"If you like, my dears, I will do so; and shall give you an account of a royal levee. It did not take place in London, although it was held by an English king, and he was surrounded by his own people. The place in which the scene is laid is an old palace, and is a most interesting building, although there is nothing grand in its appearance. The old walls in every part of the edifice seem to have been beautified for the reception of the present tenant. The hardy forms and strongly marked features of the assembled crowd, soften into an expression of the deepest satisfaction as they welcome their sovereign; and his gracious manner and friendly attentions, shew that he is much gratified by his greeting." It was a long time before the children could give a satisfactory answer, and they begged their mother to describe the person of her hero. "He was remarkably handsome; and I remember my mother describing him the first time she ever saw him, when he was quite a young man." "Stop, mama; if grandmama saw him, we know who it must be." Mary next asked leave to speak; and, after a few whispers to her mama, she related the particulars of a dreadful fire. "The buildings destroyed were some of the oldest senate-houses in the world; they stood on the banks of a wide river, and the glare in the water was terrific. Crowds collected, and great anxiety was shewn to prevent the flames from spreading. A beautiful, sacred pile was so close, that for some time it was feared this would share the same fate; but happily, the prompt means to conquer the furious element saved this, and even houses still nearer. The accident took place at night." "You have described it with as much animation, Mary, as if you had been present." Their sister laughed, and seemed much entertained with all their mistakes. Mrs. Arabin told them that she had had the whole explained to her by their father, who had been an eye-witness. "Oh, aunt, we can now guess," cried the elders of the party. "How clever of Mary to tell us of what took place during our own lives, and yet contrive that we should not know what she meant." "You were all so young," said Mrs. Macdonald, "that you could not very well understand what passed, or what was talked about. We have only time for one more anecdote, and I shall relate it. I have described the coronation of a king for you before; I now wish to represent that of a young and graceful queen. She has just been crowned, and sits with royal dignity on the throne to receive the homage of the peers. They approach one by one to claim her gracious reception. An aged lord is of the number; and as he totters forward, he stumbles on the steps of her seat. The royal lady instantly lays aside the formality of a queen, and with the natural kindness of her disposition, rises and holds out her hand to assist him." "How pleased all the people must have been, mama," said Alfred.