fine horses, led by grooms in scarlet.

And lastly, an enormous gilded car, drawn by six piebald horses, with
coloured flags on their heads. On the top of this car sat a girl, intended
for Britannia, dressed in white, with a scarlet scarf across her shoulders,
a helmet on her head, and a trident in her hand. She was leaning against
two large shields, which alone prevented her from falling from her giddy
height. Some way below her, in front of the car, sat her two maidens,
dressed in glittering silver tinsel, upon which the rays of the sun made it
dazzling to look; whilst behind her, clinging on to the back of the car,
were two iron-clad men, whose scaly armour was also shining brightly.

Then the procession was over, and there was nothing to be heard or seen but
a noisy rabble, who were hastening on to get another glimpse of the
wonderful sight.

There were some girls standing near the caravan, close to Rosalie and her
mother, as the circus procession passed, and they were perfectly enraptured
with all they saw. When Britannia came in sight, they could hardly contain
themselves, so envious were they of her. One of them told the other she
would give anything to be sitting up there, dressed in gold and silver, and
she thought Britannia must be as happy as Queen Victoria.

'Oh,' said Rosalie's mother, leaning out and speaking in a low voice, 'you
would _soon_ get tired of it.'

'Not I,' said the girl; 'I only wish I had the chance.'

Rosalie's mother sighed, and said to Rosalie, 'Poor things! they little
know; I should not wonder if that poor girl is about as wretched as I am.