"Was the prisoner old or young, Mary?" asked Louisa. "Young," was the answer. "Was it Charles I.?" "No. Charles I. was forty-nine years of age when he was tried, and I do not think he offered any resistance." "I have it," said Emily; "but, Mary, how was the prince royally drest?" "He wore a tight waistcoat with a loose robe over it, and a richly embroidered girdle, from which hung a bag." "I have heard," said Mrs. Macdonald, "that on one occasion your prince was said to have been dressed in a blue satin robe full of eylet holes, and from each hole hung the needle with which it was worked; but I am happy to say that if gentlemen's dress be less graceful in the present day, it is at any rate less effeminate and fantastical." "But how did the ladies dress?" asked Annie. "High head-dresses with long streamers of ribbon floating from them, short waists, long, full, flowing petticoats trimmed with fur, and large sleeves ending in a pouch, which was used as a pocket. Their dresses were made of silk or stuff, but the poorer classes wore coarse flannel or fustian. But, Edward, it is a long time since you have described a picture; it is your turn now." "My picture," he answered, after a few moments' deliberation, "is of a field of battle seen under the grey sky of morning. No very large number of men is disposed so as to look as numerous as possible; the archers are in front, whilst before them are placed sharp stakes pointed with iron. A kingly figure rides up and down the line, clad in glittering armour, and wearing a crown of gold ornamented with precious stones. The opposite party appears much more numerous." "Are they French and English?" asked Willie. "That is rather a leading question," answered Edward; "but if you think they may be, name the battle to which I refer." "Creci?" "No." "Poictiers?" "No." "Then I know what it must be," exclaimed Mary; "one of the French leaders was killed early in the day, after which they made no more resistance, and the English became victorious. Now, Annie, it is your turn." Annie then described a parliament, where grave men were listening to a gentleman who held in his arms a little baby, who plays with the royal ball; he also holds papers sealed with large seals. "Did not the baby cry when he saw all those gentlemen?" asked Alfred. "He does not cry in my picture," answered Annie; "he looks very good, and almost as if he were listening to what was being said around him."