down to Darnley's rooms, but there was a
continuation of them down the lower story, and thence along by a private
way to Mary's place in the chapel of the monastery, where she used to go
to attend divine service. She always went by this private way, so that
nobody ever saw her go or come. They only knew that she was there by
seeing the curtains drawn before the little compartment in the walls of
the chapel where she was accustomed to sit.

In the deep recess of the window, seen at the left in the engraving, you
will see a tall stand, with a sort of basket on the top of it. This
basket contained baby linen, and was sent to Mary as a present by Queen
Elizabeth of England, at the time when Mary's child was born. This was
the child that afterwards became King James. He was not born here,
however. He was born in the castle. His birth took place only about
three months after the murder of Rizzio. The basket was a very pretty
one, and it was lined with the most costly lace, only a few remnants of
which are, however, remaining.

The attendant showed all these things to the visitors, and many more,
which I have not time now to describe. Among the rest was a piece of
embroidery set in the top of a workbox, which Mary herself worked. The
top of the box was formed of a plate of glass; the embroidery was placed
underneath it, so that it could be seen through the glass. It was old
and faded, and the boys did not think that it was very pretty. It was,
however, curious to see it, since Mary had worked it with her own hands;
especially as she did it when she was a child; for the guide said she
embroidered it when she was only about twelve years old.

"She was very skilful with her needle," said the attendant. "She learned
the art in France, at the convent where she was educated. This tapestry
which hangs upon the wall was worked by the nuns at that convent, and it
is said that Mary assisted them."

The tapestry to which the guide referred is the same that you see in the
engraving on the wall of the room, opposite to the observer. It hung
down over the door leading to the private staircase.

Besides the bedroom and the boudoir, there was the oratory, too; that
is, the small room corresponding to the boudoir, in the other round
tower. This room is not shown in the engraving, as the opening leading
into it is on the side of the bed chamber where the spectator is
supposed to stand. It was a very small room, like a round closet, with a