re about to enter Hyde Park through the imposing gate, Mrs.
Pitt said:--

"When we stand here and gaze at this scene before us,--the crowd,
beautiful park, fine hotels, houses, and shops,--it is hard to realize
that this was a dangerous, remote district as recently as 1815. That
was the time of many daring robberies, you know, when it was not safe
walking, riding, or even traveling in a big coach, because of the
highwaymen. Even so late as the year I just mentioned, this vicinity
from Hyde Park to Kensington was patrolled, and people went about in
companies so as to be comparatively secure."

The remainder of that lovely afternoon was spent in Hyde Park,
watching the riding and driving. Having paid the fee of threepence
each for the use of their chairs, it was pleasant to sit and look on
at the gay sight. Old gentlemen, stout ladies, young people, and small
children, all ride, in England, and at certain times of the day,
during "the season" (May and June), Hyde Park is always filled with a
merry company. In midsummer it is rather more deserted, and yet the
walks stretching between the flower-beds, and the Serpentine stream,
are always flocking with people on summer Sundays or "bank holidays."

And so passed the last days which John and Betty spent in London. All
the favorite spots--Westminster Abbey, the Tower, Kensington Palace,
and many others--had to be revisited, just as though the young people
never thought to see them again; and then, at last came the day when
the father and mother were expected. They all trooped to Euston
Station to meet the train, and in triumph escorted the American
friends back to Cavendish Square. There they remained for two short
days and then carried the almost reluctant John and Betty away with
them. Mrs. Pitt, Philip, and Barbara remained behind on the platform,
waving a last good-by, and still hearing the many thanks and
expressions of gratitude which John and Betty had repeatedly poured
into their ears, in return for their delightful visit to England.

THE END.

INDEX

Addison, Joseph, 136

Alfred the Great, 222, 227, 229

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, 223, 227

Anne of Cleves, 255, 257

Anne, Queen, 70, 112, 114

Arden, Forest of, 158, 169, 202

"As You Like It," 157

Austen, Jane, 226

Bankside, 90

Bartholomew Close, 281

Bear-baiting, 90

Becket, St. Thomas a, 254, 264

Bell Inn, Edmonton, 118

"Big Ben," 107