Alfred thought this was very good fun, and promised to be a very loyal subject.
"I am sure he is on the twenty-fourth of May," said Willie, "and drinks Queen Victoria's health till we are nearly deaf."
"Although I am not sure that there is much loyalty in this act, he shall have an opportunity to do so to-night. You know your aunt has begged that you may all dine with us to-day, and you shall have some wine at dessert."
The children were now so much elated at the idea of remaining with their parents, that all gloom vanished. Mr. Macdonald entered in the midst of their noisy demonstrations of joy, and they directly informed him of the agreeable arrangement. Alfred rode to the cellar on papa's shoulder; and the evening passed so pleasantly that they all said "good night," more cheerfully than they had expected. Mrs. Arabin and her children left at so early an hour the following morning, that only Mr. and Mrs. Macdonald saw them go. Their cousins comforted themselves with the hope that they should before long meet again, and be able to resume their game. Their future historical anecdotes may another time be related to those who are interested, and to those little boys and girls who wish to follow their example, and pass their spare hours pleasantly and instructively.
1. Death of Lord Chatham. A.D. 1778.
2. Death of Lord Nelson. A.D. 1805.
3. George the Fourth's Visit to Scotland. A.D. 1822.
4. Destruction of the Houses of Parliament. A.D. 1834.
5. Queen Victoria raising Lord Rolle at her Coronation. A.D. 1830.
The End.