Chapter XI.
The Aristocracy.
"What do you suppose that man is doing upon that ladder?" said Rollo to Mr. George.
Rollo and Mr. George were walking together in one of the streets at the West End, near St. James's Palace, when Rollo asked this question, on the morning of the day after they paid their visit to St. Paul's. The man on the ladder was placing some lamps on a frame over the door of a large and beautiful mansion, as if for an illumination. The lamps were disposed in such a manner as to form a great star, with the letters "V. R." on a very large scale, one on each side of it.
"The V. R. stands for Victoria Regina," said Mr. George; "that is, Victoria Queen."
"Then it must be that they are going to have an illumination in honor of the queen," rejoined Rollo. "I have seen two more of such frames putting up before this."
On going along a little farther, Rollo pointed out another house to Mr. George where lamps
were arranged for an illumination; and then, presently, another. Mr. George accordingly stopped to ask a policeman what it meant.
"It is the queen's birthday," said the policeman; "and this evening they illuminate the houses."
"I'm glad of that," said Rollo. "We will come out and see; won't we, uncle George?"