She then declared that it would be impossible to shew all the twelve pictures that evening, if it took so long to get ready for one.

However, the time was past at length; the signal was given; the lights in the drawing-room were put down, till the room was very shadowy indeed; and then, amid the breathless hush of expectation, the curtain that hung over the doorway of the library was drawn back.
The children thought it was fairy-land.
Frederica Fish sat there facing the company, quaintly dressed in antique costume; and before her knelt on one knee two grand-looking personages, very richly attired, presenting a gilt crown upon a satin cushion.

Lady Jane Grey and the lords who came to offer her the kingdom The draperies were exceedingly well executed and did Mrs.Sandford great credit.

They were the picture.
"Isn't she _beau_-tiful!" Nora exclaimed under her breath.
"Isn't it like a picture!" said Daisy.
"How funnily those boys kneel and twist themselves round!" said Jane.
"Who are they ?" "Daisy, wouldn't you like to be dressed every day like that ?" said Nora.
"I don't think it would be convenient," said Daisy.

"I think a white frock is nicer." "O but it makes people look so handsome! Frederica looks like--she is a real beauty! I should like to be dressed so.