"Your picture is rather a short one," said Louisa, "but interesting from the fact of the lady having been so worthy of admiration. I should not like to have been born in those days, for I do not like working, and they seem to have done nothing else."
"There are certainly large pieces of work said to have been executed in this reign, but many believe female minds were more cultivated than we suppose. Matilda of Flanders has been drawn with a book in her hand, as if she were in the habit of reading, and by some means had formed elegant tastes. Emily, you have long been silent; try and puzzle us this time."
"I should like to do so, mama, but I fear the story I now relate will soon be discovered. The scene is not laid in England, but near the coast of an adjacent country, an exposed rock, on the summit of which there was a castle but indifferently defended. A long siege had so much weakened the garrison, that few were able to protect the prince who led them; they were forced to surrender to the enemy at the foot of the rock, who had anxiously expected the moment when starvation would conquer their courage. The prince knelt to the victor for mercy; life was granted; but he was cast out, with a few faithful followers, to find shelter and support from any who would take pity on him."
"We were sure Emily would tell us something pathetic; it is a very pretty story, but we cannot think who it is. Were there old men, women, and children turned out, and taken care of by the besiegers?"
"No, it was not the taking of Calais by Edward III. I ought to have told you that the rock was an island."
"Mama," whispered Alfred, who had secured his mother's lap, "do you ask questions, for I am tired, and want to know."
Mrs. Macdonald indulged him, and begged to know if the conquered and the conqueror were related to each other.
"Oh! mama, Emily moves her head to say yes. We know now; when little boys I think they quarreled, because one of them threw a bucket of water over the other; if they began so early to fight, no wonder they hated each other in after life."
"Can any of you tell me," enquired their aunt, "what celebrated building was erected in this reign? William, if you retain your wish to study law, you may some day know more of its interior."
"I can tell you, mama; it was Westminster Hall; the Tower of London was also much added to, some say commenced in this reign."