of these new readers, compared with those of
the various other classes of readers which former authors have had in
view. It is for this reason, and with this view, that the present
series of historical narratives is presented to the public. The
author, having had some opportunity to become acquainted with the
position, the ideas, and the intellectual wants of those whom he
addresses, presents the result of his labors to them, with the hope
that it may be found successful in accomplishing its design.

CONTENTS.

Chapter Page

I. MARY'S CHILDHOOD 13

II. HER EDUCATION IN FRANCE 37

III. THE GREAT WEDDING 56

IV. MISFORTUNES 76

V. RETURN TO SCOTLAND 99

VI. MARY AND LORD DARNLEY 124

VII. RIZZIO 147

VIII. BOTHWELL 168

IX. THE FALL OF BOTHWELL 198

X. LOCH LEVEN CASTLE 218

XI. THE LONG CAPTIVITY 244

XII. THE END 260

ENGRAVINGS.

Page

DUMBARTON CASTLE, ON THE CLYDE _Frontispiece._

MAP OF THE CENTRAL PART OF SCOTLAND.

PLAN OF THE PALACE OF LINLITHGOW 22

VIEW OF THE PALACE OF LINLITHGOW 25

PORTRAIT OF QUEEN ELIZABETH 91

MARY'S EMBARKATION AT CALAIS 105

VIEW OF THE PALACE OF HOLYROOD HOUSE 114

VIEW OF WEMYS CASTLE 137

PLAN OF HOLYROOD HOUSE 160

PRINCE JAMES'S CRADLE 174

VIEW OF EDINBURGH 179

PLAN OF THE HOUSE AT THE KIRK O' FIELD 182

VIEW OF DUNBAR CASTLE 193

PLAN OF LOCH LEVEN CASTLE 221

VIEW OF LOCH LEVEN CASTLE 236

RUINS OF LOCH LEVEN