But the great treat of the evening was the appearance of Madame Rachel, who, with two or three French actors, gave _morceaux_ from her principal impersonations. The success of her performance was the more conspicuous that it was entirely unaided by scenery, dress, or other histrionic accompaniment. A little before twelve the Queen, after addressing with the utmost grace some words of courteous appreciation to the great _tragedienne_, and bowing to the assembled guests, retired, leaning on her husband's arm. CHAPTER XV. THE QUEEN IN SCOTLAND. Christening of the Prince of Wales--Manufacturing Distress--Queen's Efforts to alleviate it--Assesses Herself to the Income Tax--Resolves to Visit Scotland--Embarks at Woolwich--Beacon Fires in the Firth of Forth--Landing on Scottish Soil--A Disappointment--Formal Entry into Edinburgh--Richness of Historical and Ancestral Associations--The Queen on the Castle Rock--A Highland Welcome--Departure from Scotland. The Session of 1842 was opened by the Queen in person with unusual splendour, which was enhanced by the presence of the King of Prussia, who had come over to stand sponsor to the Prince of Wales. The christening was performed on the 25th of January, and was attended with all due magnificence, and succeeded by a splendid banquet. Mr. Raikes, in his amusing, valuable journal, thus records the event:-- _Tuesday, 25th._--The day of the Royal christening at Windsor. The Prince of Wales is named Albert Edward. All who have been there say that the scene was very magnificent, and the display of plate at the banquet superb. After the ceremony a silver-embossed vessel containing a whole hogshead of mulled claret was introduced, and served in bucketfuls to the company, who drank the young Prince's health. Very few ladies were invited. [Sidenote: NATIONAL DISTRESS AND ROYAL SYMPATHY.]