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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 43250 ***
+
+[Transcriber's Note: Bold text is surrounded by =equal signs= and italic
+text is surrounded by _underscores_.]
+
+
+Our Little English Cousin
+
+
+
+
+THE
+
+Little Cousin Series
+
+(TRADE MARK)
+
+
+    Each volume illustrated with six or more full-page plates in
+    tint. Cloth, 12mo, with decorative cover,
+    per volume, 60 cents
+
+
+LIST OF TITLES
+
+BY MARY HAZELTON WADE
+
+(unless otherwise indicated)
+
+    =Our Little African Cousin=
+
+    =Our Little Alaskan Cousin=
+        By  By Mary F. Nixon-Roulet
+
+    =Our Little Arabian Cousin=
+        By Blanche McManus
+
+    =Our Little Armenian Cousin=
+
+    =Our Little Australian Cousin=
+        By Mary F. Nixon-Roulet
+
+    =Our Little Brazilian Cousin=
+        By Mary F. Nixon-Roulet
+
+    =Our Little Brown Cousin=
+
+    =Our Little Canadian Cousin=
+        By Elizabeth R. MacDonald
+
+    =Our Little Chinese Cousin=
+        By Isaac Taylor Headland
+
+    =Our Little Cuban Cousin=
+
+    =Our Little Dutch Cousin=
+        By Blanche McManus
+
+    =Our Little Egyptian Cousin=
+        By Blanche McManus
+
+    =Our Little English Cousin=
+        By Blanche McManus
+
+    =Our Little Eskimo Cousin=
+
+    =Our Little French Cousin=
+        By Blanche McManus
+
+    =Our Little German Cousin=
+
+    =Our Little Greek Cousin=
+        By Mary F. Nixon-Roulet
+
+    =Our Little Hawaiian Cousin=
+
+    =Our Little Hindu Cousin=
+        By Blanche McManus
+
+    =Our Little Indian Cousin=
+
+    =Our Little Irish Cousin=
+
+    =Our Little Italian Cousin=
+
+    =Our Little Japanese Cousin=
+
+    =Our Little Jewish Cousin=
+
+    =Our Little Korean Cousin=
+        By H. Lee M. Pike
+
+    =Our Little Mexican Cousin=
+        By Edward C. Butler
+
+    =Our Little Norwegian Cousin=
+
+    =Our Little Panama Cousin=
+        By H. Lee M. Pike
+
+    =Our Little Philippine Cousin=
+
+    =Our Little Porto Rican Cousin=
+
+    =Our Little Russian Cousin=
+
+    =Our Little Scotch Cousin=
+        By Blanche McManus
+
+    =Our Little Siamese Cousin=
+
+    =Our Little Spanish Cousin=
+        By Mary F. Nixon-Roulet
+
+    =Our Little Swedish Cousin=
+        By Claire M. Coburn
+
+    =Our Little Swiss Cousin=
+
+    =Our Little Turkish Cousin=
+
+
+    L. C. PAGE & COMPANY
+    New England Building,      Boston, Mass.
+
+[Illustration: EDITH]
+
+
+
+
+    Our Little
+    English Cousin
+
+    By
+    Blanche McManus
+
+    _Illustrated by_
+    The Author
+
+    [Illustration]
+
+    Boston
+    L. C. Page & Company
+    Publishers
+
+
+
+
+    _Copyright, 1905_
+    BY L. C. PAGE & COMPANY
+    (INCORPORATED)
+
+    _All rights reserved_
+
+
+    Published June, 1905
+    Fifth Impression, June, 1909
+
+
+
+
+Introduction
+
+
+THE lives of Our Little English Cousins are not so widely different from
+our own in America. It is only the more ancient associations with which
+they are surrounded that changes their manners and customs.
+
+Their speech is the same and their amusements and tasks are to a great
+extent quite similar.
+
+Certain details of home life vary considerably, and when they "take
+their walks abroad," "Our Little English Cousins," as often as not,
+visit some ancient historic shrine from whose associations have been
+built up the great British nation.
+
+Little English cousins and Little American cousins alike, however,
+would have the same affections for the same things were they but to
+change places, therefore things are not so very different after all.
+
+What Washington is to America, London is to Britain; meaning in this
+case England, Ireland, and Scotland as well, for our little Scotch and
+Irish cousins by no means like one to talk or write of England alone
+when one really means Britain.
+
+"Our Little English Cousin" lives in a less rigorous climate than that
+which prevails for the most part in America. Their winters are in
+general not so cold (though they are quite as long) and not usually so
+bright and sunny. The summers are by no means so hot as ours and are
+accordingly most delightful.
+
+The open-air pleasures of our English cousins, while existent in our own
+country, are at least more general than with us, and tea out-of-doors,
+in the garden, or on the banks of the Thames is an institution which is
+quite unique, and accordingly, as a summer divertisement, is greatly in
+vogue.
+
+The Associations which link America with England are many and important;
+indeed they are so numerous that it were futile to attempt to give place
+to any in this introductory note beyond recalling to the mind of little
+American cousins that the great Washington himself was of a well-known
+English family before they settled in America.
+
+To-day, if the English are not emigrating to America to the extent that
+they formerly were, our American cousins are returning the visits, if
+only for pleasure or edification, in astonishingly growing numbers each
+year.
+
+All this makes for a better understanding and appreciation of each other
+and cements the growing friendship of years, which in our progressive
+times is a good thing not to overlook.
+
+"Our Little English Cousin," then, extends a cordial hand of welcome,
+not only to her cousins across the seas who annually make visits to her
+native land, but to the stay-at-homes as well, who have that pleasure in
+store for some future time.
+
+
+
+
+Contents
+
+
+    CHAPTER                                       PAGE
+       I. EDITH'S HOME ON THE THAMES                 1
+      II. A DAY AT HAMPTON COURT                    13
+     III. A DRIVE TO RICHMOND AND KEW GARDENS       28
+      IV. WITH TOM AT WINDSOR CASTLE AND ETON       44
+       V. LONDON--HYDE PARK AND WESTMINSTER ABBEY   54
+      VI. THE TOWER OF LONDON                       72
+     VII. MADAME TUSSAUD'S AND THE ZOO              80
+    VIII. HENLEY WEEK                               89
+      IX. SUMMER HOLIDAYS                           95
+       X. THE LORD MAYOR'S SHOW                    103
+
+
+
+
+List of Illustrations
+
+
+
+                                                            PAGE
+    EDITH                                         _Frontispiece_
+    OLDHAM MANOR                                               8
+    "IN A FEW MINUTES THEY HAD LANDED"                        15
+    WINDSOR CASTLE                                            50
+    "AFTER WATCHING OTHER ANTICS OUR LITTLE FRIENDS BADE
+        THE 'BEEFEATER' AND HIS PET GOOD-BYE"                 76
+
+    "SHE WALKED DOWN THE PATH BY THE RIVER AVON"              96
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+Our Little English Cousin
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+EDITH'S HOME ON THE THAMES
+
+
+"NOW it is really time to get ready, is it not, Miss Green?" exclaimed
+Edith, looking up at the clock for the twentieth time during the last
+half-hour, and breaking off in the middle of the list of English kings
+and queens which she was trying to commit to memory. Which king came
+after Henry III., in that far-away time, seemed a small matter compared
+to the outing which she and her governess had planned to enjoy on the
+river that lovely afternoon.
+
+Miss Green smiled indulgently as she closed her book. "It does seem a
+shame to remain indoors a moment longer than one can help such a day as
+this. Well, I will see Betty about the tea-things and pack them in the
+basket while you are getting ready."
+
+You may imagine it did not take Edith long to put away her books; then
+giving her good-natured governess a hug she skipped off for her hat and
+coat.
+
+"There are Eleanor and Clarence waiting for us now," cried Edith, as she
+and Miss Green, who was carrying the tea-basket, crossed the gardens.
+Running over the lawn, which stretched down to the river, she greeted
+her two little playmates from the vicarage. All three were bubbling over
+with glee at the prospect of an outing this bright June afternoon upon
+the river Thames. They were to go up-stream to a pretty little nook, in
+a quiet "backwater," which was a favourite spot with them, and have a
+"gipsy" tea under the willows.
+
+The children were soon seated on cushions in the neat little shallow
+punt. Towser, the big collie dog, was already in the boat, for he knew
+he was a welcome companion on these trips.
+
+Miss Green, standing at one end, poled the boat gracefully through the
+water. This looks like an easy thing to do, but it takes a great deal of
+skill to handle a punt.
+
+"Does not the river look gay?" said Eleanor. "There are lots of people
+out." The river indeed was covered with pleasure craft of all kinds.
+There is probably no stream in the world so given up to pleasure as is
+the Thames, which flows through the very heart of England; indeed it has
+been called the "River of Pleasure."
+
+It took all Miss Green's skill to steer through the many boats filled
+with gay parties. Daintily fitted up rowboats with soft-cushioned
+seats, the ladies in their bright summer dresses, with parasols of gay
+colours; the men in white flannel suits and straw hats. There were many
+punts like their own. Also tiny sailboats, some of them with bright red
+or blue sails; while every now and then a crew of young men from one of
+the colleges sculled past them, practising for the forthcoming
+boat-race. All made way for these swift racing boats, for one of the
+unwritten rules of the river is that boat crews must not be interfered
+with while practising.
+
+Occasionally our party in the punt would get the effect of a gentle wave
+from an automobile boat or a steam-launch as it rushed by.
+
+In the midst of it all were to be seen the swans gliding in and out
+among the boats. The Thames swans are as well known as the river itself.
+They are very privileged birds and directly under the protection of the
+government itself. There are special keepers to look after them, and
+any person who injured a swan in any way would be punished. But no harm
+ever happens to them, for the lovely white birds are great pets with
+every one, and the children especially like nothing better than to feed
+them.
+
+Along the banks, under the shade of overhanging trees, were merry
+boat-loads of family parties making a picnic of their afternoon tea, as
+our little party intended to do.
+
+You must know that everybody in England takes what is called "five
+o'clock tea," and would no more think of going without their tea in the
+afternoon than their dinner.
+
+Presently the punt glided behind a clump of trees. You would think it
+was going into some one's garden, but out it came into a quiet bit of
+water, a miniature bay quite apart from the main river. This is called a
+"backwater." Catching hold of a tree with the hook on the end of her
+pole, Miss Green brought the punt up against the bank under the
+overhanging willows, and the young people were quickly out and on shore.
+
+Then the tea-basket was brought from the punt. "Now, Clarence," said
+Miss Green, "you fill the teakettle while the girls help me."
+
+Their kettle was especially constructed for these occasions with a
+hollow space in the bottom into which fits a small spirit-lamp,--this so
+the wind cannot blow out the flame.
+
+"My! we have got a jolly lot of cake; that's good," and Clarence looked
+very approvingly at the nice plum-cake and the Madeira cake, which is a
+sort of sponge cake with slices of preserved citron on top of it,--a
+favourite cake for teas.
+
+In a few minutes the water boiled in spite of everybody watching it
+attentively, and Miss Green filled the teapot. Then they all gathered
+around the dainty cloth spread on the grass, and the slices of bread and
+butter, known as "cut bread and butter," and the lovely strawberry jam
+quickly disappeared.
+
+"Why do we always eat more out-of-doors," said Edith, "than when we are
+indoors eating in the proper way? I suppose it is because we are doing
+it for fun that it seems different from tea in the schoolroom."
+
+"Perhaps the fresh air has more to do with it than anything else,"
+laughed Miss Green, as she cut them the sixth piece of cake all around.
+
+"Now you rest, Miss Green, and we will pack up everything," said
+Eleanor.
+
+"Yes, and let's wash up the tea-things. It will be fun," said Edith,
+"and Betty will be surprised."
+
+So the little girls amused themselves with their housekeeping, while
+Clarence and Towser ran races up and down the greensward until it was
+time to return.
+
+[Illustration: OLDHAM MANOR]
+
+The sun was setting when they pulled up at the steps of their
+boat-landing where Colonel and Mrs. Howard, Edith's parents, were
+sitting in comfortable wicker garden-chairs, waiting for them.
+
+Oldham Manor, Edith's home, was a fine old house built in the "Tudor"
+style, of red brick with stone doorways and windows, and quaint, tall,
+ornamental chimneys, with the lower story entirely covered with ivy.
+
+Colonel Howard was a retired army officer who had seen much service in
+far-away India. He had to leave the army on account of his health, and
+now devoted himself to his wife and two children, and his lovely home.
+Mrs. Howard herself was a handsome and stately woman, rather reserved in
+her manner, but devoted to her children.
+
+Tom, Edith's brother, was at school at Eton College, so Edith had a
+double share of petting, and led a very happy existence with plenty
+of work and plenty of play. She had a pretty little room, with a little
+brass bed, and an old-fashioned chest of drawers for her clothes. The
+little dressing-table, which stood in front of one of the windows, was
+draped with pink-flowered muslin, and the window curtains were of the
+same material. The chairs were covered with a bright, pretty pink,
+green, and white chintz, and the carpet was pale green with pink roses.
+
+From the window of this delightful room, one overlooked the rose-garden.
+Adjoining was the schoolroom, a big room where Miss Green and Edith
+spent much of their time.
+
+Edith usually dressed quickly, for, when the weather was fine, she and
+her papa always took a walk around the gardens before breakfast. Colonel
+Howard was very proud of his roses, and the rose garden of the manor was
+quite famous; many of the rose-bushes were trained to form great arches
+over the walks.
+
+Another hobby of Colonel Howard's was his fancy chickens and ducks, of
+which he had a great variety. Edith had her pet chickens, too, and she
+and her papa could never agree as to whose chickens were the finest,
+when they went to feed them in the morning.
+
+Edith would run each morning into the breakfast-room, a bright-faced
+little girl with sparkling blue eyes and golden brown hair tied up with
+a pink ribbon and waving loosely over her shoulders--as all English
+girls wear their hair until they are quite young ladies. Her dress was
+very simply made, and around the neck was a pink ribbon--pink was her
+favourite colour--tied in a bow. There was a "good-morning kiss" for
+mamma, and Edith must help to fasten the rose in her hair, which Colonel
+Howard always brought his wife.
+
+Edith had a good appetite for her breakfast of porridge and cream, milk,
+eggs and toast, or fish, or perhaps grilled kidneys and tomatoes, which
+is a favourite English breakfast dish and very good indeed. Always she
+finished with marmalade.
+
+Breakfast over, then came the lessons in the schoolroom until one
+o'clock, when Edith and Miss Green had their dinner served to them here.
+After dinner she was free to walk or drive with her papa and mamma, or
+Miss Green, or play games with her little friends in the neighbourhood.
+Then for an hour in the afternoon Edith studied her lessons for the next
+day, curled up on the big green sofa near the window, while Miss Green
+read or sewed beside her, ready to help her out with a hard word.
+Finally she had tea with Miss Green in the schoolroom at six o'clock,
+and soon after this was ready for bed.
+
+Thursday was a red-letter day for Edith, for in the afternoon she always
+took tea with mamma and papa in state, in the drawing-room. This was so
+that she should learn how to go through with it in the proper manner,
+which is a very important part of a little English girl's education.
+Mamma received her just as if she was a grown-up lady visitor, while
+Edith put on her real "company" manners, and Colonel and Mrs. Howard
+often could scarcely repress a smile at her great dignity when she began
+the conversation with, "It's a charming day, is it not." "I take two
+lumps of sugar only, thank you." Rainy afternoons she often worked on
+fancy articles for the bazaars held by the Children's League of Mercy.
+Edith was a member, and the money from the sales was given to help the
+very poor children in their neighbourhood. So the little girl's days
+passed pleasantly enough, as you may imagine.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+A DAY AT HAMPTON COURT
+
+
+"NO, Towser, you can't come with us; you know you will not be allowed to
+go into the palace, and what should we do with you then," said Edith,
+patting him on the head, as she closed the gate and left poor doggie
+looking wistfully after them.
+
+Edith had been looking forward to a visit to Hampton Court for some
+time. Her mamma had promised that she could invite Eleanor and Clarence
+Whitworth and that Miss Green would take them all to spend a Saturday
+half-holiday, or rather a whole holiday, at this beautiful old palace,
+which was on the river, not very far distant from Oldham Manor.
+
+Several Saturdays had proved disappointingly rainy, but to-day was all
+they could wish for, and after calling at the vicarage for Eleanor and
+Clarence, they went down the little village street which led to the
+river landing, where there was a sign, "Boats to let."
+
+Miss Green intended to engage a waterman to row them up to the Court, as
+it was a rather long and tiresome pull.
+
+The Thames watermen are quite an institution, and are one of the oldest
+of English guilds or societies. They are banded together for the mutual
+protection of their business, which is to hire out boats--and to row
+boats and the like. Each man wears a badge, and is very jealous of his
+rights. A new man who wishes to join their band must go through a long
+apprenticeship before he can become what is publicly known as a "Thames
+Waterman."
+
+"Good morning, John," said Miss Green, to a bluff, good-natured man who
+lifted his cap to them. "Have you a good boat for us to-day? we want
+you to take us up to the Court."
+
+[Illustration: "IN A FEW MINUTES THEY HAD LANDED"]
+
+"Yes, indeed, miss, one of the best of the lot." John was their
+favourite waterman, who often rowed them when the distances were too
+great for Miss Green.
+
+It was a pretty row past the green lawns of handsome homes, and one or
+two small river villages, where the principal business is the letting of
+boats and of fishing-tackle.
+
+John's sturdy strokes soon brought them in sight of the park belonging
+to Hampton Court, surrounded by a high wall past which the river winds
+for some distance. Soon they caught sight of the red brick towers of the
+palace itself, and its beautiful gardens, and in a few minutes they had
+landed near one of the small excursion steamers that ply between London
+and Hampton Court, on which so many folk take a charming day's excursion
+on the Thames.
+
+There is also a little village at Hampton Court, as well as the palace,
+but one never pays much attention to it, except when one begins to get
+hungry, for it is mostly made up of little shops, that hang out signs on
+which is the one word, "Teas," which means one can get there their
+afternoon tea.
+
+Our little party made straight for the big iron gates which lead into
+the entrance court. On one side are barracks where soldiers live, and
+before them rises the red brick lodge or gateway through which is the
+main entrance to the palace itself.
+
+I fancy one often thinks of a palace as a great, tall, imposing building
+of many stories. Well, most palaces _do_ cover a great deal of ground,
+but many of the English ones are not so very tall. This palace is only
+two stories high, with a sort of attic at the top. Another strange thing
+about these old-time palaces is that most of the rooms are very small
+according to our modern ideas, except for a few long rooms, called
+galleries.
+
+"Let us go through the two courtyards into the gardens and sit on a
+bench under one of those old yew-trees, and I will tell you children
+something of the story of the palace; then you will enjoy seeing it much
+more," said Miss Green, as she led them into the lovely gardens where
+they could see the building to the best advantage. The children crowded
+around her as she began:
+
+"It was built several hundred years ago by the great Cardinal Wolsey who
+was minister or councillor to King Henry VIII. Wolsey became a powerful
+favourite of the king, who loaded him with royal gifts. He became
+wealthy and proud, and built for himself many grand homes, until at last
+he founded this Hampton Court, which was to be the most splendid of them
+all. But the cardinal had become by this time such a power in the
+kingdom, and was so arrogant and wealthy that the king was jealous of
+him, fearing that the cardinal would become his rival.
+
+"To counteract this, the cardinal presented his palace at Hampton Court
+to the king, and so it became a royal palace. But this did not prevent
+the cardinal's downfall.
+
+"Until a hundred or more years ago this palace was a favourite home of
+the Royal Family, but now it is only a show-place for holiday-makers."
+
+"I don't see how the king could have treated the poor cardinal badly
+after he gave him such a beautiful home," remarked Edith, as they
+entered the palace.
+
+"Ah, well! perhaps he deserved it," said Miss Green, as they went up the
+grand stairway and through room after room filled with pictures, and
+some of the furniture of those old days.
+
+They could see the beds on which had slept many royal persons. Around
+this furniture were drawn ropes so no one could touch it or sit upon the
+chairs. The floors were highly waxed, and in every room was a guardian
+or sort of policeman, who closely watched visitors to see that nothing
+was disturbed.
+
+"Well, they did have a great number of rooms," said Eleanor, after they
+had walked through many bedchambers, anterooms, and reception-rooms.
+
+"Yes," answered Miss Green, "they were necessary not only for the Royal
+Family itself, but for the many people who were always attached to the
+court.
+
+"Here is the 'throne-room,'" she continued, "where the king or queen sat
+in that gilt chair which stands on a dais or platform raised several
+steps above the floor." Above the chair was a velvet canopy surmounted
+by a gilt crown. Usually the arms of England (the "Lion and the
+Unicorn") were embroidered in gold and coloured silks on the velvet
+background behind the throne. Here the kings and queens held their
+audiences, and saw those who wished to present some petition or ask some
+royal favour.
+
+"This is one of the most splendid old-time 'banqueting-halls' in our
+country," said Miss Green, as they came into the great chamber with a
+high roof of great carved wood beams and windows of coloured glass.
+Around the walls were great stag heads, and over the entrance door was a
+gallery where the musicians played while guests ate dinner at the long
+tables. The guests sat on wooden benches or stools, while the persons of
+high rank occupied chairs at a table at the end of the hall, which was
+placed on a raised platform which separated them from those of inferior
+rank.
+
+"Can't we see the big grape-vine now?" said Edith, as they left the
+palace itself.
+
+Miss Green led the way through the rose-garden, and past Queen Mary's
+Bower, a shady and favourite walk of one of the queens, so shut in by
+trees that it looked like a green tunnel. "There is the vine-house,"
+exclaimed Clarence, as they came to a long, low, glass house which
+covered the huge vine, nearly two hundred years old, the largest single
+vine in the world. The trunk looked like that of a small tree, and its
+branches, hanging thick with bunches of grapes, covered the glass roof.
+At various times its home had to be added to, and still the vine has to
+be constantly pruned to keep it within bounds.
+
+"I should like to eat some of those grapes when they are ripe," said
+Eleanor, looking up at the clusters over her head.
+
+"You would have to be one of the Royal Family to do that," Miss Green
+smilingly said. "They are all kept for the king's own use."
+
+"Well, are you young people ready for dinner?" asked the governess,
+looking at her watch as they left the vine-house. "It is nearly one
+o'clock, so we had better have our dinner, and then we can spend the
+afternoon in the gardens and park."
+
+"Afterward we can go through the Maze, Eleanor," cried Edith, as,
+holding each other by the hand, the little girls skipped through the
+garden paths.
+
+"Yes, but dinner first, by all means," said Clarence, "and let us go to
+one of the places on the river, please, Miss Green, where we can watch
+the boats."
+
+On the gallery of one of the inns that overlook the river they found a
+round table that would just accommodate their party. Here they could
+enjoy a fine view of the palace and the river, and a substantial meal at
+the same time.
+
+"Now for the 'Maze,'" cried the young people, when they entered the
+gardens again. The "Maze" is an elaborate labyrinth, whose pattern is
+laid out in high-clipped hedges of box-trees. One can lose themselves
+for some time amid its tangle of paths before it is possible to reach
+the centre, and come back again to the starting-place.
+
+"By paying a penny I can watch your efforts," said Miss Green, as she
+paid her penny to the guardian, and mounted a little platform which
+overlooks the tangle of paths. "I think I shall enjoy this more than
+rushing around through the hot sun," she said, smiling down on her
+charges.
+
+Finding the right path through the Maze is one of the favourite
+amusements of the children when they visit Hampton Court, and our three
+young friends were soon rushing around laughing in the wildest
+excitement.
+
+It took nearly an hour's fun before they were able to reach the centre
+and get out again, Clarence being rather crestfallen that the girls had
+beaten him out.
+
+"Oh, we _are_ warm," said Edith, as they ran up to Miss Green, panting
+and fanning their faces with their hats.
+
+"Indeed you are. Come, and we will rest and cool off in the park. The
+chestnut-trees look lovely with their spikes of white flowers."
+
+Under the great trees, groups of children were playing about, or having
+picnic lunches, or amusing themselves with the deer, which live in the
+park, and are so used to visitors that they are very tame, and will even
+eat out of one's hand.
+
+"I should like to come here next Sunday; it will be 'Chestnut Sunday'"
+said Clarence, as they threw themselves on the soft grass.
+
+"Oh," said Edith, "that is always one of the first Sundays in May."
+
+"Yes," continued Clarence, "the first Sunday after the chestnut-trees
+come in full blossom."
+
+Thousands of people come here from London and the surrounding country on
+that day, that they may drive through this long avenue that leads
+directly through the park to the palace and admire the display of
+blossoms on the great trees that line the avenue on both sides.
+
+Clarence grew enthusiastic. "It's a jolly sight, I can tell you, to see
+vehicles of all kinds, from bicycles and coster's carts to big
+four-in-hand coaches and automobiles. There is such a jam on the avenue
+that they can only creep along; it's like a big picnic."
+
+"Is it not nearly tea-time? We are so thirsty, Miss Green," said
+Eleanor, as the sun began to drop behind the trees. The little girls had
+amused themselves by making endless daisy chains, and decorating their
+hats with the "may" as they call the hawthorn-bloom, while Miss Green
+read to them from a story-book.
+
+"Yes, we must not be too late in getting home; we will stop at one of
+the little tea-shops near the boat-landing."
+
+It was a neat little cottage which they selected, covered with vines,
+with a small flower-garden in front. The pleasant-faced hostess soon
+brought in a big tea-tray covered with a dainty cloth on which was a big
+pot of tea, cut bread and butter, and delicious strawberries, such as
+only grow in England. "Nearly as big as my fist," declared Clarence, but
+this was perhaps putting it rather strongly, though each one made a big
+mouthful as the young folk ate them, dipping them first into sugar.
+
+They sang songs as they rowed home, and the tunes were taken up by other
+boats full of young people out for the Saturday half-holiday.
+
+"We have had such a lovely time; thank you so much, Miss Green," said
+the young Whitworths as they parted at their gate.
+
+"It _has_ been a nice day, and we will have some others, too, when
+Adelaide comes, won't we?" said Edith.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+A DRIVE TO RICHMOND AND KEW GARDENS
+
+
+ADELAIDE STAMFORD was Edith's first cousin and lived in London. She was
+not as strong as Edith, and during the winter her mamma had taken her to
+Brighton, which is the great winter seaside resort. Although it is also
+a very fashionable place, many invalids go there to enjoy the warm
+sunshine. Adelaide was taken up and down the fine promenade in a bath
+chair, which is a kind of big baby-carriage which a man pulls, or pushes
+along. She also sat in the glass "shelters" along the sea front, which
+keep off the wind nicely, and are like small glass houses.
+
+So Adelaide had become much stronger, but the smoky London fog had again
+made her rather pale and thin, and so she was coming to spend a few
+weeks with the Howards, to see if Surrey air would not be beneficial.
+
+She was Edith's favourite cousin, and the little girls were nearly of
+the same age. Edith looked forward to having her share her lessons, and
+planned many pleasant drives together in their neighbourhood, which is
+one of the most beautiful and interesting in England.
+
+"My dear, we must not only have roses in our garden, we must get some
+into your cheeks," said Colonel Howard, as he lifted a little pale-faced
+girl with dark hair and eyes out of the dog-cart which had brought her
+from the station.
+
+"She must stay out-of-doors as much as possible, and on the river, and
+Edith will take her on some of her favourite drives, and we will soon
+have her looking as plump as our little girl," said her aunt as she
+kissed her.
+
+Mrs. Howard then took Adelaide up to Edith's room, where another bed
+had been put up for her.
+
+"Kate will arrange your things in their proper places," said Mrs.
+Howard, as the neat-capped maid came to take her coat and hat. "I must
+leave you now, we are very busy. Edith has probably told you that the
+'Sunday-school treat' is to be held on our lawn this afternoon, so, when
+you have rested, come into the garden and help us amuse the little
+ones."
+
+"A treat" in other words is a picnic, and often only an afternoon
+picnic, as in this case. The children of the neighbourhood had early
+gathered in the churchyard, and were marshalled by the vicar and their
+teachers into a procession.
+
+Marching two by two, they came down the street, and through the big
+gates of the manor, where they quickly spread themselves in merry groups
+over the lawns. Soon everybody was in full swing for a good time; games
+were started, and Clarence with some of the older boys put up a
+cricket-pitch in one corner of the grounds. The croquet lawn was also
+well patronized.
+
+Colonel Howard had generously arranged for a small steam-launch to take
+the children for short trips up the river and back again; this was
+perhaps more popular than anything else.
+
+Meanwhile Mrs. Howard and Mrs. Whitworth superintended the setting of
+the tables on the grass under gay red and white awnings.
+
+The summons to tea was welcome, and the children joyfully gathered
+around the well-filled tables. There were huge plates of sandwiches,
+cakes, buns, jam, and big strawberries. All the good things melted away
+so quickly that it kept the older folks running to bring more, while
+nobody stopped to count the cups of tea that each one stowed away.
+
+There was a little lull after this, while they listened to a band of
+music placed under the trees.
+
+Adelaide greatly enjoyed it; it was more of a novelty to her than her
+cousin, and she was much interested in helping feed the swans, who had
+evidently got wind of the entertainment and knew that their chances for
+food were good. A number of these graceful birds had gathered along the
+river bank, and the children were stuffing them with pieces of buns.
+There was one greedy old swan that amused them very much; he was always
+trying to peck the more timid ones away and gobble up everything
+himself, just like some greedy children we all have seen.
+
+The twilight was closing in when the last band of young people left,
+singing songs, and waving their hats and handkerchiefs; all of them very
+grateful for the happy time they had enjoyed so much.
+
+"Miss Green says if we are very good she will take us for a drive in the
+governess-cart to Richmond and Kew Gardens this afternoon," Edith
+confidentially whispered to Adelaide, as they went up to the schoolroom
+the next day. Lessons were learned as by magic that morning, and Tony
+and the cart were at the door early in the afternoon.
+
+Tony was one of the dearest of ponies, and was almost as much of a
+playmate with the children as Towser.
+
+"Look at Tony as we get in, Adelaide; he has the funniest little way of
+looking around at you." Sure enough, Tony was peering around at them as
+much as to say, "I'm watching you; aren't you almost ready to start?"
+
+They halted a moment at the vicarage to arrange that Eleanor and
+Clarence should meet them at the bird-pond in Kew Gardens. Soon they
+were driving through the beautiful Richmond Park. Miss Green pointed
+out White Lodge, one of the many royal residences; a rather small,
+plain, white house in the centre of the park. "It was here," she
+continued, "that young Prince Edward, the eldest son of the Prince of
+Wales, who will some day be King of England, was born. His birthday was
+celebrated by a great dinner which was given by the late Queen Victoria
+to all the children of Richmond. Tables were set under the trees in the
+old park, at which hundreds of children feasted, and speeches were made
+in honour of the young prince. Afterward each child was given a mug, on
+which was a picture of the queen and the date, which they could always
+keep as a souvenir, or remembrance, of the day."
+
+"Oh, yes, Miss Green," said Edith, "you remember that Betty's little
+sister has one of the mugs, and Betty once showed it to me."
+
+"Look at the deer, Adelaide," said Edith, as she caught her cousin by
+the hand. "See, they want to cross the road, and are waiting for us to
+go past." Sure enough, there stood, watching the cart, a great herd of
+these graceful creatures, very erect, with their dainty heads crowned
+with big, branching horns. They were evidently undecided whether or not
+they had time enough to cross the road before the cart would reach them;
+then one made up his mind and darted across, another followed, and then
+the entire herd swept swiftly by, then turned again to look at the cart,
+as much as to say, "Well, we did it."
+
+"Here is the famous view from Richmond Hill, known all over the world,"
+said Miss Green, as she pulled up Tony for a few minutes, that the girls
+might admire the winding River Thames, far below them, lying like a
+silver ribbon between green meadows and wooded hills. "Authors and
+artists alike have helped to make this view celebrated," said Miss
+Green, "and that big building on the left is the famous 'Star and
+Garter' hotel. It used to be the fashion to drive down from London and
+lunch on its terrace, from which one gets a most beautiful view down the
+Thames valley."
+
+Edith was trying to point out to Adelaide the tower of Windsor Castle,
+where the king and the Royal Family live when they are not in London.
+"We will go over there some day while you are with us, Adelaide."
+
+"Miss Green," continued Edith, as the pony trotted down the long, narrow
+street into the town, "won't you please stop at the 'Maid of Honor'
+shop, so we can buy some cakes?"
+
+"I can never get Edith past this place," laughed Miss Green, as she
+pulled up in front of an old-fashioned shop, painted green, with a big
+sign over the front: "THE ORIGINAL MAID OF HONOR SHOP."
+
+While the little girls make their purchases you might like to hear the
+story of these famous cakes.
+
+It is said they were first made for King Henry VIII., by one of the
+Maids of Honor at his court, and this is why they are called "Maid of
+Honor" cakes. A _Maid of Honor_ is not really a maid or a servant, but a
+lady who attends upon the queen--a companion.
+
+Well, the king thought the cakes tasted so good that many more were made
+for him, and the recipe was kept safely guarded in a fine chest with a
+gold lock and key; but somehow it became known, and was handed down
+until it became the property of the present owner of the shop, who
+claims that his cakes are still made by the same recipe as those eaten
+by King Henry hundreds of years ago.
+
+By this time the little girls were driving past the "Green." Every town
+and village in England has an open grass plot which is either called
+the "Green" or the "Common," which means that it is common property, and
+it is here that the young people play games.
+
+"There is all that is left of Richmond Palace," said Miss Green,
+pointing to an ancient gateway with a part of a dwelling attached. "Once
+it was a favourite residence of the great Queen Elizabeth.
+
+"Many great men lived during the reign of 'Good Queen Bess,' as she was
+called, but you must not forget the greatest of them all--Shakespeare."
+
+"Oh, yes," said Edith, "papa and mamma are going this summer to visit
+the village where he lived, and they have promised to take me. What is
+the name of the place, Miss Green? I have forgotten it."
+
+"Stratford-on-Avon, and you must never forget the name of the town where
+lived the greatest English poet, my dear," replied Miss Green.
+
+"Did not a great many kings and queens live in Richmond, besides Queen
+Elizabeth?" asked Adelaide.
+
+"Yes, it was a favourite home of royalty, and that is why it was called
+'Royal Richmond,' and the town has always been proud of the numbers of
+great people who have lived here, poets and writers and painters as well
+as kings and queens.
+
+"I will have the cart put up at one of the little inns near the big
+gates," said Miss Green, as they drove up to the entrance to Kew
+Gardens.
+
+Soon our party were strolling over the soft grass and among the lovely
+flower-beds, for here people can walk and play over the grass as they
+like, for there are no horrid "Keep off the Grass" signs.
+
+If you want to know what any plant or tree in the whole world looks
+like, you have only to come here and you will find a specimen of it,
+either growing out in the open, or in the museum, which makes these
+gardens of great value. They were begun first by a certain King George,
+whose palace is still standing in one corner of the gardens, and who
+afterward made it a present to the nation.
+
+Our party made straight for the pond where they were to meet their
+little friends.
+
+"There they are now," cried Edith, "and Clarence is feeding that funny
+old bird that follows everybody around."
+
+"I have given this old fellow two buns already, and he is still begging
+for more," said Clarence, as the two little girls ran up.
+
+It is a great treat for the children to watch the queer water-birds from
+all parts of the world whose homes are in and around this pond.
+
+On Saturday afternoons especially, numbers of young people of all ages
+gather there at the hour when the birds are fed. The birds are petted
+and fed so much that they are very tame, and the gray gull that Clarence
+was talking about, follows every one about begging like a kitten or a
+dog. There are ducks of all kinds, and all colours, that scoot over the
+water, swallowing the unwary flies and waterbugs who stray in their
+path, and dive for the bits of cake and bread which are thrown to them
+by the children. There are beautiful red flamingos, and storks that
+stand on one leg with their heads under one wing, and all kinds of queer
+birds with long, stick-like legs. But the funniest of all are the big
+white pelicans.
+
+"Do look at them," cried Adelaide, "they know their dinner is coming."
+The five pelicans had been huddled up in a bunch in one corner, with
+their eyes tight shut, one might think fast asleep. Just then the keeper
+came down to the water's edge with a big basket of fish. Such a flapping
+of wings! The pelicans were instantly wide-awake, and, rushing forward,
+crowded about the keeper, opening their enormously long beaks, to which
+is attached a kind of natural sack or bag which they use for holding
+their food until they can better masticate it.
+
+As each one's share of the fish was tossed into its big mouth, it
+disappeared like lightning. Meanwhile, all the other birds, big and
+little, had rushed up demanding their share. Such "quacks" and "gowks"
+and "squeaks"! You never heard such a funny lot of voices. The greedy
+old gull hopped right under the keeper's feet, until he got the biggest
+fish of all, and dragged it off into a corner all by himself.
+
+Our young people watched the birds for some time, then went through some
+of the big greenhouses full of palms, and all sorts of tropical plants,
+and finally drove back home through the quaint little village of Kew.
+
+"In this churchyard is buried one of our most famous painters," said
+Miss Green, as they passed the quaint church which stands on one side of
+the Kew Green,--"Gainsborough, who was especially fond of painting
+portraits of beautiful women. But we must not stop longer, as it is
+growing late," she continued, so touching up Tony, they went along all
+in high spirits, though Adelaide confessed she did feel a bit tired, and
+both the little girls were quite ready for their tea when they reached
+the manor.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+WITH TOM AT WINDSOR CASTLE AND ETON
+
+
+"WHEN do we start, papa, and which way are we to go, and are we to see
+Tom first, or the castle?" asked Edith, all in one breath, as soon as
+she had kissed her mamma and papa good morning in the breakfast-room.
+
+"Oh, you little fidget!" said Colonel Howard, good-naturedly, "sit down
+and eat your breakfast and we will try and answer one question at a
+time. Now, which would you rather see first, Tom or the castle?"
+
+"Tom, of course," cried Edith, without hesitation, for she and her
+brother were great chums, though she was only a little girl, while in
+her eyes, as well as in his own, Master Tom was quite a man.
+
+"Well, then, Tom first, and we will take him to the castle with us.
+Though he has been there before, he will enjoy the day with us.
+
+"We will drive along the river road, for that is the prettiest way,
+though the longest, and we will start as soon as mamma is ready. Now,
+miss, all of your questions are satisfactorily answered, and it only
+remains for you children not to keep us waiting."
+
+There was no danger of that. The young people were in the carriage
+before Colonel and Mrs. Howard came down-stairs, and soon they were
+bowling along the shady road, the hawthorn hedges on either side
+perfuming the air with their white blossoms.
+
+They passed through several quaint little riverside villages with queer
+little inns, where those who want to fish or boat on the river go for a
+lunch or tea, which they can enjoy on a gallery, or in a garden
+overlooking the water.
+
+"There's Windsor Castle," cried Edith. "I knew it from the pictures; it
+is a real story-book castle." And, sure enough, high up over the trees
+rose the great gray towers and walls at whose very base flowed the
+Thames.
+
+"There is one of the most historic spots on our river," said Colonel
+Howard, pointing to a small island covered with trees. "It does not look
+very important, but tradition says a great event took place there. Way
+back in the early history of our country the kings had such absolute
+power that they could do almost anything they liked, and if they were
+not good men this led them to oppress their subjects and take away their
+liberties. So the great barons of the country forced King John to give
+them their 'Charter,' on this little island, called Runnymede. All this
+is difficult for you little girls to understand, but some day you will
+read more about it in your history."
+
+"You can see, Edith, over those meadows yonder, where Tom lives. That is
+Eton, and this is one of the prettiest views of the college," said Mrs.
+Howard.
+
+In a few minutes they were among the old buildings of the most famous of
+boys' schools, and found Tom ready for them, full of enthusiasm at the
+prospect of a day off in company with his family.
+
+The Howard family was a very devoted one, and no wonder they were proud
+of Tom. He was a fine, healthy, rosy-cheeked boy with frank, blue eyes
+and short-clipped brown hair. He had on a suit like that worn by all the
+Eton boys, which has now become the proper dress for English boys of
+certain ages, especially schoolboys. It consists of long gray trousers
+and a short black jacket, coming just to the waist, known as the "Eton
+jacket"; over this is a broad white collar, and they wear with this
+costume a high silk hat, just like the one your papa wears, except of
+course it is smaller.
+
+"I wrote to you that I was in the 'eights' that is to row at Henley,
+papa; well, we are working hard to beat them. By Jove! we have got a
+strict coach; he is keeping the fellows up to the mark," and Tom talked
+on with enthusiasm about the boat-races at Henley-on-Thames, at which
+their crew of eight was to compete for one of the prizes known as "The
+Ladies' Plate."
+
+As he talked, he led them through the colleges and into the chapel,
+pointing out everything to the little girls with a lofty air of
+proprietorship which greatly impressed them with his importance, and
+when he showed them the "playing fields" where cricket was going on, and
+spoke in an offhand manner of "our men," the little girls looked at him
+with great awe and admiration.
+
+It was all new to Edith and Adelaide, so Tom took them through some of
+the old class-rooms, where many celebrated men had learned their
+lessons. The rough, wooden benches and desks had been hacked and cut up
+by the knives of schoolboys for many hundred years. It used to be the
+fashion for the boys to cut their names somewhere on the oak-panelled
+walls of their schoolrooms, and many names that have since become famous
+can be seen there to-day. The boys liked to do it all the more, because
+it was forbidden, but gradually it became the custom, and the proper
+thing to do.
+
+After Tom had duly impressed the glories of his school upon his sister
+and cousin, the whole party set out for Windsor Castle, just across the
+river from Eton.
+
+In a few minutes they were climbing the hill on which the castle stands,
+and the carriage stopped at the big entrance gate, on either side of
+which stands a sentry in a bright red coat and a great bearskin helmet
+on his head.
+
+[Illustration: WINDSOR CASTLE]
+
+"Now, my dears, you are really inside the king's home," said Colonel
+Howard, as with some other visitors they followed the guide through the
+handsome rooms, with their elegant furniture and valuable pictures. From
+the windows was a fine view extending many miles over the great park
+which surrounds the castle.
+
+"On certain days of the week," said Colonel Howard, "a band plays on the
+terrace below, and then the grounds and terrace are free to all who wish
+to come, while the Royal Family often sit at these windows and enjoy the
+music."
+
+They also visited the beautiful chapel, where the king and his family
+attend service when they are at the castle.
+
+Soon our party came to meet the carriage again outside the great
+gateway. "Drive to the 'White Swan,' John," said Colonel Howard, "we
+are going to lunch there."
+
+"That's good," said Tom. "It's a jolly nice place; they will give us a
+good dinner. Look, papa," he continued, excitedly, "there is Prince
+Eddie and his brother in that carriage coming toward us. I knew they
+were staying at 'Frogmore House.'"
+
+The two boy princes, manly-looking young boys, dressed in sailor suits,
+were chattering gaily with their tutor, who accompanied them, and
+smilingly returned the bows of Colonel Howard's party as they passed.
+
+They are the two oldest sons of the Prince of Wales; they are
+fine-looking little fellows, and enjoy nothing better than their home
+life in the country, cycling around Windsor Park, or fishing and boating
+on the river.
+
+Our little party enjoyed a bountiful dinner in the cool dining-room of
+the "White Swan Inn," with its dark, oak-panelled walls, and big
+sideboard, set out with fine old silver and china.
+
+The solemn, smooth-faced old waiter deftly served them. First they had a
+delicious fried sole, and then the dish without which no English person
+thinks dinner is complete,--a big joint of good English roast beef,
+which as a matter of fact mostly comes from Scotland.
+
+With the roast beef there are potatoes and vegetables. Afterward there
+was a pudding, for a real English dinner must always finish with
+pudding. Then follows cheese, which is eaten with salad, the salad being
+usually lettuce and eaten only with salt. Sometimes they have coffee
+after dinner, but the English are not great coffee drinkers. You must
+have found out by this time that they are much more fond of tea.
+
+"Let's go for a row on the river," was the first suggestion after they
+had left the table and were seated in the garden of the inn, from Tom,
+who was eager to show his skill in handling the oars.
+
+"I am sure your mother and I prefer to rest awhile; we are not so keen
+for exertion just after dinner," said Colonel Howard, "but you can take
+the two girls, only don't go too far, for we have a long ride before
+us."
+
+So the young people enjoyed a half-hour's row; then Tom was driven back
+to his school, all promising to meet again at Henley.
+
+It was the cool of the evening when John drove through the manor gates,
+and needless to say our two little girls slept that night like tops.
+Somehow this toy has the reputation of being a very sound sleeper. Can
+somebody explain why?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+LONDON--HYDE PARK AND WESTMINSTER ABBEY
+
+
+ADELAIDE'S visit to Oldham Manor was at an end, and Edith was to return
+with her to spend a week in London. You can imagine how excited she was
+at the thought of all she would see in the great city.
+
+Adelaide was so much improved by her stay in the country that she seemed
+quite another little girl who waved good-bye to her good uncle and aunt
+as the train pulled out of the little railway station. Miss Green was to
+see them safely to the end of their journey and return again the same
+day.
+
+"Does not London look smoky and dark?" exclaimed Edith, as their cab
+took them swiftly through the crowded streets.
+
+"And this, too, is a very fair day for London," said Miss Green, "but
+here we are in Langham Gardens," as the cab turned into a square with a
+small park, or garden, in the centre, around which were substantial
+houses. Much of London is built around such little squares. Soon the cab
+stopped before a comfortable brick house of four stories with white
+stone trimmings.
+
+In front of each window was what is called a window-garden, an
+ornamental box full of bright flowering plants. All the better class
+London dwellings have these window-gardens, which do so much toward
+brightening up the gloomy rows of houses. The front door was a rich
+green in colour and in the centre was a big brass knocker. A few hard
+raps brought the maid, and Adelaide was soon in her mother's arms, who
+was greatly pleased at seeing her looking so well.
+
+"Take Edith to your room, my dear," said Mrs. Stamford, "and do not be
+long, for lunch will soon be ready."
+
+Adelaide's room was a very nice one, but one could not see the flowers
+and river from its windows, as from Edith's in Surrey. They looked over
+endless roof-tops and smoking chimneys. Opening out of it was a sort of
+play-room and schoolroom combined. Here Adelaide had her lessons with
+her teacher, who came every day for that purpose.
+
+"Oh, Fluff, lazy fellow, there you are," cried Adelaide, as a beautiful
+white Persian cat slowly uncurled himself from the depths of an armchair
+and came toward them with great deliberation, like the aristocratic
+pussy that he was. He knew his own value, and had evidently made up his
+mind that he would not show his little mistress how delighted he was to
+get her back again, for fear of compromising his dignity.
+
+"Is not he a beauty, Edith?" said Adelaide, stroking his long, silky,
+white fur. Fluff, having at last given in, mounted to her shoulder, and
+settled there with a soft murmur of purrs.
+
+"He comes of a fine family, I can tell you, and at the last Royal Cat
+Show, at the Crystal Palace, he took a gold medal; there it is hanging
+up in the cabinet. There is no use trying to keep it tied on Fluff, he
+only tries to lick it off all the time; besides, it would spoil his
+beautiful ruff."
+
+The two little girls had lunch with Mrs. Stamford, for Adelaide had all
+her meals in the big dining-room, except tea, which she had with her
+teacher, Miss Winton, in the schoolroom.
+
+Mrs. Stamford was a widow and Adelaide her only child, so she and her
+mother were much together and were real companions to each other.
+
+"How would you and Edith like to go with me to Hyde Park this
+afternoon?" asked Mrs. Stamford. "The king is to open the new Royal
+Hospital, and as the procession passes through the park you will be able
+to see it well."
+
+"How splendid! We will really see the king and queen, aunty? Do let's
+go," and Edith jumped up and down in her chair with excitement.
+
+"Be ready, then, so that we can leave directly after lunch, for he is to
+pass Albert Gate at three o'clock, and we must be early to get a place."
+
+The park looked gayer than usual this afternoon, with plenty of
+well-dressed people in fine carriages drawn by well-groomed horses and
+driven by pompous coachmen; some of the handsomest carriages had
+coachmen and footmen in bright-coloured liveries and powdered wigs. A
+carriage like this you may be sure held some grand person. All along the
+edge of the drives were rows of chairs; toward these Mrs. Stamford made
+her way and selected three in the front row.
+
+Presently one of the men who have the seats in charge came up, and Mrs.
+Stamford paid him a penny for the use of each seat.
+
+The crowd grew more dense and the big policemen were now keeping the
+driveway clear.
+
+Edith had noticed in the two chairs next to her a little girl,
+apparently but little older than herself, and a boy evidently younger.
+They had been talking eagerly together, and Edith could tell that
+everything was new and strange to them.
+
+Presently the little girl, who had been glancing at Edith, leaned over
+and said, eagerly: "They will soon be here, won't they? I so much want
+to see a real live king and queen. You know we don't have kings and
+queens in our country. We are Americans. My mamma's name is Mrs. White
+and I am Carrie White and Henry is my youngest brother. I have two
+brothers at home in New York older than myself, and we are staying at
+the Hotel Cecil."
+
+The little girl poured out her information rapidly, before Edith had
+time to say a word.
+
+"We have a 'President' in our country; he drives around in processions,
+too, but he does not wear a crown like your king," chimed in the little
+boy. "I wish he was going to have it on to-day, but I suppose he only
+puts it on for grand occasions."
+
+"Yes," said Adelaide, joining in the conversation, "he wears it when he
+goes to open Parliament. I saw that procession once. It was a fine
+sight, better than this will be, because he and the queen rode in the
+great gilded coach that cost ever so much money. They both had on their
+crowns and rich red robes trimmed with ermine, and they smiled and bowed
+as they drove along. The coach was drawn by eight beautiful
+cream-coloured horses with harness of red and gold, and each horse was
+led by a groom dressed in a red uniform with a powdered wig and black
+velvet cap. Behind were two footmen, also in red and gold, and on either
+side of the carriage walked the 'Beefeaters,' as the Yeomen of the Guard
+are called."
+
+"Oh, those are the men who take care of the Crown Jewels in the Tower of
+London. We saw them," broke in the little boy.
+
+"Yes," hurriedly went on Adelaide, "and before the coach rode a
+detachment of the Royal Horse Guards. Oh, they are splendid! And behind
+rode some more Horse Guards; then followed lots of carriages."
+
+Mrs. Stamford had been listening to the children with some amusement.
+
+"Are you alone, my dears?" she finally asked the little American girl.
+
+"Oh, yes, Henry and I came all by ourselves from the hotel. Poor mamma
+had such a bad headache she could not come, but she did not want us to
+be disappointed, so she got the hotel porter to put us on the right
+'bus, and he told the conductor where to let us off, and all we have got
+to do when we want to go back is to ask the big policeman at the gate to
+put us on the same 'bus again."
+
+"Oh," gasped Edith in amazement, "aren't you afraid?"
+
+She could not imagine Adelaide and herself crossing several miles of the
+busiest part of London without Mrs. Stamford, the governess, or a maid
+accompanying them.
+
+"Why, no, of course not," laughed Henry. "It _is_ rather hard to find
+the right 'bus, because they have got so many names all over them, but a
+policeman will always set you right; they are right good fellows, your
+policemen; they take a lot of trouble for one."
+
+"Here they come," some one called out, as cheering was heard, and the
+children jumped up on their chairs.
+
+First came a number of mounted policemen, and then many carriages
+containing great people, and members of the Royal Family. Then the Royal
+Horse Guards, the finest regiment of soldiers in the kingdom, whose duty
+is always to escort the king. They did make a fine showing in their
+white trousers and red coats, their glittering breastplates and helmets,
+swords clanking by their sides, and sitting so straight on their black
+horses.
+
+"They are fine," said Henry. "I wish Billy could see them."
+
+"Hush, here is the king," said Adelaide.
+
+An open carriage passed swiftly. On the high box sat the coachman and
+footman in the royal liveries of a bright red, powdered wigs on their
+heads, and on the lapel of the coachman's coat was a huge rosette. At
+the back of the carriage stood two footmen, also in the red livery.
+
+King Edward VII. was dressed in a field-marshal's uniform, and kept his
+hand in salute a greater part of the time.
+
+Queen Alexandra was seated on his right, and looked very sweet and
+pretty in a violet-coloured dress and hat to match. She carried in her
+hand a big bouquet of flowers. In a moment they had passed, followed by
+more soldiers. The children had waved their handkerchiefs, and Henry and
+Carrie cheered with the rest.
+
+"We are going in your direction, and I will see you safely on your 'bus,
+or perhaps you had better take a cab," said Adelaide's mother, to their
+new friends, as they walked to the big gateway of the park.
+
+"Thank you, ma'am," said the little American children, "but we would
+rather go on top of the 'bus; it is more fun, and we can see more."
+
+"Good-bye," the young Americans shouted, as they climbed on their 'bus.
+"You must come and see us when you come to New York," called out Carrie,
+as with smiles and waving hands the clumsy 'bus rolled them away.
+
+"What would you like to show Edith to-day?" asked Mrs. Stamford of her
+little daughter, as they sat at the breakfast-table the next morning.
+"You will have a holiday from your lessons while Edith is here, so Miss
+Winton will go with you to-day."
+
+"Of course she must see Westminster Abbey, and the Tower of London, and
+Madame Tussaud's, and the Zoo," said Adelaide, in one breath.
+
+"Not all in one day," laughed her mother. "Suppose you go to the Abbey
+this morning and drive with me this afternoon to Kensington Palace. Then
+see the Tower to-morrow."
+
+The girls were soon ready. "Let us walk, Miss Winton," said Adelaide, as
+they crossed the gardens into the busy street. "There is so much we can
+show Edith on the way to the Abbey. See, Edith, there is Buckingham
+Palace, where the king lives when he is in London."
+
+It did not look as handsome as one imagines a palace ought to look; it
+seemed rather dark and gloomy, though it was a big building.
+
+"You can tell that the king is there because the royal standard is
+flying over the roof," explained Adelaide. "That is the Royal Family's
+own flag. It is made of the three coat-of-arms of the three kingdoms
+which compose Great Britain,--the three golden lions of England, the one
+rampant red lion of Scotland, and the gold harp of Ireland. It is
+different, you will see, from the ordinary flag of England, called the
+'Union Jack,' and more elaborate and beautiful," said Miss Winton. "The
+design of the 'Union Jack' is made of the three crosses of the three
+ancient patron saints of Great Britain,--St. George of England, St.
+Andrew of Scotland, and St. Patrick of Ireland."
+
+They crossed St. James's Park, which is in front of the palace, and a
+few minutes' walk brought them to the beautiful church of Westminster
+Abbey, which is the pride of every Englishman.
+
+Here, in front of the great altar, the English kings and queens have
+been crowned, and many of them lie buried in the chapels which surround
+the choir.
+
+Edith saw the coronation chair, which is very old, and on which the
+sovereigns sit when the crown is placed on their heads by the Archbishop
+of Canterbury.
+
+Many monuments of good and great people, as well as of kings and queens,
+fill the Abbey to overflowing; for Englishmen consider it a great honour
+to be buried under the stone floor of the Abbey.
+
+But perhaps the most interesting part is what is called the "Poets'
+Corner," where most of the great English poets are either buried, or
+have monuments erected to their memory.
+
+Our little American cousins will see there a marble bust of their poet
+Longfellow, erected by admirers of his in England.
+
+"Do you see that stone in the floor with the flowers on it?" said Miss
+Winton; "that is the grave of the great author, Charles Dickens, who
+wrote the touching story I read to you, Adelaide, of 'Little Nell' and
+her grandfather, called 'The Old Curiosity Shop.'
+
+"'The Old Curiosity Shop' itself is still to be seen, which is the same
+house, it is claimed, that Dickens took for the imaginary home of
+'Little Nell,' and where she took such good care of her grandfather."
+
+As they left the Abbey, Miss Winton pointed out to Edith the great
+Houses of Parliament, where the laws of the kingdom are made.
+
+"Let us stop, Miss Winton, and have a glass of milk from the cows as we
+go through the park," said Adelaide, as they walked on.
+
+"Do they have cows in London?" asked Edith.
+
+"Well, it does not seem likely, does it," smiled Miss Winton, "but these
+cows have very old rights to be in St. James's Park, not so very far
+from the Royal Palace, which you saw this morning. Many years ago,
+before London became the biggest city in the world, as it now is, with
+its millions of people, there used to be a big 'Milk Fair' at this end
+of the park. Here were brought many cows, and their milk was sold to the
+good people of London. Now all that remains of this 'Milk Fair' are the
+two cows you see yonder, tethered under the trees eating grass as
+composedly as if they were out on a country farm.
+
+"The cows do not know how nearly they came to losing their comfortable
+quarters lately; for a new street is being put through to connect the
+park with Trafalgar Square, and those in charge of the work decided the
+poor cows were in the way and must go. This nearly broke the hearts of
+the two old sisters, who own the cows, and sell the milk. So they
+petitioned King Edward that they and their cows might remain
+undisturbed. The king kindly gave them permission, only they will have
+to move a few hundred yards away from their present place so as not to
+interfere with the new street."
+
+Under a wooden shelter the children found the two old ladies filling
+glasses with milk for the boys and girls who are now about the only
+patrons of the "Milk Fair." Perhaps the sweetmeats and cakes that are
+also to be bought there attract them as well.
+
+"Now, we must hurry home," said Miss Winton, "or we shall be late for
+lunch."
+
+After lunch Mrs. Stamford drove with the little girls to Kensington
+Palace. This is another palace belonging to the king. You see royalty
+had plenty of homes scattered around, so when they got tired of one they
+could move into another.
+
+This palace is principally of interest because it was the first home of
+Queen Victoria. But what the children like to see are the toys she
+played with during her childhood in the old palace.
+
+They are all kept in the queen's old nursery. Edith and Adelaide looked
+at them with a hushed reverence, though they were plain, simple little
+things,--some dolls and dolls' house furniture, not half so fine as the
+toys they had themselves at home, for the queen had been brought up very
+simply.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+THE TOWER OF LONDON
+
+
+"LET'S go to the Tower on top of a 'bus," clamoured the little girls,
+and it did not take long for them to scramble up on to the first one
+that came along. "It is so nice and wobbly," they declared, "and the
+people in the streets seem so far below." If one gets a seat just back
+of the driver, who is generally a jovial good fellow, he will tell you a
+lot about London, as he drives along, for these drivers are a sociable
+class of men. It is wonderful to see them guiding the big clumsy 'buses
+through the mass of people and vehicles of all kinds--costers' carts,
+automobiles, big lumbering wagons, and hansom cabs flitting about like
+busy flies. As often as not you will see a wagon, with a big load of
+hay, nearly blocking up the street, and next to it a stylish carriage
+with footmen in livery. Oh, you can see almost anything in the London
+streets. But the picturesque old omnibuses are soon to disappear, and
+automobile 'buses are to take their places.
+
+I must tell you what a coster is. Costers are people who go to the great
+London market, called Covent Garden, and buy cheap vegetables and fruits
+and flowers, and sell them in the poorer parts of the city. The coster
+men dress in velveteen suits trimmed with rows and rows of pearl
+buttons, which they call "pearlies." They are very proud of these
+costumes. The women wear bright, gaudily coloured dresses, and very big
+hats, covered with feathers. They hawk their wares about in barrows or
+little carts, drawn by such a tiny donkey (a "moke" as the costers call
+it), that you wonder how he is able to pull a whole family of costers
+as well as a big load of vegetables, as they often do.
+
+"Edith, that is St. Paul's Cathedral just ahead of us; you can see its
+big dome for miles around, and now we are in the old part of London,"
+explained Miss Winton. "Just beyond is Bunhill Fields, where Daniel
+Defoe who wrote that immortal children's story--'Robinson Crusoe'--is
+buried. A plain shaft or obelisk rises above his grave, and not so very
+long ago the children of England were asked to give a penny each toward
+building this monument to the memory of the author of their favourite
+story-book. Many children responded and enough money was raised for the
+purpose. You will see that the inscription on it tells the story."
+
+The little girls were much impressed, and Edith said she would tell
+Clarence and Eleanor about it, as they had just been reading about
+Robinson Crusoe and his desert island.
+
+"Are not the 'Beefeaters' splendid?" said Adelaide, as they passed
+through the old gateway into the Tower of London. "There is the one,
+Miss Winton, who talked with mamma and me the last time we were here. I
+believe he remembers me and is coming this way. He had a tame raven
+which he showed us. See, Edith, there are a number of ravens flying
+about; they make their home among the old buildings, and the keepers
+feed them."
+
+"Good morning, miss," said the old man, as he came up. "I am very
+pleased to see you again," and he bowed politely to the little girls.
+
+He was indeed as fine as a picture. The "Yeomen of the Guard" hold a
+very exclusive and enviable position. They attend the king on all grand
+occasions. Their dress is in the same style as that worn in the time of
+King Henry VIII.: all of bright red, trimmed heavily with gold braid, a
+big white ruff around their necks, and a lovely black velvet hat. They
+carry a halberd, or sort of lance with a sharp blade at the end. This is
+the dress for grand occasions. Their everyday costume is in the same
+style, but is not quite so fine.
+
+[Illustration: "AFTER WATCHING OTHER ANTICS OUR LITTLE FRIENDS BADE THE
+'BEEFEATER' AND HIS PET GOOD-BYE"]
+
+"How is the raven?" asked Adelaide. "My cousin would so much like to see
+him."
+
+"There he is now. Come here, 'Blackie,'" and he whistled to the solemn
+bird that came hopping over the grass.
+
+"Does he not look wise, Edith? and he can do all sorts of tricks."
+
+The bird flew on to his master's cap, and peered down over the rim of it
+at him, as much as to say "bo-peep," and then leaned over and took a bit
+of sugar out of the old man's mouth. After watching other antics our
+little friends bade the "Beefeater" and his pet good-bye and continued
+their walk around the Tower, which is really much more than a single
+tower. It is a big group of buildings, with a square tower in the
+middle, a high wall around it all, and a deep moat which was once filled
+with water. The "Tower" is very, very old; it was used for a prison, and
+whenever anybody did something the king did not like, he was put on a
+boat and rowed down to the Tower and locked up in one of the dungeons,
+and often many prisoners had their heads chopped off, and some of these
+were high-born ladies, too!
+
+"I am glad I did not live in those days, when they could cut off
+people's heads," said Edith, who shuddered as she looked at the block of
+wood on which a poor queen's head was once cut off.
+
+"Yes, the Tower is full of dark memories," said Miss Winton. "You know
+the sad story of the two little boy princes who lived in this gloomy
+Tower, and how they were supposed to have been put to death by their
+cruel uncle, who was King Richard III., and wanted them out of his way.
+
+"Long afterward, in repairing one of the walls, the workmen found buried
+in a hole in the wall the bones of two small children, which were
+supposed to be those of the poor little princes, which had been hidden
+there after their untimely death. Many dreadful things were done in
+those old days which could never happen now."
+
+"Now let us see something bright," said Miss Winton, "and leave these
+gloomy things behind."
+
+"I know what you mean; now is the time for the 'Crown Jewels,'" cried
+Adelaide.
+
+Our two little friends quickly ran up the winding stone stairs of a
+small round tower where the Crown Jewels are always kept when the king
+and queen are not wearing them.
+
+Edith was dazzled by the glittering things which filled a large glass
+case in the centre of the room.
+
+There were crowns covered with all kinds of precious stones, and
+sceptres, and other old and valuable relics, all gold and jewels. But no
+one is allowed to linger long in here, and before the children had half
+time enough to see all, they found themselves again in the yard.
+
+"I wonder what Carrie and Henry White thought of the jewels when they
+came to the tower," said Edith.
+
+"I have no doubt but that they greatly enjoyed seeing it all. The
+American children are as fond of a visit to the Tower as the English
+children," and Miss Winton smiled as they drove through the dark, narrow
+streets of old London, to their home in the newer and brighter part of
+the town.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+MADAME TUSSAUD'S AND THE ZOO
+
+
+"MAMMA is going herself with us to-day," said Adelaide, as the two
+cousins went down-stairs to the breakfast-room, with their arms around
+each other. Walking down a stairway in this manner is not easy, for one
+must keep step, but after much laughter they got there, and sat down to
+their toast and eggs and jam with a good appetite.
+
+"What are we going to see to-day, aunty?" asked Edith, holding Fluff
+while Adelaide put down his saucer of milk, for his Highness had a way
+of trying to lift it down himself with his paws, to the detriment of the
+rug.
+
+"Suppose we make a day of it, that is, if you young people are not
+tired," and Mrs. Stamford smiled as the little girls broke in with a
+chorus of "No, indeeds." "Then we will go to Madame Tussaud's this
+morning, and from there to the 'Zoo,' and have lunch in the gardens."
+
+"Oh, lovely! lovely!" said the little girls, and, giving Mrs. Stamford a
+kiss, they ran up-stairs to get ready so that no time should be lost in
+getting off.
+
+Perhaps you don't know that Madame Tussaud's and the "Zoo" are the two
+attractions that English children most enjoy seeing.
+
+Madame Tussaud's Wax-works are famous the world over, and though there
+are other wax-works in various cities, such as the Eden Musée in New
+York, which have been modelled on this one in London, Madame Tussaud's
+will always linger in one's mind as the greatest show of its kind.
+
+"They look like real people," said Edith, as they walked through the big
+room with hundreds of wax figures in all kinds of costumes. There were
+kings and queens and great people of a bygone time in rich court
+costumes, as well as great and notorious people of the present day.
+Though Adelaide had visited it many times, she was just as much
+interested as Edith, who was seeing it for the first time. But when they
+came to the "Chamber of Horrors" one look was enough for poor Edith, and
+Mrs. Stamford had to take her out, pale and trembling. Its realistic
+horrors were too much for her, and her aunt and cousin were quite
+worried, but in a minute she had recovered and laughed at herself for
+her fright.
+
+After this Mrs. Stamford declared that they must look at nothing more
+than the travelling carriage of the great Napoleon. It was in this
+carriage that the great general drove to the Battle of Waterloo, where
+he met his defeat. It was like a small house on wheels, and Mrs.
+Stamford pointed out how a desk was built in one corner and how a small
+table could be let down for the emperor to eat from. There was a
+bookcase with his favourite books, and the seats were so arranged that
+they could be used for a bed. Of course it is much heavier and bigger
+than a carriage of to-day, but what did that matter with four horses to
+pull it?
+
+The "Zoo" is the playground of London children, and in the afternoons,
+and on Saturday half-holidays, hundreds of children go there to see the
+animals and have tea under the trees.
+
+"We will have lunch first," said Mrs. Stamford, as they left their
+carriage at the gate and walked through the beautifully kept grounds.
+"There is a table in a shady nook under the trees where lunches and teas
+are served."
+
+"Oh, what is that?" said Edith, and she gave a scream as something cold
+and slippery came creeping over her shoulder.
+
+"It's nothing but the big elephant, who wants you to give him a lump of
+sugar," said Adelaide, laughing, and she turned her cousin around and
+there was the great big elephant, with a merry party of young people in
+the "howdah" on his back, holding out his trunk, just like a person
+begging.
+
+He is a great pet with the children, and follows them about like a dog,
+holding out his trunk for the sugar and cakes with which they are always
+feeding him.
+
+"We will take a ride on him after lunch," said Adelaide, but when the
+time came it was hard to persuade Edith to mount to the seat on his
+back; it looked so high up and wobbly. Finally the driver lifted her up
+in his arms, and after all His Majesty moved off so easily that Edith
+did not mind it at all, and was sorry when the very short ride came to
+an end.
+
+"Oh, now for the lions and tigers; it's about their feeding-time; it is
+great fun to see them eat," said Adelaide.
+
+So she led her cousin into the house where the big lions and long sleek
+tigers were stalking about their cages. There was a general commotion
+among the animals, for they knew that it was dinner-time.
+
+"There is the Black Panther. Isn't he a beauty? I believe he is the only
+one in captivity," said Mrs. Stamford.
+
+"He looks like a big black pussy, and I would like to stroke his head,"
+said Edith, as she admired the black beauty.
+
+"You would never want to do it again," laughed Adelaide.
+
+Just then the keepers came in with heaped-up baskets of raw meat. Such a
+noise, you never heard. Edith caught hold of her aunt as if she feared
+they would break through their iron cages.
+
+After this they visited the birds and the monkeys, and lastly the house
+where the big snakes lived. Oh, such snakes!
+
+"They are fascinating, but creepy," Adelaide said, as they watched the
+big boa-constrictors, such as you read about in "The Swiss Family
+Robinson"--yards and yards long, with wicked eyes.
+
+The general impression is that children never get tired, but after these
+young people had partaken of their evening meal in the schoolroom, they
+were quite ready for bed.
+
+The next day was Sunday, and, after a little later breakfast than usual,
+the two cousins, looking fresh and pretty in their delicate frocks and
+dainty flower-trimmed straw hats, each carrying a prayer-book, were
+ready to accompany Mrs. Stamford to church.
+
+After church they strolled through the park, as is the Sunday custom in
+London. "Church Parade" it is called; where everybody meets everybody
+else. They promenade up and down the walks or sit in the "penny"
+chairs. Friends gossip together, and make engagements for the coming
+week.
+
+It might be called an out-of-door reception. Mrs. Stamford sat talking
+with some friends while Adelaide and Edith watched the young people, who
+were out in full force with their parents or nurse-maids. Everybody was
+in their prettiest clothes, and looked bright and gay.
+
+"Mamma will have visitors this afternoon, so let us take a book into the
+gardens and read," said Adelaide.
+
+Every family who has a house in one of these garden squares pays
+something toward keeping up the garden, which is kept locked, and only
+those who live in the square have keys and can enter. There are seats
+and shady walks and a grass plot for tennis and croquet; so it is quite
+like having your own garden.
+
+This was Edith's last day in London. Mrs. Howard was coming the next
+day, and Edith was to return with her.
+
+"You must come again; you have only seen a little bit of London," said
+Mrs. Stamford. "There is much more to show you yet."
+
+"Remember you are coming up for Lord Mayor's day," were Adelaide's last
+words, and with kisses Edith parted from her aunt and cousin with
+reluctance.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+HENLEY WEEK
+
+
+"DID you ever see anything so lovely? It looks like a garden full of
+flowers of all colours," exclaimed Edith, enthusiastically, as she and
+Adelaide leaned over the railing of Colonel Howard's house-boat, and
+looked up and down the river.
+
+I am sure every one would agree with her, if they could be at the
+picturesque little village of Henley-on-Thames during "the week," as it
+is known. That is when the boat-races are held there. It is the great
+open-air society event for the younger people of England, a great water
+_fête_ or picnic. The nicest way to enjoy the boat-races is to have a
+house-boat and live on it during the week, then one is on the spot all
+the time.
+
+A house-boat is really a small house that is built on a flat boat, so
+that it can be towed from place to place at its owner's pleasure. There
+is a big room with perhaps two or more small bedrooms. At the back is a
+tiny kitchen and a larder or pantry.
+
+"It's just like dolls keeping house; isn't it lovely, mamma?" declared
+Edith.
+
+"Well, yes," said Mrs. Howard, thoughtfully, as she looked in at the
+tiny larder. "It is all very well for Henley, but I believe I do prefer
+the manor."
+
+Colonel Howard's house-boat was very pretty and attractive. "The
+jolliest on the river," Tom declared, and as Tom was an important person
+on this occasion, his good opinion was valued by his family.
+
+Over the roof, which was used for a general open-air sitting-room, was a
+brilliant red and white awning, and around the edge of the roof or deck
+was a border of a solid mass of flowers, splendid red geraniums and big
+white daisies, while hanging down from these was a fringe of green
+vines, all of which looked very pretty with the brass railings around
+the deck, and the bright woodwork of the boat itself, which was painted
+white with green Venetian blinds at the windows.
+
+The deck was covered over with rugs, and there were plenty of wicker
+lounging chairs and cushions. Meals were served sometimes on deck;
+sometimes in the big room below.
+
+All the house-boats here were decorated in some such way, and made a
+pretty picture, tied up to the shore on one side of the river--a long
+line of them. Their occupants entertained their friends on board, and
+there was much visiting done from one to another.
+
+The course of one mile, along which the races are rowed, is "staked off"
+by "booms" or logs tied together. On either side of this course lay
+thousands of small boats as tightly packed together as could be, for
+naturally every one wanted to get as near the racing boats as possible.
+
+The ladies were all dressed in the loveliest of dresses of all
+colours,--pale pinks, blues, and lavenders, as well as white, with
+sunshades to match. If it happens to be showery weather, dear me! Many a
+pretty hat and dress is spoilt. But this was a "dry" Henley, with
+brilliant sunshine, so Edith was right when she said the river looked
+like a garden of flowers.
+
+The men looked very cool and comfortable in their white flannel suits
+and straw hats.
+
+Along both river banks were big tents, which were used as club-houses by
+the various boat clubs who were rowing in the races, while thousands of
+spectators lined either side of the river. English people take a great
+interest in all kinds of sports, but they are specially fond of
+boating, and they cheer the winning crews at Henley with the greatest
+enthusiasm.
+
+This afternoon the race in which Tom was to row was coming off, and the
+Howard family was in a great flutter of excitement. The crew of Tom's
+boat were to take dinner afterward on their house-boat, and if they
+should prove the winners they would have an especially jolly feast.
+
+Friends of the Howards from Oxford had the house-boat next to
+theirs--their eldest son was in one of the competing boats for the
+"Ladies' Plate," and their two little boys, the nine-year-old twins,
+Edgar and Will, held great discussions with Edith and Adelaide over the
+merits of the two rival boat crews.
+
+The little girls' loyalty to Eton never wavered, while the "Twins," as
+they were always called, had a great contempt for any boat crew that did
+not have their brother George in it.
+
+The "Twins" were particularly arrogant this afternoon, for the rumour
+had gained ground that George's boat would prove the best. However, the
+cry, "They have started," put an end to all talk.
+
+It was one of the favourite races of the week, and everybody was wild.
+On they came, the young fellows straining, and the oars glittering as
+they flew in and out of the water. At first Eton was left behind, but
+they drew up little by little on their rivals. Side by side the rival
+crews kept, nearly up to goal, when with a supreme effort Eton gave a
+spurt forward, and won by half a boat's length. Such cheers as went up!
+The Etonians were the heroes for the rest of the day.
+
+You may imagine the joy of Tom's family, who were prouder of him than
+ever, and in the eyes of the little girls he had grown several inches
+taller. Don't you think it was very good of the girls when they went
+over afterward to take tea with the "Twins" that they did not crow over
+them a bit?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+SUMMER HOLIDAYS
+
+
+IT was the midsummer holidays. "No more lessons," said Edith, as she
+danced around the schoolroom. Soon, however, she rushed up to Miss
+Green. "But I will miss _you_, dear Miss Green. I wish you were going
+with us," and the warm-hearted little girl threw her arms around her
+governess.
+
+Miss Green was also to take a holiday, and visit her old home in the
+fine old town of Canterbury, which is one of the most historic places in
+England, best known for its splendid cathedral, one of the grandest of
+the many cathedrals of England.
+
+Edith herself was going to spend a part of the summer holidays in
+Warwickshire, one of the prettiest parts of England,--a lovely rolling
+country of fields, farms, thatch-roofed cottages, and great country
+houses.
+
+[Illustration: "SHE WALKED DOWN THE PATH BY THE RIVER AVON"]
+
+While there they were to visit Stratford-on-Avon, the home of the great
+poet Shakespeare.
+
+Edith caught the first glimpse of the old church with a tall steeple,
+where the great poet is buried, as she walked down the path by the river
+Avon. There were visitors in the church, as there always are, for there
+is no spot in the world more visited than this.
+
+People come to this church from all over the world, and the American
+cousins think as much of it as the English themselves. Edith stood
+looking at the worn stone in the floor before the altar. It was
+difficult to realize that under this lay the ashes of the great
+Shakespeare.
+
+They were alone in the church now; the other visitors had gone, and
+Colonel and Mrs. Howard were resting in a pew, when Edith's childish
+voice broke the silence of the old church, as she slowly spelled out the
+strange inscription on the stone.
+
+    "Good frend for Jesus sake forbeare,
+     To digg the dust encloased heare:
+     Blese be ye man yt spares thes stones,
+     And curst be he yt moves my bones."
+
+"How funny some of the words are, papa," she said.
+
+"Yes, that is the old way of spelling, as it was in Shakespeare's time,"
+answered Colonel Howard.
+
+They then walked through the neat little market-town to Shakespeare's
+house. It had been repaired many times, but always to look as nearly
+like the original as possible.
+
+Then they went to the famous old inn, the Red Lion, for their dinner,
+where the American author, Washington Irving, stayed, while he wrote
+some of his charming stories about English country life.
+
+From Stratford, our friends went to Warwick, which is most interesting,
+not only on account of the picturesque old town with its ancient houses,
+but because of its great castle as well.
+
+Edith's papa and mamma wanted her to see this castle, which is one of
+the finest places in England, and one of the few examples of an old
+feudal castle which is still occupied and kept as it was hundreds of
+years ago.
+
+"Is not this a lovely old room, mamma?" said Edith, as they sat at
+breakfast in the coffee-room, or dining-room, of the quaint inn at
+Warwick at which they were staying. It _was_ a pretty room, with walls
+of dark oak panels. Around the room were hung many plates and dishes of
+fine and rare old English china. A big, high sideboard stood at one end,
+on which were many pieces of antique silverware, also some good pewter
+mugs and pitchers, which are now very valuable, and some quaint old
+"Toby" jugs, which are in the shape of a fat old gentleman.
+
+Mrs. Howard poured out tea; and the sun sparkled on the dainty silver
+and pretty china of the well-set table.
+
+Edith enjoyed the eggs with crisp slices of bacon, and buttered toast,
+while the neat maid cut for Colonel Howard slices of cold ham from one
+of the huge joints of cold meat which stood on the sideboard.
+
+Edith admired very much a glass case of stuffed birds just opposite her,
+such as one will find in almost every country inn in England. Over the
+door was another favourite decoration, a model of an enormous trout.
+
+"I think I will let papa take you over the castle, while I rest here and
+write some letters," said Mrs. Howard.
+
+So Edith and her papa walked through the great gateway into Warwick
+Castle, and were taken, with some other visitors, through many of the
+fine old rooms, filled with magnificent furniture, and pictures, and
+armour, and all kinds of valuable and ancient things. They saw the great
+cedars of Lebanon, which were brought from the Holy Land, and planted in
+the garden about 800 or 900 years ago. That's a long time, isn't it?
+
+The beautiful, rare, white peacocks were also to be seen strutting about
+the courtyard, spreading their great white tails to be admired.
+
+Edith had much to tell her mamma while they were eating lunch. Colonel
+Howard also told his little daughter of other beautiful houses he had
+visited, among them Haddon Hall and Welbeck Abbey, which has a number of
+the rooms built under ground. The owners of most of these great houses
+in England allow visitors to go through the principal apartments on
+certain days in the week.
+
+Edith's papa and mamma had spent the preceding summer on the "Norfolk
+Broads." The "Broads" are really lakes or rivers, nearly all connected,
+so they had taken a sailboat and sailed from one to another, living
+meanwhile on their boat. This is a most enjoyable way of spending some
+weeks, and they had promised to go again some time and take Edith.
+
+Near the "Broads" is a spot of interest to little American cousins,--the
+town of Boston which gave its name to the American city. There is a
+great contrast between the great bustling city of Boston and this little
+old English town. There is a tower there that is called the "Boston
+Stump," why, one cannot imagine, for it is a very nice church tower, and
+does not look at all like a stump, though it stands high up above the
+surrounding flat country like a mariner's beacon.
+
+Our party visited Oxford as well, stopping just long enough for Edith
+to see the gray, time-stained walls of the many colleges which go to
+make up the great university of Oxford.
+
+"This is where Tom is coming when he finishes at Eton," said Colonel
+Howard, as he pointed out to Edith his old college building set about
+with a beautiful green lawn.
+
+From here they returned to Oldham Manor, but in August Edith went with
+her parents to Cowes, on the Isle of Wight, where the yacht races take
+place. Here are to be seen hundreds of sailboats, and big steam yachts
+as well.
+
+Little girls do not often go to Cowes, for yachting there is an
+amusement for "grown ups." But Edith's parents wanted her to enjoy her
+holidays with them as much as possible, so she usually went, too. Her
+papa told her so much about the yachts, that she grew very wise and
+nautical, and they used to nickname her the "Little Sailor."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+THE LORD MAYOR'S SHOW
+
+
+ONE of the great events in the life of an English child is to be able to
+go to London to the "Lord Mayor's Show," which takes place every year on
+the 9th of November. Thousands of families from all over the country
+come into London for that day, and bring the young folks.
+
+Early in the morning of the great day, the Howard and Stamford families
+had taken up their position at two of the big windows of a hotel, from
+which a good view of the parade could be had. Eleanor and Clarence had
+come up with the Howards, so you can fancy what a merry party it was.
+
+All the children but Edith had seen it before, but they were just as
+eager as if it were a brand-new sight. As for Edith, she kept her little
+nose glued to the window-pane, and hardly winked her eyes for fear she
+might miss something.
+
+The "Lord Mayor's Show," like most customs in England, is of very
+ancient origin. It has always been considered a great honour to be Lord
+Mayor of London, and live in the Mansion House, as his home is called.
+
+All children remember the story of Dick Whittington and his cat, and how
+he heard the bells of London, which said to him that he would become
+Lord Mayor of London; and I believe it is a true story, too, not about
+the bells really talking to him, perhaps, but about the little country
+boy who struggled on, and _did_ become the great Lord Mayor.
+
+The Lord Mayor's rule only extends over what is called the "City," which
+is now only a small part of big London. Long ago, when the office was
+first created, what is now the "City" was all there was of London. It
+was enclosed at that time by walls.
+
+Well, times have changed! London has spread miles away on every side
+from the "City," but the Lord Mayor of London still holds almost an
+absolute sway over his part of London. Many of the old laws still exist;
+such as the king cannot go into the "City" without the permission of the
+Lord Mayor, who must meet him at the city boundary, and present a sword
+which the king touches, and then he can pass in. Of course this is only
+a form now, but it is still a picturesque ceremony which usually takes
+place at Temple Bar on the Strand. Every year a new Lord Mayor is
+chosen, and the "Show," which is a procession that passes through the
+principal streets, is to celebrate his incoming.
+
+Our little folks were becoming impatient, though it was amusing enough
+to watch the vast crowd moved hither and thither by the good-natured
+policemen.
+
+Companies of strolling minstrels amused the waiting people, singing
+songs and cracking jokes, while the vendors of the funny, coloured
+programmes did a large business.
+
+"I do believe they are coming at last." These words of Adelaide's
+brought every head as far out of the windows as possible. Yes, there
+were the gorgeous coaches of the Aldermen, but nothing to compare to the
+one which followed,--the great, gilded coach of the Lord Mayor himself,
+with the sword of state sticking out of the window, because it is too
+big for the carriage. You never have seen, nor will ever see, anything
+more splendid than the coachman to the Lord Mayor. We have to talk about
+him first because he is seen first. He is a tremendous big fellow in red
+plush knee-breeches, with a coat all gold braid and lace. White silk
+stockings cover his portly calves, and his shoes sparkle with big
+buckles; a three-cornered hat sits pompously on his big powdered wig,
+and there is a bouquet in his coat, beside which a cabbage would look
+small. Standing behind the carriage are two footmen, only a trifle less
+magnificent.
+
+The coachman so catches the young people's eyes they scarcely see the
+Lord Mayor inside the gold coach, but he too is grand in his fine robe
+of velvet and fur, and a magnificent golden chain about his neck.
+
+Then come the various Guilds or Societies of the City of London. The
+Guild of Clockmakers, and the Guild of Goldsmiths, the Guild of Tanners,
+and many others. Then come soldiers and bands of music, and floats or
+wagons on which are symbolic designs and tableaux.
+
+The people cheer, and our little folks clap their hands, and think
+nothing in the world could be so grand.
+
+As Adelaide's mother once said to Edith, "You have only yet seen a very
+small bit of London." There is, indeed, much more to be seen in this
+great old city, and in England, for even if it is a very small country
+it holds a great deal.
+
+But we must for the present bid our little English cousins "good-bye"
+and give some other little cousin a chance.
+
+
+    THE END.
+
+
+
+
+THE LITTLE COUSIN SERIES
+
+
+The most delightful and interesting accounts possible of child life in
+other lands, filled with quaint sayings, doings, and adventures.
+
+      Each one vol., 12mo, decorative cover, cloth, with six
+      or more full-page illustrations in color.
+
+
+    Price per volume      $0.60
+
+
+_By MARY HAZELTON WADE (unless otherwise indicated)_
+
+
+    =Our Little African Cousin=
+
+    =Our Little Alaskan Cousin=
+        By Mary F. Nixon-Roulet
+
+    =Our Little Arabian Cousin=
+        By Blanche McManus
+
+    =Our Little Armenian Cousin=
+
+    =Our Little Brown Cousin=
+
+    =Our Little Canadian Cousin=
+        By Elizabeth R. MacDonald
+
+    =Our Little Chinese Cousin=
+        By Isaac Taylor Headland
+
+    =Our Little Cuban Cousin=
+
+    =Our Little Dutch Cousin=
+        By Blanche McManus
+
+    =Our Little English Cousin=
+        By Blanche McManus
+
+    =Our Little Eskimo Cousin=
+
+    =Our Little French Cousin=
+        By Blanche McManus
+
+    =Our Little German Cousin=
+
+    =Our Little Hawaiian Cousin=
+
+    =Our Little Hindu Cousin=
+        By Blanche McManus
+
+    =Our Little Indian Cousin=
+
+    =Our Little Irish Cousin=
+
+    =Our Little Italian Cousin=
+
+    =Our Little Japanese Cousin=
+
+    =Our Little Jewish Cousin=
+
+    =Our Little Korean Cousin=
+        By H. Lee M. Pike
+
+    =Our Little Mexican Cousin=
+        By Edward C. Butler
+
+    =Our Little Norwegian Cousin=
+
+    =Our Little Panama Cousin=
+        By H. Lee M. Pike
+
+    =Our Little Philippine Cousin=
+
+    =Our Little Porto Rican Cousin=
+
+    =Our Little Russian Cousin=
+
+    =Our Little Scotch Cousin=
+        By Blanche McManus
+
+    =Our Little Siamese Cousin=
+
+    =Our Little Spanish Cousin=
+        By Mary F. Nixon-Roulet
+
+    =Our Little Swedish Cousin=
+        By Claire M. Coburn
+
+    =Our Little Swiss Cousin=
+
+    =Our Little Turkish Cousin=
+
+
+
+
+THE GOLDENROD LIBRARY
+
+
+The Goldenrod Library contains stories which appeal alike both to
+children and to their parents and guardians.
+
+Each volume is well illustrated from drawings by competent artists,
+which, together with their handsomely decorated uniform binding, showing
+the goldenrod, usually considered the emblem of America, is a feature of
+their manufacture.
+
+
+    Each one volume, small 12mo, illustrated      $0.35
+
+
+
+LIST OF TITLES
+
+    =Aunt Nabby's Children.= By Frances Hodges White.
+    =Child's Dream of a Star, The.= By Charles Dickens.
+    =Flight of Rosy Dawn, The.= By Pauline Bradford Mackie.
+    =Findelkind.= By Ouida.
+    =Fairy of the Rhone, The.= By A. Comyns Carr.
+    =Gatty and I.= By Frances E. Crompton.
+    =Helena's Wonderworld.= By Frances Hodges White.
+    =Jerry's Reward.= By Evelyn Snead Barnett.
+    =La Belle Nivernaise.= By Alphonse Daudet.
+    =Little King Davie.= By Nellie Hellis.
+    =Little Peterkin Vandike.= By Charles Stuart Pratt.
+    =Little Professor, The.= By Ida Horton Cash.
+    =Peggy's Trial.= By Mary Knight Potter.
+    =Prince Yellowtop.= By Kate Whiting Patch.
+    =Provence Rose, A.= By Ouida.
+    =Seventh Daughter, A.= By Grace Wickham Curran.
+    =Sleeping Beauty, The.= By Martha Baker Dunn.
+    =Small, Small Child, A.= By E. Livingston Prescott.
+    =Susanne.= By Frances J. Delano.
+    =Water People, The.= By Charles Lee Sleight.
+    =Young Archer, The.= By Charles E. Brimblecom.
+
+
+
+
+COSY CORNER SERIES
+
+
+      It is the intention of the publishers that this series
+      shall contain only the very highest and purest
+      literature,--stories that shall not only appeal to the
+      children themselves, but be appreciated by all those
+      who feel with them in their joys and sorrows.
+
+      The numerous illustrations in each book are by
+      well-known artists, and each volume has a separate
+      attractive cover design.
+
+
+    Each 1 vol., 16mo, cloth      $0.50
+
+
+_By ANNIE FELLOWS JOHNSTON_
+
+
+=The Little Colonel.= (Trade Mark.)
+
+The scene of this story is laid in Kentucky. Its heroine is a small
+girl, who is known as the Little Colonel, on account of her fancied
+resemblance to an old-school Southern gentleman, whose fine estate and
+old family are famous in the region.
+
+
+=The Giant Scissors.=
+
+This is the story of Joyce and of her adventures in France. Joyce is a
+great friend of the Little Colonel, and in later volumes shares with her
+the delightful experiences of the "House Party" and the "Holidays."
+
+
+=Two Little Knights of Kentucky.=
+
+WHO WERE THE LITTLE COLONEL'S NEIGHBORS.
+
+In this volume the Little Colonel returns to us like an old friend, but
+with added grace and charm. She is not, however, the central figure of
+the story, that place being taken by the "two little knights."
+
+
+=Mildred's Inheritance.=
+
+A delightful little story of a lonely English girl who comes to America
+and is befriended by a sympathetic American family who are attracted by
+her beautiful speaking voice. By means of this one gift she is enabled
+to help a school-girl who has temporarily lost the use of her eyes, and
+thus finally her life becomes a busy happy one.
+
+
+=Cicely and Other Stories for Girls.=
+
+The readers of Mrs. Johnston's charming juveniles will be glad to learn
+of the issue of this volume for young people.
+
+
+=Aunt 'Liza's Hero and Other Stories.=
+
+A collection of six bright little stories, which will appeal to all boys
+and most girls.
+
+
+=Big Brother.=
+
+A story of two boys. The devotion and care of Steven, himself a small
+boy, for his baby brother, is the theme of the simple tale.
+
+
+=Ole Mammy's Torment.=
+
+"Ole Mammy's Torment" has been fitly called "a classic of Southern
+life." It relates the haps and mishaps of a small negro lad, and tells
+how he was led by love and kindness to a knowledge of the right.
+
+
+=The Story of Dago.=
+
+In this story Mrs. Johnston relates the story of Dago, a pet monkey,
+owned jointly by two brothers. Dago tells his own story, and the account
+of his haps and mishaps is both interesting and amusing.
+
+
+=The Quilt That Jack Built.=
+
+A pleasant little story of a boy's labor of love, and how it changed the
+course of his life many years after it was accomplished.
+
+
+=Flip's Islands of Providence.=
+
+A story of a boy's life battle, his early defeat, and his final triumph,
+well worth the reading.
+
+
+_By EDITH ROBINSON_
+
+
+=A Little Puritan's First Christmas.=
+
+A Story of Colonial times in Boston, telling how Christmas was invented
+by Betty Sewall, a typical child of the Puritans, aided by her brother
+Sam.
+
+
+=A Little Daughter of Liberty.=
+
+The author introduces this story as follows:
+
+"One ride is memorable in the early history of the American Revolution,
+the well-known ride of Paul Revere. Equally deserving of commendation is
+another ride,--the ride of Anthony Severn,--which was no less historic
+in its action or memorable in its consequences."
+
+
+=A Loyal Little Maid.=
+
+A delightful and interesting story of Revolutionary days, in which the
+child heroine, Betsey Schuyler, renders important services to George
+Washington.
+
+
+=A Little Puritan Rebel.=
+
+This is an historical tale of a real girl, during the time when the
+gallant Sir Harry Vane was governor of Massachusetts.
+
+
+=A Little Puritan Pioneer.=
+
+The scene of this story is laid in the Puritan settlement at
+Charlestown.
+
+
+=A Little Puritan Bound Girl.=
+
+A story of Boston in Puritan days, which is of great interest to
+youthful readers.
+
+
+=A Little Puritan Cavalier.=
+
+The story of a "Little Puritan Cavalier" who tried with all his boyish
+enthusiasm to emulate the spirit and ideals of the dead Crusaders.
+
+
+=A Puritan Knight Errant.=
+
+The story tells of a young lad in Colonial times who endeavored to carry
+out the high ideals of the knights of olden days.
+
+
+_By OUIDA_ (_Louise de la Ramée_)
+
+
+=A Dog Of Flanders:= A CHRISTMAS STORY.
+
+Too well and favorably known to require description.
+
+
+=The Nurnberg Stove.=
+
+This beautiful story has never before been published at a popular price.
+
+
+_By FRANCES MARGARET FOX_
+
+
+=The Little Giant's Neighbours.=
+
+A charming nature story of a "little giant" whose neighbours were the
+creatures of the field and garden.
+
+
+=Farmer Brown and the Birds.=
+
+A little story which teaches children that the birds are man's best
+friends.
+
+
+=Betty of Old Mackinaw.=
+
+A charming story of child-life, appealing especially to the little
+readers who like stories of "real people."
+
+
+=Brother Billy.=
+
+The story of Betty's brother, and some further adventures of Betty
+herself.
+
+
+=Mother Nature's Little Ones.=
+
+Curious little sketches describing the early lifetime, or "childhood,"
+of the little creatures out-of-doors.
+
+
+=How Christmas Came to the Mulvaneys.=
+
+A bright, lifelike little story of a family of poor children, with an
+unlimited capacity for fun and mischief. The wonderful never-to-be
+forgotten Christmas that came to them is the climax of a series of
+exciting incidents.
+
+
+_By MISS MULOCK_
+
+
+=The Little Lame Prince.=
+
+A delightful story of a little boy who has many adventures by means of
+the magic gifts of his fairy godmother.
+
+
+=Adventures of a Brownie.=
+
+The story of a household elf who torments the cook and gardener, but is
+a constant joy and delight to the children who love and trust him.
+
+
+=His Little Mother.=
+
+Miss Mulock's short stories for children are a constant source of
+delight to them and "His Little Mother," in this new and attractive
+dress, will be welcomed by hosts of youthful readers.
+
+
+=Little Sunshine's Holiday.=
+
+An attractive story of a summer outing. "Little Sunshine" is another of
+those beautiful child-characters for which Miss Mulock is so justly
+famous.
+
+
+_By MARSHALL SAUNDERS_
+
+
+=For His Country.=
+
+A sweet and graceful story of a little boy who loved his country;
+written with that charm which has endeared Miss Saunders to hosts of
+readers.
+
+
+=Nita, the Story of an Irish Setter.=
+
+In this touching little book, Miss Saunders shows how dear to her heart
+are all of God's dumb creatures.
+
+
+=Alpatok, the Story of an Eskimo Dog.=
+
+Alpatok, an Eskimo dog from the far north, was stolen from his master
+and left to starve in a strange city, but was befriended and cared for,
+until he was able to return to his owner.
+
+
+_By WILL ALLEN DROMGOOLE_
+
+
+=The Farrier's Dog and His Fellow.=
+
+This story, written by the gifted young Southern woman, will appeal to
+all that is best in the natures of the many admirers of her graceful and
+piquant style.
+
+
+_The Fortunes of the Fellow._
+
+Those who read and enjoyed the pathos and charm of "The Farrier's Dog
+and His Fellow" will welcome the further account of the adventures of
+Baydaw and the Fellow at the home of the kindly smith.
+
+
+_The Best of Friends._
+
+This continues the experiences of the Farrier's dog and his Fellow,
+written in Miss Dromgoole's well-known charming style.
+
+
+_Down in Dixie._
+
+A fascinating story for boys and girls, of a family of Alabama children
+who move to Florida and grow up in the South.
+
+
+_By MARIAN W. WILDMAN_
+
+
+=Loyalty Island.=
+
+An account of the adventures of four children and their pet dog on an
+island, and how they cleared their brother from the suspicion of
+dishonesty.
+
+
+=Theodore and Theodora.=
+
+This is a story of the exploits and mishaps of two mischievous twins,
+and continues the adventures of the interesting group of children in
+"Loyalty Island."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Transcriber's Notes:
+
+Obvious punctuation errors repaired.
+
+Page 31, "desk" changed to "deck" (on deck; sometimes)
+
+Ad page for Little Cousin Books at back of book, "Macdonald" changed to
+"MacDonald" (By Elizabeth R. MacDonald)
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Our Little English Cousin, by Blanche McManus
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 43250 ***