Carefully kept under glass, in cases furnished with dark shades to pull over when the books are not being examined, are the two large volumes of what is known as the "Doomsday Book." On the ancient, yellowed parchment pages, and in strange old characters, are the records, made at the time of William the Conqueror, of the disposal of the lands of England among his Norman nobles. It is simply impossible to believe that it is authentic,--that such a very ancient relic really can exist! They soon felt tired and ready to leave any further examination of the papers until another visit, however. There are times when all sight-seers, no matter how enthusiastic, come to a point where for that day they can appreciate no more. So our party adjourned to a little tea-shop in Regent Street, and afterwards, to make a few purchases at that fascinating shop,--Liberty's. CHAPTER TEN RICHMOND AND HAMPTON COURT PALACE "Well, I really don't care much how long the boat is in coming," exclaimed Betty delightedly. "It's such fun to watch all the other boats going up and down the river, and to look up at busy Westminster Bridge!" Our friends were at the little landing in the shadow of the above-mentioned bridge, awaiting the arrival of the steamer which was to carry them to Kew Gardens. It was early morning, and the distant roar of the traffic from the great bridge above reached them together with the shrill whistles of all the different river craft. "Hey! There goes _Sir Walter Raleigh_ under the bridge there! I can see the name just as plainly! And,--well I never!--there come _Lady Jane Grey_ and _Sir Thomas More_! Do all the boats have names like that? Wonder how the great people would like it if they knew! _Sir Thomas_ is an express; he's on official business this morning, and isn't going to stop! Now! here comes _Queen Elizabeth_ herself! Nothing less than a queen for me! I hope we'll take her!" John cried excitedly. The _Queen Elizabeth_ did prove to be the Kew and Hampton Court boat, so when the gangway was put across, the five went on board and took some comfortable seats in the bow. "Now, there are a number of things which I wish to point out to you right away," remarked Mrs. Pitt, "so please be very attentive for a few moments. Just as soon as we are started and go under Westminster Bridge here, you will have the most beautiful view of the Houses of Parliament, on your right. There! See if the great building isn't graceful from here! And isn't its river-front imposing with all the statues of the sovereigns!