"My next picture," resumed Mr. Macdonald, "shall be a crowded street, with banners flying from every window; arches of boughs and flowers, with many other signs of joy and exultation. A procession passes amidst deafening applause; the principal figures are a king, dressed in his royal robes, and mounted on a beautiful steed; the other, much younger, with an attractive expression of countenance, rides at his side on a small palfrey. The people bestow their chief attention and admiration on the latter." "Did he not," asked the children, "once wait on this same king at his supper?" "Yes; I see your favourite is again revealed. This was a reign full of glorious acts, but peaceful improvements were not forgotten. Windsor Castle was rebuilt and enlarged; many other restorations were executed, and much attention was paid to the laws. Ever since William the Conqueror's reign they had been in Norman-French; they were now written in English. I think I have now done my part towards this evening's amusement." "One more story, please, dear papa." "Indeed, uncle," said the little girl next to him, "we have time to listen to one more, if you will be so good as to tell it to us." This last appeal could not be resisted, and the river Thames was next described:--"It has seldom presented so curious a scene as that I now relate. A king was in his royal barge, surrounded by a few of his noblemen. On the shore there are at least ten thousand of the rabble awaiting his approach; their frightful cries, when they see the vessel, so terrifies the royal party, that they turn the boat's head, and escape to the Tower." "You have now given us a very difficult one, papa." "I hope I have; I shall not tell you any more to-night, and you may be as long as you like asking questions." The nurse now entered, and not liking them to keep her waiting, Mrs. Macdonald told them that Wat Tyler afterwards headed the rabble. "Then we know the whole history, mama, and will wait for some more stories till another evening." 1. The death of the young queen of Scotland, and infant daughter of the king of Norway. 2. Coronation of Robert Bruce. A.D. 1307. 3. Edward the Second insulted by Maltravers. A.D. 1327. 4. Death of Mortimer, Earl of March. A.D. 1331. 5. The king of Bohemia at the battle of Cressy. A.D. 1345. 6. Edward the Black Prince returning in triumph to London. A.D. 1356. 7. Richard the Second meeting the insurgents at Rotherhithe. A.D. 1381. CHAPTER VI. "Mama," said Mary, one evening, "I have been reading a story to-day, which shall be my picture to-night. You must imagine a court of law, the judge raised on a high seat with all the lawyers round him; he looks sad yet firm. Before him stands a royally dressed young man in the act of drawing his sword, his face beaming with anger, and a haughty defying look on his proud mouth. Officers of justice are securing him, and another prisoner stands near."