The Project Gutenberg EBook of Our Little English Cousin, by Blanche McManus
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Title: Our Little English Cousin
Author: Blanche McManus
Illustrator: Blanche McManus
Release Date: July 19, 2013 [EBook #43250]
Language: English
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Our Little English Cousin
THE
Little Cousin Series
(TRADE MARK)
Each volume illustrated with six or more full-page plates in
tint. Cloth, 12mo, with decorative cover,
per volume, 60 cents
LIST OF TITLES
BY MARY HAZELTON WADE
(unless otherwise indicated)
=Our Little African Cousin=
=Our Little Alaskan Cousin=
By By Mary F. Nixon-Roulet
=Our Little Arabian Cousin=
By Blanche McManus
=Our Little Armenian Cousin=
=Our Little Australian Cousin=
By Mary F. Nixon-Roulet
=Our Little Brazilian Cousin=
By Mary F. Nixon-Roulet
=Our Little Brown Cousin=
=Our Little Canadian Cousin=
By Elizabeth R. MacDonald
=Our Little Chinese Cousin=
By Isaac Taylor Headland
=Our Little Cuban Cousin=
=Our Little Dutch Cousin=
By Blanche McManus
=Our Little Egyptian Cousin=
By Blanche McManus
=Our Little English Cousin=
By Blanche McManus
=Our Little Eskimo Cousin=
=Our Little French Cousin=
By Blanche McManus
=Our Little German Cousin=
=Our Little Greek Cousin=
By Mary F. Nixon-Roulet
=Our Little Hawaiian Cousin=
=Our Little Hindu Cousin=
By Blanche McManus
=Our Little Indian Cousin=
=Our Little Irish Cousin=
=Our Little Italian Cousin=
=Our Little Japanese Cousin=
=Our Little Jewish Cousin=
=Our Little Korean Cousin=
By H. Lee M. Pike
=Our Little Mexican Cousin=
By Edward C. Butler
=Our Little Norwegian Cousin=
=Our Little Panama Cousin=
By H. Lee M. Pike
=Our Little Philippine Cousin=
=Our Little Porto Rican Cousin=
=Our Little Russian Cousin=
=Our Little Scotch Cousin=
By Blanche McManus
=Our Little Siamese Cousin=
=Our Little Spanish Cousin=
By Mary F. Nixon-Roulet
=Our Little Swedish Cousin=
By Claire M. Coburn
=Our Little Swiss Cousin=
=Our Little Turkish Cousin=
L. C. PAGE & COMPANY
New England Building, Boston, Mass.
[Illustration: EDITH]
Our Little
English Cousin
By
Blanche McManus
_Illustrated by_
The Author
[Illustration]
Boston
L. C. Page & Company
Publishers
_Copyright, 1905_
BY L. C. PAGE & COMPANY
(INCORPORATED)
_All rights reserved_
Published June, 1905
Fifth Impression, June, 1909
Introduction
THE lives of Our Little English Cousins are not so widely different from
our own in America. It is only the more ancient associations with which
they are surrounded that changes their manners and customs.
Their speech is the same and their amusements and tasks are to a great
extent quite similar.
Certain details of home life vary considerably, and when they "take
their walks abroad," "Our Little English Cousins," as often as not,
visit some ancient historic shrine from whose associations have been
built up the great British nation.
Little English cousins and Little American cousins alike, however,
would have the same affections for the same things were they but to
change places, therefore things are not so very different after all.
What Washington is to America, London is to Britain; meaning in this
case England, Ireland, and Scotland as well, for our little Scotch and
Irish cousins by no means like one to talk or write of England alone
when one really means Britain.
"Our Little English Cousin" lives in a less rigorous climate than that
which prevails for the most part in America. Their winters are in
general not so cold (though they are quite as long) and not usually so
bright and sunny. The summers are by no means so hot as ours and are
accordingly most delightful.
The open-air pleasures of our English cousins, while existent in our own
country, are at least more general than with us, and tea out-of-doors,
in the garden, or on the banks of the Thames is an institution which is
quite unique, and accordingly, as a summer divertisement, is greatly in
vogue.
The Associations which link America with England are many and important;
indeed they are so numerous that it were futile to attempt to give place
to any in this introductory note beyond recalling to the mind of little
American cousins that the great Washington himself was of a well-known
English family before they settled in America.
To-day, if the English are not emigrating to America to the extent that
they formerly were, our American cousins are returning the visits, if
only for pleasure or edification, in astonishingly growing numbers each
year.
All this makes for a better understanding and appreciation of each other
and cements the growing friendship of years, which in our progressive
times is a good thing not to overlook.
"Our Little English Cousin," then, extends a cordial hand of welcome,
not only to her cousins across the seas who annually make visits to her
native land, but to the stay-at-homes as well, who have that pleasure in
store for some future time.
Contents
CHAPTER PAGE
I. EDITH'S HOME ON THE THAMES 1
II. A DAY AT HAMPTON COURT 13
III. A DRIVE TO RICHMOND AND KEW GARDENS 28
IV. WITH TOM AT WINDSOR CASTLE AND ETON 44
V. LONDON--HYDE PARK AND WESTMINSTER ABBEY 54
VI. THE TOWER OF LONDON 72
VII. MADAME TUSSAUD'S AND THE ZOO 80
VIII. HENLEY WEEK 89
IX. SUMMER HOLIDAYS 95
X. THE LORD MAYOR'S SHOW 103
List of Illustrations
PAGE
EDITH _Frontispiece_
OLDHAM MANOR 8
"IN A FEW MINUTES THEY HAD LANDED" 15
WINDSOR CASTLE 50
"AFTER WATCHING OTHER ANTICS OUR LITTLE FRIENDS BADE
THE 'BEEFEATER' AND HIS PET GOOD-BYE" 76
"SHE WALKED DOWN THE PATH BY THE RIVER AVON" 96
[Illustration]
Our Little English Cousin
CHAPTER I.
EDITH'S HOME ON THE THAMES
"NOW it is really time to get ready, is it not, Miss Green?" exclaimed
Edith, looking up at the clock for the twentieth time during the last
half-hour, and breaking off in the middle of the list of English kings
and queens which she was trying to commit to memory. Which king came
after Henry III., in that far-away time, seemed a small matter compared
to the outing which she and her governess had planned to enjoy on the
river that lovely afternoon.
Miss Green smiled indulgently as she closed her book. "It does seem a
shame to remain indoors a moment longer than one can help such a day as
this. Well, I will see Betty about the tea-things and pack them in the
basket while you are getting ready."
You may imagine it did not take Edith long to put away her books; then
giving her good-natured governess a hug she skipped off for her hat and
coat.
"There are Eleanor and Clarence waiting for us now," cried Edith, as she
and Miss Green, who was carrying the tea-basket, crossed the gardens.
Running over the lawn, which stretched down to the river, she greeted
her two little playmates from the vicarage. All three were bubbling over
with glee at the prospect of an outing this bright June afternoon upon
the river Thames. They were to go up-stream to a pretty little nook, in
a quiet "backwater," which was a favourite spot with them, and have a
"gipsy" tea under the willows.
The children were soon seated on cushions in the neat little shallow
punt. Towser, the big collie dog, was already in the boat, for he knew
he was a welcome companion on these trips.
Miss Green, standing at one end, poled the boat gracefully through the
water. This looks like an easy thing to do, but it takes a great deal of
skill to handle a punt.
"Does not the river look gay?" said Eleanor. "There are lots of people
out." The river indeed was covered with pleasure craft of all kinds.
There is probably no stream in the world so given up to pleasure as is
the Thames, which flows through the very heart of England; indeed it has
been called the "River of Pleasure."
It took all Miss Green's skill to steer through the many boats filled
with gay parties. Daintily fitted up rowboats with soft-cushioned
seats, the ladies in their bright summer dresses, with parasols of gay
colours; the men in white flannel suits and straw hats. There were many
punts like their own. Also tiny sailboats, some of them with bright red
or blue sails; while every now and then a crew of young men from one of
the colleges sculled past them, practising for the forthcoming
boat-race. All made way for these swift racing boats, for one of the
unwritten rules of the river is that boat crews must not be interfered
with while practising.
Occasionally our party in the punt would get the effect of a gentle wave
from an automobile boat or a steam-launch as it rushed by.
In the midst of it all were to be seen the swans gliding in and out
among the boats. The Thames swans are as well known as the river itself.
They are very privileged birds and directly under the protection of the
government itself. There are special keepers to look after them, and
any person who injured a swan in any way would be punished. But no harm
ever happens to them, for the lovely white birds are great pets with
every one, and the children especially like nothing better than to feed
them.
Along the banks, under the shade of overhanging trees, were merry
boat-loads of family parties making a picnic of their afternoon tea, as
our little party intended to do.
You must know that everybody in England takes what is called "five
o'clock tea," and would no more think of going without their tea in the
afternoon than their dinner.
Presently the punt glided behind a clump of trees. You would think it
was going into some one's garden, but out it came into a quiet bit of
water, a miniature bay quite apart from the main river. This is called a
"backwater." Catching hold of a tree with the hook on the end of her
pole, Miss Green brought the punt up against the bank under the
overhanging willows, and the young people were quickly out and on shore.
Then the tea-basket was brought from the punt. "Now, Clarence," said
Miss Green, "you fill the teakettle while the girls help me."
Their kettle was especially constructed for these occasions with a
hollow space in the bottom into which fits a small spirit-lamp,--this so
the wind cannot blow out the flame.
"My! we have got a jolly lot of cake; that's good," and Clarence looked
very approvingly at the nice plum-cake and the Madeira cake, which is a
sort of sponge cake with slices of preserved citron on top of it,--a
favourite cake for teas.
In a few minutes the water boiled in spite of everybody watching it
attentively, and Miss Green filled the teapot. Then they all gathered
around the dainty cloth spread on the grass, and the slices of bread and
butter, known as "cut bread and butter," and the lovely strawberry jam
quickly disappeared.
"Why do we always eat more out-of-doors," said Edith, "than when we are
indoors eating in the proper way? I suppose it is because we are doing
it for fun that it seems different from tea in the schoolroom."
"Perhaps the fresh air has more to do with it than anything else,"
laughed Miss Green, as she cut them the sixth piece of cake all around.
"Now you rest, Miss Green, and we will pack up everything," said
Eleanor.
"Yes, and let's wash up the tea-things. It will be fun," said Edith,
"and Betty will be surprised."
So the little girls amused themselves with their housekeeping, while
Clarence and Towser ran races up and down the greensward until it was
time to return.
[Illustration: OLDHAM MANOR]
The sun was setting when they pulled up at the steps of their
boat-landing where Colonel and Mrs. Howard, Edith's parents, were
sitting in comfortable wicker garden-chairs, waiting for them.
Oldham Manor, Edith's home, was a fine old house built in the "Tudor"
style, of red brick with stone doorways and windows, and quaint, tall,
ornamental chimneys, with the lower story entirely covered with ivy.
Colonel Howard was a retired army officer who had seen much service in
far-away India. He had to leave the army on account of his health, and
now devoted himself to his wife and two children, and his lovely home.
Mrs. Howard herself was a handsome and stately woman, rather reserved in
her manner, but devoted to her children.
Tom, Edith's brother, was at school at Eton College, so Edith had a
double share of petting, and led a very happy existence with plenty
of work and plenty of play. She had a pretty little room, with a little
brass bed, and an old-fashioned chest of drawers for her clothes. The
little dressing-table, which stood in front of one of the windows, was
draped with pink-flowered muslin, and the window curtains were of the
same material. The chairs were covered with a bright, pretty pink,
green, and white chintz, and the carpet was pale green with pink roses.
From the window of this delightful room, one overlooked the rose-garden.
Adjoining was the schoolroom, a big room where Miss Green and Edith
spent much of their time.
Edith usually dressed quickly, for, when the weather was fine, she and
her papa always took a walk around the gardens before breakfast. Colonel
Howard was very proud of his roses, and the rose garden of the manor was
quite famous; many of the rose-bushes were trained to form great arches
over the walks.
Another hobby of Colonel Howard's was his fancy chickens and ducks, of
which he had a great variety. Edith had her pet chickens, too, and she
and her papa could never agree as to whose chickens were the finest,
when they went to feed them in the morning.
Edith would run each morning into the breakfast-room, a bright-faced
little girl with sparkling blue eyes and golden brown hair tied up with
a pink ribbon and waving loosely over her shoulders--as all English
girls wear their hair until they are quite young ladies. Her dress was
very simply made, and around the neck was a pink ribbon--pink was her
favourite colour--tied in a bow. There was a "good-morning kiss" for
mamma, and Edith must help to fasten the rose in her hair, which Colonel
Howard always brought his wife.
Edith had a good appetite for her breakfast of porridge and cream, milk,
eggs and toast, or fish, or perhaps grilled kidneys and tomatoes, which
is a favourite English breakfast dish and very good indeed. Always she
finished with marmalade.
Breakfast over, then came the lessons in the schoolroom until one
o'clock, when Edith and Miss Green had their dinner served to them here.
After dinner she was free to walk or drive with her papa and mamma, or
Miss Green, or play games with her little friends in the neighbourhood.
Then for an hour in the afternoon Edith studied her lessons for the next
day, curled up on the big green sofa near the window, while Miss Green
read or sewed beside her, ready to help her out with a hard word.
Finally she had tea with Miss Green in the schoolroom at six o'clock,
and soon after this was ready for bed.
Thursday was a red-letter day for Edith, for in the afternoon she always
took tea with mamma and papa in state, in the drawing-room. This was so
that she should learn how to go through with it in the proper manner,
which is a very important part of a little English girl's education.
Mamma received her just as if she was a grown-up lady visitor, while
Edith put on her real "company" manners, and Colonel and Mrs. Howard
often could scarcely repress a smile at her great dignity when she began
the conversation with, "It's a charming day, is it not." "I take two
lumps of sugar only, thank you." Rainy afternoons she often worked on
fancy articles for the bazaars held by the Children's League of Mercy.
Edith was a member, and the money from the sales was given to help the
very poor children in their neighbourhood. So the little girl's days
passed pleasantly enough, as you may imagine.
CHAPTER II.
A DAY AT HAMPTON COURT
"NO, Towser, you can't come with us; you know you will not be allowed to
go into the palace, and what should we do with you then," said Edith,
patting him on the head, as she closed the gate and left poor doggie
looking wistfully after them.
Edith had been looking forward to a visit to Hampton Court for some
time. Her mamma had promised that she could invite Eleanor and Clarence
Whitworth and that Miss Green would take them all to spend a Saturday
half-holiday, or rather a whole holiday, at this beautiful old palace,
which was on the river, not very far distant from Oldham Manor.
Several Saturdays had proved disappointingly rainy, but to-day was all
they could wish for, and after calling at the vicarage for Eleanor and
Clarence, they went down the little village street which led to the
river landing, where there was a sign, "Boats to let."
Miss Green intended to engage a waterman to row them up to the Court, as
it was a rather long and tiresome pull.
The Thames watermen are quite an institution, and are one of the oldest
of English guilds or societies. They are banded together for the mutual
protection of their business, which is to hire out boats--and to row
boats and the like. Each man wears a badge, and is very jealous of his
rights. A new man who wishes to join their band must go through a long
apprenticeship before he can become what is publicly known as a "Thames
Waterman."
"Good morning, John," said Miss Green, to a bluff, good-natured man who
lifted his cap to them. "Have you a good boat for us to-day? we want
you to take us up to the Court."
[Illustration: "IN A FEW MINUTES THEY HAD LANDED"]
"Yes, indeed, miss, one of the best of the lot." John was their
favourite waterman, who often rowed them when the distances were too
great for Miss Green.
It was a pretty row past the green lawns of handsome homes, and one or
two small river villages, where the principal business is the letting of
boats and of fishing-tackle.
John's sturdy strokes soon brought them in sight of the park belonging
to Hampton Court, surrounded by a high wall past which the river winds
for some distance. Soon they caught sight of the red brick towers of the
palace itself, and its beautiful gardens, and in a few minutes they had
landed near one of the small excursion steamers that ply between London
and Hampton Court, on which so many folk take a charming day's excursion
on the Thames.
There is also a little village at Hampton Court, as well as the palace,
but one never pays much attention to it, except when one begins to get
hungry, for it is mostly made up of little shops, that hang out signs on
which is the one word, "Teas," which means one can get there their
afternoon tea.
Our little party made straight for the big iron gates which lead into
the entrance court. On one side are barracks where soldiers live, and
before them rises the red brick lodge or gateway through which is the
main entrance to the palace itself.
I fancy one often thinks of a palace as a great, tall, imposing building
of many stories. Well, most palaces _do_ cover a great deal of ground,
but many of the English ones are not so very tall. This palace is only
two stories high, with a sort of attic at the top. Another strange thing
about these old-time palaces is that most of the rooms are very small
according to our modern ideas, except for a few long rooms, called
galleries.
"Let us go through the two courtyards into the gardens and sit on a
bench under one of those old yew-trees, and I will tell you children
something of the story of the palace; then you will enjoy seeing it much
more," said Miss Green, as she led them into the lovely gardens where
they could see the building to the best advantage. The children crowded
around her as she began:
"It was built several hundred years ago by the great Cardinal Wolsey who
was minister or councillor to King Henry VIII. Wolsey became a powerful
favourite of the king, who loaded him with royal gifts. He became
wealthy and proud, and built for himself many grand homes, until at last
he founded this Hampton Court, which was to be the most splendid of them
all. But the cardinal had become by this time such a power in the
kingdom, and was so arrogant and wealthy that the king was jealous of
him, fearing that the cardinal would become his rival.
"To counteract this, the cardinal presented his palace at Hampton Court
to the king, and so it became a royal palace. But this did not prevent
the cardinal's downfall.
"Until a hundred or more years ago this palace was a favourite home of
the Royal Family, but now it is only a show-place for holiday-makers."
"I don't see how the king could have treated the poor cardinal badly
after he gave him such a beautiful home," remarked Edith, as they
entered the palace.
"Ah, well! perhaps he deserved it," said Miss Green, as they went up the
grand stairway and through room after room filled with pictures, and
some of the furniture of those old days.
They could see the beds on which had slept many royal persons. Around
this furniture were drawn ropes so no one could touch it or sit upon the
chairs. The floors were highly waxed, and in every room was a guardian
or sort of policeman, who closely watched visitors to see that nothing
was disturbed.
"Well, they did have a great number of rooms," said Eleanor, after they
had walked through many bedchambers, anterooms, and reception-rooms.
"Yes," answered Miss Green, "they were necessary not only for the Royal
Family itself, but for the many people who were always attached to the
court.
"Here is the 'throne-room,'" she continued, "where the king or queen sat
in that gilt chair which stands on a dais or platform raised several
steps above the floor." Above the chair was a velvet canopy surmounted
by a gilt crown. Usually the arms of England (the "Lion and the
Unicorn") were embroidered in gold and coloured silks on the velvet
background behind the throne. Here the kings and queens held their
audiences, and saw those who wished to present some petition or ask some
royal favour.
"This is one of the most splendid old-time 'banqueting-halls' in our
country," said Miss Green, as they came into the great chamber with a
high roof of great carved wood beams and windows of coloured glass.
Around the walls were great stag heads, and over the entrance door was a
gallery where the musicians played while guests ate dinner at the long
tables. The guests sat on wooden benches or stools, while the persons of
high rank occupied chairs at a table at the end of the hall, which was
placed on a raised platform which separated them from those of inferior
rank.
"Can't we see the big grape-vine now?" said Edith, as they left the
palace itself.
Miss Green led the way through the rose-garden, and past Queen Mary's
Bower, a shady and favourite walk of one of the queens, so shut in by
trees that it looked like a green tunnel. "There is the vine-house,"
exclaimed Clarence, as they came to a long, low, glass house which
covered the huge vine, nearly two hundred years old, the largest single
vine in the world. The trunk looked like that of a small tree, and its
branches, hanging thick with bunches of grapes, covered the glass roof.
At various times its home had to be added to, and still the vine has to
be constantly pruned to keep it within bounds.
"I should like to eat some of those grapes when they are ripe," said
Eleanor, looking up at the clusters over her head.
"You would have to be one of the Royal Family to do that," Miss Green
smilingly said. "They are all kept for the king's own use."
"Well, are you young people ready for dinner?" asked the governess,
looking at her watch as they left the vine-house. "It is nearly one
o'clock, so we had better have our dinner, and then we can spend the
afternoon in the gardens and park."
"Afterward we can go through the Maze, Eleanor," cried Edith, as,
holding each other by the hand, the little girls skipped through the
garden paths.
"Yes, but dinner first, by all means," said Clarence, "and let us go to
one of the places on the river, please, Miss Green, where we can watch
the boats."
On the gallery of one of the inns that overlook the river they found a
round table that would just accommodate their party. Here they could
enjoy a fine view of the palace and the river, and a substantial meal at
the same time.
"Now for the 'Maze,'" cried the young people, when they entered the
gardens again. The "Maze" is an elaborate labyrinth, whose pattern is
laid out in high-clipped hedges of box-trees. One can lose themselves
for some time amid its tangle of paths before it is possible to reach
the centre, and come back again to the starting-place.
"By paying a penny I can watch your efforts," said Miss Green, as she
paid her penny to the guardian, and mounted a little platform which
overlooks the tangle of paths. "I think I shall enjoy this more than
rushing around through the hot sun," she said, smiling down on her
charges.
Finding the right path through the Maze is one of the favourite
amusements of the children when they visit Hampton Court, and our three
young friends were soon rushing around laughing in the wildest
excitement.
It took nearly an hour's fun before they were able to reach the centre
and get out again, Clarence being rather crestfallen that the girls had
beaten him out.
"Oh, we _are_ warm," said Edith, as they ran up to Miss Green, panting
and fanning their faces with their hats.
"Indeed you are. Come, and we will rest and cool off in the park. The
chestnut-trees look lovely with their spikes of white flowers."
Under the great trees, groups of children were playing about, or having
picnic lunches, or amusing themselves with the deer, which live in the
park, and are so used to visitors that they are very tame, and will even
eat out of one's hand.
"I should like to come here next Sunday; it will be 'Chestnut Sunday'"
said Clarence, as they threw themselves on the soft grass.
"Oh," said Edith, "that is always one of the first Sundays in May."
"Yes," continued Clarence, "the first Sunday after the chestnut-trees
come in full blossom."
Thousands of people come here from London and the surrounding country on
that day, that they may drive through this long avenue that leads
directly through the park to the palace and admire the display of
blossoms on the great trees that line the avenue on both sides.
Clarence grew enthusiastic. "It's a jolly sight, I can tell you, to see
vehicles of all kinds, from bicycles and coster's carts to big
four-in-hand coaches and automobiles. There is such a jam on the avenue
that they can only creep along; it's like a big picnic."
"Is it not nearly tea-time? We are so thirsty, Miss Green," said
Eleanor, as the sun began to drop behind the trees. The little girls had
amused themselves by making endless daisy chains, and decorating their
hats with the "may" as they call the hawthorn-bloom, while Miss Green
read to them from a story-book.
"Yes, we must not be too late in getting home; we will stop at one of
the little tea-shops near the boat-landing."
It was a neat little cottage which they selected, covered with vines,
with a small flower-garden in front. The pleasant-faced hostess soon
brought in a big tea-tray covered with a dainty cloth on which was a big
pot of tea, cut bread and butter, and delicious strawberries, such as
only grow in England. "Nearly as big as my fist," declared Clarence, but
this was perhaps putting it rather strongly, though each one made a big
mouthful as the young folk ate them, dipping them first into sugar.
They sang songs as they rowed home, and the tunes were taken up by other
boats full of young people out for the Saturday half-holiday.
"We have had such a lovely time; thank you so much, Miss Green," said
the young Whitworths as they parted at their gate.
"It _has_ been a nice day, and we will have some others, too, when
Adelaide comes, won't we?" said Edith.
CHAPTER III.
A DRIVE TO RICHMOND AND KEW GARDENS
ADELAIDE STAMFORD was Edith's first cousin and lived in London. She was
not as strong as Edith, and during the winter her mamma had taken her to
Brighton, which is the great winter seaside resort. Although it is also
a very fashionable place, many invalids go there to enjoy the warm
sunshine. Adelaide was taken up and down the fine promenade in a bath
chair, which is a kind of big baby-carriage which a man pulls, or pushes
along. She also sat in the glass "shelters" along the sea front, which
keep off the wind nicely, and are like small glass houses.
So Adelaide had become much stronger, but the smoky London fog had again
made her rather pale and thin, and so she was coming to spend a few
weeks with the Howards, to see if Surrey air would not be beneficial.
She was Edith's favourite cousin, and the little girls were nearly of
the same age. Edith looked forward to having her share her lessons, and
planned many pleasant drives together in their neighbourhood, which is
one of the most beautiful and interesting in England.
"My dear, we must not only have roses in our garden, we must get some
into your cheeks," said Colonel Howard, as he lifted a little pale-faced
girl with dark hair and eyes out of the dog-cart which had brought her
from the station.
"She must stay out-of-doors as much as possible, and on the river, and
Edith will take her on some of her favourite drives, and we will soon
have her looking as plump as our little girl," said her aunt as she
kissed her.
Mrs. Howard then took Adelaide up to Edith's room, where another bed
had been put up for her.
"Kate will arrange your things in their proper places," said Mrs.
Howard, as the neat-capped maid came to take her coat and hat. "I must
leave you now, we are very busy. Edith has probably told you that the
'Sunday-school treat' is to be held on our lawn this afternoon, so, when
you have rested, come into the garden and help us amuse the little
ones."
"A treat" in other words is a picnic, and often only an afternoon
picnic, as in this case. The children of the neighbourhood had early
gathered in the churchyard, and were marshalled by the vicar and their
teachers into a procession.
Marching two by two, they came down the street, and through the big
gates of the manor, where they quickly spread themselves in merry groups
over the lawns. Soon everybody was in full swing for a good time; games
were started, and Clarence with some of the older boys put up a
cricket-pitch in one corner of the grounds. The croquet lawn was also
well patronized.
Colonel Howard had generously arranged for a small steam-launch to take
the children for short trips up the river and back again; this was
perhaps more popular than anything else.
Meanwhile Mrs. Howard and Mrs. Whitworth superintended the setting of
the tables on the grass under gay red and white awnings.
The summons to tea was welcome, and the children joyfully gathered
around the well-filled tables. There were huge plates of sandwiches,
cakes, buns, jam, and big strawberries. All the good things melted away
so quickly that it kept the older folks running to bring more, while
nobody stopped to count the cups of tea that each one stowed away.
There was a little lull after this, while they listened to a band of
music placed under the trees.
Adelaide greatly enjoyed it; it was more of a novelty to her than her
cousin, and she was much interested in helping feed the swans, who had
evidently got wind of the entertainment and knew that their chances for
food were good. A number of these graceful birds had gathered along the
river bank, and the children were stuffing them with pieces of buns.
There was one greedy old swan that amused them very much; he was always
trying to peck the more timid ones away and gobble up everything
himself, just like some greedy children we all have seen.
The twilight was closing in when the last band of young people left,
singing songs, and waving their hats and handkerchiefs; all of them very
grateful for the happy time they had enjoyed so much.
"Miss Green says if we are very good she will take us for a drive in the
governess-cart to Richmond and Kew Gardens this afternoon," Edith
confidentially whispered to Adelaide, as they went up to the schoolroom
the next day. Lessons were learned as by magic that morning, and Tony
and the cart were at the door early in the afternoon.
Tony was one of the dearest of ponies, and was almost as much of a
playmate with the children as Towser.
"Look at Tony as we get in, Adelaide; he has the funniest little way of
looking around at you." Sure enough, Tony was peering around at them as
much as to say, "I'm watching you; aren't you almost ready to start?"
They halted a moment at the vicarage to arrange that Eleanor and
Clarence should meet them at the bird-pond in Kew Gardens. Soon they
were driving through the beautiful Richmond Park. Miss Green pointed
out White Lodge, one of the many royal residences; a rather small,
plain, white house in the centre of the park. "It was here," she
continued, "that young Prince Edward, the eldest son of the Prince of
Wales, who will some day be King of England, was born. His birthday was
celebrated by a great dinner which was given by the late Queen Victoria
to all the children of Richmond. Tables were set under the trees in the
old park, at which hundreds of children feasted, and speeches were made
in honour of the young prince. Afterward each child was given a mug, on
which was a picture of the queen and the date, which they could always
keep as a souvenir, or remembrance, of the day."
"Oh, yes, Miss Green," said Edith, "you remember that Betty's little
sister has one of the mugs, and Betty once showed it to me."
"Look at the deer, Adelaide," said Edith, as she caught her cousin by
the hand. "See, they want to cross the road, and are waiting for us to
go past." Sure enough, there stood, watching the cart, a great herd of
these graceful creatures, very erect, with their dainty heads crowned
with big, branching horns. They were evidently undecided whether or not
they had time enough to cross the road before the cart would reach them;
then one made up his mind and darted across, another followed, and then
the entire herd swept swiftly by, then turned again to look at the cart,
as much as to say, "Well, we did it."
"Here is the famous view from Richmond Hill, known all over the world,"
said Miss Green, as she pulled up Tony for a few minutes, that the girls
might admire the winding River Thames, far below them, lying like a
silver ribbon between green meadows and wooded hills. "Authors and
artists alike have helped to make this view celebrated," said Miss
Green, "and that big building on the left is the famous 'Star and
Garter' hotel. It used to be the fashion to drive down from London and
lunch on its terrace, from which one gets a most beautiful view down the
Thames valley."
Edith was trying to point out to Adelaide the tower of Windsor Castle,
where the king and the Royal Family live when they are not in London.
"We will go over there some day while you are with us, Adelaide."
"Miss Green," continued Edith, as the pony trotted down the long, narrow
street into the town, "won't you please stop at the 'Maid of Honor'
shop, so we can buy some cakes?"
"I can never get Edith past this place," laughed Miss Green, as she
pulled up in front of an old-fashioned shop, painted green, with a big
sign over the front: "THE ORIGINAL MAID OF HONOR SHOP."
While the little girls make their purchases you might like to hear the
story of these famous cakes.
It is said they were first made for King Henry VIII., by one of the
Maids of Honor at his court, and this is why they are called "Maid of
Honor" cakes. A _Maid of Honor_ is not really a maid or a servant, but a
lady who attends upon the queen--a companion.
Well, the king thought the cakes tasted so good that many more were made
for him, and the recipe was kept safely guarded in a fine chest with a
gold lock and key; but somehow it became known, and was handed down
until it became the property of the present owner of the shop, who
claims that his cakes are still made by the same recipe as those eaten
by King Henry hundreds of years ago.
By this time the little girls were driving past the "Green." Every town
and village in England has an open grass plot which is either called
the "Green" or the "Common," which means that it is common property, and
it is here that the young people play games.
"There is all that is left of Richmond Palace," said Miss Green,
pointing to an ancient gateway with a part of a dwelling attached. "Once
it was a favourite residence of the great Queen Elizabeth.
"Many great men lived during the reign of 'Good Queen Bess,' as she was
called, but you must not forget the greatest of them all--Shakespeare."
"Oh, yes," said Edith, "papa and mamma are going this summer to visit
the village where he lived, and they have promised to take me. What is
the name of the place, Miss Green? I have forgotten it."
"Stratford-on-Avon, and you must never forget the name of the town where
lived the greatest English poet, my dear," replied Miss Green.
"Did not a great many kings and queens live in Richmond, besides Queen
Elizabeth?" asked Adelaide.
"Yes, it was a favourite home of royalty, and that is why it was called
'Royal Richmond,' and the town has always been proud of the numbers of
great people who have lived here, poets and writers and painters as well
as kings and queens.
"I will have the cart put up at one of the little inns near the big
gates," said Miss Green, as they drove up to the entrance to Kew
Gardens.
Soon our party were strolling over the soft grass and among the lovely
flower-beds, for here people can walk and play over the grass as they
like, for there are no horrid "Keep off the Grass" signs.
If you want to know what any plant or tree in the whole world looks
like, you have only to come here and you will find a specimen of it,
either growing out in the open, or in the museum, which makes these
gardens of great value. They were begun first by a certain King George,
whose palace is still standing in one corner of the gardens, and who
afterward made it a present to the nation.
Our party made straight for the pond where they were to meet their
little friends.
"There they are now," cried Edith, "and Clarence is feeding that funny
old bird that follows everybody around."
"I have given this old fellow two buns already, and he is still begging
for more," said Clarence, as the two little girls ran up.
It is a great treat for the children to watch the queer water-birds from
all parts of the world whose homes are in and around this pond.
On Saturday afternoons especially, numbers of young people of all ages
gather there at the hour when the birds are fed. The birds are petted
and fed so much that they are very tame, and the gray gull that Clarence
was talking about, follows every one about begging like a kitten or a
dog. There are ducks of all kinds, and all colours, that scoot over the
water, swallowing the unwary flies and waterbugs who stray in their
path, and dive for the bits of cake and bread which are thrown to them
by the children. There are beautiful red flamingos, and storks that
stand on one leg with their heads under one wing, and all kinds of queer
birds with long, stick-like legs. But the funniest of all are the big
white pelicans.
"Do look at them," cried Adelaide, "they know their dinner is coming."
The five pelicans had been huddled up in a bunch in one corner, with
their eyes tight shut, one might think fast asleep. Just then the keeper
came down to the water's edge with a big basket of fish. Such a flapping
of wings! The pelicans were instantly wide-awake, and, rushing forward,
crowded about the keeper, opening their enormously long beaks, to which
is attached a kind of natural sack or bag which they use for holding
their food until they can better masticate it.
As each one's share of the fish was tossed into its big mouth, it
disappeared like lightning. Meanwhile, all the other birds, big and
little, had rushed up demanding their share. Such "quacks" and "gowks"
and "squeaks"! You never heard such a funny lot of voices. The greedy
old gull hopped right under the keeper's feet, until he got the biggest
fish of all, and dragged it off into a corner all by himself.
Our young people watched the birds for some time, then went through some
of the big greenhouses full of palms, and all sorts of tropical plants,
and finally drove back home through the quaint little village of Kew.
"In this churchyard is buried one of our most famous painters," said
Miss Green, as they passed the quaint church which stands on one side of
the Kew Green,--"Gainsborough, who was especially fond of painting
portraits of beautiful women. But we must not stop longer, as it is
growing late," she continued, so touching up Tony, they went along all
in high spirits, though Adelaide confessed she did feel a bit tired, and
both the little girls were quite ready for their tea when they reached
the manor.
CHAPTER IV.
WITH TOM AT WINDSOR CASTLE AND ETON
"WHEN do we start, papa, and which way are we to go, and are we to see
Tom first, or the castle?" asked Edith, all in one breath, as soon as
she had kissed her mamma and papa good morning in the breakfast-room.
"Oh, you little fidget!" said Colonel Howard, good-naturedly, "sit down
and eat your breakfast and we will try and answer one question at a
time. Now, which would you rather see first, Tom or the castle?"
"Tom, of course," cried Edith, without hesitation, for she and her
brother were great chums, though she was only a little girl, while in
her eyes, as well as in his own, Master Tom was quite a man.
"Well, then, Tom first, and we will take him to the castle with us.
Though he has been there before, he will enjoy the day with us.
"We will drive along the river road, for that is the prettiest way,
though the longest, and we will start as soon as mamma is ready. Now,
miss, all of your questions are satisfactorily answered, and it only
remains for you children not to keep us waiting."
There was no danger of that. The young people were in the carriage
before Colonel and Mrs. Howard came down-stairs, and soon they were
bowling along the shady road, the hawthorn hedges on either side
perfuming the air with their white blossoms.
They passed through several quaint little riverside villages with queer
little inns, where those who want to fish or boat on the river go for a
lunch or tea, which they can enjoy on a gallery, or in a garden
overlooking the water.
"There's Windsor Castle," cried Edith. "I knew it from the pictures; it
is a real story-book castle." And, sure enough, high up over the trees
rose the great gray towers and walls at whose very base flowed the
Thames.
"There is one of the most historic spots on our river," said Colonel
Howard, pointing to a small island covered with trees. "It does not look
very important, but tradition says a great event took place there. Way
back in the early history of our country the kings had such absolute
power that they could do almost anything they liked, and if they were
not good men this led them to oppress their subjects and take away their
liberties. So the great barons of the country forced King John to give
them their 'Charter,' on this little island, called Runnymede. All this
is difficult for you little girls to understand, but some day you will
read more about it in your history."
"You can see, Edith, over those meadows yonder, where Tom lives. That is
Eton, and this is one of the prettiest views of the college," said Mrs.
Howard.
In a few minutes they were among the old buildings of the most famous of
boys' schools, and found Tom ready for them, full of enthusiasm at the
prospect of a day off in company with his family.
The Howard family was a very devoted one, and no wonder they were proud
of Tom. He was a fine, healthy, rosy-cheeked boy with frank, blue eyes
and short-clipped brown hair. He had on a suit like that worn by all the
Eton boys, which has now become the proper dress for English boys of
certain ages, especially schoolboys. It consists of long gray trousers
and a short black jacket, coming just to the waist, known as the "Eton
jacket"; over this is a broad white collar, and they wear with this
costume a high silk hat, just like the one your papa wears, except of
course it is smaller.
"I wrote to you that I was in the 'eights' that is to row at Henley,
papa; well, we are working hard to beat them. By Jove! we have got a
strict coach; he is keeping the fellows up to the mark," and Tom talked
on with enthusiasm about the boat-races at Henley-on-Thames, at which
their crew of eight was to compete for one of the prizes known as "The
Ladies' Plate."
As he talked, he led them through the colleges and into the chapel,
pointing out everything to the little girls with a lofty air of
proprietorship which greatly impressed them with his importance, and
when he showed them the "playing fields" where cricket was going on, and
spoke in an offhand manner of "our men," the little girls looked at him
with great awe and admiration.
It was all new to Edith and Adelaide, so Tom took them through some of
the old class-rooms, where many celebrated men had learned their
lessons. The rough, wooden benches and desks had been hacked and cut up
by the knives of schoolboys for many hundred years. It used to be the
fashion for the boys to cut their names somewhere on the oak-panelled
walls of their schoolrooms, and many names that have since become famous
can be seen there to-day. The boys liked to do it all the more, because
it was forbidden, but gradually it became the custom, and the proper
thing to do.
After Tom had duly impressed the glories of his school upon his sister
and cousin, the whole party set out for Windsor Castle, just across the
river from Eton.
In a few minutes they were climbing the hill on which the castle stands,
and the carriage stopped at the big entrance gate, on either side of
which stands a sentry in a bright red coat and a great bearskin helmet
on his head.
[Illustration: WINDSOR CASTLE]
"Now, my dears, you are really inside the king's home," said Colonel
Howard, as with some other visitors they followed the guide through the
handsome rooms, with their elegant furniture and valuable pictures. From
the windows was a fine view extending many miles over the great park
which surrounds the castle.
"On certain days of the week," said Colonel Howard, "a band plays on the
terrace below, and then the grounds and terrace are free to all who wish
to come, while the Royal Family often sit at these windows and enjoy the
music."
They also visited the beautiful chapel, where the king and his family
attend service when they are at the castle.
Soon our party came to meet the carriage again outside the great
gateway. "Drive to the 'White Swan,' John," said Colonel Howard, "we
are going to lunch there."
"That's good," said Tom. "It's a jolly nice place; they will give us a
good dinner. Look, papa," he continued, excitedly, "there is Prince
Eddie and his brother in that carriage coming toward us. I knew they
were staying at 'Frogmore House.'"
The two boy princes, manly-looking young boys, dressed in sailor suits,
were chattering gaily with their tutor, who accompanied them, and
smilingly returned the bows of Colonel Howard's party as they passed.
They are the two oldest sons of the Prince of Wales; they are
fine-looking little fellows, and enjoy nothing better than their home
life in the country, cycling around Windsor Park, or fishing and boating
on the river.
Our little party enjoyed a bountiful dinner in the cool dining-room of
the "White Swan Inn," with its dark, oak-panelled walls, and big
sideboard, set out with fine old silver and china.
The solemn, smooth-faced old waiter deftly served them. First they had a
delicious fried sole, and then the dish without which no English person
thinks dinner is complete,--a big joint of good English roast beef,
which as a matter of fact mostly comes from Scotland.
With the roast beef there are potatoes and vegetables. Afterward there
was a pudding, for a real English dinner must always finish with
pudding. Then follows cheese, which is eaten with salad, the salad being
usually lettuce and eaten only with salt. Sometimes they have coffee
after dinner, but the English are not great coffee drinkers. You must
have found out by this time that they are much more fond of tea.
"Let's go for a row on the river," was the first suggestion after they
had left the table and were seated in the garden of the inn, from Tom,
who was eager to show his skill in handling the oars.
"I am sure your mother and I prefer to rest awhile; we are not so keen
for exertion just after dinner," said Colonel Howard, "but you can take
the two girls, only don't go too far, for we have a long ride before
us."
So the young people enjoyed a half-hour's row; then Tom was driven back
to his school, all promising to meet again at Henley.
It was the cool of the evening when John drove through the manor gates,
and needless to say our two little girls slept that night like tops.
Somehow this toy has the reputation of being a very sound sleeper. Can
somebody explain why?
CHAPTER V.
LONDON--HYDE PARK AND WESTMINSTER ABBEY
ADELAIDE'S visit to Oldham Manor was at an end, and Edith was to return
with her to spend a week in London. You can imagine how excited she was
at the thought of all she would see in the great city.
Adelaide was so much improved by her stay in the country that she seemed
quite another little girl who waved good-bye to her good uncle and aunt
as the train pulled out of the little railway station. Miss Green was to
see them safely to the end of their journey and return again the same
day.
"Does not London look smoky and dark?" exclaimed Edith, as their cab
took them swiftly through the crowded streets.
"And this, too, is a very fair day for London," said Miss Green, "but
here we are in Langham Gardens," as the cab turned into a square with a
small park, or garden, in the centre, around which were substantial
houses. Much of London is built around such little squares. Soon the cab
stopped before a comfortable brick house of four stories with white
stone trimmings.
In front of each window was what is called a window-garden, an
ornamental box full of bright flowering plants. All the better class
London dwellings have these window-gardens, which do so much toward
brightening up the gloomy rows of houses. The front door was a rich
green in colour and in the centre was a big brass knocker. A few hard
raps brought the maid, and Adelaide was soon in her mother's arms, who
was greatly pleased at seeing her looking so well.
"Take Edith to your room, my dear," said Mrs. Stamford, "and do not be
long, for lunch will soon be ready."
Adelaide's room was a very nice one, but one could not see the flowers
and river from its windows, as from Edith's in Surrey. They looked over
endless roof-tops and smoking chimneys. Opening out of it was a sort of
play-room and schoolroom combined. Here Adelaide had her lessons with
her teacher, who came every day for that purpose.
"Oh, Fluff, lazy fellow, there you are," cried Adelaide, as a beautiful
white Persian cat slowly uncurled himself from the depths of an armchair
and came toward them with great deliberation, like the aristocratic
pussy that he was. He knew his own value, and had evidently made up his
mind that he would not show his little mistress how delighted he was to
get her back again, for fear of compromising his dignity.
"Is not he a beauty, Edith?" said Adelaide, stroking his long, silky,
white fur. Fluff, having at last given in, mounted to her shoulder, and
settled there with a soft murmur of purrs.
"He comes of a fine family, I can tell you, and at the last Royal Cat
Show, at the Crystal Palace, he took a gold medal; there it is hanging
up in the cabinet. There is no use trying to keep it tied on Fluff, he
only tries to lick it off all the time; besides, it would spoil his
beautiful ruff."
The two little girls had lunch with Mrs. Stamford, for Adelaide had all
her meals in the big dining-room, except tea, which she had with her
teacher, Miss Winton, in the schoolroom.
Mrs. Stamford was a widow and Adelaide her only child, so she and her
mother were much together and were real companions to each other.
"How would you and Edith like to go with me to Hyde Park this
afternoon?" asked Mrs. Stamford. "The king is to open the new Royal
Hospital, and as the procession passes through the park you will be able
to see it well."
"How splendid! We will really see the king and queen, aunty? Do let's
go," and Edith jumped up and down in her chair with excitement.
"Be ready, then, so that we can leave directly after lunch, for he is to
pass Albert Gate at three o'clock, and we must be early to get a place."
The park looked gayer than usual this afternoon, with plenty of
well-dressed people in fine carriages drawn by well-groomed horses and
driven by pompous coachmen; some of the handsomest carriages had
coachmen and footmen in bright-coloured liveries and powdered wigs. A
carriage like this you may be sure held some grand person. All along the
edge of the drives were rows of chairs; toward these Mrs. Stamford made
her way and selected three in the front row.
Presently one of the men who have the seats in charge came up, and Mrs.
Stamford paid him a penny for the use of each seat.
The crowd grew more dense and the big policemen were now keeping the
driveway clear.
Edith had noticed in the two chairs next to her a little girl,
apparently but little older than herself, and a boy evidently younger.
They had been talking eagerly together, and Edith could tell that
everything was new and strange to them.
Presently the little girl, who had been glancing at Edith, leaned over
and said, eagerly: "They will soon be here, won't they? I so much want
to see a real live king and queen. You know we don't have kings and
queens in our country. We are Americans. My mamma's name is Mrs. White
and I am Carrie White and Henry is my youngest brother. I have two
brothers at home in New York older than myself, and we are staying at
the Hotel Cecil."
The little girl poured out her information rapidly, before Edith had
time to say a word.
"We have a 'President' in our country; he drives around in processions,
too, but he does not wear a crown like your king," chimed in the little
boy. "I wish he was going to have it on to-day, but I suppose he only
puts it on for grand occasions."
"Yes," said Adelaide, joining in the conversation, "he wears it when he
goes to open Parliament. I saw that procession once. It was a fine
sight, better than this will be, because he and the queen rode in the
great gilded coach that cost ever so much money. They both had on their
crowns and rich red robes trimmed with ermine, and they smiled and bowed
as they drove along. The coach was drawn by eight beautiful
cream-coloured horses with harness of red and gold, and each horse was
led by a groom dressed in a red uniform with a powdered wig and black
velvet cap. Behind were two footmen, also in red and gold, and on either
side of the carriage walked the 'Beefeaters,' as the Yeomen of the Guard
are called."
"Oh, those are the men who take care of the Crown Jewels in the Tower of
London. We saw them," broke in the little boy.
"Yes," hurriedly went on Adelaide, "and before the coach rode a
detachment of the Royal Horse Guards. Oh, they are splendid! And behind
rode some more Horse Guards; then followed lots of carriages."
Mrs. Stamford had been listening to the children with some amusement.
"Are you alone, my dears?" she finally asked the little American girl.
"Oh, yes, Henry and I came all by ourselves from the hotel. Poor mamma
had such a bad headache she could not come, but she did not want us to
be disappointed, so she got the hotel porter to put us on the right
'bus, and he told the conductor where to let us off, and all we have got
to do when we want to go back is to ask the big policeman at the gate to
put us on the same 'bus again."
"Oh," gasped Edith in amazement, "aren't you afraid?"
She could not imagine Adelaide and herself crossing several miles of the
busiest part of London without Mrs. Stamford, the governess, or a maid
accompanying them.
"Why, no, of course not," laughed Henry. "It _is_ rather hard to find
the right 'bus, because they have got so many names all over them, but a
policeman will always set you right; they are right good fellows, your
policemen; they take a lot of trouble for one."
"Here they come," some one called out, as cheering was heard, and the
children jumped up on their chairs.
First came a number of mounted policemen, and then many carriages
containing great people, and members of the Royal Family. Then the Royal
Horse Guards, the finest regiment of soldiers in the kingdom, whose duty
is always to escort the king. They did make a fine showing in their
white trousers and red coats, their glittering breastplates and helmets,
swords clanking by their sides, and sitting so straight on their black
horses.
"They are fine," said Henry. "I wish Billy could see them."
"Hush, here is the king," said Adelaide.
An open carriage passed swiftly. On the high box sat the coachman and
footman in the royal liveries of a bright red, powdered wigs on their
heads, and on the lapel of the coachman's coat was a huge rosette. At
the back of the carriage stood two footmen, also in the red livery.
King Edward VII. was dressed in a field-marshal's uniform, and kept his
hand in salute a greater part of the time.
Queen Alexandra was seated on his right, and looked very sweet and
pretty in a violet-coloured dress and hat to match. She carried in her
hand a big bouquet of flowers. In a moment they had passed, followed by
more soldiers. The children had waved their handkerchiefs, and Henry and
Carrie cheered with the rest.
"We are going in your direction, and I will see you safely on your 'bus,
or perhaps you had better take a cab," said Adelaide's mother, to their
new friends, as they walked to the big gateway of the park.
"Thank you, ma'am," said the little American children, "but we would
rather go on top of the 'bus; it is more fun, and we can see more."
"Good-bye," the young Americans shouted, as they climbed on their 'bus.
"You must come and see us when you come to New York," called out Carrie,
as with smiles and waving hands the clumsy 'bus rolled them away.
"What would you like to show Edith to-day?" asked Mrs. Stamford of her
little daughter, as they sat at the breakfast-table the next morning.
"You will have a holiday from your lessons while Edith is here, so Miss
Winton will go with you to-day."
"Of course she must see Westminster Abbey, and the Tower of London, and
Madame Tussaud's, and the Zoo," said Adelaide, in one breath.
"Not all in one day," laughed her mother. "Suppose you go to the Abbey
this morning and drive with me this afternoon to Kensington Palace. Then
see the Tower to-morrow."
The girls were soon ready. "Let us walk, Miss Winton," said Adelaide, as
they crossed the gardens into the busy street. "There is so much we can
show Edith on the way to the Abbey. See, Edith, there is Buckingham
Palace, where the king lives when he is in London."
It did not look as handsome as one imagines a palace ought to look; it
seemed rather dark and gloomy, though it was a big building.
"You can tell that the king is there because the royal standard is
flying over the roof," explained Adelaide. "That is the Royal Family's
own flag. It is made of the three coat-of-arms of the three kingdoms
which compose Great Britain,--the three golden lions of England, the one
rampant red lion of Scotland, and the gold harp of Ireland. It is
different, you will see, from the ordinary flag of England, called the
'Union Jack,' and more elaborate and beautiful," said Miss Winton. "The
design of the 'Union Jack' is made of the three crosses of the three
ancient patron saints of Great Britain,--St. George of England, St.
Andrew of Scotland, and St. Patrick of Ireland."
They crossed St. James's Park, which is in front of the palace, and a
few minutes' walk brought them to the beautiful church of Westminster
Abbey, which is the pride of every Englishman.
Here, in front of the great altar, the English kings and queens have
been crowned, and many of them lie buried in the chapels which surround
the choir.
Edith saw the coronation chair, which is very old, and on which the
sovereigns sit when the crown is placed on their heads by the Archbishop
of Canterbury.
Many monuments of good and great people, as well as of kings and queens,
fill the Abbey to overflowing; for Englishmen consider it a great honour
to be buried under the stone floor of the Abbey.
But perhaps the most interesting part is what is called the "Poets'
Corner," where most of the great English poets are either buried, or
have monuments erected to their memory.
Our little American cousins will see there a marble bust of their poet
Longfellow, erected by admirers of his in England.
"Do you see that stone in the floor with the flowers on it?" said Miss
Winton; "that is the grave of the great author, Charles Dickens, who
wrote the touching story I read to you, Adelaide, of 'Little Nell' and
her grandfather, called 'The Old Curiosity Shop.'
"'The Old Curiosity Shop' itself is still to be seen, which is the same
house, it is claimed, that Dickens took for the imaginary home of
'Little Nell,' and where she took such good care of her grandfather."
As they left the Abbey, Miss Winton pointed out to Edith the great
Houses of Parliament, where the laws of the kingdom are made.
"Let us stop, Miss Winton, and have a glass of milk from the cows as we
go through the park," said Adelaide, as they walked on.
"Do they have cows in London?" asked Edith.
"Well, it does not seem likely, does it," smiled Miss Winton, "but these
cows have very old rights to be in St. James's Park, not so very far
from the Royal Palace, which you saw this morning. Many years ago,
before London became the biggest city in the world, as it now is, with
its millions of people, there used to be a big 'Milk Fair' at this end
of the park. Here were brought many cows, and their milk was sold to the
good people of London. Now all that remains of this 'Milk Fair' are the
two cows you see yonder, tethered under the trees eating grass as
composedly as if they were out on a country farm.
"The cows do not know how nearly they came to losing their comfortable
quarters lately; for a new street is being put through to connect the
park with Trafalgar Square, and those in charge of the work decided the
poor cows were in the way and must go. This nearly broke the hearts of
the two old sisters, who own the cows, and sell the milk. So they
petitioned King Edward that they and their cows might remain
undisturbed. The king kindly gave them permission, only they will have
to move a few hundred yards away from their present place so as not to
interfere with the new street."
Under a wooden shelter the children found the two old ladies filling
glasses with milk for the boys and girls who are now about the only
patrons of the "Milk Fair." Perhaps the sweetmeats and cakes that are
also to be bought there attract them as well.
"Now, we must hurry home," said Miss Winton, "or we shall be late for
lunch."
After lunch Mrs. Stamford drove with the little girls to Kensington
Palace. This is another palace belonging to the king. You see royalty
had plenty of homes scattered around, so when they got tired of one they
could move into another.
This palace is principally of interest because it was the first home of
Queen Victoria. But what the children like to see are the toys she
played with during her childhood in the old palace.
They are all kept in the queen's old nursery. Edith and Adelaide looked
at them with a hushed reverence, though they were plain, simple little
things,--some dolls and dolls' house furniture, not half so fine as the
toys they had themselves at home, for the queen had been brought up very
simply.
CHAPTER VI.
THE TOWER OF LONDON
"LET'S go to the Tower on top of a 'bus," clamoured the little girls,
and it did not take long for them to scramble up on to the first one
that came along. "It is so nice and wobbly," they declared, "and the
people in the streets seem so far below." If one gets a seat just back
of the driver, who is generally a jovial good fellow, he will tell you a
lot about London, as he drives along, for these drivers are a sociable
class of men. It is wonderful to see them guiding the big clumsy 'buses
through the mass of people and vehicles of all kinds--costers' carts,
automobiles, big lumbering wagons, and hansom cabs flitting about like
busy flies. As often as not you will see a wagon, with a big load of
hay, nearly blocking up the street, and next to it a stylish carriage
with footmen in livery. Oh, you can see almost anything in the London
streets. But the picturesque old omnibuses are soon to disappear, and
automobile 'buses are to take their places.
I must tell you what a coster is. Costers are people who go to the great
London market, called Covent Garden, and buy cheap vegetables and fruits
and flowers, and sell them in the poorer parts of the city. The coster
men dress in velveteen suits trimmed with rows and rows of pearl
buttons, which they call "pearlies." They are very proud of these
costumes. The women wear bright, gaudily coloured dresses, and very big
hats, covered with feathers. They hawk their wares about in barrows or
little carts, drawn by such a tiny donkey (a "moke" as the costers call
it), that you wonder how he is able to pull a whole family of costers
as well as a big load of vegetables, as they often do.
"Edith, that is St. Paul's Cathedral just ahead of us; you can see its
big dome for miles around, and now we are in the old part of London,"
explained Miss Winton. "Just beyond is Bunhill Fields, where Daniel
Defoe who wrote that immortal children's story--'Robinson Crusoe'--is
buried. A plain shaft or obelisk rises above his grave, and not so very
long ago the children of England were asked to give a penny each toward
building this monument to the memory of the author of their favourite
story-book. Many children responded and enough money was raised for the
purpose. You will see that the inscription on it tells the story."
The little girls were much impressed, and Edith said she would tell
Clarence and Eleanor about it, as they had just been reading about
Robinson Crusoe and his desert island.
"Are not the 'Beefeaters' splendid?" said Adelaide, as they passed
through the old gateway into the Tower of London. "There is the one,
Miss Winton, who talked with mamma and me the last time we were here. I
believe he remembers me and is coming this way. He had a tame raven
which he showed us. See, Edith, there are a number of ravens flying
about; they make their home among the old buildings, and the keepers
feed them."
"Good morning, miss," said the old man, as he came up. "I am very
pleased to see you again," and he bowed politely to the little girls.
He was indeed as fine as a picture. The "Yeomen of the Guard" hold a
very exclusive and enviable position. They attend the king on all grand
occasions. Their dress is in the same style as that worn in the time of
King Henry VIII.: all of bright red, trimmed heavily with gold braid, a
big white ruff around their necks, and a lovely black velvet hat. They
carry a halberd, or sort of lance with a sharp blade at the end. This is
the dress for grand occasions. Their everyday costume is in the same
style, but is not quite so fine.
[Illustration: "AFTER WATCHING OTHER ANTICS OUR LITTLE FRIENDS BADE THE
'BEEFEATER' AND HIS PET GOOD-BYE"]
"How is the raven?" asked Adelaide. "My cousin would so much like to see
him."
"There he is now. Come here, 'Blackie,'" and he whistled to the solemn
bird that came hopping over the grass.
"Does he not look wise, Edith? and he can do all sorts of tricks."
The bird flew on to his master's cap, and peered down over the rim of it
at him, as much as to say "bo-peep," and then leaned over and took a bit
of sugar out of the old man's mouth. After watching other antics our
little friends bade the "Beefeater" and his pet good-bye and continued
their walk around the Tower, which is really much more than a single
tower. It is a big group of buildings, with a square tower in the
middle, a high wall around it all, and a deep moat which was once filled
with water. The "Tower" is very, very old; it was used for a prison, and
whenever anybody did something the king did not like, he was put on a
boat and rowed down to the Tower and locked up in one of the dungeons,
and often many prisoners had their heads chopped off, and some of these
were high-born ladies, too!
"I am glad I did not live in those days, when they could cut off
people's heads," said Edith, who shuddered as she looked at the block of
wood on which a poor queen's head was once cut off.
"Yes, the Tower is full of dark memories," said Miss Winton. "You know
the sad story of the two little boy princes who lived in this gloomy
Tower, and how they were supposed to have been put to death by their
cruel uncle, who was King Richard III., and wanted them out of his way.
"Long afterward, in repairing one of the walls, the workmen found buried
in a hole in the wall the bones of two small children, which were
supposed to be those of the poor little princes, which had been hidden
there after their untimely death. Many dreadful things were done in
those old days which could never happen now."
"Now let us see something bright," said Miss Winton, "and leave these
gloomy things behind."
"I know what you mean; now is the time for the 'Crown Jewels,'" cried
Adelaide.
Our two little friends quickly ran up the winding stone stairs of a
small round tower where the Crown Jewels are always kept when the king
and queen are not wearing them.
Edith was dazzled by the glittering things which filled a large glass
case in the centre of the room.
There were crowns covered with all kinds of precious stones, and
sceptres, and other old and valuable relics, all gold and jewels. But no
one is allowed to linger long in here, and before the children had half
time enough to see all, they found themselves again in the yard.
"I wonder what Carrie and Henry White thought of the jewels when they
came to the tower," said Edith.
"I have no doubt but that they greatly enjoyed seeing it all. The
American children are as fond of a visit to the Tower as the English
children," and Miss Winton smiled as they drove through the dark, narrow
streets of old London, to their home in the newer and brighter part of
the town.
CHAPTER VII.
MADAME TUSSAUD'S AND THE ZOO
"MAMMA is going herself with us to-day," said Adelaide, as the two
cousins went down-stairs to the breakfast-room, with their arms around
each other. Walking down a stairway in this manner is not easy, for one
must keep step, but after much laughter they got there, and sat down to
their toast and eggs and jam with a good appetite.
"What are we going to see to-day, aunty?" asked Edith, holding Fluff
while Adelaide put down his saucer of milk, for his Highness had a way
of trying to lift it down himself with his paws, to the detriment of the
rug.
"Suppose we make a day of it, that is, if you young people are not
tired," and Mrs. Stamford smiled as the little girls broke in with a
chorus of "No, indeeds." "Then we will go to Madame Tussaud's this
morning, and from there to the 'Zoo,' and have lunch in the gardens."
"Oh, lovely! lovely!" said the little girls, and, giving Mrs. Stamford a
kiss, they ran up-stairs to get ready so that no time should be lost in
getting off.
Perhaps you don't know that Madame Tussaud's and the "Zoo" are the two
attractions that English children most enjoy seeing.
Madame Tussaud's Wax-works are famous the world over, and though there
are other wax-works in various cities, such as the Eden Musée in New
York, which have been modelled on this one in London, Madame Tussaud's
will always linger in one's mind as the greatest show of its kind.
"They look like real people," said Edith, as they walked through the big
room with hundreds of wax figures in all kinds of costumes. There were
kings and queens and great people of a bygone time in rich court
costumes, as well as great and notorious people of the present day.
Though Adelaide had visited it many times, she was just as much
interested as Edith, who was seeing it for the first time. But when they
came to the "Chamber of Horrors" one look was enough for poor Edith, and
Mrs. Stamford had to take her out, pale and trembling. Its realistic
horrors were too much for her, and her aunt and cousin were quite
worried, but in a minute she had recovered and laughed at herself for
her fright.
After this Mrs. Stamford declared that they must look at nothing more
than the travelling carriage of the great Napoleon. It was in this
carriage that the great general drove to the Battle of Waterloo, where
he met his defeat. It was like a small house on wheels, and Mrs.
Stamford pointed out how a desk was built in one corner and how a small
table could be let down for the emperor to eat from. There was a
bookcase with his favourite books, and the seats were so arranged that
they could be used for a bed. Of course it is much heavier and bigger
than a carriage of to-day, but what did that matter with four horses to
pull it?
The "Zoo" is the playground of London children, and in the afternoons,
and on Saturday half-holidays, hundreds of children go there to see the
animals and have tea under the trees.
"We will have lunch first," said Mrs. Stamford, as they left their
carriage at the gate and walked through the beautifully kept grounds.
"There is a table in a shady nook under the trees where lunches and teas
are served."
"Oh, what is that?" said Edith, and she gave a scream as something cold
and slippery came creeping over her shoulder.
"It's nothing but the big elephant, who wants you to give him a lump of
sugar," said Adelaide, laughing, and she turned her cousin around and
there was the great big elephant, with a merry party of young people in
the "howdah" on his back, holding out his trunk, just like a person
begging.
He is a great pet with the children, and follows them about like a dog,
holding out his trunk for the sugar and cakes with which they are always
feeding him.
"We will take a ride on him after lunch," said Adelaide, but when the
time came it was hard to persuade Edith to mount to the seat on his
back; it looked so high up and wobbly. Finally the driver lifted her up
in his arms, and after all His Majesty moved off so easily that Edith
did not mind it at all, and was sorry when the very short ride came to
an end.
"Oh, now for the lions and tigers; it's about their feeding-time; it is
great fun to see them eat," said Adelaide.
So she led her cousin into the house where the big lions and long sleek
tigers were stalking about their cages. There was a general commotion
among the animals, for they knew that it was dinner-time.
"There is the Black Panther. Isn't he a beauty? I believe he is the only
one in captivity," said Mrs. Stamford.
"He looks like a big black pussy, and I would like to stroke his head,"
said Edith, as she admired the black beauty.
"You would never want to do it again," laughed Adelaide.
Just then the keepers came in with heaped-up baskets of raw meat. Such a
noise, you never heard. Edith caught hold of her aunt as if she feared
they would break through their iron cages.
After this they visited the birds and the monkeys, and lastly the house
where the big snakes lived. Oh, such snakes!
"They are fascinating, but creepy," Adelaide said, as they watched the
big boa-constrictors, such as you read about in "The Swiss Family
Robinson"--yards and yards long, with wicked eyes.
The general impression is that children never get tired, but after these
young people had partaken of their evening meal in the schoolroom, they
were quite ready for bed.
The next day was Sunday, and, after a little later breakfast than usual,
the two cousins, looking fresh and pretty in their delicate frocks and
dainty flower-trimmed straw hats, each carrying a prayer-book, were
ready to accompany Mrs. Stamford to church.
After church they strolled through the park, as is the Sunday custom in
London. "Church Parade" it is called; where everybody meets everybody
else. They promenade up and down the walks or sit in the "penny"
chairs. Friends gossip together, and make engagements for the coming
week.
It might be called an out-of-door reception. Mrs. Stamford sat talking
with some friends while Adelaide and Edith watched the young people, who
were out in full force with their parents or nurse-maids. Everybody was
in their prettiest clothes, and looked bright and gay.
"Mamma will have visitors this afternoon, so let us take a book into the
gardens and read," said Adelaide.
Every family who has a house in one of these garden squares pays
something toward keeping up the garden, which is kept locked, and only
those who live in the square have keys and can enter. There are seats
and shady walks and a grass plot for tennis and croquet; so it is quite
like having your own garden.
This was Edith's last day in London. Mrs. Howard was coming the next
day, and Edith was to return with her.
"You must come again; you have only seen a little bit of London," said
Mrs. Stamford. "There is much more to show you yet."
"Remember you are coming up for Lord Mayor's day," were Adelaide's last
words, and with kisses Edith parted from her aunt and cousin with
reluctance.
CHAPTER VIII.
HENLEY WEEK
"DID you ever see anything so lovely? It looks like a garden full of
flowers of all colours," exclaimed Edith, enthusiastically, as she and
Adelaide leaned over the railing of Colonel Howard's house-boat, and
looked up and down the river.
I am sure every one would agree with her, if they could be at the
picturesque little village of Henley-on-Thames during "the week," as it
is known. That is when the boat-races are held there. It is the great
open-air society event for the younger people of England, a great water
_fête_ or picnic. The nicest way to enjoy the boat-races is to have a
house-boat and live on it during the week, then one is on the spot all
the time.
A house-boat is really a small house that is built on a flat boat, so
that it can be towed from place to place at its owner's pleasure. There
is a big room with perhaps two or more small bedrooms. At the back is a
tiny kitchen and a larder or pantry.
"It's just like dolls keeping house; isn't it lovely, mamma?" declared
Edith.
"Well, yes," said Mrs. Howard, thoughtfully, as she looked in at the
tiny larder. "It is all very well for Henley, but I believe I do prefer
the manor."
Colonel Howard's house-boat was very pretty and attractive. "The
jolliest on the river," Tom declared, and as Tom was an important person
on this occasion, his good opinion was valued by his family.
Over the roof, which was used for a general open-air sitting-room, was a
brilliant red and white awning, and around the edge of the roof or deck
was a border of a solid mass of flowers, splendid red geraniums and big
white daisies, while hanging down from these was a fringe of green
vines, all of which looked very pretty with the brass railings around
the deck, and the bright woodwork of the boat itself, which was painted
white with green Venetian blinds at the windows.
The deck was covered over with rugs, and there were plenty of wicker
lounging chairs and cushions. Meals were served sometimes on deck;
sometimes in the big room below.
All the house-boats here were decorated in some such way, and made a
pretty picture, tied up to the shore on one side of the river--a long
line of them. Their occupants entertained their friends on board, and
there was much visiting done from one to another.
The course of one mile, along which the races are rowed, is "staked off"
by "booms" or logs tied together. On either side of this course lay
thousands of small boats as tightly packed together as could be, for
naturally every one wanted to get as near the racing boats as possible.
The ladies were all dressed in the loveliest of dresses of all
colours,--pale pinks, blues, and lavenders, as well as white, with
sunshades to match. If it happens to be showery weather, dear me! Many a
pretty hat and dress is spoilt. But this was a "dry" Henley, with
brilliant sunshine, so Edith was right when she said the river looked
like a garden of flowers.
The men looked very cool and comfortable in their white flannel suits
and straw hats.
Along both river banks were big tents, which were used as club-houses by
the various boat clubs who were rowing in the races, while thousands of
spectators lined either side of the river. English people take a great
interest in all kinds of sports, but they are specially fond of
boating, and they cheer the winning crews at Henley with the greatest
enthusiasm.
This afternoon the race in which Tom was to row was coming off, and the
Howard family was in a great flutter of excitement. The crew of Tom's
boat were to take dinner afterward on their house-boat, and if they
should prove the winners they would have an especially jolly feast.
Friends of the Howards from Oxford had the house-boat next to
theirs--their eldest son was in one of the competing boats for the
"Ladies' Plate," and their two little boys, the nine-year-old twins,
Edgar and Will, held great discussions with Edith and Adelaide over the
merits of the two rival boat crews.
The little girls' loyalty to Eton never wavered, while the "Twins," as
they were always called, had a great contempt for any boat crew that did
not have their brother George in it.
The "Twins" were particularly arrogant this afternoon, for the rumour
had gained ground that George's boat would prove the best. However, the
cry, "They have started," put an end to all talk.
It was one of the favourite races of the week, and everybody was wild.
On they came, the young fellows straining, and the oars glittering as
they flew in and out of the water. At first Eton was left behind, but
they drew up little by little on their rivals. Side by side the rival
crews kept, nearly up to goal, when with a supreme effort Eton gave a
spurt forward, and won by half a boat's length. Such cheers as went up!
The Etonians were the heroes for the rest of the day.
You may imagine the joy of Tom's family, who were prouder of him than
ever, and in the eyes of the little girls he had grown several inches
taller. Don't you think it was very good of the girls when they went
over afterward to take tea with the "Twins" that they did not crow over
them a bit?
CHAPTER IX.
SUMMER HOLIDAYS
IT was the midsummer holidays. "No more lessons," said Edith, as she
danced around the schoolroom. Soon, however, she rushed up to Miss
Green. "But I will miss _you_, dear Miss Green. I wish you were going
with us," and the warm-hearted little girl threw her arms around her
governess.
Miss Green was also to take a holiday, and visit her old home in the
fine old town of Canterbury, which is one of the most historic places in
England, best known for its splendid cathedral, one of the grandest of
the many cathedrals of England.
Edith herself was going to spend a part of the summer holidays in
Warwickshire, one of the prettiest parts of England,--a lovely rolling
country of fields, farms, thatch-roofed cottages, and great country
houses.
[Illustration: "SHE WALKED DOWN THE PATH BY THE RIVER AVON"]
While there they were to visit Stratford-on-Avon, the home of the great
poet Shakespeare.
Edith caught the first glimpse of the old church with a tall steeple,
where the great poet is buried, as she walked down the path by the river
Avon. There were visitors in the church, as there always are, for there
is no spot in the world more visited than this.
People come to this church from all over the world, and the American
cousins think as much of it as the English themselves. Edith stood
looking at the worn stone in the floor before the altar. It was
difficult to realize that under this lay the ashes of the great
Shakespeare.
They were alone in the church now; the other visitors had gone, and
Colonel and Mrs. Howard were resting in a pew, when Edith's childish
voice broke the silence of the old church, as she slowly spelled out the
strange inscription on the stone.
"Good frend for Jesus sake forbeare,
To digg the dust encloased heare:
Blese be ye man yt spares thes stones,
And curst be he yt moves my bones."
"How funny some of the words are, papa," she said.
"Yes, that is the old way of spelling, as it was in Shakespeare's time,"
answered Colonel Howard.
They then walked through the neat little market-town to Shakespeare's
house. It had been repaired many times, but always to look as nearly
like the original as possible.
Then they went to the famous old inn, the Red Lion, for their dinner,
where the American author, Washington Irving, stayed, while he wrote
some of his charming stories about English country life.
From Stratford, our friends went to Warwick, which is most interesting,
not only on account of the picturesque old town with its ancient houses,
but because of its great castle as well.
Edith's papa and mamma wanted her to see this castle, which is one of
the finest places in England, and one of the few examples of an old
feudal castle which is still occupied and kept as it was hundreds of
years ago.
"Is not this a lovely old room, mamma?" said Edith, as they sat at
breakfast in the coffee-room, or dining-room, of the quaint inn at
Warwick at which they were staying. It _was_ a pretty room, with walls
of dark oak panels. Around the room were hung many plates and dishes of
fine and rare old English china. A big, high sideboard stood at one end,
on which were many pieces of antique silverware, also some good pewter
mugs and pitchers, which are now very valuable, and some quaint old
"Toby" jugs, which are in the shape of a fat old gentleman.
Mrs. Howard poured out tea; and the sun sparkled on the dainty silver
and pretty china of the well-set table.
Edith enjoyed the eggs with crisp slices of bacon, and buttered toast,
while the neat maid cut for Colonel Howard slices of cold ham from one
of the huge joints of cold meat which stood on the sideboard.
Edith admired very much a glass case of stuffed birds just opposite her,
such as one will find in almost every country inn in England. Over the
door was another favourite decoration, a model of an enormous trout.
"I think I will let papa take you over the castle, while I rest here and
write some letters," said Mrs. Howard.
So Edith and her papa walked through the great gateway into Warwick
Castle, and were taken, with some other visitors, through many of the
fine old rooms, filled with magnificent furniture, and pictures, and
armour, and all kinds of valuable and ancient things. They saw the great
cedars of Lebanon, which were brought from the Holy Land, and planted in
the garden about 800 or 900 years ago. That's a long time, isn't it?
The beautiful, rare, white peacocks were also to be seen strutting about
the courtyard, spreading their great white tails to be admired.
Edith had much to tell her mamma while they were eating lunch. Colonel
Howard also told his little daughter of other beautiful houses he had
visited, among them Haddon Hall and Welbeck Abbey, which has a number of
the rooms built under ground. The owners of most of these great houses
in England allow visitors to go through the principal apartments on
certain days in the week.
Edith's papa and mamma had spent the preceding summer on the "Norfolk
Broads." The "Broads" are really lakes or rivers, nearly all connected,
so they had taken a sailboat and sailed from one to another, living
meanwhile on their boat. This is a most enjoyable way of spending some
weeks, and they had promised to go again some time and take Edith.
Near the "Broads" is a spot of interest to little American cousins,--the
town of Boston which gave its name to the American city. There is a
great contrast between the great bustling city of Boston and this little
old English town. There is a tower there that is called the "Boston
Stump," why, one cannot imagine, for it is a very nice church tower, and
does not look at all like a stump, though it stands high up above the
surrounding flat country like a mariner's beacon.
Our party visited Oxford as well, stopping just long enough for Edith
to see the gray, time-stained walls of the many colleges which go to
make up the great university of Oxford.
"This is where Tom is coming when he finishes at Eton," said Colonel
Howard, as he pointed out to Edith his old college building set about
with a beautiful green lawn.
From here they returned to Oldham Manor, but in August Edith went with
her parents to Cowes, on the Isle of Wight, where the yacht races take
place. Here are to be seen hundreds of sailboats, and big steam yachts
as well.
Little girls do not often go to Cowes, for yachting there is an
amusement for "grown ups." But Edith's parents wanted her to enjoy her
holidays with them as much as possible, so she usually went, too. Her
papa told her so much about the yachts, that she grew very wise and
nautical, and they used to nickname her the "Little Sailor."
CHAPTER X.
THE LORD MAYOR'S SHOW
ONE of the great events in the life of an English child is to be able to
go to London to the "Lord Mayor's Show," which takes place every year on
the 9th of November. Thousands of families from all over the country
come into London for that day, and bring the young folks.
Early in the morning of the great day, the Howard and Stamford families
had taken up their position at two of the big windows of a hotel, from
which a good view of the parade could be had. Eleanor and Clarence had
come up with the Howards, so you can fancy what a merry party it was.
All the children but Edith had seen it before, but they were just as
eager as if it were a brand-new sight. As for Edith, she kept her little
nose glued to the window-pane, and hardly winked her eyes for fear she
might miss something.
The "Lord Mayor's Show," like most customs in England, is of very
ancient origin. It has always been considered a great honour to be Lord
Mayor of London, and live in the Mansion House, as his home is called.
All children remember the story of Dick Whittington and his cat, and how
he heard the bells of London, which said to him that he would become
Lord Mayor of London; and I believe it is a true story, too, not about
the bells really talking to him, perhaps, but about the little country
boy who struggled on, and _did_ become the great Lord Mayor.
The Lord Mayor's rule only extends over what is called the "City," which
is now only a small part of big London. Long ago, when the office was
first created, what is now the "City" was all there was of London. It
was enclosed at that time by walls.
Well, times have changed! London has spread miles away on every side
from the "City," but the Lord Mayor of London still holds almost an
absolute sway over his part of London. Many of the old laws still exist;
such as the king cannot go into the "City" without the permission of the
Lord Mayor, who must meet him at the city boundary, and present a sword
which the king touches, and then he can pass in. Of course this is only
a form now, but it is still a picturesque ceremony which usually takes
place at Temple Bar on the Strand. Every year a new Lord Mayor is
chosen, and the "Show," which is a procession that passes through the
principal streets, is to celebrate his incoming.
Our little folks were becoming impatient, though it was amusing enough
to watch the vast crowd moved hither and thither by the good-natured
policemen.
Companies of strolling minstrels amused the waiting people, singing
songs and cracking jokes, while the vendors of the funny, coloured
programmes did a large business.
"I do believe they are coming at last." These words of Adelaide's
brought every head as far out of the windows as possible. Yes, there
were the gorgeous coaches of the Aldermen, but nothing to compare to the
one which followed,--the great, gilded coach of the Lord Mayor himself,
with the sword of state sticking out of the window, because it is too
big for the carriage. You never have seen, nor will ever see, anything
more splendid than the coachman to the Lord Mayor. We have to talk about
him first because he is seen first. He is a tremendous big fellow in red
plush knee-breeches, with a coat all gold braid and lace. White silk
stockings cover his portly calves, and his shoes sparkle with big
buckles; a three-cornered hat sits pompously on his big powdered wig,
and there is a bouquet in his coat, beside which a cabbage would look
small. Standing behind the carriage are two footmen, only a trifle less
magnificent.
The coachman so catches the young people's eyes they scarcely see the
Lord Mayor inside the gold coach, but he too is grand in his fine robe
of velvet and fur, and a magnificent golden chain about his neck.
Then come the various Guilds or Societies of the City of London. The
Guild of Clockmakers, and the Guild of Goldsmiths, the Guild of Tanners,
and many others. Then come soldiers and bands of music, and floats or
wagons on which are symbolic designs and tableaux.
The people cheer, and our little folks clap their hands, and think
nothing in the world could be so grand.
As Adelaide's mother once said to Edith, "You have only yet seen a very
small bit of London." There is, indeed, much more to be seen in this
great old city, and in England, for even if it is a very small country
it holds a great deal.
But we must for the present bid our little English cousins "good-bye"
and give some other little cousin a chance.
THE END.
THE LITTLE COUSIN SERIES
The most delightful and interesting accounts possible of child life in
other lands, filled with quaint sayings, doings, and adventures.
Each one vol., 12mo, decorative cover, cloth, with six
or more full-page illustrations in color.
Price per volume $0.60
_By MARY HAZELTON WADE (unless otherwise indicated)_
=Our Little African Cousin=
=Our Little Alaskan Cousin=
By Mary F. Nixon-Roulet
=Our Little Arabian Cousin=
By Blanche McManus
=Our Little Armenian Cousin=
=Our Little Brown Cousin=
=Our Little Canadian Cousin=
By Elizabeth R. MacDonald
=Our Little Chinese Cousin=
By Isaac Taylor Headland
=Our Little Cuban Cousin=
=Our Little Dutch Cousin=
By Blanche McManus
=Our Little English Cousin=
By Blanche McManus
=Our Little Eskimo Cousin=
=Our Little French Cousin=
By Blanche McManus
=Our Little German Cousin=
=Our Little Hawaiian Cousin=
=Our Little Hindu Cousin=
By Blanche McManus
=Our Little Indian Cousin=
=Our Little Irish Cousin=
=Our Little Italian Cousin=
=Our Little Japanese Cousin=
=Our Little Jewish Cousin=
=Our Little Korean Cousin=
By H. Lee M. Pike
=Our Little Mexican Cousin=
By Edward C. Butler
=Our Little Norwegian Cousin=
=Our Little Panama Cousin=
By H. Lee M. Pike
=Our Little Philippine Cousin=
=Our Little Porto Rican Cousin=
=Our Little Russian Cousin=
=Our Little Scotch Cousin=
By Blanche McManus
=Our Little Siamese Cousin=
=Our Little Spanish Cousin=
By Mary F. Nixon-Roulet
=Our Little Swedish Cousin=
By Claire M. Coburn
=Our Little Swiss Cousin=
=Our Little Turkish Cousin=
THE GOLDENROD LIBRARY
The Goldenrod Library contains stories which appeal alike both to
children and to their parents and guardians.
Each volume is well illustrated from drawings by competent artists,
which, together with their handsomely decorated uniform binding, showing
the goldenrod, usually considered the emblem of America, is a feature of
their manufacture.
Each one volume, small 12mo, illustrated $0.35
LIST OF TITLES
=Aunt Nabby's Children.= By Frances Hodges White.
=Child's Dream of a Star, The.= By Charles Dickens.
=Flight of Rosy Dawn, The.= By Pauline Bradford Mackie.
=Findelkind.= By Ouida.
=Fairy of the Rhone, The.= By A. Comyns Carr.
=Gatty and I.= By Frances E. Crompton.
=Helena's Wonderworld.= By Frances Hodges White.
=Jerry's Reward.= By Evelyn Snead Barnett.
=La Belle Nivernaise.= By Alphonse Daudet.
=Little King Davie.= By Nellie Hellis.
=Little Peterkin Vandike.= By Charles Stuart Pratt.
=Little Professor, The.= By Ida Horton Cash.
=Peggy's Trial.= By Mary Knight Potter.
=Prince Yellowtop.= By Kate Whiting Patch.
=Provence Rose, A.= By Ouida.
=Seventh Daughter, A.= By Grace Wickham Curran.
=Sleeping Beauty, The.= By Martha Baker Dunn.
=Small, Small Child, A.= By E. Livingston Prescott.
=Susanne.= By Frances J. Delano.
=Water People, The.= By Charles Lee Sleight.
=Young Archer, The.= By Charles E. Brimblecom.
COSY CORNER SERIES
It is the intention of the publishers that this series
shall contain only the very highest and purest
literature,--stories that shall not only appeal to the
children themselves, but be appreciated by all those
who feel with them in their joys and sorrows.
The numerous illustrations in each book are by
well-known artists, and each volume has a separate
attractive cover design.
Each 1 vol., 16mo, cloth $0.50
_By ANNIE FELLOWS JOHNSTON_
=The Little Colonel.= (Trade Mark.)
The scene of this story is laid in Kentucky. Its heroine is a small
girl, who is known as the Little Colonel, on account of her fancied
resemblance to an old-school Southern gentleman, whose fine estate and
old family are famous in the region.
=The Giant Scissors.=
This is the story of Joyce and of her adventures in France. Joyce is a
great friend of the Little Colonel, and in later volumes shares with her
the delightful experiences of the "House Party" and the "Holidays."
=Two Little Knights of Kentucky.=
WHO WERE THE LITTLE COLONEL'S NEIGHBORS.
In this volume the Little Colonel returns to us like an old friend, but
with added grace and charm. She is not, however, the central figure of
the story, that place being taken by the "two little knights."
=Mildred's Inheritance.=
A delightful little story of a lonely English girl who comes to America
and is befriended by a sympathetic American family who are attracted by
her beautiful speaking voice. By means of this one gift she is enabled
to help a school-girl who has temporarily lost the use of her eyes, and
thus finally her life becomes a busy happy one.
=Cicely and Other Stories for Girls.=
The readers of Mrs. Johnston's charming juveniles will be glad to learn
of the issue of this volume for young people.
=Aunt 'Liza's Hero and Other Stories.=
A collection of six bright little stories, which will appeal to all boys
and most girls.
=Big Brother.=
A story of two boys. The devotion and care of Steven, himself a small
boy, for his baby brother, is the theme of the simple tale.
=Ole Mammy's Torment.=
"Ole Mammy's Torment" has been fitly called "a classic of Southern
life." It relates the haps and mishaps of a small negro lad, and tells
how he was led by love and kindness to a knowledge of the right.
=The Story of Dago.=
In this story Mrs. Johnston relates the story of Dago, a pet monkey,
owned jointly by two brothers. Dago tells his own story, and the account
of his haps and mishaps is both interesting and amusing.
=The Quilt That Jack Built.=
A pleasant little story of a boy's labor of love, and how it changed the
course of his life many years after it was accomplished.
=Flip's Islands of Providence.=
A story of a boy's life battle, his early defeat, and his final triumph,
well worth the reading.
_By EDITH ROBINSON_
=A Little Puritan's First Christmas.=
A Story of Colonial times in Boston, telling how Christmas was invented
by Betty Sewall, a typical child of the Puritans, aided by her brother
Sam.
=A Little Daughter of Liberty.=
The author introduces this story as follows:
"One ride is memorable in the early history of the American Revolution,
the well-known ride of Paul Revere. Equally deserving of commendation is
another ride,--the ride of Anthony Severn,--which was no less historic
in its action or memorable in its consequences."
=A Loyal Little Maid.=
A delightful and interesting story of Revolutionary days, in which the
child heroine, Betsey Schuyler, renders important services to George
Washington.
=A Little Puritan Rebel.=
This is an historical tale of a real girl, during the time when the
gallant Sir Harry Vane was governor of Massachusetts.
=A Little Puritan Pioneer.=
The scene of this story is laid in the Puritan settlement at
Charlestown.
=A Little Puritan Bound Girl.=
A story of Boston in Puritan days, which is of great interest to
youthful readers.
=A Little Puritan Cavalier.=
The story of a "Little Puritan Cavalier" who tried with all his boyish
enthusiasm to emulate the spirit and ideals of the dead Crusaders.
=A Puritan Knight Errant.=
The story tells of a young lad in Colonial times who endeavored to carry
out the high ideals of the knights of olden days.
_By OUIDA_ (_Louise de la Ramée_)
=A Dog Of Flanders:= A CHRISTMAS STORY.
Too well and favorably known to require description.
=The Nurnberg Stove.=
This beautiful story has never before been published at a popular price.
_By FRANCES MARGARET FOX_
=The Little Giant's Neighbours.=
A charming nature story of a "little giant" whose neighbours were the
creatures of the field and garden.
=Farmer Brown and the Birds.=
A little story which teaches children that the birds are man's best
friends.
=Betty of Old Mackinaw.=
A charming story of child-life, appealing especially to the little
readers who like stories of "real people."
=Brother Billy.=
The story of Betty's brother, and some further adventures of Betty
herself.
=Mother Nature's Little Ones.=
Curious little sketches describing the early lifetime, or "childhood,"
of the little creatures out-of-doors.
=How Christmas Came to the Mulvaneys.=
A bright, lifelike little story of a family of poor children, with an
unlimited capacity for fun and mischief. The wonderful never-to-be
forgotten Christmas that came to them is the climax of a series of
exciting incidents.
_By MISS MULOCK_
=The Little Lame Prince.=
A delightful story of a little boy who has many adventures by means of
the magic gifts of his fairy godmother.
=Adventures of a Brownie.=
The story of a household elf who torments the cook and gardener, but is
a constant joy and delight to the children who love and trust him.
=His Little Mother.=
Miss Mulock's short stories for children are a constant source of
delight to them and "His Little Mother," in this new and attractive
dress, will be welcomed by hosts of youthful readers.
=Little Sunshine's Holiday.=
An attractive story of a summer outing. "Little Sunshine" is another of
those beautiful child-characters for which Miss Mulock is so justly
famous.
_By MARSHALL SAUNDERS_
=For His Country.=
A sweet and graceful story of a little boy who loved his country;
written with that charm which has endeared Miss Saunders to hosts of
readers.
=Nita, the Story of an Irish Setter.=
In this touching little book, Miss Saunders shows how dear to her heart
are all of God's dumb creatures.
=Alpatok, the Story of an Eskimo Dog.=
Alpatok, an Eskimo dog from the far north, was stolen from his master
and left to starve in a strange city, but was befriended and cared for,
until he was able to return to his owner.
_By WILL ALLEN DROMGOOLE_
=The Farrier's Dog and His Fellow.=
This story, written by the gifted young Southern woman, will appeal to
all that is best in the natures of the many admirers of her graceful and
piquant style.
_The Fortunes of the Fellow._
Those who read and enjoyed the pathos and charm of "The Farrier's Dog
and His Fellow" will welcome the further account of the adventures of
Baydaw and the Fellow at the home of the kindly smith.
_The Best of Friends._
This continues the experiences of the Farrier's dog and his Fellow,
written in Miss Dromgoole's well-known charming style.
_Down in Dixie._
A fascinating story for boys and girls, of a family of Alabama children
who move to Florida and grow up in the South.
_By MARIAN W. WILDMAN_
=Loyalty Island.=
An account of the adventures of four children and their pet dog on an
island, and how they cleared their brother from the suspicion of
dishonesty.
=Theodore and Theodora.=
This is a story of the exploits and mishaps of two mischievous twins,
and continues the adventures of the interesting group of children in
"Loyalty Island."
* * * * *
Transcriber's Notes:
Obvious punctuation errors repaired.
Page 31, "desk" changed to "deck" (on deck; sometimes)
Ad page for Little Cousin Books at back of book, "Macdonald" changed to
"MacDonald" (By Elizabeth R. MacDonald)
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