62 FAMILIAR LONDON finishing touches to the numberless stands and decorations. All was bright and full of life. On the Monday I had walked into the Park, for the King and Queen were expected to come up from Windsor, and I wanted to see them pass by on their way from Paddington to Buckingham Palace. Such a crowd there was a loyal English crowdwaiting to welcome them! At last they came by with their splendid guard; but the great cheers that were raised died rapidly away and gave place to an anxious murmuring, for our joy was turned into sorrow when we saw his face. Though strong with great courage and patience, it bore the impress of deep suffering. I wandered homewards saddened and distressed. Later in the day, as I went along I felt, almost suddenly, a gradual silence around me; the sound of the hammering ceased, and there was a gentle murmuring people talking in low tones to one another, as if with a painful expectancy;-then I saw the hundreds of workmen emerging from the various houses and conversing very quietly, but in evidently anxious earnestness. What could it mean? The world now knows how strong was the foundation for our anxiety. There were some beautiful lines in the "By the |