“Well,” said Lewis, “I think they were pretty well off then, and had no need to fear the French, or any other foes.”
Edward said he thought it was much better to live in peaceable days, such as they lived in, and to have no foes to fear. “But see, Lewis!” he exclaimed, “mamma is coming across the Steyne, and she has something in her hand: who will be there first, to see what it can be? Never mind the history now; you can have my book in the evening.”
Lewis soon forgot the history and all belonging to it, and was at his mother’s side.
CHAPTER III.
“Shells, Edward! bright polished shells and sea-weed!” cried Lewis, as he lifted the paper covering to a small basket which his mamma held in her hand; “where did you get them? not on this barren coast, I am sure; for Edward and I have searched every where, and can find nothing but common things, not worth picking up.”
The Pavilion, Brighton.
“And yet, Lewis,” replied his mother, “I assure you some of these shells were found here; and I believe you will see among them many of the common ones you despise so much; but the greater part were brought from foreign countries. And the beautiful little basket, that is something new too. Yes, perhaps you may hear the history of that another time. I have been to old Price’s dwelling, and have promised that you shall pay him a visit this evening, should the weather continue fine. But, if I mistake not, you are ready for a walk now:—the shells will furnish us with in-door employment some other time.”
The little party then turned their steps towards the east cliff.
“How I do wish, mamma,” said Lewis, when they had passed the Pavilion, “I could see all that is to be seen in that strange looking building! I should like to go over it, if it were only for the pleasure of being able to say, I had seen the place where the king and queen of England live.”