ooking
the terrace.

"Here the ball was in progress at the time of Dorothy Vernon's escape.
It was the wedding night of Dorothy's sister, wasn't it? At any rate,
while every one was engrossed in the dancing and merrymaking, Dorothy
quietly slipped away, ran through this door here, along the terrace,
and out to a certain tree in the park where her lover was awaiting her
with the horses. That's the story, and certainly it is a pretty one,"
concluded Mrs. Pitt.

Just off the Ball-room is the State Bed-room, which claims to have had
Queen Elizabeth as an occupant. The great bed, fourteen feet six
inches high, is considered one of the finest in England, and is
finished in green velvet and white satin.

They strolled out through Dorothy Vernon's door and along the lovely
terrace, over which the solemn yew-trees hang low. From here is seen a
charming view of the garden, hemmed in upon one side by that part of
the castle containing the Ball-room. The sun was just setting as they
lingered upon the steps of the terrace, and it flooded everything with
a golden light. The scene was so beautiful that all were silent as
they gazed and gazed. Betty finally rose with a deep sigh, and said:

"Well, I suppose Dorothy knew what she was about, but I'm sure that I
should never have run away from Haddon Hall!"

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

WINCHESTER, SALISBURY, AND STONEHENGE

It was not until they were well on their way toward Winchester, that
Mrs. Pitt found a chance to tell the young people something about that
ancient city which they were so soon to see.

"Winchester has a cathedral, hasn't it?" Betty had inquired. "I always
like to see those."

"Yes, indeed," replied Mrs. Pitt. "There surely is a cathedral, for
it's the longest one in all Europe with the exception of St. Peter's
at Rome. I'm certain you will enjoy that; but what I think you'll
appreciate even more are the associations which Winchester has with
the life of Alfred the Great. You all remember about him, don't you!"

"The fellow who burnt the cakes?" put in John, jeeringly.

"Yes, but he was also 'the fellow' who led his army at a time when
the country was in great danger--who dressed as a minstrel and dared
to go even into the very camp of the enemy, so as to investigate their
movements. You certainly like that in him, John?"

"I know it! That was great!" John answered warmly. "Please tell us
some more about him, Mrs. Pitt."

"To me he has always been one of