when the moat had water in it, the
+drawbridge worked, and sentinels called out to you for the password as
+you came near the gate. I suppose they could peep out at you from
+those little windows up high, too." John looked longingly back, as
+they walked away.
+
+"Oh, yes!" continued Mrs. Pitt, in tones which made the girls shudder.
+"From those windows they rained shot down upon the enemy. And there
+are little slits in the wall from which men poured boiling metal or
+tar upon those besieging the castle. Upon the roof of Guy's Tower
+there, it is thought that a huge machine used to stand,--a machine for
+slinging down great stones. Oh, yes; there were dungeons here,
+too,--deep, dark, damp, and evil-smelling dungeons, into which many
+prisoners were thrown. Why, it was from here that Piers Gaveston, the
+unfortunate favorite courtier of Edward II, was taken out and executed
+upon a hill close by. Underneath the fine halls where splendid
+banquets were carried on, out of sight and reach of the fair gardens
+and lawns, there were always poor prisoners who were shut away from
+the daylight for years perhaps, and laboriously carving crests or
+verses in the stone walls, to while away the hours."
+
+Mrs. Pitt suddenly burst into peals of laughter as she saw the pained
+expressions upon the faces of the two girls; then a glance at the
+rapt, enthusiastic attention of John, caused her to become serious
+again.
+
+"Never mind, girls," she said gravely. "Such things are now gone
+forever; people have advanced too far in their ideas to ever permit of
+more of those unjust acts and horrible punishments. I can never
+believe that the world isn't growing daily better! And, boys, it is
+all very well to love and long for the golden deeds and knightly
+ideals of the men of mythical King Arthur's Court, for instance; read
+about them all you can, and try to imitate them, but never wish back
+the terrible conditions of warfare and brutality which existed at the
+time. The kindly thoughts and acts will endure always, but the
+rest,--never!"
+
+Silently they took their seats in the carriage, and the coachman next
+drove them to Saint Mary's Church, which stands in the quaint village
+of Warwick. Its old tower holds ten bells, and these play every four
+hours. There is a different tune for each day, which is always changed
+at midnight. The Warwick towns-people, living near their church, must
+have an enviable musical education, for they have continually dinned
+in their ears all sorts of tunes, from the "Easter Hymn" to "The Blue
+Bells of Scotland."
+
+On the site of Saint Mary's, an ancient church is believed to have
+stood, prior to William the Conqueror. The present edifice, having
+been much altered and added to by various benefactors, and at very
+various times, presents a rather confused and not especially pleasing
+appearance architecturally. All visitors to the town are attracted
+there, however, by the presence of the Beauchamp Chapel, which
+contains the tomb of the Earl of Leicester.
+
+Having paid the entrance fee, Mrs. Pitt and her charges were permitted
+to descend the few steps leading from the church proper into the
+Beauchamp Chapel. It is very beautiful, and was built in 1443, by
+William Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick, who intended it as his memorial.
+It was once most elaborate with its fine marbles, monuments adorned
+with precious stones, and the gold statuettes which filled its niches,
+but these have long since been carried away. The tomb of Ambrose
+Dudley, who was named the "Good Earl of Warwick," stands in the
+center, and against the wall is that of the great Leicester and the
+Countess, his wife.
+
+"Look here," called Mrs. Pitt. "Here lies their son, the little boy
+who wore the armor which you saw over at the castle. The inscription
+speaks of him as 'That noble impe, the young Lord Denbigh, their
+infant son and heir.' 'Impe' in those days had no such meaning of
+mischievous as we give it to-day. It then simply signified a young
+boy."
+
+Betty was much impressed by a small flight of winding stairs, just off
+the chapel, which are entirely worn down in the middle.
+
+"Was it because so many monks went up there?" she asked.
+
+"Yes, so it is said," was Mrs. Pitt's reply. "Perhaps it may have been
+a kind of confessional, where the monks knelt."
+
+There was one more thing in the church which they paused to note; that
+is, the tomb of Fulke Greville, the first Lord Brooke, who was stabbed
+by a valet, in 1628. Greville was "servant to Queene Elizabeth,
+conceller to King James, and frend to Sir Philip Sidney," as the
+inscription tells us; and it would seem that the greatest emphasis and
+respect was even then given the fact that he was "frend to" the noble
+Sir Philip Sidney.
+
+Nearby, the quaint buildings of Leicester's Hospital still stand. Here
+was a monastery until the Dissolution, or the breaking up, of all the
+religious houses, under Henry VIII. When the property came into the
+hands of Leicester in 1571, he made the house into a hospital for
+twelve men. The present brethren have all been soldiers of the Crown,
+who now receive a pension and are spending the remainder of their
+days in the sunny nooks and corners of the old timbered houses. One of
+these brethren who showed the party about, was a most curious old
+character, and afforded the young people no end of amusement. He
+invariably gave his information in a very loud voice, which was
+absolutely without expression, and his eyes were kept steadily fixed
+upon some distant point.
+
+He showed them the ancient hall in which Sir Fulke Greville once
+received King James, and it seemed to give him the keenest pleasure to
+describe how that King was "right royally entertained."
+
+"Oh, ye're right, lady," he panted, "the 'ospital was founded by
+Robert Dudley, Lord Leicester, 'e 'o was much at Elizabeth's court,
+h'as you all know. And it's a descendant h'of 'is, or of 'is sister,
+as you may say, 'o 'as the right to appoint the master 'ere in this
+'ospital to this day. 'E's Lord D'Lisle and Dudley, of Penshurst Place
+h'in Kent,--'im as is descended direct from the Lady Mary, sister of
+Robert Dudley, 'o married Sir 'Enry Sidney. H'its 'e 'o appoints the
+master h'over us this very day. But as I was saying,--it was 'ere
+that 'is Majesty King James was right royally h'entertained."
+
+"Yes," broke in John, interrupting the rapid flow of expressionless
+words. "We'll remember that all right." Then in an aside to Philip, he
+whispered: "That's the ninth time he has said 'right royally
+entertained.' I'm going to keep count."
+
+Having examined an embroidered curtain, the work of Amy Robsart at
+Cumnor Hall, the King of Dahomey's State Execution Sword, which seemed
+a bit out of place amid the surroundings, and an old battle-ax,
+supposed to have been used for one side or the other on the Field of
+Hastings, in 1066, they bade farewell to their guide (who had suddenly
+ceased his mechanical orations like a clock which has run down), and
+drove away toward Kenilworth.
+
+Guy's Cliff next called for attention. It is first seen at the end of
+a long, stately avenue lined by great trees. At the back of the castle
+flows a stream, at this point widened out into a miniature lake, on
+the bank of which stands a very ancient, moss-covered Saxon mill. The
+castle across the water and the old mill make such very attractive
+pictures that their vicinity is always frequented by numbers of
+artists, sitting under their big umbrellas.
+
+As the party stood under the trees by the mill, Mrs. Pitt gathered the
+young people about her.
+
+"Now, I want to tell you the story of Guy of Warwick, for whom this
+Guy's Cliff was called. He lived long, long ago (if he really did live
+at all), when England had great tracts of unsettled country, where men
+were afraid to go for fear of horrible monsters. This brave young Guy
+was a strong warrior, and he became famous because he slew the Dun
+cow, and other terrible animals which were tormenting the country
+folk. Guy later went off to the Crusades. These were pilgrimages which
+devout men made to Jerusalem, in the endeavor to win back that city
+from the Turks. Guy was gone some time from England--years
+probably--and when he came back, he lived the life of a hermit, in a
+cave near here. The story goes that his wife used to carry food to him
+each day, and that she never recognized him until he was dying and
+revealed to her his identity."
+
+Here Mrs. Pitt was forced to pause for breath, and John broke in
+excitedly, "Oh, let's go and see the cave! Can't we?"
+
+"I'm afraid not, John. You see, Guy's Cliff belongs to Lord Algernon
+Percy, and the cave is on his private premises. I fear we would not be
+allowed to visit it,--especially as the family is now in residence at
+the castle. Did I tell you that Guy and his faithful wife were buried
+together in the cave?"
+
+After taking lunch at the King's Arms Hotel at Kenilworth, and seeing
+the room in which Scott wrote his novel, they proceeded to the castle.
+The afternoon was warm and sunny, with a blue sky and a summer haze
+over the landscape,--the kind of afternoon which invites one to
+day-dreams. Consequently, Mrs. Pitt ensconced herself against the
+crumbling wall of Cćsar's Tower, put up her umbrella to keep off the
+glare of the sun, and sat dreaming over the remains of the once
+magnificent castle. Meanwhile the young people, accompanied by a
+guide, climbed all over the ruin. They scrambled up narrow stairs in
+thick walls, climbed as high as it was safe to go on old towers, and
+explored the dark chambers and passages near the old Banqueting-hall.
+
+"This tower is supposed to be where Amy Robsart's lodgings were,"
+their dignified guide told them, and then he boldly spoiled Betty's
+delight, by saying, "It's queer now how fascinated all visitors are by
+Amy Robsart. Of course, they've read of her in Scott's novel, but
+curiously enough, that's the only part of the tale which is not taken
+strictly from history. No one really knows whether Amy Robsart ever
+was at Kenilworth, and at any rate, it doesn't seem at all likely that
+she was here at the time of Queen Elizabeth's famous visit of 1563."
+
+"O dear!" Betty sighed, really bitterly disappointed. "I always liked
+the part about Amy best of all, and now it isn't true at all!"
+
+"Never mind, Miss; there would be plenty of interest attached to the
+old place, even if Scott had never written of it. Oh, I know it's a
+great book, and makes that particular period of Kenilworth's history
+remarkably vivid. What I mean is, that the old castle is not dependent
+on Scott for its grand history and reputation." He looked above him at
+the beautiful oriel-windows of the Banqueting-hall, as if he loved
+every stone there. After a few such speeches, even the children began
+to notice that he was "different from most guides"; he used most
+excellent English, was very neatly dressed, had a pleasant, refined
+face, and seemed to take an especial interest in the young people.
+
+The guide went on in his deep voice. "Kenilworth was built in 1120, by
+Geoffrey de Clinton, Lord Chamberlain to Henry I. Later, it came into
+the possession of the great Simon de Montfort, and it then
+successfully withstood a siege; but it was during the Civil Wars that
+Cromwell's soldiers reduced the splendid castle to these almost
+equally splendid ruins. Of course, it was at the height of its glory
+when the Earl of Leicester owned it, and Queen Elizabeth came here on
+a visit. I'm sure you have all read about that famous week,--of all
+the pageants, feasts, carnivals, and displays of fireworks upon the
+lake. The lake was there; water covered all those low fields back of
+the castle. At that time, the main approach was here," pointing to
+where a rustic bridge crosses a little ravine. "There was once a large
+bridge there, and from that entrance the Queen had her first glimpse
+of the castle where she was to be so magnificently entertained."
+
+Just then Barbara saw that her mother had risen and was motioning
+that it was time for them to go. So they reluctantly left the guide,
+thanking him as Philip handed him his fee. That gentleman (for so he
+really seemed) doffed his hat most politely, and appeared genuinely
+sorry to have them go. As Betty turned to take a last look at the old
+Banqueting-hall, she saw him standing just where they had left him,
+and a bit wistfully watching them walk away. When they were once again
+in the carriage and driving toward Coventry, they described the guide
+to Mrs. Pitt, who showed much interest. Barbara thought that he was a
+poor scholar or teacher, who was taking that way of earning a little
+during the summer months; John was sure he was a nobleman in disguise,
+for some highly romantic, secret reason; Philip could not even imagine
+who he might be, so great was the mysterious atmosphere about him; but
+Betty added: "He's surely a gentleman, and he was such an interesting,
+polite guide, that I wish they were all like him."
+
+"Yes, it is curious," agreed Mrs. Pitt. "I'd like to have been along
+with you, for I should have enjoyed studying him. I have once or twice
+before come across just such puzzling characters. I once spent a
+month at a small hotel down in Devonshire, where there was a
+head-waiter who always interested me. I decided that he must have a
+history, and it was proved that I was right when I discovered him a
+few months later, dining with a lady at one of the most aristocratic
+hotels in London. I'll never forget my sensations when I realized why
+his face was so familiar, and where I had seen it before! That mystery
+was never explained, and I'm afraid yours never will be."
+
+They found Coventry a delightful old town. Here it was that so many of
+the Miracle Plays used to be given in olden times. The "Coventry
+Plays" were famous, and Mrs. Pitt took the party to the court-yard of
+Saint Mary's Hall, where they were wont to be performed; for such
+entertainments always took place in the open air,--in squares or
+courts, the stage being rudely constructed upon a wagon, which could
+be taken from place to place.
+
+At the corner of two streets is an absurd figure of "Peeping Tom,"
+which recalls the fabled ride of the Lady Godiva, and her sacrifice to
+procure the freedom of the people of Coventry from unjust taxes.
+
+Coventry streets are very narrow and crooked (Hawthorne once said that
+they reminded him of Boston's winding ways), and there are many
+picturesque houses, their upper stories jutting out over the street.
+One most charming example of sixteenth century architecture is Ford's
+Hospital, a home for forty aged women. The street front is unique in
+its construction of timbers, gables, and carvings. Inside is an
+oblong, paved court, overhung by the second story of the building.
+
+"It's like Leicester's Hospital at Warwick, only this is really more
+quaint, isn't it? The old ladies peeping out from their little rooms
+are dear! I'm going to make friends with them," Betty declared, as she
+disappeared under one of the low doorways. She was soon seen
+accompanying an old dame on crutches, who was hobbling out to show off
+her bit of a garden, back of the house.
+
+On the return trip to Leamington, they were rather quiet. Having seen
+so many famous places, it was natural that they should wish to think
+them over. The driver approached Leamington by another road than that
+by which they had left it, and it took them past Stoneleigh Abbey,
+the country seat of Lord Leigh. It is situated in the midst of
+woodland, which has been called "the only real bit of old Arden Forest
+now to be found in Warwickshire."
+
+"They say that the Abbey is remarkably beautiful," said Mrs. Pitt,
+"but I've never been fortunate enough to see it at any nearer range.
+The house is not very old, having been erected in the eighteenth
+century, but it stands on the site of a Cistercian Abbey, of which one
+gateway still remains."
+
+It was late when they reached the hotel at Leamington, and they were
+forced to hurry in order to be dressed in time for dinner. The gong
+found them all assembled, however, for such a day of sight-seeing
+makes one hungry. They all had a good laugh at Betty, for when she was
+caught in a "brown study," and Mrs. Pitt asked to hear her thoughts,
+she replied:
+
+"Oh, I was thinking over what a lovely day it has been,--especially at
+Kenilworth!" and then added with a sigh, "If I only could know who
+that guide was, everything would be perfect!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER FOURTEEN
+
+SHERWOOD FOREST AND HADDON HALL
+
+
+Betty could scarcely sit still in the train which was carrying her
+towards Mansfield, from sheer excitement at the anticipation of
+actually seeing the haunts of Robin Hood. Ever since Mrs. Pitt had
+mentioned that town as the gateway of the Sherwood Forest of Betty's
+dreams, the name had seemed an enchanted one to her. As they had come
+only the comparatively short journey from Leeds, they arrived at
+Mansfield in the middle of the morning, and being Friday, the public
+square presented its usual busy scenes of market-day. Vendors were
+shouting their wares, long-suffering babies who had been unwillingly
+brought along were crying, women were loudly chattering in shrill
+voices, and a poor little dog, who in some mysterious way was being
+made to play a part in a Punch and Judy Show, was yelping piteously.
+
+"Well," began Betty, who could think of only Robin Hood--her dear
+hero, whose story was about to be made even more vivid to
+her--"perhaps this is the very market where he came when he had bought
+out the butcher's stock of meat and was selling it for kisses to the
+lasses of the town. Oh, do you suppose it is the same place?"
+
+"Why, no!" interrupted John, in the decisive tones which he always
+used when confident of his superior knowledge. "'Nottingham Town' was
+where Robin Hood and his whole gang of fellows always went!"
+
+"Yes, that was really more associated with the famous outlaw than
+Mansfield. You'll see Nottingham this afternoon, or, at any rate,
+to-morrow. Now, come this way to the Swan Hotel. While you girls
+unpack, I'll see that some horses are harnessed so that we can soon
+set off to the forest." Mrs. Pitt then led the way from the
+market-square toward the inn of which she had spoken.
+
+Before the carriage was ready, the young people had thoroughly
+explored this remarkable old house. Perhaps the most notable thing
+about it is the spiral staircase of solid oak, which is three hundred
+years old; but the entire building is filled with little passages and
+unexpected, remote nooks and corners, which, like the quaint bedrooms,
+are crowded with curios, old pictures, and superb antique furniture.
+Betty declared she had never seen such a "darling old four-poster" as
+the one which stood in her room, the favorite Number Nine for which
+all visitors clamor. Altogether, they considered it a most delightful
+place, and Betty thought that without too great a stretch of the
+imagination, she could even think of Robin Hood or Little John there.
+
+The hostess hastened to prepare a delicious, early lunch especially
+for the party, and having partaken of it, they went at once to the
+open carriage which was drawn up in the odd little inn-yard. John, as
+usual, claimed the seat beside the driver, the others settled
+themselves, and they started off.
+
+No sooner had they reached the open country than Betty's pent-up
+spirits overflowed entirely.
+
+"Oh, do you see that little river flowing through the meadows?" she
+suddenly cried, standing up to point at it excitedly. "See the reeds
+along its edges, the field of tall grain, and the old tree trunk
+which has fallen across the water! I just know that must be the place
+where Robin first met Little John. They had a fight on a narrow
+foot-bridge, you know, and Little John (who wasn't 'little' at all)
+was the stronger, and tumbled Robin Hood over into the brook. Don't
+you remember, John? That looks exactly like the picture in my Howard
+Pyle's 'Robin Hood,' at home. Oh, I'm perfectly sure it must be the
+same place! Aren't you, Mrs. Pitt?"
+
+This enthusiasm of Betty's was soon caught by the rest, and during the
+whole afternoon they took turns in telling, one after another, the
+"Merry Adventures of Robin Hood," as they recalled them. There could
+not be a section of country which more perfectly suggests the setting
+for that particular group of legends which has been associated with
+it. Here surely is the identical woodland through which Robin Hood and
+his merry men roamed. No one could possibly mistake it! Here are the
+very same trees, behind which one can almost see lurking the men in
+"Lincoln green." Here are ideal little glades carpeted with dainty
+ferns, here and there touched with the sunlight which flashes between
+the leaves. Sometimes the road emerges from the forest, and winds
+along through broad fields,--the "high road" bordered by green meadows
+and hedgerows.
+
+"You know," began Mrs. Pitt, her eyes sparkling with fun, "when Robin
+and his men had been in hiding for some days or weeks, perhaps,
+because the old Sheriff of Nottingham was trying particularly hard to
+catch them at the time, some of the most venturesome ones, not being
+able to exist longer under the restraint, would start off in search of
+adventure; and leaving a bit reluctantly the heart of Sherwood Forest,
+they always made straight for the 'high road.' Now in just such a
+place as this, by the cross-roads, Little John, garbed as a gray
+friar, met the three lasses who were carrying their eggs to the market
+at Tuxford. He swung one basket from his rosary, about his neck, and
+took one in either hand, and thus he accompanied the maids to town. Am
+I right? Is that the tale?"
+
+"Yes," continued Philip, taking up the story where his mother had left
+off; "then he went to a 'fair, thatched inn,' you know, and he sat
+drinking with the tinker, the peddler, and the beggar, when the two
+rich brothers from Fountains Abbey came out to start again on their
+journey to York. Little John thought there'd be some fun, and perhaps
+some good money for him, if he decided to go part of the way with
+them, so he did. Don't you remember that one brother was very tall and
+thin, and the other very short and stout? They were proud and ashamed
+of being seen on the road in the company of a poor friar whose gown
+was too short for him, as was Little John's. But he insisted upon
+staying by, and strode along between their two nags. Whenever they met
+anybody--beggars, fair lords and ladies, or fat Bishops--Little John
+called out: 'Here we go; we three!'"
+
+"And then," broke in Betty, her face literally radiant, "don't you
+know how Little John finally robbed them? That was best of all! When
+they came to a certain parting of the ways, he did consent to leave
+them, but first he asked for a few pence, as he was poor. Both
+brothers declared that they hadn't any money, at which Little John
+insisted upon their kneeling down on the dusty road and praying to the
+good St. Dunstan to send them each ten shillings, so that they could
+continue their journey in safety and comfort. You know, he thought it
+such a pity for two such worthy brothers to be in sore need of food
+and drink!" The children were unconsciously lapsing into the language
+of the Robin Hood stories, as they rattled on and on.
+
+"Well," Betty went on, "Little John prayed and prayed, and then he
+asked the brothers to feel and see if the good St. Dunstan hadn't sent
+them something. Time after time this performance was repeated, and
+still they said they had nothing. Finally Little John himself felt in
+their pouches and found,--oh, heaps of money! He left the brothers ten
+shillings each, and carried away the rest, saying he was sure that the
+good St. Dunstan had meant it for him! Oh, I think I like Little John
+best of all,--almost better even than Robin Hood! He always did such
+cute things!"
+
+By this time, they were nearing some of the big palaces which gave
+this section of the country the name of "The Dukeries," from the fact
+that so many noblemen have lived there. Earl Manvers, the Duke of
+Newcastle, and the Duke of Portland, all have tremendous estates
+between the towns of Worksop and Edwinstowe. Some of the stately
+houses were pointed out in the distance behind the trees, but neither
+Barbara nor Betty, Philip nor John, paid the slightest heed to them.
+Their minds were fixed on Robin Hood, and they saw only the Sherwood
+Forest which he knew. When Betty looked at Clumber House, across a
+pretty little lake, she only said:
+
+"Perhaps near that lake was where Robin found Alan-a-Dale, the dear
+minstrel."
+
+"Oh, no, Betty; it was by a fountain that he found Alan-a-Dale,"
+Barbara politely corrected.
+
+"Yes, that's so, Barbara," Betty replied, in all seriousness. "I
+forgot."
+
+There was one thing upon the estate of the Duke of Portland which did
+greatly interest the party, however; that is, an old gnarled oak which
+is called "Robin Hood's Larder."
+
+"Ye see, 'e came 'ere to store 'is venison, and to 'ang it up to dry.
+'E was a clever chap, 'e was. 'E 'id it inside the trunk." The driver
+grinned from ear to ear, as he gave this valuable information.
+
+Getting out to explore, the children found that the huge tree is
+hollow, and propped up to postpone the sad day when it will surely
+collapse altogether. Many old tree-trunks, all over Sherwood Forest,
+are like this, and in some of them John could stretch his full length
+upon the ground. Near "Robin Hood's Larder" is the spot where,
+according to Scott, the outlaw met with King Richard of the Lion
+Heart,--or, at least, so say the local guidebooks.
+
+"Yes," said Mrs. Pitt, understanding at once; "don't you remember that
+in Scott's 'Ivanhoe'? Another version of this famous meeting is in
+Howard Pyle's book. King Richard was at Nottingham Town, you know, and
+having a curious desire to meet with Robin Hood, he and his friends
+went into Sherwood Forest, dressed as friars. Robin and his men found
+them, of course, and made them guests at a feast. Later, there was
+shooting, and Robin Hood, having once missed the mark, applied to the
+King, whom he did not recognize, for a punishment. Thereupon King
+Richard arose, rolled up his sleeve, and gave such a blow as Robin had
+never felt before. It was afterwards that Sir Richard of the Lea
+appeared upon the scene, and disclosed the identity of the powerful
+stranger. Then Robin Hood, Little John, Will Scarlet, and Alan-a-Dale
+followed the King to London at the royal wish, and left Sherwood for
+many a long day."
+
+They were now passing through a very dense part of the wood. Close
+about the feet of the oaks, a thick, tangled underbrush grows. Some of
+the old trees seem to be gray with age, and their whitish, twisted
+branches offer a sharp contrast to the dark shadows, and make a weird,
+ghostlike effect.
+
+"Oh!" exclaimed Betty, "it must have been in just such a spot as this
+in the forest that Gurth in 'Ivanhoe' suddenly came upon a company of
+Robin Hood's men. Gurth was the Saxon, you know. He had been to Isaac,
+the Jew, at York, and was carrying back the ransom money to his
+master, Ivanhoe. Of course, poor Gurth thought he would surely be
+robbed, when he discovered in whose society he was; but as you said,
+Mrs. Pitt, Robin Hood never took money from honest men, especially
+when it was not their own. They led Gurth farther and farther into the
+depths of Sherwood. I can just imagine it was a place like
+this,--where the moonlight lit up these ghostly trees, and the red
+glow of the camp-fire showed Gurth's frightened face. He was quite
+safe, though, for he proved that the money was his master's, and Robin
+let him go, and even showed him the way to the 'skirts of the forest,'
+as he did the Sheriff of Nottingham."
+
+All this time the carriage had been rolling along, and as they neared
+an open space in the forest, John suddenly caught sight of something
+which made him turn to his friend, the driver, and exclaim: "Oh, what
+are they?"
+
+Stretching away for quite a distance on either side of the road were
+rows and rows of tiny, peaked houses or coops. The coachman told them
+that here was where they breed the pheasants which are hunted. When
+the birds have reached a certain age, they are set free, and a gun is
+fired in their midst to give them a taint of the wild. John was much
+interested, in spite of the fact that he considered it "a mean trick."
+It really does not seem quite fair to take excellent, kindly care of
+any animal or bird, allow it to believe you are its friend, and then
+to suddenly turn it loose and proceed to hunt it for mere sport.
+
+In strange contrast to the merry drive through Sherwood Forest, was a
+little incident which occurred in a village on the edge of "The
+Dukeries" district, where they halted to water the horses. On one side
+of the quaint main street is a row of old, old houses, where for many
+years have lived the aged people who are usually provided for by the
+nobleman to whom that village belongs.
+
+All the tiny houses were empty at the time of this visit, with the
+exception of one where lived a dear old lady, by herself, her
+neighbors having all died. Mrs. Pitt went in to call upon her, as do
+most strangers passing through here, and was touched by her pathetic
+speech. She said they were simply waiting to tear down the houses
+until she should go, and looking tearfully up into Mrs. Pitt's face,
+added: "I'm eighty-six years old now, and I won't last much longer,
+but I can't go until the Lord calls me, can I?" In spite of this, she
+insisted that she was quite happy, for she had her "good feather
+bed,"--and what more could she need?
+
+The following morning, the party went by train to Nottingham, where
+they spent a short time in exploring. The present town is much like
+others, except in its legendary connection with Robin Hood. All
+visitors might not find it as fascinating as did Mrs. Pitt and the
+young people, who knew it as the abode of the disagreeable Sheriff
+whom Robin Hood heartily hated, and upon whom he continually played so
+many tricks, always evading punishment most successfully. They
+pictured the gay procession of soldiers and knights which accompanied
+King John when he entered that city, as the Sheriff's guest; and to
+them the old market-square (the largest in all England) suggested the
+scene of Robin Hood's masquerade as a butcher. There they halted and
+imagined him standing beside his booth, and calling out: "Now who'll
+buy? who'll buy? Four fixed prices have I. Three pennyworths of meat I
+sell to a fat friar or priest for sixpence, for I want not their
+custom; stout aldermen I charge threepence, for it doth not matter to
+me whether they buy or not; to buxom dames I sell three pennyworths of
+meat for one penny, for I like their custom well; but to the bonny
+lass that hath a liking for a good tight butcher, I charge nought but
+one fair kiss, for I like her custom the best of all."
+
+"It was here in Nottingham that Will Stutely had his narrow escape,
+wasn't it?" questioned Betty. "He was captured by the Sheriff's men
+at 'Ye Blue Boar Inn,' and they brought him to town and would have
+hanged him, if Robin Hood and his men hadn't arrived just in time to
+save his life. Once Little John came to Nottingham Town and lived for
+some time in the Sheriff's own castle, pretending to be the cook. My!
+what lots of things happened here!"
+
+Not far away are splendid Chatsworth House, one of the palaces of the
+Duke of Devonshire, and lovely Haddon Hall, with its romantic story,
+and both of these famous places received a visit from Mrs. Pitt and
+her party.
+
+Chatsworth, I am afraid, was not fully appreciated by our friends. It
+has a most beautiful situation--in the valley of the Derwent, which
+rushes along through the extensive park; the house itself is
+magnificent--filled with fine marble halls and rooms, and costly
+treasures of art; and in the gardens almost every sovereign of Europe
+seems to have planted some kind of a tree. One curious thing did
+wonderfully please the children's fancy; that is, a marvelous
+weeping-willow tree, from the metal twigs and branches of which tiny
+streams of water come at a sign from the gardener. But somehow, on the
+whole, Chatsworth is cold and unfeeling, and failed to appeal to the
+party.
+
+Not so was it with Haddon Hall! The most prosaic summer tourist could
+hardly fail to be moved by admiration of its delights. It is still a
+real home, and seems alive with memories of the fair Dorothy Vernon
+and her family. The old castle has scarcely changed at all since the
+sixteenth century, and one feels as though the great lords and ladies
+of Queen Elizabeth's time had thoughtfully stepped out on the terrace,
+in order that we might wander through their noble old dwelling.
+
+The custodian was having her afternoon-tea when the party arrived; she
+did not think of hurrying in the slightest, but leisurely finished
+this most important meal, and then received the visitors' fees and
+allowed them to enter.
+
+"I feel as though I had walked into a story!" remarked Betty quietly.
+"Is Dorothy at home?"
+
+The various buildings of Haddon Hall are built around two square
+courts. The oldest bit is the ancient chapel, in part dating from
+Norman times, and in which the Vernon family worshiped for four
+hundred years. It still contains some old wooden pews, and traces of
+grotesque paintings may be seen upon its walls.
+
+"Where are we going now?" whispered Barbara, keeping close to Betty,
+as the guide led them down a very dark passage, with an uneven stone
+floor. "Oh, it's the kitchen!"
+
+A light had now been struck, and the huge fireplaces of this kitchen
+of bygone days could be seen. Everything seemed complete, even to the
+woodbox which once held the tremendous logs.
+
+"How in the world could they see to cook in such a dark place?"
+inquired the practical John.
+
+"Oh, there were probably great torches fastened to the walls, and then
+there are some tiny windows. When your eyes grow accustomed to the dim
+light, you can see fairly well. I should think, though, that once in a
+while, the cook might have put a little too much salt in the pasty,"
+Mrs. Pitt replied laughingly.
+
+An exceedingly curious feature of Haddon's Banqueting-hall is an iron
+bracket with a ring, which is between the entrance doors. Naturally,
+Mrs. Pitt was called upon to explain this.
+
+[Illustration: "IT STILL SEEMS ALIVE WITH MEMORIES OF THE FAIR DOROTHY
+VERNON."--_Page 217._]
+
+"Well," said she, "it's worth an explanation, for it has a strange
+purpose. Any guest who could not or would not drink as much as was
+required of him by the laws of hospitality, had his arm fastened up to
+that ring, and what he had refused to take was poured down his sleeve.
+Fancy! For my part, I should consider that a sad waste! Speaking of
+drinking, I wonder if you really know what it means when a man pledges
+or drinks a health. It's a very ancient custom! Back in the days of
+Saxon England, it very often happened that a man would be stabbed
+while drinking, so it became the habit for him to turn to his neighbor
+and ask if he would 'pledge' him. If he agreed, his duty was to keep
+guard over his friend who wished to drink. A trace of this caution
+still exists at Queen's College, Oxford. There the students who wait
+upon the 'fellows,' stand behind them and place their right thumbs
+upon the table."
+
+The round steps in the Long Gallery are said to have been cut from one
+great oak, grown on the estate. Up these they went, and followed the
+guide to the celebrated Ball-room, which is so often and so
+beautifully pictured. This long room is exquisite with its carved
+paneling, polished, inlaid floor, and lovely bay-windows overlooking
+the terrace.
+
+"Here the ball was in progress at the time of Dorothy Vernon's escape.
+It was the wedding night of Dorothy's sister, wasn't it? At any rate,
+while every one was engrossed in the dancing and merrymaking, Dorothy
+quietly slipped away, ran through this door here, along the terrace,
+and out to a certain tree in the park where her lover was awaiting her
+with the horses. That's the story, and certainly it is a pretty one,"
+concluded Mrs. Pitt.
+
+Just off the Ball-room is the State Bed-room, which claims to have had
+Queen Elizabeth as an occupant. The great bed, fourteen feet six
+inches high, is considered one of the finest in England, and is
+finished in green velvet and white satin.
+
+They strolled out through Dorothy Vernon's door and along the lovely
+terrace, over which the solemn yew-trees hang low. From here is seen a
+charming view of the garden, hemmed in upon one side by that part of
+the castle containing the Ball-room. The sun was just setting as they
+lingered upon the steps of the terrace, and it flooded everything with
+a golden light. The scene was so beautiful that all were silent as
+they gazed and gazed. Betty finally rose with a deep sigh, and said:
+
+"Well, I suppose Dorothy knew what she was about, but I'm sure that I
+should never have run away from Haddon Hall!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER FIFTEEN
+
+WINCHESTER, SALISBURY, AND STONEHENGE
+
+
+It was not until they were well on their way toward Winchester, that
+Mrs. Pitt found a chance to tell the young people something about that
+ancient city which they were so soon to see.
+
+"Winchester has a cathedral, hasn't it?" Betty had inquired. "I always
+like to see those."
+
+"Yes, indeed," replied Mrs. Pitt. "There surely is a cathedral, for
+it's the longest one in all Europe with the exception of St. Peter's
+at Rome. I'm certain you will enjoy that; but what I think you'll
+appreciate even more are the associations which Winchester has with
+the life of Alfred the Great. You all remember about him, don't you!"
+
+"The fellow who burnt the cakes?" put in John, jeeringly.
+
+"Yes, but he was also 'the fellow' who led his army at a time when
+the country was in great danger--who dressed as a minstrel and dared
+to go even into the very camp of the enemy, so as to investigate their
+movements. You certainly like that in him, John?"
+
+"I know it! That was great!" John answered warmly. "Please tell us
+some more about him, Mrs. Pitt."
+
+"To me he has always been one of the most lovable as well as admirable
+characters in all our English history. He came to the throne at a time
+when his wise leadership was greatly needed, and he fought long and
+valiantly for his country. When he burnt the cakes, John, it was
+merely because his thoughts were so busy with the plans for England's
+future. Alfred made Winchester the capital of his whole realm, and
+here he lived with all the court, when there was peace in the land.
+Part of Alfred's boyhood had been spent here, too, when he was the
+pupil of the wise St. Swithin; and, at Winchester, he made the good
+and just laws for which he will always be remembered. Within the walls
+of old Wolvesley Castle, the famous 'Anglo-Saxon Chronicle' was
+commenced, at the command of the King. But besides all these useful
+deeds, Alfred had such a beautiful personality that his family and
+all the people of his kingdom loved him, and called him 'the perfect
+King.' I have long admired this little tribute which one historian has
+given Alfred the Great. He says this; I think these are the very
+words: 'He was loved by his father and mother, and even by all the
+people, above all by his brothers. As he advanced through the years of
+infancy and youth, his form appeared more comely than that of his
+brothers; in look, in speech, and in manners, he was more graceful
+than they. His noble nature implanted in him from his cradle a love of
+wisdom above all things.' And so, through all the centuries between
+his time and ours, King Alfred's name has stood for all that is just,
+kind, wise, and beautiful."
+
+"Where was King Alfred buried, Mother?" asked Barbara.
+
+"I'll show you his grave--or what is supposed to be his. But here we
+are at Winchester now!" cried Mrs. Pitt; "and the sun has come out
+just for our special benefit, too!"
+
+In a "cathedral town," one is usually drawn first of all to the
+cathedral itself, it being the central point about which the whole
+town seems to cluster; and so it was that Mrs. Pitt led the way down
+the shaded walk between the broad stretches of lawn surrounding the
+great structure. To her great disappointment, an ugly net-work of
+staging entirely spoiled the effect of the exterior of the building.
+
+"I once read a book which an American wrote about his trip abroad,"
+related Mrs. Pitt. "It amused me very much! After visiting a really
+remarkable number of churches and important buildings which were
+undergoing reconstruction or strengthening, this gentleman ventured
+the belief that the authorities must have made a mistake in the date
+of his arrival, for everything seemed to point to the preparation of a
+splendid reception to him anywhere from a week to a month later. I
+feel that way to-day. The Winchester people certainly could not have
+expected us just yet. It's a pity that we cannot see this grand
+cathedral at its best!"
+
+The usual feeling of quiet awe came over the party upon entering the
+edifice, and this was here somehow increased by the vastness of the
+interior. Their footsteps echoed strangely on the stone floor, and
+looking up at the arches above her head, Betty began to walk about on
+tiptoe.
+
+"The marriage of Queen Mary with Philip of Spain took place in this
+cathedral," Mrs. Pitt said. "In Bishop Langton's Chapel here, is an
+old chair said to have been used by the Queen at the ceremony. Notice
+the six wooden chests above that screen. They contain the bones of
+some of the old, old kings--William Rufus, Canute, Egbert, Ethelwolf,
+and others. Once upon a time, there was a very famous shrine
+here--that of St. Swithin. You remember the legend which tells how the
+body of that saint was delayed from being removed to the chapel
+already fitted to receive it, by forty days of rain. That's why when
+we have nasty, rainy weather in England, we always blame St. Swithin.
+
+"I'll show you the tomb of the well-known authoress, Jane Austen, and
+that of Izaak Walton, who is buried in one of the chapels. The former
+lived her last days and died in this town, and it was in the little
+river Itchen which flows through Winchester, that Izaak Walton used to
+fish. They were both laid to rest here in the cathedral, near the
+scenes which they dearly loved."
+
+The environs of the cathedral are very pretty, and one of the most
+picturesque features is the old Deanery, where Charles II once lodged.
+Just outside the cathedral close is the modest little house which was
+Jane Austen's home.
+
+Winchester School was visited,--a very famous old institution which is
+connected with New College, Oxford, and was built by William of
+Wykeham in 1396,--and the vine-covered ruins of old Wolvesley Castle,
+which stand on the outskirts of the town, and near the river.
+
+"Didn't you say that this was where King Alfred had them write the
+'Anglo-Saxon Chronicle'?" Betty asked of Mrs. Pitt. "Will you please
+tell us what that was? I don't seem to remember very well."
+
+"Well, dear, the 'Anglo-Saxon Chronicle' is the 'first history of the
+English People,' as some one has correctly said. Part of it was
+written by Alfred himself, and the rest was done by others, under his
+direction. It is simply a record of all important events which were
+written down as they took place. The 'Chronicle' grew and grew for
+about two hundred and fifty years, the last mention being of the
+accession to the throne of Henry II, in 1154. For many years it was
+kept here at its birthplace, but it has now been moved to the library
+of Corpus Christi College at Oxford. You see, therefore, that this
+important work really marked the start of the wonderful succession of
+literary productions which Englishmen have brought forth in these one
+thousand years."
+
+Quite at the other end of the town from Wolvesley Castle is the County
+Court, a fine old hall, which once upon a time formed part of a castle
+built by William the Conqueror. Mrs. Pitt had some difficulty in
+finding the caretaker who could admit them, and not until they were
+actually inside did the children understand why she was so very
+anxious that they should see it.
+
+Many were the exclamations of delight, however, when the guide pointed
+to the wall at one end of the Norman room, and told them that the
+round, flat object hanging thereupon was "King Arthur's Round Table."
+
+"What!" cried Betty, her mouth wide open in her excitement, "the very
+table at which the knights sat!--Sir Lancelot, Sir Gawain, Sir
+Perceval, Sir Galahad, and all the rest! Why, I never knew it was
+here, or I should have come to see it before anything else! To think
+of it's being the real table!"
+
+It was hard for Mrs. Pitt to tell Betty that all the legends
+concerning this table are pure fiction. "Not all authorities consider
+its identity absolutely certain," she admitted unwillingly, "but we're
+going to believe in it just the same. It must date from the sixth
+century! Fancy! However, it was all repainted in the time of Henry
+VIII, and these peculiar stripes and devices were the work of some
+sixteenth century brush."
+
+Betty sat right down on the floor, and stared up at the table of her
+adored King Arthur and his knights. With much difficulty could Mrs.
+Pitt persuade her to leave the hall, and that was not accomplished
+until after Betty had trustingly inquired of the guide whether he knew
+where the chairs were in which the knights sat when they gathered
+about the table, for "she'd like so much to find them right away."
+
+Passing under a gate of the old city-wall, and along the quaint
+streets of the town, the party came to Hyde Abbey,--or what little now
+remains of it.
+
+"Alfred's body was first buried in the old minster (cathedral); then
+it was carried to the new; and last of all, it was removed by the
+monks here to Hyde Abbey, which monastery Alfred himself had founded.
+In the eighteenth century the Abbey was almost entirely destroyed, and
+then it was that Alfred's true burial-place was lost sight of. Later
+still, in making some excavations here, the workmen found an ancient
+coffin which was examined and believed to be that of the King.
+Reverently it was reburied and marked with a flat stone, and this
+doubtful grave is the only trace we now have of Alfred the Great."
+They had all quietly followed Mrs. Pitt to the spot where, across the
+way from the Abbey, they saw the grave.
+
+Before returning to the hotel that night, Mrs. Pitt suggested that
+they go to see the old Hospital of St. Cross.
+
+"It's only about a mile from the town," she said. "There's a charming
+little path along the banks of the Itchen, and I think we'd enjoy the
+walk in the cool of the afternoon."
+
+Mrs. Pitt was quite correct. It proved a delightful stroll, leading
+them to the fertile valley in which Henry de Blois built his Hospital
+of St. Cross, by the side of the pleasant little river.
+
+"The Hospital was really founded by Henry de Blois, but three
+centuries later, Cardinal Beaufort took much interest in it, made some
+changes and improvements, and greatly aided in its support," the
+children were told. "To this day, there is a distinction between the
+St. Cross Brethren and the Beaufort Brethren, but this is chiefly
+confined to the matter of dress. Seventeen men are living here now,
+and are most kindly treated, fed, clothed, and allowed to plant and
+tend their own tiny gardens."
+
+But the most interesting feature of St. Cross--that which in so
+remarkably vivid a way holds its connection with the past--is the
+dole. Since the reign of King Stephen, no one applying for food or
+drink at the Beaufort Tower of St. Cross Hospital, has ever been
+turned away. To each has been given, during all the centuries, a drink
+of beer and a slice of bread. A slight distinction is made between
+visitors by the scrutiny of the Brethren; for, to the tramp is handed
+a long draught of beer from a drinking-horn and a huge piece of bread,
+while to some are offered the old silver-mounted cup, and wooden
+platter.
+
+"Can we have some?" John inquired. "I think I might not like the beer,
+but the bread would be all right, and I'm hungry!"
+
+In spite of Betty's reproving cry of "Why, John!" Mrs. Pitt motioned
+him to go up to the gate, and ring.
+
+"Yes, it's quite proper for us to apply for the dole," she said.
+"Emerson and Carlyle once did so, and I imagine they were not in any
+greater need of it than are we."
+
+As John received his portions and was looking at them a bit dubiously,
+Philip called out to him, "Don't take so much that you can't eat your
+dinner, Jack!" and then, seeing that John had already set down the
+food untouched, they all laughed merrily.
+
+After breakfasting at Winchester the following morning, an early train
+carried the party to the town of Salisbury, there to see the fairest
+of the English cathedrals,--that is, in Mrs. Pitt's opinion, of
+course.
+
+To say that Salisbury Cathedral stands in the center of a velvet-like
+lawn, to mention the fact that a little stream flows musically by, to
+add that the towers and lines of the building itself are wonderfully
+graceful, is attempting to describe things as they exist, but wholly
+inadequate in the impression which it gives to the reader. There is an
+indescribable fascination about Salisbury Cathedral, which a person
+must see to understand. Any one who is at all responsive to the charm
+of great architecture, can sit for hours under the old trees on the
+little common, and drink in the whole scene,--the beautiful building
+with its delicate shapes outlined in shadows upon the green grass.
+
+"No doubt it is a generally accepted fact that Lincoln is the finest
+of the English cathedrals," Mrs. Pitt explained after a time. "Perhaps
+Durham comes next in line, and Canterbury has great historical
+interest. I only assert that to me Salisbury is the most beautiful.
+You know, Betty, that the construction of most cathedrals was extended
+over many years,--even many generations, usually. Salisbury was an
+exception to that rule, for it was begun and finished within forty
+years (1220 to 1260), and therefore has rare harmony and uniformity of
+style."
+
+There are many quaint streets and buildings in the town of Salisbury,
+but these become familiar though always delightful sights to the
+visitor who gives a good share of his time to old England. Having
+noted the old-fashioned King's Arms Inn, which was a secret
+meeting-place of the Royalists after the battle of Worcester, the
+party had an early lunch, and then set out to drive the ten miles to
+Stonehenge.
+
+The road which they took begins to ascend gradually, and after about a
+mile and a half brought them to the high mound which was once "the
+largest entrenched camp in the kingdom," according to Betty's
+leather-covered Baedeker. This was the site of Old Sarum, a fort
+during the Roman occupation, and afterwards a Saxon town. Numerous
+interesting remains of the camp are here, and the high elevation
+affords an excellent view of Salisbury and the surrounding country.
+
+The rest of the drive was not particularly enjoyable. A sharp wind
+blew over the high Salisbury Plains, which are bare and not very
+picturesque to see. In the center of this great stretch of plain
+stands that strange relic of the past known as Stonehenge. Being on an
+elevation, the stones stand out weirdly against the sky as the visitor
+approaches, and give him a foretaste of the peculiar mystery which
+pervades the place.
+
+The section is surrounded by a wire fence, and a man collects a fee of
+a shilling before admitting any one into the company of these gigantic
+rocks, which are standing or lying about in various positions. It
+seems as though there were originally two great circles, one inside
+the other, formed by huge oblong stones, set up on end as a child
+might arrange his blocks. On the tops of these, others are in some
+places still poised, though many have fallen. One great stone lies
+broken across the altar.
+
+After the young people had climbed about and thoroughly explored the
+ruins, they gathered around Mrs. Pitt to hear her explanation of the
+place.
+
+"Well," she began, "it is generally believed that we see here the
+remains of an ancient temple of the Druids. They were half-mythical
+creatures who are thought to have inhabited England in prehistoric
+times. They worshiped Nature,--particularly the Sun, and lived
+out-of-doors entirely. Most people consider them to have been the
+originators of this strange work, though it has also been attributed
+to the Saxons, the Danes, and, I believe, even the Phoenicians. But
+no matter what people were the real builders, there still remains the
+question of how these tremendous stones were brought here in days when
+there was no machinery, and in a district near which no stone-quarries
+could possibly have been. That has puzzled men in all ages."
+
+The laughter and chatter of the members of a large "Personally
+Conducted" party, who were having their late lunch in the field just
+outside the picket-fence, grated upon Mrs. Pitt's nerves. Even more
+than in a cathedral with solid walls and a roof, here in this
+open-air, ruined temple, dating from unknown ages, one is filled with
+deepest reverence. It almost seems possible to see the ancient Druids
+who worshiped there, dressed in robes of purest white.
+
+In spite of the blue sky, the bright sunshine of early afternoon, and
+the nearness of very noisy, human tourists, Betty so felt the strange
+atmosphere which envelopes these huge sentinels of the past, that she
+suddenly exclaimed:
+
+"Oh, please, Mrs. Pitt, let's go back to Salisbury! I can't bear this
+any longer."
+
+[Illustration: "THERE STILL REMAINS THE QUESTION OF HOW THESE
+TREMENDOUS STONES WERE BROUGHT HERE." _Page 236._]
+
+So they drove slowly away over the fields, and as Mrs. Pitt turned for
+a last glance behind, she saw the stones looming up in lonely majesty,
+and thought to herself, "They have a secret which no one will ever
+know."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER SIXTEEN
+
+CLOVELLY
+
+
+A big, high, lumbering coach with four horses was slowly carrying Mrs.
+Pitt and her young charges toward Clovelly,--that most famous of all
+English fishing-villages. Betty, having discovered a photograph of it
+some weeks before, had not ceased talking to the others of her great
+desire to see the place; and finally Mrs. Pitt postponed her plans for
+visiting other and more instructive towns, packed up the young people,
+and started for lovely Devonshire. "Well," the kind lady had thought
+to herself, "perhaps it will be just as well for them to have a short
+holiday, and go to a pretty spot where they can simply amuse
+themselves, and not have to learn too much history. Bless their little
+hearts! They surely deserve it, for their brains have been kept quite
+busy all the spring,--and I believe I shall enjoy Clovelly once again,
+myself!"
+
+Now that they were actually there, the realization was proving even
+more delightful than the anticipation. The weather was perfect, and to
+drive along the cliffs and moors, with a fresh, cool breeze blowing up
+from the blue water below, was wonderfully exhilarating. Their route
+led through a country where innumerable bright red poppies grow in the
+fields of grain, and where there are genuine "Devonshire lanes," shut
+in by tall hedges and wild flowers. Sometimes they clattered through
+the narrow streets of a tiny village, while the coachman snapped his
+whip, and the postilion in his scarlet coat and brass buttons, sounded
+his bugle loudly. As they rolled by farmhouses, heads would appear
+curiously at the windows, while children ran out to watch that
+important event,--the passing of the daily coach. One rosy-cheeked
+girl in a blue pinafore tossed a bunch of yellow cowslips up into Mrs.
+Pitt's lap, calling out, "Cowslips, lady; thank ye!" When a sixpence
+was thrown down to her, she smiled, courtesied primly, and then
+disappeared into the nearest cottage,--one of plaster and thatch,
+overgrown with roses.
+
+However, the crowning joy of the day, even in the opinion of John,
+who was difficult to please, was the first glimpse of quaint little
+Clovelly itself. The coach set them down in the middle of a field; a
+few seafaring men stood about, there was a booth or two where old
+women sold fruit, a steep path was before them, but no town was
+anywhere in sight.
+
+"Don't let's go down there," John grumbled. "What's the use? I'd much
+rather stay up on that front seat with the driver."
+
+Mrs. Pitt smiled knowingly, and still led the way on down the walk.
+The hedges on either side were so high and thick that they could not
+see beyond them, and the children were really speechless when the path
+suddenly came to an end, and the whole queer little street of Clovelly
+lay before them. For a second no word was spoken, then all burst out
+at once.
+
+"Well, what do you think of that?" chuckled John. "Just look at the
+donkeys!"
+
+"And the pink and white doll's houses!" exclaimed Barbara.
+
+"And the funny cobble-stone street!" cried Philip.
+
+[Illustration: ONE OF PLASTER AND THATCH, OVERGROWN WITH ROSES.--_Page
+239._]
+
+"And the blue, blue water at its feet!" rhymed Betty, all
+unconsciously. "I just know the Mediterranean isn't any bluer!"
+
+"Isn't it the dearest, oddest little place!" put in Mrs. Pitt, summing
+up all the children's remarks in one. "I do think it's----." But here
+Betty interrupted her.
+
+"Look at that little girl!" she fairly screamed. "Don't let her run
+down that steep street like that! She mustn't do it!"
+
+Mrs. Pitt, after one look at the child, merely laughed and replied,
+"Don't worry, Betty; she's used to it. She's probably done it all her
+life, and she'll never fall. Now, I turn you all loose for two hours.
+Explore the place to your heart's content, for it will be long before
+you see such another. Come to the New Inn (that's it, where the sign
+is!) at one-thirty for luncheon."
+
+Enthusiastically the four started off. At first they all picked their
+way carefully and slowly down over the smooth, slippery stones, but
+gradually they became more expert in keeping their balance, and could
+go faster. The two boys made straight for the foot of the town to see
+the harbor and fishing-boats; Barbara and Betty were bent on
+investigating all the nooks, corners, and tiny shops of the little
+place; and Mrs. Pitt contentedly settled herself on the miniature
+piazza of the New Inn, and looked with never-failing interest and
+delight at the scene before her.
+
+To explain more in detail, Clovelly is built in what was once a
+torrent-bed, and the village tumbles down from the top of the cliff to
+the very edge of Hartland Bay. The droll, Italian-like cottages cling
+to the hillside, or seem to grow directly out of the gray rock. At
+first, the street descends rather gradually and straight, but after a
+short distance, it zigzags first to left and then to right, twists and
+turns, takes one under parts of houses, into private yards, out to
+look-off points, and then pitches very, very abruptly down to the Red
+Lion Inn, which guards the little harbor with its long, curving
+sea-wall and tiny lighthouse.
+
+From where Mrs. Pitt sat she had a splendid view up and down the
+street, which was then crowded, it being the busiest time of the
+season. Just below her, up against the piazza, sat an artist, bent
+eagerly forward toward his easel, and absolutely oblivious of the
+throngs of people who were noisily passing close by. There were
+tourists in gay attire, children romping about in their queer shoes
+with nails on the bottom to prevent slipping, big stalwart men sliding
+luggage down on sledges, and patient little mules, which struggled up
+with big trunks fastened to shelf-like saddles over their backs. To
+this busy scene the bright little dwellings which line the way, add
+the finishing touch. The roof of one house is on a level with the
+second-story window of that above it; the vines are luxuriant,
+climbing sometimes up over the very chimneys, and flower-beds and
+flower-boxes are everywhere. A holiday, festive air seems universal.
+
+"Where can one see such a scene?" mused Mrs. Pitt. "Not in Italy
+surely, for there the 'picturesque dirt,' as they call it, is so much
+in evidence. For my part, I prefer the exquisite neatness and
+cleanliness of Clovelly."
+
+Lunch at the New Inn tasted very good,--especially as here the young
+people first made the acquaintance of the much-praised "Devonshire
+cream." Served with wild strawberries, or any other fruit, this thick
+cream is truly delicious, and unlike anything else. The meal itself
+was partaken of in the Annex, a larger, newer house across the way,
+but having finished, the party returned to the original hostelry. It
+is the tiniest house imaginable, and the little rooms are so crowded
+with furniture, the landlord's collection of fine old china, and
+knick-knacks of all sorts, that John endangered many valued treasures
+by his awkward movements. Once, in passing some people in the hall,
+his elbow struck a small cabinet of blue china, and there would have
+been a terrible catastrophe had not Mrs. Pitt arrived upon the scene
+at the opportune moment.
+
+"Oh, bother!" exclaimed John, very much irritated, and more ashamed of
+his clumsiness than he cared to show. "How can a fellow have room to
+breathe in a bandbox like this! Come along, Philip; I'm going down to
+talk some more with those sailors."
+
+The old fishermen who can no longer follow their loved trade sit
+sunning themselves comfortably on the doorsteps of their Clovelly
+homes, gazing dreamily out to sea. When Mrs. Pitt, Barbara, and Betty
+went to find the boys toward tea-time, they discovered them sitting by
+a group of these old cronies, who were ensconced upon a bench
+affording a beautiful view of the lower part of the town, the bay, and
+the cliffs of the rugged coast. The tide had filled the little
+harbor, and numerous small boats with copper-colored sails bobbed
+about on the opal waters; near the Red Lion Inn stood a row of
+sleepy-looking mules waiting for the start up the street.
+
+The men had been exchanging fishermen's yarns, much to the pleasure of
+their audience, but when the ladies appeared, they commenced telling
+ghost-stories or curious bits of folk-lore. One tale especially amused
+the girls, although John thought he preferred the wild adventures of
+the sea.
+
+After looking long out over the bay, the particular old salt who was
+then entertaining them, removed the pipe from between his teeth, and
+began the following. Mrs. Pitt took pains to remember it, and this is
+how it reads to this very day in her journal:
+
+"The father of a certain fair young girl had been carried off by
+smugglers, and kept for 'a year and a day,'--until a large sum of
+money was finally paid for his release. He only lived a short time
+after his return home, however, and his daughter died soon after, worn
+out by anxiety about her father. This young lady's ghost continually
+haunts a certain little village in Devon, where some of the fisherfolk
+were said to have taken part in the kidnaping of her father. Instead
+of doing anything more violent, the ghost simply appears on Sunday
+mornings, just as the dinners are being cooked, and touches the meat
+with her white, bony hand, thereby rendering it unfit to eat."
+
+Mrs. Pitt's famous journal, which is often referred to, contains also
+this story heard that day at Clovelly:
+
+"In front of a certain farm-house was a large, flat stone, which
+tradition said was as old as the Flood. Here, at midnight, there
+always appeared a female figure, clad in a gray cloak and an
+old-fashioned black bonnet. The apparition would remain there until
+dawn, always knocking, knocking upon the stone. The inhabitants of the
+house nearby became so used to 'Nelly the Knocker,' as she was called,
+that they paid no attention whatever to her, did not fear her in the
+least, and would even stop to examine her queer garments. Finally,
+however, two young men of the family decided to solve the mystery, so
+they blasted the rock one day. To their great surprise, underneath
+were lying two large urns, packed with gold, which treasure enriched
+them for the rest of their days. But 'Nelly the Knocker' came no
+more."
+
+In place of repairing to the somewhat stuffy dining-room at the inn,
+they had their tea just outside one of the most sightly cottages, and
+were served by a pretty young girl. The china was coarse and the thick
+slices, cut with a big knife from huge loaves of bread, were by no
+means daintily served, but it could not have tasted better, and John
+ate a truly alarming amount of bread and jam.
+
+At Clovelly, the summer twilights are very long and lovely, and down
+on the breakwater our friends enjoyed this one to the full. One might
+look over the blue expanse of bay and see the faint outlines of the
+coast of Wales, and then turn and gaze at the picturesque harbor and
+the quaint, hanging village, in the houses of which, lights were
+slowly beginning to twinkle, one after another. They stayed until it
+was quite dark, and were even then loath to wend their way up the
+steep street, and to waste so many hours by going to bed in the
+"Doll's House," as John persisted in calling the New Inn.
+
+"Well," said Betty comfortingly, "it will be fun after all,--sleeping
+in that funny wee inn, where there are only four bedrooms in the whole
+house. I choose the one with the pink rose peeping in the window! I
+saw it this morning. Come on."
+
+The next day dawned as fair as one could wish, and at Mrs. Pitt's
+suggestion a walk along the "Hobby Drive" was first taken. This
+charming road was built by a Mr. Hamlin, the owner of the town of
+Clovelly, who lives at Clovelly Court. The drive starts just at the
+top of the village, and extends for three miles along the edge of the
+cliffs. The views are startlingly beautiful! Through the fresh green
+of the trees and vines, glimpses of the deep blue sea are to be had,
+and to add to the vivid coloring, there is the peculiar red rock which
+belongs to that part of the coast.
+
+As they were retracing their steps, Mrs. Pitt said with slight
+hesitation:
+
+"I promise not to give you very much history while you are here, but I
+must tell you just a bit about the relation which all this country
+bears to Charles Kingsley's great book, 'Westward Ho!' Have you never
+read it, John? Fancy! I'll get it for you at once! Well, Bideford is
+the nearest town to Clovelly, and it was from there that Amyas Leigh,
+Salvation Yeo, and all the rest set out with Sir Francis Drake. By the
+by, that very sailor, Salvation Yeo, was born in the old Red Lion Inn,
+at the foot of the Clovelly street. Oh, you'd like him, John, and all
+his brave adventures! At Clovelly Court, in the days of the story,
+lived Will Cary, another of the well-known characters in 'Westward
+Ho!,' and in the little parish church very near there, Charles
+Kingsley's father was rector. Kingsley himself was at Clovelly a great
+deal, and probably gained here his knowledge of the seas and those who
+sail them. One of those old fishermen last night (he who claimed to be
+ninety-eight) told me that he used to know Charles Kingsley well, and
+I suppose it is possible."
+
+That afternoon toward tea-time, after another fascinating roam about
+the town,--into its back-yards and blind alleys, and along its pebbly
+beach,--as well as numerous exciting rides on the backs of the mules,
+the party gathered on the tiny veranda of the New Inn, crowding it to
+its utmost capacity. The purpose of this formal meeting was to decide
+where they should go the following morning, as they were then leaving
+Clovelly. Mrs. Pitt had promised them a week more of play in
+Devonshire before their trip to Canterbury, and she advised visits to
+Bideford, Minehead, Porlock, Lynton, Lynmouth, and finally Torquay. As
+the young people had no ideas of their own upon the subject and as
+they had vast confidence in anything Mrs. Pitt proposed, this plan was
+at once adopted.
+
+"These places are all by the sea," Mrs. Pitt continued, "and I'm quite
+sure you'll like them. Torquay is just a watering-place, with big
+hotels, terraces, and gardens, but oh! it is so lovely, and nearby is
+the duckiest little village of Cockington! You'll never leave the
+thatched cottages there, Betty! Lynmouth is very fine, with its
+combination of mountain and seaside views, and its moors. Close by is
+the Doone Valley, which figures so prominently in the story of 'Lorna
+Doone,' and we'll visit that. It will all be beautiful--beautiful as
+only England and Devonshire can be--but you'll find nothing at all
+like this strange little Clovelly, so enjoy it while you may!"
+
+[Illustration: "YOU'LL FIND NOTHING AT ALL LIKE THIS STRANGE LITTLE
+CLOVELLY."--_Page 250._]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
+
+ROCHESTER AND CANTERBURY
+
+
+As soon as the familiar chugging of the motor was heard at the front
+door in Cavendish Square, John hurried out. Just as he was examining
+all the chauffeur's arrangements for the trip, and looking with
+approval over the entire automobile, the whir of the engine suddenly
+gasped, struggled to catch its breath, and then ceased altogether. The
+chauffeur, perfectly unconcerned, swung himself off from his seat and
+sauntered around to "crank her up," but his expression of assurance
+soon changed, for the motor refused to start.
+
+John's face was pitiful to see. "Oh, bother!" he cried, running to
+where the chauffeur stood, in front of the hood. "Why has it got to go
+and spoil it all like that! It's mean, I say! Can't you fix her?
+What's wrong?"
+
+Off came the chauffeur's nicely-brushed coat, his clean hands handled
+oily tools, and a big streak of grease soon appeared upon his
+trousers. Great was his humiliation! After about fifteen minutes of
+disagreeable work, all was well, however,--the engine started, and the
+sound was again smooth and steady. John's expression was radiant, and
+he came to help the ladies in, while the forlorn chauffeur retired to
+make himself presentable.
+
+"Now, we're off for Canterbury!" John announced triumphantly, as they
+at last glided around a corner into Piccadilly.
+
+Slowly and carefully they wended their way down to London Bridge,
+crossed, and stopped for a moment before the site of the old Tabard
+Inn.
+
+"I'm going to take you to Canterbury by the very road which Chaucer's
+pilgrims in all probability traveled, and I thought that to make the
+illusion as perfect as possible, we really should halt here in
+Southwark. This is where the pilgrims met, you know, and from here
+they set out in the lovely month of April: the 'verray perfight,
+gentil knight,' his son, the gay young squire, the stout Wife of Bath,
+the dainty prioress, the pale clerk (or scholar), the merchant with
+his fine beaver hat, the parson, the plowman, the pardonner, the
+summoner, the cook, and all the rest! They traveled on horseback, you
+remember, and to beguile the tedious hours when they advanced slowly
+along the dusty road, they took turns in telling the stories which
+Chaucer gives us in the wonderful 'Canterbury Tales.'"
+
+"I never did know just why they went," Betty ventured, in some
+confusion lest they should laugh at her.
+
+"Neither did I!" John promptly seconded. "Please tell us, Mrs. Pitt."
+
+"Dear me, yes! I certainly will, for you must surely understand that!"
+After pausing a moment in order to think how best to make her meaning
+clear, Mrs. Pitt went on in her pleasant voice. "You see, pilgrimages
+were always made to some especial shrine! We'll take Becket's for an
+example. After his terrible murder, Becket was immediately canonized
+(that is, made a saint), and for many years a very celebrated shrine
+to him existed at Canterbury Cathedral. In those days, sumptuous
+velvets and abundant jewels adorned the shrines, and if a person
+journeyed to one, it meant that his sins were all atoned for. It was a
+very easy thing, you see. If a man had committed a wrong, all he had
+to do was to go to some shrine, say certain prayers there, and he
+thought himself forgiven. Such trips cost men practically nothing, for
+pilgrims might usually be freely cared for at the monasteries along
+the route; a man was quite sure of good company; and altogether, it
+was very pleasant to see the world in this way. The numerous terrible
+dangers to be met with only added the spice of excitement to many. In
+short, such numbers of poor men started off on these religious
+pilgrimages, leaving their families uncared for, that the clergy
+finally were forced to interfere. Laws were then made which compelled
+a man to procure a license for the privilege of going to a shrine, and
+these permits were not granted to all. You understand then, that
+toward noted shrines such as St. Thomas ŕ Becket's, pilgrims singly
+and in companies were always flocking, and among these was the little
+group which Chaucer has made so familiar and real to us all."
+
+"Here's Deptford," announced John by and by, seeing the name upon some
+sign. "What went on here?"
+
+"What makes you think anything 'went on here'!" Mrs. Pitt exclaimed.
+"Fancy! What a curious boy!"
+
+"Oh!" John burst out. "That's easy enough! I haven't seen more than
+about two or three places in all this country where some fellow didn't
+do something, or some important thing go on."
+
+Mrs. Pitt pushed up her veil, removed her glasses, and wiped the tears
+of laughter from her eyes. "I think you are about right, John. And
+something did happen here in Deptford; in fact, there were several
+things. First, I'll tell you that it was here that Queen Elizabeth
+came in 1581 and visited the ship in which Drake had been around the
+world. The Queen dined on board the vessel and knighted Drake while
+there. Event number two was the death of Christopher Marlowe, one of
+the greatest of all England's dramatists. Marlowe was only thirty
+years old when he was killed in a vulgar fight in a tavern. Fancy!
+Poor Anne of Cleves, after the early divorce from her royal husband,
+lived near Deptford, at Place House. Writers say that she used often
+to go up to London, and visit the Court, just as though she had not
+been (for a few short days, to be sure) the 'first lady of the land,'
+as you Americans say. Poor Anne! She always seemed a pitiful character
+to my mind. She couldn't help it if Henry VIII didn't find her good to
+look upon!"
+
+Beyond Deptford, as they were smoothly gliding along, all at once
+there came a loud report.
+
+"Goodness!" cried John. "What in the world was that!" Then he shouted
+with laughter at the frightened expression on Betty's face.
+
+"Dearie me! It must be a 'blow-out'! Is that the trouble, Jo? Yes?
+Well, come, girls; we may as well step out." There was forced
+resignation in Mrs. Pitt's voice; she was trying not to mind the
+delay.
+
+For forty minutes she and the girls sat by the roadside and watched
+the chauffeur and the two boys at work on the tire. It seemed as
+though every part of this operation took longer than usual. The tools
+seemed never so easily mislaid; it surely was a longer task than ever
+to inflate the tube, and then to fit on the wheel-rim. Finally,
+however, the three rose, grimy and dusty, but triumphant, and ready to
+set forth once again.
+
+The accident came just at the edge of Blackheath, amid very historic
+surroundings. Some one has called Blackheath the Rotten Row of the
+olden days, for there royalty and fashionable people of the town went
+to ride and disport themselves, just as they now do in Hyde Park; and
+there important guests on the way to London, were wont to be met with
+much ceremony by the Mayor and certain great citizens. After the
+battle of Agincourt, the victor, Henry V, when returning to London,
+was given a magnificent reception at Blackheath, and many were the
+speeches of praise which had been prepared. The great soldier cut them
+all short, however, insisting that the honor be given God. At
+Blackheath, his descendant, Henry VIII, first saw Anne of Cleves
+(officially, that is), and straightway decided to divorce her. But
+perhaps the most joyful scene of all those at Blackheath, took place
+on the May morning when Charles II came into his own, and all England
+was glad, after the dark days of the Commonwealth and the iron rule of
+the sober Puritans.
+
+"This," declared Mrs. Pitt a little later, "is 'Shooter's Hill.' That
+should bear a familiar sound. How many have ever read Dickens's 'Tale
+of Two Cities'? You have, I know, Philip. Well, in the second chapter,
+the stage which carried Mr. Jarvis Lorry on his way, is described as
+slowly mounting this very hill, while most of its passengers toil
+along the wet, snowy road, by its side. Do you remember, Betty? You
+must try to think over all of Dickens's works which you have ever
+read, for we are coming to a district which that author knew well and
+often put into his novels."
+
+Sure enough, they almost felt as though they had stepped into the
+world of Dickens's stories, for so many of the places mentioned
+therein they were able to find. Slowly they drove through Rochester's
+streets, stopping when they came to any spot of especial interest.
+
+"Here's the old Bull Inn," said Mrs. Pitt, pointing it out as she
+spoke. "It is supposed that there are no less than twenty-five inns
+named in Dickens's 'Pickwick Papers' alone. This is one of them, for
+Room Number Seventeen was Mr. Pickwick's bedroom, and there is also
+Winkle's, which was 'inside of Mr. Tupman's.' Come, shall we go in?"
+
+The landlord of the Bull has most carefully preserved and cared for
+all which is of even the slightest interest in connection with Dickens
+or his books. He most kindly took Mrs. Pitt and her party all about
+the old house, showing them everything,--including the room where the
+famous ball in "Pickwick Papers" was held.
+
+Leaving the Bull, they noted the Crown Inn, on the site of the one
+where Henry VIII went privately to take a look at Anne of Cleves, and
+the old White Hart, built in Richard II's reign, which once sheltered
+Samuel Pepys. In Restoration House (built in 1587) Charles II stayed
+after his landing at Dover.
+
+"'Dickens wrote thus about Restoration House in "Great
+Expectations,"'" Betty read from the guidebook. "'I had stopped to
+look at the house as I passed, and its seared red brick walls, blocked
+windows and strong green ivy clasping even the stacks of chimneys with
+its twigs and tendrils, as if with sinewy arms, made up a rich and
+attractive mystery.'"
+
+"Doesn't that describe it exactly?" exclaimed Mrs. Pitt, with
+enthusiasm. "That house always fascinated me, too. When Dickens last
+visited Rochester, it is said that he was seen gazing long at this old
+place, and some have thought that the result of those reflections
+would have appeared in the next chapter of 'Edwin Drood,' which novel,
+as you know, he never finished. Now, we'll drive out to take a look
+at Gad's Hill. Luckily, this is Wednesday, so we will be admitted."
+
+After making inquiries, Mrs. Pitt learned that the owner of Gad's Hill
+throws it open only on the afternoon of each Wednesday; so they took
+their luncheon first, and then motored the mile and a half to
+Dickens's home.
+
+Gad's Hill is charming! Dickens was devoted to this square,
+vine-covered house, where he resided from 1856 to the time of his
+death, in 1870. The story goes that when he was a small boy the place
+had a great attraction for him, and that one day his father, wishing
+to spur him on in a way peculiar to parents, reminded him that if he
+worked hard and persevered until he was a grown man, he might own that
+very estate, or one like it.
+
+As they left the house, Mrs. Pitt said, "This hill is the spot where
+took place the robbery of the travelers in Shakespeare's 'Henry IV.'
+The inn just opposite Gad's Hill is the Falstaff Inn, probably built
+about Queen Anne's time. It used to have an old sign with pictures of
+Falstaff and the 'Merry Wives of Windsor' upon it. I read that in the
+olden days ninety coaches daily stopped here. Fancy!"
+
+"Well," observed Betty, "I shall certainly enjoy reading Dickens
+better than ever, when I get home, for now I've seen his study where
+he wrote. It makes things so much more real somehow, doesn't it, Mrs.
+Pitt?"
+
+Having visited the cathedral and the old castle, they now left
+Rochester, and found that the run to Canterbury was rather longer than
+they had realized.
+
+"But really, you know," Mrs. Pitt had intervened, "Rochester is just
+about halfway between the two, London and Canterbury, I would say. And
+we did stop quite a bit to see the sights connected with Dickens."
+
+At last, however, about six in the afternoon, they came in sight of
+Canterbury, its great cathedral towering over all,--its timbered
+houses, old city-gate, and narrow, picturesque streets. As usual, the
+young people who never seemed to need a rest, desired to start
+sight-seeing at once, but unfortunately a sudden thunder-shower came
+up to prevent.
+
+"Oh, well, it will stop soon," Betty assured them. "It always does in
+England."
+
+This time, the weather was not so kind, however. The rain continued
+persistently, and the party was forced to remain at the inn the entire
+evening.
+
+Sunshine, even though it be sometimes a bit dim and watery, is never
+long absent during an English summer, so the morning dawned bright and
+clear. Just as they set forth from the hotel, Betty felt in her coat
+pocket and found that her precious red notebook, in which she
+inscribed all interesting facts and discoveries, was missing.
+
+Philip promptly came to the rescue, saying: "I saw you put it behind
+you on the seat of the motor, yesterday, and it's probably there
+still. I'll go to the garage and see."
+
+Betty gave Philip a grateful little smile, but insisted upon
+accompanying him on his search. They came upon the treasure just where
+it had been left, and soon rejoined the rest of the party in the
+cathedral close, where John was in the midst of taking some
+photographs.
+
+The first near view which they had of Canterbury Cathedral was in
+approaching it from under old Christchurch Gateway. In spite of its
+great age, the cathedral, in contrast with the much blackened gateway,
+appears surprisingly white and fair. The exterior is very beautiful;
+the two towers are most majestic, and beyond, one sees the graceful
+Bell Tower, rising from the point where the transepts cross. In olden
+days, a gilded angel stood on the very top of the Bell Tower, and
+served as a beacon to the many pilgrims traveling toward Becket's
+shrine.
+
+Walking about inside the cathedral, they saw, behind the altar, the
+position of the once famous shrine. All that now remain to remind one
+that this ever existed are the pavement and steps, deeply worn by the
+feet of many generations of devout pilgrims.
+
+"I told you something of the splendor of this shrine," Mrs. Pitt
+suggested to them. "It was said that after his visit to it, Erasmus
+(the Dutch scholar and friend of Sir Thomas More, you know) in
+describing it, told how 'gold was the meanest (poorest) thing to be
+seen.' See, here is the tomb of Henry IV, the only king who is buried
+here, and there's the monument to the Black Prince. Above hang his
+gauntlets, helmet, coat, and shield. Do you see them, John?"
+
+The northwest transept, so say all guidebooks and vergers (and they
+certainly ought to be truthful), was the scene of the murder of the
+Archbishop ŕ Becket. There is even a stone in the floor which marks
+the precise spot; but, contrary to her usual habit, Mrs. Pitt
+absolutely pointed out that all this is false.
+
+"I'm sorry, children," she said, "but I must contradict this. Becket
+was killed at five o'clock on a dreary December afternoon of 1170.
+Four years later, the cathedral was entirely destroyed by fire.
+Therefore, it is not possible that they can show visitors the exact
+spot where the tragedy took place. William of Sens came over from
+France, and in 1184, finished the building which we now see.
+
+"This nave," she continued, as they again entered it, "is one of the
+longest in England, and the choir is several feet higher. Do you
+notice? It is an unusual feature. Also, the fact that the walls bend
+very gradually inward as they near the east end of the choir, is
+worthy of note. Here, as at St. Paul's and a number of other
+cathedrals, business was carried on, even during services, and
+pack-horses and mules went trailing through. It's curious to think of,
+isn't it?"
+
+[Illustration: "WILLIAM OF SENS, IN 1184, FINISHED THE BUILDING WHICH
+WE NOW SEE."--_Page 264._]
+
+Canterbury's cloisters are wonderfully ancient. Blackened as they are
+by the centuries, and their still exquisite carvings broken, yet here,
+more than in the edifice itself, can one imagine the scene of Becket's
+terrible death.
+
+"The residence of the Archbishop stood alongside the church," Mrs.
+Pitt proceeded, "and here the murderers came unarmed, upon their
+arrival in the town, to interview him. Becket was unmoved by their
+threats, so they left him to go and arm themselves. The entreaties of
+the monks that their master should seek safety in the cathedral would
+have been of no avail had not the hour for evening service arrived.
+Can't you almost think how dark and cold these stones must have seemed
+on that winter afternoon, when Becket marched along with majestic
+deliberateness through these very cloisters, in by that little door,
+and up to the altar. A feeling of dread and terror was everywhere.
+Most of the monks had fled to places of hiding, and the Archbishop
+found himself alone with his three or four faithful friends, whom he
+commanded to unbolt the heavy church doors, which, in a panic, they
+had barred. No sooner had the armed men rushed in than the challenge
+came from Reginald Fitzurse, as Tennyson gives us the scene:
+
+     'Where is the Archbishop, Thomas Becket?'
+
+and Becket's brave answer:
+
+                                         'Here.
+     No traitor to the King, but Priest of God,
+     Primate of England. I am he ye seek.
+     What would ye have of me?'
+
+They responded, 'Your life!' and there immediately followed the
+horrible death."
+
+Mrs. Pitt drew a long breath and sighed.
+
+"Such were the deeds of those unenlightened days. These fierce Norman
+knights, wishing to gain favor in the eyes of the King, and hearing
+him say in a moment of anger, that he wished himself rid of the
+troublesome Archbishop, they at once proceeded to Canterbury and
+killed him. It was all the outcome of the continual strife and
+struggle for power, between the Church and the State."
+
+"What did they do to those three Normans?" demanded John indignantly.
+
+"Nothing. I believe they went free. But Henry II himself tried to
+atone for the deed in doing penance by walking barefooted to
+Canterbury and Becket's shrine. Come, let's go outside now."
+
+They then wandered about the precincts of the cathedral, pausing by
+some lovely, ruined arches which tell of an ancient monastery.
+Everywhere stretch smooth lawns, with grand old trees, and here and
+there the houses of those connected with the church. Also, very close
+by stands the King's School, which was founded by Archbishop Theodore
+in the seventh century, 'for the study of Greek,' and later refounded
+by Henry VIII. Here that famous Canterbury boy, Christopher Marlowe,
+was educated. The school is well worth a visit, if only to see the
+beautiful outside Norman stairway.
+
+Mrs. Pitt next led the way down Mercery Lane, at the corner of which
+stood The Chequers of Hope, the inn where Chaucer's pilgrims put up.
+
+"You remember the old gate by which we entered the town yesterday,"
+said Mrs. Pitt. "Well, under that same arch came the pilgrims as they
+approached from London. Although the city-wall then boasted
+twenty-one towers and six gates, the West Gate is the only remaining
+bit. Here, at the inn which stood conveniently near the cathedral, the
+pilgrims stayed, and in Mercery Lane they bought their
+souvenirs,--probably rosaries or phials of Holy Water. At the further
+end of the Lane stood the ancient rush-market. Rushes were then in
+great demand, you recollect, for people used them to strew over their
+floors."
+
+One might stay on indefinitely in Canterbury, and still not discover
+all its treasures and interesting nooks and corners. The streets are
+narrow, crooked, and contain many very old houses. There is at
+Canterbury a castle; one may see the ruins of St. John's Hospital, and
+of St. Sepulchre's Nunnery, where Elizabeth Barton, the "Holy Maid of
+Kent," once lived; the old gate of St. Augustine's Monastery still
+stands, though it is now restored; by exploring, traces of the
+city-wall may be found, and the weavers' houses which hang over the
+little river offer a delightful view. Interest is endless in
+Canterbury. But as it is impossible to see it all, especially in
+limited time, the visitor usually seeks out the best known and most
+famous places; and surely, after the great cathedral itself, ranks
+St. Martin's Church.
+
+A little way out of the town, and up against a sunny hillside, is this
+tiny "Mother Church of England." Imbedded in the rough stone of the
+square, Norman tower are the huge stems of giant vines. Altogether, a
+more primitive, ancient appearing building cannot well be imagined.
+
+"Well," remarked Betty impressively, "this is the very oldest place
+we've been in yet. It makes me feel as Stonehenge did, somehow."
+
+"Yes, that's true," assented Mrs. Pitt. "The two places do give you
+similar sensations. It's simply that you feel the age. I've always
+thought that if I were suddenly blindfolded, carried away, and set
+down in St. Martin's Church at Canterbury, that I should know where I
+was just from the atmosphere, which is so heavy with the weight of the
+years."
+
+It is claimed for St. Martin's that it is the most ancient church in
+all England, a land filled with ancient churches. It is in the
+vicinity of sixteen hundred years old, for Bede states that it was
+built while the Romans were still in possession, and certain it is
+that numerous Roman bricks may be seen to this day in the outer wall.
+The church was perhaps erected for the use of Queen Bertha, whose
+husband, Ethelbert, King of Kent, was also converted to Christianity,
+and baptized here. After the arrival of St. Augustine, it is believed
+that he and his followers came here to worship. Inside, the little
+church is a curious conglomeration of different styles of
+architecture; here a Roman doorway, there a Norman, and here an
+ancient Saxon arch. Some of the relics in the church are the Saxon
+font, built of twenty-two separate stones, a tomb which has been
+called that of Queen Bertha, and two Elizabethan brasses. The party
+found a most excellent and intelligent guide, a woman, who showed them
+the vessel which held the Holy Oil (a very valuable thing), and the
+"leper's squint," a slit in the wall to which the unfortunate sick men
+were allowed to come and listen to the service.
+
+"That's something like the 'nun's squint' at St. Helen's Church in the
+city," observed Barbara.
+
+On the way back to their hotel, John and Philip strayed into the old
+Guildhall which contains some portraits, which failed to impress the
+boys, however.
+
+"S'pose they were old Mayors or some such fellows," said John, when
+questioned as to what he saw. "Couldn't bear 'em, with their bright
+velvet clothes and high ruffs. I'm glad I didn't live then! Excuse me
+from ruffs!"
+
+"If the important men of the town wore such gay and frivolous attire,
+they had to pay for it surely," Mrs. Pitt added. "Last night I was
+reading that in the records of Canterbury for the year 1556, the Mayor
+was required to provide for his wife every year, before Christmas, a
+scarlet gown and a bonnet of velvet. That was enforced by law! Fancy!
+The women may have had a hand in that, for they very naturally wanted
+to make sure not to be outdone by the men in the point of fine
+clothes."
+
+As the automobile again passed under the West Gate, on its way back to
+London, Betty turned to Mrs. Pitt, and said in her quiet little way:
+
+"I think you were right in what you said when we were at Salisbury. I
+think, too, that's the most beautiful of all the cathedrals I've seen.
+But Canterbury, both the town and church, is very, very interesting.
+I like the stories about Becket and the pilgrims, too. I'd like to
+come again some day. Please take hold of my hand, John; I want to
+stand up a minute and watch that dear Bell Tower as long as I can."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
+
+GOOD-BY TO LONDON
+
+
+"A wire for you, Master John."
+
+The butler's interruption while the family was at breakfast one August
+morning, caused a sudden hush of expectancy.
+
+"A telegram for me!" replied John, trying to assume sufficient dignity
+for the momentous occasion,--the arrival of the first message he had
+ever received. "Why, what can it be?"
+
+"Do open it, John. It must be a cable," Betty pleaded, fearing
+something might be wrong at home.
+
+"Yes, hurry, dear," put in Mrs. Pitt.
+
+Just the second that the contents were revealed, a great shout of joy
+went up, and John and Betty fairly jumped up and down in their
+excitement.
+
+"Father and mother coming!" John cried. "On the way now! Taking us to
+Switzerland! It's great!"
+
+Betty's radiant face showed what delight the prospect of seeing her
+father and mother gave her. Glancing at Mrs. Pitt almost at once,
+however, she hastened to say:
+
+"We're both sorry to go away from you all, though, and I hope they'll
+let us come back. We've had such a good time in England! Don't you
+think we can go on with our trip here after Switzerland?"
+
+"I really can't tell, dear, for this is all so unexpected. I don't
+know what your father's plans may be, but I hope he will bring you
+back to me. I'd be very sorry if it were all at an end! But to think I
+shall so soon see your father!" Mrs. Pitt sat staring into the grate,
+and seemed to be lost in her thoughts.
+
+After the general commotion caused by the news had somewhat subsided,
+and they had all adjusted themselves to the new plans, Mrs. Pitt
+decided to spend the remaining week in the city, as she had still so
+much there to show John and Betty. The weather being quite cool and
+comfortable, they could easily go about.
+
+It happened that two events of those busy days made an everlasting
+impression on the minds of both John and Betty. First, there was
+their glimpse of the King and Queen; and then, there was the fire.
+
+As they emerged at about noon one day from the National Gallery, where
+Mrs. Pitt had been showing them some of the best pictures, Philip
+heard some one on the steps of the building say that the King and
+Queen had come to town to be present at the unveiling of a statue.
+They were soon to pass through St. James Park on their way from
+Whitehall, it was understood, and our friends at once hastened in that
+direction. For some time they waited with the crowd, and it was not
+exactly agreeable, for the day was damp and foggy, and a fine rain had
+set in. All the while, John was getting more and more aroused, and
+when he finally saw a small company of the Horse Guards, he so forgot
+himself as to shout:
+
+"Hurrah! Here they come!"
+
+Because of the rain, the Guards, wearing their blue capes lined with
+scarlet, were rather less picturesque than usual, but the black horses
+were as fine as ever.
+
+"They step as if they were proud of going along with the King and
+Queen," Betty said in a loud whisper to Barbara.
+
+Between two small squadrons of the Guards came a modest closed
+carriage in which Their Majesties rode. Fortunately for the young
+visitors, they both kept bending forward and bowing very graciously
+from the windows, so that they could be distinctly seen. The sober
+British crowd was characteristically well-behaved. No demonstration of
+any sort was given the Royalties, except that the men removed their
+hats. Swiftly the carriage rolled up the wide avenue toward Buckingham
+Palace.
+
+"Humph! They don't make much fuss about it, do they?" was all John
+said, while Betty was especially impressed by how very much the King
+and Queen resembled their photographs.
+
+The following morning an interesting trip to Smithfield was taken.
+Going by the "Tube," the ride seemed a short one, and they soon found
+themselves at Smithfield Market.
+
+"Have you ever seen Faneuil Hall Market in Boston?" demanded Mrs. Pitt
+laughingly, whereupon John and Betty, the two Bostonians, were rather
+ashamed to admit that they had not.
+
+"Somehow we never have time at home," was Betty's remark. "And I think
+perhaps we never really wanted to very much, either."
+
+"Well, you wouldn't understand why, then, but it always reminded me of
+this great Smithfield Market," went on Mrs. Pitt and then added a bit
+boastfully, "I've been to Faneuil Hall several times."
+
+What they saw was a large, lofty building, with a roof of glass and
+iron, equipped as a most thoroughly up-to-date meat-market. A street
+runs directly through the center, and from this, one can get a
+splendid idea of both halves.
+
+"This great barren square of Smithfield was the place where they had
+the tournaments in the olden days, and because of that, the name was
+probably once 'Smooth-field.' Edward III held a brilliant tournament
+here, and also Richard II, who invited many foreign guests to be
+present for that important event. The processions which preceded, as
+well as the tournaments themselves, were most elaborate. One old
+writer fairly dazzles us by his description of 'sixty horses in rich
+trappings, each mounted by an esquire of honor,--and sixty ladies of
+rank, dressed in the richest elegance of the day following on their
+palfreys, each leading by a silver chain a knight completely armed for
+tilting. Minstrels and trumpets accompanied them to Smithfield amidst
+the shouting population: there the Queen and her fair train received
+them.' Then this same author tells at much length of the commencing of
+the tournament, and says 'they tilted each other until dark. They all
+then adjourned to a sumptuous banquet, and dancing consumed the
+night.' For several days and nights this same performance was
+repeated. That gives you a slight idea of the aspect Smithfield bore
+in the days when it was far outside the limits of the 'City.'"
+
+After pausing a few minutes in her talk, while they walked about the
+square, Mrs. Pitt proceeded:
+
+"In 1381, after the peasant uprising, the leader, Wat Tyler, was
+killed here. And then, in the reigns of 'Bloody Mary' and of
+Elizabeth, this was the place of public execution. Way back in 1305,
+the patriot William Wallace was hanged here, and after him came a long
+line of sufferers,--among them Anne Askew, Rogers, Bradford, and
+Philpot, who were persecuted because of their adherence to the
+Protestant Religion. After that terrible period, Smithfield was for
+many years the only cattle-market in London; and here was held
+Bartholomew Fair, also. Don't you agree that this square has had
+about as varied a history as is very well possible?"
+
+The church of St. Bartholomew the Great, one of the oldest and most
+interesting in London, is reached from Smithfield by an inconspicuous
+arch, which leads to a narrow walk close beside brick walls. At the
+further end is the façade of the church, which boasts of having been
+erected in 1123, by Rahere, who also founded the neighboring Hospital
+of St. Bartholomew.
+
+Once inside the doorway, the visitor feels as though he had actually
+stepped back many centuries, for, as Baedeker says, "the existing
+church, consisting merely of the choir, the crossing, and one bay of
+the nave of the original Priory Church, is mainly pure Norman work, as
+left by Rahere." Here again, the visitor encounters that strange
+atmosphere which belongs to the place pervaded by great age.
+
+"You see," explained Mrs. Pitt, "the church which we see is only a
+very small part of the original edifice as Rahere built it. The
+entrance from Smithfield was probably the door to the nave, which was
+where the grave-yard now stands. It's curious, isn't it, how the
+centuries alter things! Now, step over here, out of the way of the
+door, and let me tell you a bit about this old church and its founder.
+This Rahere was the King's jester, who came to see the error of his
+ways, grew very religious, and went on a pilgrimage. While on his
+journey back, he became seriously ill, and turned to St. Bartholomew
+for healing, promising to build a hospital for poor men if his
+petition were granted. He was cured, and on his return to London, he
+built the hospital and also this church, in which he is himself
+buried."
+
+They were all delighted with this story, and went immediately to find
+Rahere's tomb, of which the ancient effigy is covered by a fine canopy
+of much later date. One other tomb is that of Sir Walter Mildmay, who
+was Chancellor of the Exchequer to Queen Elizabeth, and founder of
+Emmanuel College, Oxford. John discovered the following quaint
+epitaph, which greatly amused the entire party:
+
+     "Shee first deceased, Hee for a little Tryd,
+     To live without her, likd it not, and dyd."
+
+This adorns the tomb of John and Margaret Whiting, in the north
+transept.
+
+Some time was passed in this wonderful church,--climbing the tiny,
+spiral stairs up to the clerestory, and going cautiously along the bit
+of a walk at this dizzy height above the floor of the church.
+
+It needs time and much study to appreciate this sad old church, which,
+in spite of its broken pieces of marble, and ruined splendor and
+perfection of form, still bravely stands,--a lonely and pathetic relic
+of its grand past. A young person can scarcely understand it at all;
+it needs a grown man or woman whose experience enables him to read in
+the crumbling pillars and walls, stories of the times when England was
+young, the Church was the great glory and power, and there still lived
+men who were "fair and fortunate."
+
+In the vicinity of Smithfield are a number of quaint nooks and corners
+of old London. Many consider that the very best idea of the ancient
+city may now be had in Cloth Fair and Bartholomew Close, both of which
+are in this neighborhood. Here are still standing genuine Sixteenth
+Century houses amid much darkness and dirt.
+
+"Here in Bartholomew Close," stated Mrs. Pitt, "Benjamin Franklin
+learned his trade of printing, and Washington Irving, John Milton, and
+the painter Hogarth, all lived."
+
+From Smithfield they hastily betook themselves, by means of hansoms,
+to Crosby Hall, there to have luncheon. Mrs. Pitt laughed heartily
+when John said how glad he was to be able to eat amid ancient
+surroundings. He declared that he had been spending the entire morning
+so very far back in the Middle Ages, that it would have been too great
+a shock had he been taken immediately to a vulgar, modern restaurant.
+
+When they had finished their luncheon and were waiting on a street
+corner for the arrival of a certain bus, suddenly a thrill of
+excitement went through the crowd, all traffic was quickly drawn up at
+the sides of the street where it halted, and a weird cry of
+"Hi-yi-yi-yi-yi" was heard in the distance.
+
+"It's the fire-brigade," cried Philip, whereupon he and John were
+tense with anticipation.
+
+Down the cleared street came the galloping horses with the
+fire-engines, the men clinging to them wearing dark-blue uniforms with
+red bindings, big brass helmets, which gleamed in the sunshine, and
+hatchets in their belts.
+
+It happened that the fire was very near where our friends were
+standing, so at the eager solicitations of the two boys, Mrs. Pitt
+consented to follow on and watch operations.
+
+"So it really is a fire this time," she said to Betty, as they hurried
+along. "We have very, very few in London, and when the brigade is out,
+it is generally only for exercise or practice. But, it will interest
+you and John to see how we fight a fire, and to observe whether the
+methods differ from yours."
+
+A building on Bishopsgate Street was really very much on fire when the
+party reached the spot, and the firemen were hard at work. Although
+the buildings are not high (or at least not according to American
+standards), the men use very strong ladders, which can be pulled out
+so that they will reach to great heights. But the queerest thing of
+all in John's estimation was the way in which the people on the top
+floor of the building were rescued.
+
+A long canvas tube was carried up a ladder by a fireman, who attached
+it to the frame of an upper window. The occupants of that floor were
+then slid one by one to the ground through this tube, being caught at
+the bottom by the firemen.
+
+"Well, did you ever see anything like that!" cried John, amazed at the
+funny sight. "It's great, I say! I'd like to try it!"
+
+All the way up town, the talk was of fires. John had been tremendously
+interested in the English methods, and was planning to introduce the
+use of the canvas tube to his own city through a good Irish friend of
+his at a Boston fire-station.
+
+"Honor bright, don't you have many fires over here?" he demanded of
+Mrs. Pitt. "We have 'em all the time at home. It must be stupid here
+without 'em!"
+
+"No, we really have very few," Mrs. Pitt responded. "In winter, there
+are a number of small outbreaks, but those are very slight. You see,
+we burn soft coal, and if the chimney is not swept out quite
+regularly, the soot which gathers there is apt to get afire. When a
+chimney does have a blaze, the owner has to pay a fine of one pound,
+or five dollars, to make him remember his chimney. In olden times,
+perhaps two hundred and fifty years ago, there used to be a tax
+levied on every chimney in a house. There's a curious old epitaph in
+a church-yard at Folkestone, which bears upon this subject. It reads
+something like this:
+
+     'A house she hath, 'tis made in such good fashion,
+     That tenant n'ere shall pay for reparation,
+     Nor will her landlord ever raise her rent,
+     Nor turn her out-of-doors for non-payment,
+     From chimney-money too, this house is free,
+     Of such a house who would not tenant be.'"
+
+They all joined in a good laugh over this, but Betty remarked that she
+thought it was "more of an advertisement for a house than an epitaph."
+
+Their particular bus had been slowly making its way down Ludgate Hill,
+along Fleet Street, into the Strand, through Trafalgar Square and
+Piccadilly Circus, into Piccadilly itself, and had now reached Hyde
+Park Corner, where our friends climbed down the stairs and swung
+themselves off.
+
+Betty was grumbling just a little. "I never can get down those tiny
+stairs," she exclaimed, "without almost bumping my head and catching
+my umbrella in the stair-rail!"
+
+Mrs. Pitt smiled. "That shows you are not a true Londoner, my dear. We
+are never troubled. But, never mind; they don't have buses in
+Switzerland."
+
+At this, Betty was instantly herself again. "London wouldn't be London
+without the funny, inconvenient buses, I know. And it's dear, every
+inch of it,--buses and all!"
+
+Mrs. Pitt pointed out Apsley House, where lived the great Duke of
+Wellington. A curious fact about this stately old mansion is that on
+fine afternoons, the shadow of a nearby statue of this hero is thrown
+full upon the front of his former home.
+
+[Illustration: OLD GENTLEMEN, STOUT LADIES, YOUNG PEOPLE, AND SMALL
+CHILDREN, ALL RIDE IN ENGLAND. _Page 287._]
+
+As they were about to enter Hyde Park through the imposing gate, Mrs.
+Pitt said:--
+
+"When we stand here and gaze at this scene before us,--the crowd,
+beautiful park, fine hotels, houses, and shops,--it is hard to realize
+that this was a dangerous, remote district as recently as 1815. That
+was the time of many daring robberies, you know, when it was not safe
+walking, riding, or even traveling in a big coach, because of the
+highwaymen. Even so late as the year I just mentioned, this vicinity
+from Hyde Park to Kensington was patrolled, and people went about in
+companies so as to be comparatively secure."
+
+The remainder of that lovely afternoon was spent in Hyde Park,
+watching the riding and driving. Having paid the fee of threepence
+each for the use of their chairs, it was pleasant to sit and look on
+at the gay sight. Old gentlemen, stout ladies, young people, and small
+children, all ride, in England, and at certain times of the day,
+during "the season" (May and June), Hyde Park is always filled with a
+merry company. In midsummer it is rather more deserted, and yet the
+walks stretching between the flower-beds, and the Serpentine stream,
+are always flocking with people on summer Sundays or "bank holidays."
+
+And so passed the last days which John and Betty spent in London. All
+the favorite spots--Westminster Abbey, the Tower, Kensington Palace,
+and many others--had to be revisited, just as though the young people
+never thought to see them again; and then, at last came the day when
+the father and mother were expected. They all trooped to Euston
+Station to meet the train, and in triumph escorted the American
+friends back to Cavendish Square. There they remained for two short
+days and then carried the almost reluctant John and Betty away with
+them. Mrs. Pitt, Philip, and Barbara remained behind on the platform,
+waving a last good-by, and still hearing the many thanks and
+expressions of gratitude which John and Betty had repeatedly poured
+into their ears, in return for their delightful visit to England.
+
+                         THE END.
+
+
+
+
+INDEX
+
+
+ Addison, Joseph, 136
+
+ Alfred the Great, 222, 227, 229
+
+ Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, 223, 227
+
+ Anne of Cleves, 255, 257
+
+ Anne, Queen, 70, 112, 114
+
+ Arden, Forest of, 158, 169, 202
+
+ "As You Like It," 157
+
+ Austen, Jane, 226
+
+
+ Bankside, 90
+
+ Bartholomew Close, 281
+
+ Bear-baiting, 90
+
+ Becket, St. Thomas ŕ, 254, 264
+
+ Bell Inn, Edmonton, 118
+
+ "Big Ben," 107
+
+ Blackheath, 256
+
+ Black Prince, Edward the, 120, 263
+
+ Boleyn, Anne, 61, 103, 128, 136
+
+ "Bow Bells," 17, 118
+
+ Bunyan, John, 89
+
+ Bus-drivers, 16
+
+ Buses, 11
+
+
+ Cambridge, 91
+
+ Canterbury, 261
+   Cathedral, 262
+   Chequers of Hope Inn, 267
+   Cloisters of Cathedral, 265
+   Pilgrims, 90, 252, 267
+   Shrine of St. Thomas ŕ Becket, 263
+   St. Martin's Church, 269
+   Tales, 253
+
+ Carlyle, Thomas, 124
+
+ Caroline, Queen, 129
+
+ Chalfont St. Giles, 105
+
+ Charing Cross, 67
+
+ Charlecote, 167
+   Park, 167
+
+ Charles I, 100, 102
+
+ Charles II, 114, 257
+
+ Chatsworth House, 216
+
+ Chaucer, Geoffrey, 28, 112, 120, 252
+
+ Cheshire Cheese, 78
+
+ Clopton, Sir Hugh, 148
+
+ Cloth Fair, 281
+
+ Clovelly, 238
+   Court, 248
+   Hobby Drive, 248
+
+ Cockney, 16
+
+ Coventry, 200
+   Ford's Hospital, 201
+   "Peeping Tom," 200
+   St. Mary's Hall, 200
+
+ Cromwell, Oliver, 109, 136, 186, 198
+
+ Crosby Hall, 115
+
+
+ "Deans, Jeanie," 129
+
+ Deptford, 254
+
+ Devonshire, 238
+   Cream, 243
+   Legends of, 245
+
+ Dickens, Charles, 28, 257
+
+ Doomsday Book, 121
+
+ Drake, Sir Francis, 249, 255
+
+ Druids, 235
+
+
+ Edward I, 67, 113
+   III, 99, 113, 277
+   the Confessor, 112
+
+ Elizabeth, Queen, 52, 60, 69, 102, 112, 114, 129, 136, 169, 171, 197,
+   220, 255
+
+ Essex, Earl of, 61, 124
+
+ Eton School, 98
+
+ Evans, Mary Ann (George Eliot), 124
+
+
+ Fawkes, Guy, 58, 120
+
+ Fire Brigade, 282
+
+ Fountains Abbey, 208
+
+ Franklin, Benjamin, 282
+
+
+ Gastrell, Rev. Francis, 148
+
+ George III, 56, 126
+
+ Gilpin, John, 118
+
+ Globe Theatre, 90
+
+ Gray, Thomas, 96
+
+ Greville, Fulke, 192
+
+ Grey, Lady Jane, 61, 120
+
+ Gunpowder Plot, 58
+
+
+ Haddon Hall, 216
+
+ Hampton Court, 130
+
+ Harvard, John, 90, 146
+
+ Hathaway, Anne, 153, 157, 162
+
+ Henrietta Maria, Queen, 129
+
+ Henry II, 267
+   IV, 59, 263
+   V, 104, 113, 257
+   VII, Chapel of, 111
+   VIII, 100, 124, 128, 131, 257, 259
+
+ Hogarth, William, 282
+
+ Holbein, Hans, 89, 133
+
+ Holy Trinity Church, Stratford, 152
+
+ Horse Guards, 21, 275
+
+ Houses of Parliament, 13, 107, 123
+
+ Howard, Queen Catharine, 133, 136
+
+ Hyde Park Corner, 16, 285
+
+
+ Irving, Washington, 161, 282
+
+
+ James I of Scotland, 104
+
+ Jerusalem Chamber, 35
+
+
+ Kenilworth Castle, 196
+
+ Kew Gardens, 125
+   Palace, 126
+
+ Kingsley, Charles, 248
+
+
+ Lambeth Palace, 123
+
+ Leamington, 182
+
+ Leicester, Earl of, 59, 135, 171, 191, 198
+
+ "Little John," 206
+
+ Lollards, 124
+
+ London Bridge, 87
+
+
+ Mansfield, 203
+
+ Marlowe, Christopher, 255, 267
+
+ Mary, Queen, 76, 226
+   Queen of Scots, 112
+
+ "Midsummer Night's Dream," 157
+
+ Milton, John, 105, 282
+
+ Miracle Plays, 200
+
+ More, Sir Thomas, 53, 62, 89, 115, 124
+
+
+ National Gallery, 13, 275
+
+ Nelson, Lord, 13, 74, 114
+
+ Nottingham, 204, 214
+
+
+ Oxford, 18, 92
+
+
+ Paternoster Row, 118
+
+ Pembroke, Countess of, 48, 115
+
+ Penshurst Place, 42
+
+ Pepys, Samuel, 259
+
+ "Pickwick Papers," 258
+
+ Pitt, William, 26, 114
+
+ Pope, Alexander, 136
+
+ Prentices, 22
+
+ "Princes, the Little," 54
+
+ Public Record Office, 119
+
+
+ Rahere, 279
+
+ Raleigh, Sir Walter, 63, 120
+
+ Richard I, 211
+   II, 59, 113, 277
+   III, 115
+
+ Richmond Palace, 129
+   Park, 128
+
+ Robin Hood, 203
+
+ Robsart, Amy, 182, 194
+
+ Rochester, 258
+   Bull Inn, 258
+   Crown Inn, 259
+   Falstaff Inn, 260
+   Gad's Hill, 260
+   Restoration House, 259
+   White Hart Inn, 259
+
+ Round Table, the, 228
+
+ St. Augustine, 270
+   Bartholomew the Great,
+     Church of, 279
+   Cross Hospital, 230
+   Helen's Church, 116
+   Mary Overy, Southwark, 88
+   Paul's Cathedral, 69
+   Swithin, 223, 226
+
+ Salisbury Cathedral, 232
+
+ Sarum, Old, 234
+
+ Scott, Sir Walter, 196
+
+ Shakespeare, William, 28, 90, 117, 140, 169
+
+ Shelley, Percy Bysshe, 99
+
+ Shooter's Hill, 257
+
+ Shottery, 163
+
+ Sidney, Sir Philip, 41, 73, 120
+
+ Smithfield, 276
+   Market, 276
+
+ Southwark, 90, 252
+   Cathedral, 88
+   Tabard Inn, 90, 252
+
+ Spenser, Edmund, 28, 49
+
+ Star and Garter Inn, Richmond, 127
+
+ Stoke Poges, 96
+
+ Stonehenge, 234
+
+ Stoneleigh Abbey, 201
+
+ Stone of Scone, 113
+
+ Stratford-on-Avon, 138
+   the "Birthplace," 140
+   Grammar School, 151
+   Guild Chapel, 150
+   Holy Trinity Church, 152
+   John Harvard House, 146
+   New Place, 147
+   Red Horse Hotel, 138
+   Shakespeare Hotel, 145
+   Shakespeare Memorial, 155
+   Weir Brake, 156
+
+ Streets in London, names of, 119
+
+ Swift, Dean, 136
+
+ Tabard Inn, 90, 252
+
+ "Tale of Two Cities," 257
+
+ Thames River, the, 122
+
+ Tower of London, 50
+
+ Trafalgar Square, 13, 21
+
+ Tyler, Wat, 278
+
+ Vauxhall, 124
+
+ Vernon, Dorothy, 217
+
+ Wallace, William, 278
+
+ Walpole, Horace, 136
+
+ Warwick Castle, 183
+   Guy of, 184, 195
+   Guy's Cliff, 194
+   Leicester's Hospital, 192
+   St. Mary's Church, 190
+   "The King-maker," 184
+   Vase, 187
+
+ Warwickshire, 167
+
+ Weir Brake, Stratford, 156
+
+ Wellington, Duke of, 74, 286
+
+ Westminster Abbey, 20
+   Chapter House, 34
+   Cloisters, 30
+   Hall, 108
+   School, 32
+
+ "Westward Ho!" 248
+
+ White Lodge, 129
+
+ William and Mary, 112, 114
+
+ William III, 134
+   Rufus, 108, 226
+
+ Winchester, 222
+   Cathedral, 224
+   County Court, 228
+   Hospital of St. Cross, 230
+
+ Windsor Castle, 99, 128
+
+ "Winter's Tale," 162
+
+ Wolsey, Cardinal, 120, 130
+
+
+
+
+Makers of England Series
+
+By EVA MARCH TAPPAN, Ph.D.
+
+Dr. Tappan's historical works have already become classics for the
+young, and well do they deserve it, with their entertaining
+descriptions, perfect English, and historical value. Such books are
+the best that can be placed in the hands of children; and the fact
+that while being instructive there is never a dull line is the highest
+commendation that can be offered.
+
+ =In the Days of Alfred the Great=
+  Cloth     Fully illustrated                            =Price $1.00=
+
+ =In the Days of William the Conqueror=
+  Cloth     Illustrated by J. W. Kennedy                 =Price $1.00=
+
+ =In the Days of Queen Elizabeth=
+  Cloth     Illustrated from famous paintings            =Price $1.00=
+
+ =In the Days of Queen Victoria=
+  Cloth     Illustrated from paintings and photographs   =Price $1.00=
+
+     Miss Tappan reads her authorities intelligently and selects
+     her material wisely, always having her young audience well
+     in mind. She has a clear idea of the requirements for
+     interesting and stimulating young readers, and arousing in
+     them a desire for further research. The entire series are
+     admirably adapted to this end, and are warmly recommended to
+     the attention of parents, teachers, and
+     librarians.--"_Era_", _Philadelphia, Pa._
+
+
+
+
+A Boy of a Thousand Years Ago
+
+By HARRIET T. COMSTOCK. Large 12mo Profusely illustrated with
+full-page drawings and chapter headings by GEORGE VARIAN $1.00
+
+It will at once be understood that the "boy" of the story is Alfred
+the Great in his youth, but it cannot be understood how delightful a
+story this is until it is seen and read. The splendid pictures of
+George Varian make this book superior among juveniles.
+
+     "Not a boy lives who will not enjoy this book thoroughly.
+     There is a good deal of first-class historical information
+     woven into the story, but the best part of it is the
+     splendid impression of times and manners it gives in old
+     England a thousand years ago."--_Louisville
+     Courier-Journal._
+
+     "Mrs. Comstock writes very appreciatively of Little Alfred,
+     who was afterward the Great, and from mighty meagre
+     materials creates a story that hangs together well. The
+     illustrations for this volume are especially
+     beautiful."--_Boston Home Journal._
+
+
+The Story of Joan of Arc FOR BOYS AND GIRLS
+
+By KATE E. CARPENTER Illustrated by AMY BROOKS, also from paintings,
+and with map Large 12mo Cloth $1.00
+
+The favorite story of Joan of Arc is here treated in a uniquely
+attractive way. "Aunt Kate" tells the story of Joan of Arc to Master
+Harold, aged 11, and to Misses Bessie and Marjorie, aged 10 and 8,
+respectively, to their intense delight. They look up places on the
+map, and have a fine time while hearing the thrilling story, told in
+such simple language that they can readily understand it all. Parents
+and teachers will also be greatly interested in this book from an
+educational point of view.
+
+     "The tale is well told and the children will delight in
+     it."--_Chicago Post._
+
+     "Told so simply and clearly that young readers cannot fail
+     to be entertained and instructed."--_Congregationalist,
+     Boston._
+
+
+
+
+CHILDREN OF OTHER LANDS SERIES
+
++When I Was a Boy in Japan+
+
+By SAKAE SHIOYA Illustrated from photographs 12mo Cloth $.75
+
+The author was born fifty miles from Tokio, and at the age of twelve
+began the study of English at a Methodist school. Later he studied
+Natural Science in the First Imperial College at Tokio, after which he
+taught English and Mathematics. He came to America in 1901, received
+the degree of Master of Arts at the University of Chicago, and took a
+two years' post-graduate course at Yale before returning to Japan. No
+one could be better qualified to introduce the Japanese to those in
+America, and he has done it in a way that will delight both children
+and parents.
+
+
++When I Was a Girl in Italy+
+
+By MARIETTA AMBROSI 12mo Cloth Illustrated $.75
+
+The author, Marietta Ambrosi, was born in Tyrol, having an
+American-born mother of Italian descent, and a Veronese father. Her
+entire girlhood was spent in Brescia and other cities of Northern
+Italy, and in early womanhood she came with her family to America. Her
+story gives a most graphic account of the industries, social customs,
+dress, pleasures, and religious observances of the Italian common
+people.
+
+
++When I Was a Boy in China+
+
+By YAN PHOU LEE 12mo Cloth Illustrated from photographs $.75
+
+New York Independent says: "Yan Phou Lee was one of the young men sent
+to this country to be educated here, and finally matriculated at Yale,
+where he graduated with honor. 'When I was a Boy in China' embodies
+his recollections of his native country. It is certainly attractive,
+with more room for nature to operate and play in freely than is
+generally attributed to Chinese life."
+
+
+
+
+ELBRIDGE S. BROOKS'S Books for Young Americans
+
+
+=The True Story of Christopher Columbus=, called the Admiral. Revised
+edition. New cover $1.50
+
+     "With its thorough historical research and its novelty of
+     treatment, it is the Columbus book of its time."--_The
+     Interior_, Chicago.
+
+
+=The True Story of George Washington=, called the Father of _His
+Country_. 4to, cloth $1.50
+
+"Although many excellent biographies of our first President have been
+prepared for the young, we think that Mr. Brooks has presented the
+best, and has sustained well if not added to his reputation gained by
+his previous efforts in historical fields for young readers."--_S. S.
+Library Bulletin._
+
+
+=The True Story of Abraham Lincoln=, the American. Fully illustrated,
+4to, cloth $1.50
+
+     "His life reads like a romance, the best romance that ever
+     was printed, and Mr. Brooks has done an admirable work....
+     The story of Lincoln was never more ably told."--_Evening
+     Post_, Chicago.
+
+
+=The True Story of U. S. Grant=, the American soldier. Fully
+illustrated, 4to, cloth $1.50
+
+     "Carefully written in that style which makes Mr. Brooks so
+     popular a writer with his young readers."--_The Pilgrim
+     Teacher._
+
+
+=The True Story of Benjamin Franklin=, the American statesman. Profusely
+illustrated, 4to $1.50
+
+The only popular life of the great Franklin written from a human
+standpoint for the boys and girls of America.
+
+These seven books are now in wide and acceptable use in American
+homes, schools, and libraries. They are real stories, true stories,
+that interest young readers in and out of school, and imperceptibly
+pave the way for their becoming students of America's story and
+readers of the bulkier books of American history and biography.
+
+     "An entertaining and instructive series."--_Christian
+     Endeavor World._
+
+
+=The True Story of Lafayette=, the friend of America. One vol.,
+illustrated, 4to $1.50
+
+This volume, the seventh in the series of "Children's Lives of Great
+Men," will appeal to all young Americans, and older ones as well, to
+whom the name of Lafayette is ever dear. It is an absorbing, simply
+told, and stirring story of a remarkable character in American
+history, and is the "whole story" from the boyhood of the great
+Frenchman to the close of his long, dramatic, and romantic career.
+
+
+
+
+ELBRIDGE S. BROOKS'S BOOKS
+
+
+=The True Story of the United States of America.= Profusely illustrated,
+4to, cloth $1.50
+
+This is in every sense a companion volume to the series of "Children's
+Lives of Great Men." It tells the true story of the beginnings, rise,
+and development of the republic of the United States, without the
+dreary array of dates or the dull succession of events that so often
+make up history for the young. Its object is to tell the story of the
+people of America,--to awaken an interest in motives as well as
+persons, in principle rather than in battles, in the patriotism and
+manliness that make a people rather than in the simply personal
+qualities that make the leader or the individual. The book is very
+largely used for supplementary reading in schools, and is accepted as
+the most popular "story" of the United States yet told for young
+people.
+
+
+=The Story of Our War with Spain.= Told for young Americans. Profusely
+illustrated, one vol., 8vo $1.50
+
+An authentic, complete, up-to-date, and reliable account of the war
+for Cuban liberation in 1898, prepared after a careful study of the
+best and latest data. It is at once comprehensive, graphic, and
+entertaining, and well sustains the reputation earned by this author's
+long list of interesting, instructive, and successful books for young
+Americans.
+
+
+=In Buff and Blue=: A STORY OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. Illustrated by
+Merrill, one vol., 8vo $1.50
+
+This stirring story of the Revolution details the adventures of one of
+Washington's famous life-guards, who is a college mate of Alexander
+Hamilton, and fights with him from Trenton to Yorktown. It deals with
+school and camp in the "days that tried men's souls" here in America,
+and introduces such famous characters as Washington, Hamilton,
+Lafayette, Arnold, André, and Wayne. A splendid book for boys and
+girls.
+
+
+=The Story of the American Indian.= Profusely illustrated, 4to, cloth
+$1.50
+
+The first and only complete and consecutive story of the red men of
+America. It is sympathetic but not sentimental, practical but not
+one-sided, picturesque but not romantic. A book for all Americans to
+read.
+
+
+=The Story of the American Sailor.= Illustrated, 4to, cloth $1.50
+
+The only story of the American blue-jacket, whaler, fisherman,
+merchantman, and foremast-hand, cabin boy, captain, commodore, and
+admiral. A grand book for all lovers of heroism on the
+sea,--especially American heroism.
+
+
+
+
+ELBRIDGE S. BROOKS'S BOOKS
+
+
+=The Story of the American Soldier.= Illustrated, 4to, cloth $1.50
+
+A stirring and graphic record of the American fighting man,--the
+soldier who has secured peace through war,--from the days of
+mound-builders and red Indians to those of Grant, Sherman, Sheridan,
+and Miles.
+
+
+=The Story of New York.= (STORY OF THE STATES SERIES.) Illustrated, 8vo,
+cloth $1.50
+
+This initial volume of the "Story of the States Series," of which Mr.
+Brooks is editor, is a story of the beginnings and development of the
+Empire State, told in a delightful and attractive manner.
+
+     "More like a charming fireside legend, told by a grandfather
+     to eager children, than the dry and pompous chronicles
+     commonly labelled history."--_Critic_, New York.
+
+
+=Storied Holidays=: A Cycle of Red-Letter Days. Illustrated by Howard
+Pyle, 12mo, cloth $1.50
+
+A unique and charming collection of historical stories about the
+world's holidays, told by the author of "Historic Boys" and "Historic
+Girls" Splendidly illustrated by Howard Pyle.
+
+     "A book for buying and keeping that the children, as they
+     grow up, and the parents, too, may dip into and
+     read."--_Sunday School Times._
+
+
+=The Boy Life of Napoleon=, afterwards Emperor of the French. Translated
+and adapted for American children from the French of Madame Eugénie
+Foa. Illustrated by Vesper L. George, and by numerous photographs. One
+vol., square 8vo $1.25
+
+"The style of the book is simple and graceful, and it has the merit of
+historical accuracy, also of dramatic action. For those who wish their
+boys and girls to study the life of the great Emperor of France, we
+know of no better book than this."--_Literary World_, Boston.
+
+
+=In Leisler's Times=: A Story of Knickerbocker New York, told for boys
+and girls. Illustrated by W. T. Smedley, 12mo, cloth $1.50
+
+A stirring, dramatic, and vivid historical tale, based on the
+remarkable record of Jacob Leisler, earliest of American
+patriots,--the first people's governor of New York.
+
+     "A good boy's book; manly, patriotic, and readable."--_The
+     Independent._
+
+
+=In No Man's Land=: A Wonder Story. Illustrated by Childe Hassam, 12mo,
+cloth $1.00
+
+An "Alice in Wonderland" story about an American "Alice" whose name
+was Ruthie, and who went to No Man's Land in a street-car. Full of fun
+and fancy. The children's favorite wonder story.
+
+     "Sparkles all over with glee.... There is not a dull line in
+     it."--_The Dial._
+
+
+
+
+W. O. STODDARD'S BOOKS
+
+12mo Cloth Price per volume, $1.25
+
+
+=DAN MONROE: A Story of Bunker Hill= Illustrated by W. F. Kennedy
+
+In this volume the hero is one whose name is found in several
+trustworthy records as the drummer boy of the Lexington militia, his
+closest friend, Nat Harrington, being the fifer. The Concord fight,
+the Battle of Bunker Hill, and the arrival of Washington are
+introduced as parts of a carefully preserved historical outline.
+
+
+=LONG BRIDGE BOYS= Illustrated by I. B. Hazelton
+
+It tells the story of an actual attempt made by the Confederates of
+Virginia, just prior to the outbreak of the Civil War, to seize the
+city of Washington by force of arms, and make prisoners of President
+Lincoln and other high government officials.
+
+
+=AHEAD OF THE ARMY= Illustrated by C. Chase Emerson
+
+This is a lively narrative of the experiences of an American boy who
+arrives in Mexico as the war with the United States is beginning.
+
+
+=THE ERRAND BOY OF ANDREW JACKSON: A War Story of 1812= Illustrated by
+Will Crawford
+
+This tale is of the War of 1812, and describes the events of the only
+land campaign of 1812-1814 in which the Americans were entirely
+successful.
+
+
+=JACK MORGAN: A Boy of 1818= Illustrated by Will Crawford
+
+It is the adventures of a boy of the frontier during the great fight
+that Harrison made on land, and Perry on the lakes for the security of
+the border.
+
+
+=THE NOANK'S LOG: A Privateer of the Revolution= Illustrated by Will
+Crawford
+
+The further adventures of the plucky Guert Ten Eyck, as he fought King
+George on land and sea.
+
+
+=THE DESPATCH BOAT OF THE WHISTLE: A Story of Santiago= Illustrated by
+Frank T. Merrill
+
+A breezy story of a newspaper despatch boat, in the war with Spain.
+
+
+=GUERT TEN EYCK= Illustrated by Frank T. Merrill
+
+A hero story of real American girls and boys, in the American
+Revolution.
+
+
+=THE PARTNERS= Illustrated by Albert Scott Cox
+
+A capital story of a bright, go-ahead country girl and two boys who
+helped her keep store.
+
+
+=CHUCK PURDY: A New York Boy= Illustrated
+
+A delightful story of boy life in New York City.
+
+
+=GID GRANGER: A Country Boy= Illustrated
+
+A capital story of American life.
+
+
+
+
+George Gary Eggleston's Juveniles
+
+ =The Bale Marked Circle X=
+ A Blockade Running Adventure
+
+Illustrated by C. Chase Emerson. 12mo, red cloth, illustrated cover,
+$1.50.
+
+Another of Mr. Eggleston's stirring books for youth. In it are told
+the adventures of three boy soldiers in the Confederate Service who
+are sent in a sloop on a secret voyage from Charleston to the Bahamas,
+conveying a strange bale of cotton which holds important documents.
+The boys pass through startling adventures: they run the blockade,
+suffer shipwreck, and finally reach their destination after the
+pluckiest kind of effort.
+
+
+ =Camp Venture=
+ A Story of the Virginia Mountains
+
+Illustrated by W. A. McCullough. 12mo, dark red cloth, illustrated
+cover, $1.50.
+
+The _Louisville Courier Journal_ says: "George Gary Eggleston has
+written a decidedly good tale of pluck and adventure in 'Camp
+Venture.' It will be of interest to young and old who enjoy an
+exciting story, but there is also a great deal of instruction and
+information in the book."
+
+
+ =The Last of the Flatboats=
+ A Story of the Mississippi
+
+Illustrated by Charlotte Harding. 12mo, green cloth, illustrated
+cover, $1.50.
+
+The _Brooklyn Eagle_ says: "Mr. George Gary Eggleston, the veteran
+editor and author, has scored a double success in his new book, 'The
+Last of the Flatboats,' which has just been published. Written
+primarily as a story for young readers, it contains many things that
+are of interest to older people. Altogether, it is a mighty good
+story, and well worth reading."
+
+
+
+
+_YOUNG DEFENDER SERIES_
+
+By ELBRIDGE S. BROOKS
+
+
+=IN DEFENCE OF THE FLAG=
+
+=A Boy's Adventures in Spain and Cuba in the War of 1898=
+
+Illustrated by W. F. STECHER 12mo Cloth $1.25
+
+A story of action and adventure such as all healthy boys like, telling
+of a plucky young American who defended his country's flag against
+mobs in Spain and foemen in Cuba, and had many thrilling experiences.
+
+     "Suffice it to say that he will be a lucky boy, with many a
+     thrill before him, who finds this book in his Christmas
+     stocking. Don is a hero after every boy's heart."--_Boston
+     Herald._
+
+
+=WITH LAWTON AND ROBERTS=
+
+=A Boy's Adventures in the Philippines and the Transvaal=
+
+Illustrated by C. CHASE EMERSON 12mo Cloth $1.25
+
+The stirring adventures of a manly American boy who follows Lawton in
+his last campaigns, and by a singular train of circumstances has
+"moving accidents by flood and field," in two wars, with American
+soldiers, Filipino insurrectos, Malay pirates, English troopers, and
+Boer burghers.
+
+     "Mr. Brooks presents vivid pictures of both wars, so widely
+     separated. His pages are full of the swift-moving incidents
+     which boys love. Dull indeed must be the young reader whose
+     interest flags."--_Boston Journal._
+
+=UNDER THE ALLIED FLAGS=
+
+=A Boy's Adventures in China During the Boxer Revolt=
+
+Illustrated by W. F. STECHER 12mo Cloth $1.25
+
+The stirring story of an American boy's adventures in Tien Tsin and
+Pekin, in the ranks of the International troops and as one of the
+defenders of the beleaguered legations. Up-to-date, absorbing, and
+full of healthy excitement. Characters who are in the stories "With
+Lawton and Roberts" and "In Defence of the Flag" reappear in this
+story.
+
+     "Men and women, boys and girls, of all the mingled
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