I have just got home from Europe. I was over there one year, so I
became quite accustomed to it, but I like America far better than
any other land. When we left England all you could hear was about
the Egyptian war; it was on every tongue. England may be large and
great, but I like Scotland best. It is so beautiful! Everywhere you
go it is lovely, and it has such romantic old castles! And, do you
know, I saw the place where poor Rizzio was killed. I will tell you
how we came to go to Europe. It was my birthday, and papa asked me
what I wanted for a present. I did not know, so I said that I would
like to go to Europe. All our folks laughed at me, but still papa
gave me no present. So one day our carriage stopped at the door
just as usual, and mamma, papa, and I got in, as I thought to go
riding; but we went down such dirty streets that they attracted my
attention, and I asked papa about it, and he said we were going a
new way. At last we came in sight of a large vessel. We went on
board, for papa said he wanted to show me the _Illinois_, and as we
stepped upon it all our friends and relations were there. They all
kissed me in a hurry, and said, "May you well enjoy your birthday
present!"