Mrs. Arabin commenced this evening's entertainment, and described as
follows: "A young lady, with an intellectual countenance, seated in the
midst of books, some of which appear to be written in Greek characters.
She is evidently weeping bitterly, and two men dressed in black are
apparently talking to her, and showing her some papers."
"Was she beautiful?" asked Emily.
"Yes."
"Mary, Queen of Scots?" guessed one.
"No."
"Catherine of Aragon?"
"No."
A pause ensued; at last Mrs. Arabin was asked to give them some little
clue to the history.
"She was famed for her learning; indeed, so much so as to be styled by
historians, the wonder the age."
"She and her husband were shortly afterwards beheaded, were they not?"
demanded Edward.
"Quite right," was the reply.
Mrs. Macdonald then began: "On a large open space, surrounded by
ancient buildings, is assembled a large crowd of persons, some of whom
appear to be preparing wood for burning around two stakes, placed at
some distance from each other. Near the one stands a very aged,
white-haired man with a Bible in his hand; he who stands near the other
pile is younger in appearance, but they both wear an expression of
calmness and resignation; indeed there is almost a look of joy in the
elder man's countenance. A person dressed in black has ascended some
elevated position to preach to them, and the younger victim is paying
evident attention to his discourse."
"Was Archbishop Cranmer one of the sufferers, mama?" asked one little
voice.
"No."
"Hooper or Ridley?" suggested Edward.
"No; after their death."
"Then I think I know who they were," said Annie; "but did only bishops
suffer?"
"No, my dear; besides five bishops, there were twenty-one clergymen,
eight lay gentlemen, eighty-four tradesmen, a hundred husbandmen,
fifty-five women, and four children."
"Had four children the courage to go through such pains for their
religion?"
"Yes, my love, but not in their own strength; their weak bodies and
minds would have flinched, had they not been strengthened from above.
We could all of us go through much more than we think ourselves capable
of, if we did but seek for help from God; and if we try to go on alone,
without looking to Him, no wonder that we fail."
Edward next began. "My picture represents a very, very small room,
almost a closet; its one window faces the door. Here a very beautiful
woman is sitting at supper with a foreign-looking man and some of her
attendant ladies, and a guitar lies near them. The principal lady
looks much agitated, for some figures have cautiously advanced to the
back of her favorite, and, with daggers in their hands, are trying to
pull him from his seat."
Edward's description was soon guessed by even the younger children, who
were well pleased at having an opportunity of shewing their learning.
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_."
"My picture to-night," said Emily, "tells of a scheme very dreadful in
its motives as well as gloomy in its preparations for fulfilment; a
vaulted roof is scarcely to be distinguished through the dark shades.
A figure is walking through these gloomy passages, evidently seeking
something; opposite him is a figure with a dark lantern in his hand,
enveloped in a cloak."
"Gunpowder treason and plot should never be forgot," exclaimed Alfred;
following his ejaculation with a loud "Hurrah!"
Papa's knock at the door interrupted the historical game for this
evening, but mama promised to have them again on Monday evening during
the dark hour; a season now as much looked forward to, as it was
formerly dreaded.
1. Lady Jane Grey's accession announced to her. A.D. 1553.
2. Death of Latimer and Ridley. A.D. 1555.
3. Death of Rizzio. A.D. 1563.
4. Defeat of the "Spanish Armada." A.D. 1588.
5. Lord Cobham led to execution. A.D. 1602.
6. Gunpowder Plot. November 5th, 1605.