"No, it was not Prince Anlaff, although you are right in fixing on a Danish camp."
The hero was such a favorite with the little historians that they soon found the right name, and Alfred reminded them that the same person invented lanterns, and proceeded to relate a story from their nice book, called "Evenings at Home," where he was represented baking cakes; the little boy was so pleased at the opportunity of talking, that he felt quite annoyed when the nurse came to tell them their tea was ready. The clock was examined to show that there had been no mistake in the time; an hour had passed so quickly, that some suspected it was not yet six.
"I wished so much for papa to come home," remonstrated Alfred; "he generally comes back long before our tea-time; I am certain it cannot be so late."
"You have, my dear boy," replied his aunt, "learnt that discontent may be cured by occupation: had you observed your mother, you would have seen by her constant glances at her watch, that she has long expected your father. I now hear his step in the hall; run and kiss him, and then go with nurse, as you have already kept her waiting some time."
Before this injunction was obeyed, they solicited a promise that they might come down the next evening at the same time, and play at the same game. This was readily granted, and they ran up stairs much happier than they had come down.
1. Invasion of Britain by Julius Caesar. B.C. 55.
2. Caractacus led prisoner through Rome. A.D. 43.
3. Boadicea. A.D. 43.
4. St. Augustine preaching to Ethelbert. A.D. 600.
5. Alfred in the Danish camp. A.D. 880.