"When it comes," said Walter, delighted to have taken in Rose
herself; but Rose, going up to him gently, implored him to be quiet,
and listen to her.

"All this noisy rejoicing grieves our mother," said she. "If you
could but have seen her yesterday evening, when she heard your loyal
songs. She sighed, and said, 'Poor fellow, how high his hopes are!'
and then she talked of our father and that evening before the fight
at Naseby."

Walter looked grave and said, "I remember! My father lifted me on
the table to drink King Charles's health, and Prince Rupert--I
remember his scarlet mantle and white plume--patted my head, and
called me his little cavalier."

"We sat apart with mother," said Rose, "and heard the loud cheers and
songs till we were half frightened at the noise."

"I can't recollect all that," said Lucy.

"At least you ought not to forget how our dear father came in with
Edmund, and kissed us, and bade mother keep up a good heart. Don't
you remember that, Lucy?"

"I do," said Walter; "it was the last time we ever saw him."

And Walter sat on the table, resting one foot on the bench, while the
other dangled down, and leaning his elbow on his knee and his head on
his hand; Rose sat on the bench close by him, with Charlie on her
lap, and the two little girls pressing close against her, all earnest