"Well, my dears, picture to yourselves the shore of a rocky island, lovely scenery in the distance; the faint smoke of a then tranquil volcano curling above the surrounding hills; soldiers, clad in coats of mail, bearing crosses on their shields, are preparing to embark in the numerous galleys which are waiting in the harbour; they yet stop for one, whose noble mien and princely appearance seem to show him the chief of the expedition; he is tenderly taking leave of a young and lovely woman, who wears a golden diadem on her head; a veil descends nearly to her feet, whilst a loose robe scarcely conceals the graceful figure enveloped in its folds. Behind the pair stands an elderly matron, trying to separate them, yet evidently with some reluctance." [Illustration: Richard I. parting with Berengaria.] "That was a sad parting, aunt," said Emily; "and I think the young lady was not then married." "You are right." The rest of the party confessed themselves puzzled. "Did you hear me say that the soldiers wore crosses?" "Oh! that tells the tale," replied Annie. Edward next began as follows:--"The scene of my picture is in the precincts of a castle: a bold, intrepid looking figure on horseback is seeking for the easiest place of attack, whilst at a small window in the turret, depicted on the dark side of the picture, we descry an archer aiming his bow and arrow at the figure below." After some little deliberation, the supposed subject was confidentially whispered to mama, who thought it was a right guess, after which the name was more boldly mentioned. "I am now going to tell a very shocking story," commenced Mary. "The scene is a prison; cold stone walls, narrow windows, iron bars, and rough seats, give no idea of comfort. A kind-looking man is seated in the centre of the group, covering his face with one hand, whilst the other rests on the head of a pretty boy, who looks beseechingly in his face. The other figures are busily engaged heating some curiously-shaped iron instruments." "That is the poor, dear little prince who had his eyes put out by his naughty uncle," cried Alfred, delighted at being able to guess one of the many scenes described. "I have heard the truth of that story doubted," remarked Mrs. Arabin.