Annie's turn came next, and she told of "a sea-engagement. Numerous and large ships seem to be taking shelter in a port, the white cliffs near which correspond with those of our own shore at Dover. The vessels, smaller in number and size, appear to have the best of the day; much explosion is going on amongst the enemy's fleet, whilst some small ships bearing the English colors, have penetrated quite into the midst of their opponents." "I wish your sailors would talk, Annie," said Willie; "for if I knew what language they spoke, I might tell what naval engagement you mean. Was it the battle of Trafalgar?" "No; that took place in the open sea." "The battle of the Nile?" asked Mary. "Much earlier than that, Mary." "All battles are alike," said Willie. "All battles are not fought under the shelter of chalk cliffs." "Did you not say that those who were attacked by the English were thus screening themselves?" "I did." "Then it could not be Dover or Deal. Oh! they must have been Frenchmen," continued Willie. "Not Frenchmen," said Edward, seeing the others puzzled, "but the natives of a country very close by." Louisa then described a scene where "a platform, covered with black, is surrounded by armed men, and a crowd of the populace. A man of noble appearance has his throat bared, his head laid on the block, and the executioner stands ready to strike the fatal stroke; when his hand is arrested by some one near, who points to a royal messenger riding at full speed through the mob." A long pause ensued after Louisa had finished; even the two mamas looked puzzled. "You may ask three questions and no more," said Louisa, triumphantly. "Was the victim a king?" enquired Mary. "Hush, Mary," cried Emily, as she saw the ardent little girl about to open her mouth again. "Had he a friend who was also reprieved at the same late hour?" asked Mrs. Macdonald. "You have guessed it, aunt, I see," replied Louisa. "Not quite; at least I am not sure." "Pray let me have the next question," interrupted Mrs. Arabin; "for although I remember the accounts of many executions, I do not recollect the circumstance of two friends being pardoned when the fatal axe was hanging over them. I am half afraid of wasting my question, therefore I must be cautious." The children clapped their hands when they saw their aunt puzzled, and, as a great favor, Mrs. Arabin was allowed a fourth question, if she would but be quick in saying something; to which Alfred cordially added, "Please do, dear auntie." "You are rather impatient, my dears, and I am sorry I cannot give you a lesson in patience; but I neither need your third or your fourth answers, as I have discovered your history to have taken place in the reign of James the First." Much disappointment was expressed when auntie was pronounced "_too clever_."