"Yes; she took advantage of the naturally weak disposition of her husband. Now, Charles, you who have only returned from school to-day ought to give us a capital recital." "I fear my historical characters are of an earlier date than yours, and are more Grecian and Roman heroes; but I will do my best. In a retired room of a castle, no longer standing, there were two people sitting together in apparent security; the lady had the air and manners of a Frenchwoman, but her expression was disagreeable, giving the idea of a cruel, deceitful person. The gentleman also had no very pleasing aspect; in the midst of their conversation a secret door is broken open, and a king, with men following him, seize and carry away the man, in spite of the female's earnest entreaties." "Mary, Queen of Scots," ventured an undecided voice. "No; Darnley was not a king." "Was the lady a queen, and mother to the person who forced away her companion?" "And I think," exclaimed another of the circle, as the truth broke upon them, "the queen begged them to have pity on the gentle Mortimer." "Quite right," was Charles's answer; "her entreaties were, however, disregarded, for he was soon after hanged on a gibbet at Tyburn: it appears a very hard-hearted act, but I suppose the young king believed it to be the only way to render himself free from the authorities who governed his youth." "I conclude the step was considered a politic one," added Mrs. Macdonald; "but it is always difficult to me to reconcile man's right to take away the life that we know was given for some wise purpose. Suppose we give papa hard work now we have secured him, and let him relate every story till it is time to leave off our game." Papa in vain begged they would not be so unjust; the proposal was thought so excellent, that directly Alfred would leave off clapping his hands, he good-naturedly acquiesced:-- "A field of battle presents all the usual horrors, but in one respect has a particular that I do not think is paralleled. An aged king is to be seen in all the perils of the day; he is well mounted, and a knight rides on each side of him, leading his horse; if you examine him, you will find that he is blind, and has braved danger to assist the French. The motto on his shield was 'Ich dien,' which means, 'I serve.'" "I am sure," said Alfred, "he was very foolish to go to battle. He could not see who would attack him, and he prevented the two knights from fighting. I do not know anything about such a silly old man." "I am not sure when I told the story that I expected you to give me the answer, Alfred." "Did he lose his life?" inquired Edward. "Yes, I am sure he did," interrupted Emily; "the scene was in France, and the chief leader of the English party was a youthful prince, famed for his courage and amiable character."