May started and turned white, and all the rest stood still with beating hearts as the carriage came swiftly down the hill.
"She's the best lady in the land, and the best queen in the world," the old man said reverently. "May she wear a crown of glory that fadeth not away!"
The Queen bowed to the little group of expectant faces, and in a moment her swift horses had carried her away. But the old man's words had taken the children's thoughts beyond this world's passing glory to that heavenly country where not only the sun never sets, but where the Lord God is the light, and all who love Him shall reign for ever and ever!
* * * * * * *
So the party settled down to more happiness that either nurse or Lucia had anticipated, and the days began to fly by, instead of dragging as they had done.
Letters from their father and mother, too, brought good news, and also a welcome and unexpected enclosure for each of the children.
Lucia's share had been her piano, the letter said; but the children were to have a little store of money, which they were to spend just as they liked, with only one stipulation, that they should keep an account of what they spent it on.
Great excitement prevailed, and great plans were made.
Evan and Ivor sat for a long time in very serious consultation, and nurse was coaxed to take them all into Windsor, that they might look at the shops "for suggestions," Barbara said, in her wise, motherly little way.
"Not that I am going to spend mine all in a hurry," she added, "for that would be silly. I should not have half the pleasure; but we will go to look about."