Mary next asked leave to speak; and, after a few whispers to her mama, she related the particulars of a dreadful fire. "The buildings destroyed were some of the oldest senate-houses in the world; they stood on the banks of a wide river, and the glare in the water was terrific. Crowds collected, and great anxiety was shewn to prevent the flames from spreading. A beautiful, sacred pile was so close, that for some time it was feared this would share the same fate; but happily, the prompt means to conquer the furious element saved this, and even houses still nearer. The accident took place at night."
"You have described it with as much animation, Mary, as if you had been present."
Their sister laughed, and seemed much entertained with all their mistakes. Mrs. Arabin told them that she had had the whole explained to her by their father, who had been an eye-witness.
"Oh, aunt, we can now guess," cried the elders of the party. "How clever of Mary to tell us of what took place during our own lives, and yet contrive that we should not know what she meant."
"You were all so young," said Mrs. Macdonald, "that you could not very well understand what passed, or what was talked about. We have only time for one more anecdote, and I shall relate it. I have described the coronation of a king for you before; I now wish to represent that of a young and graceful queen. She has just been crowned, and sits with royal dignity on the throne to receive the homage of the peers. They approach one by one to claim her gracious reception. An aged lord is of the number; and as he totters forward, he stumbles on the steps of her seat. The royal lady instantly lays aside the formality of a queen, and with the natural kindness of her disposition, rises and holds out her hand to assist him."
"How pleased all the people must have been, mama," said Alfred.
"Yes; they felt that they had one to rule them, who is well worthy the love that I hope we all bear her."
"Indeed, mama, we cannot think what you mean; we do not know who the queen was."
"You will, I trust, all, as you grow older, learn your duties to her better than you do now."
"Mama, you have cheated us again," interrupted the children.