Edward next began. "My picture represents a very, very small room, almost a closet; its one window faces the door. Here a very beautiful woman is sitting at supper with a foreign-looking man and some of her attendant ladies, and a guitar lies near them. The principal lady looks much agitated, for some figures have cautiously advanced to the back of her favorite, and, with daggers in their hands, are trying to pull him from his seat."
Edward's description was soon guessed by even the younger children, who were well pleased at having an opportunity of shewing their learning.
Annie's turn came next, and she told of "a sea-engagement. Numerous and large ships seem to be taking shelter in a port, the white cliffs near which correspond with those of our own shore at Dover. The vessels, smaller in number and size, appear to have the best of the day; much explosion is going on amongst the enemy's fleet, whilst some small ships bearing the English colors, have penetrated quite into the midst of their opponents."
"I wish your sailors would talk, Annie," said Willie; "for if I knew what language they spoke, I might tell what naval engagement you mean. Was it the battle of Trafalgar?"
"No; that took place in the open sea."
"The battle of the Nile?" asked Mary.
"Much earlier than that, Mary."
"All battles are alike," said Willie.
"All battles are not fought under the shelter of chalk cliffs."
"Did you not say that those who were attacked by the English were thus screening themselves?"