3. Death of Rizzio. A.D. 1563.
4. Defeat of the "Spanish Armada." A.D. 1588.
5. Lord Cobham led to execution. A.D. 1602.
6. Gunpowder Plot. November 5th, 1605.
CHAPTER IX.
The next evening the children were agreeably surprised to hear their father knock at the door, just as they had arranged themselves ready for their favorite game. He was soon up stairs, and was warmly thanked for having returned so soon.
"I have," said he, "suffered much from headache this evening, and I thought this cheerful group might do me more good than anything."
"We must tell soft stories," said Alfred; "and as papa likes to hear you speak, mama, you had better begin."
The little boy's motive was so thoughtful, that Mrs. Macdonald agreed; and called their attention to three persons, whom she represented standing in a doorway. The foremost appeared to have turned to speak to the friend who followed him; their deportment showed perfect ease and ignorance of the danger near them. The third in the group is a man of a melancholy but enthusiastic countenance: his arm is stretched over the figure next to him, and he has plunged a dagger into the breast of his companion.