Here on the pavement, where the hall had been, an old thorn tree was budding.

All kinds of strange openings and broken rooms were in the shadow around them.
After lunch they set off once more to explore the ruin.

This time the girls went with the boys, who could act as guides and expositors.

There was one tall tower in a corner, rather tottering, where they say Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned.
"Think of the Queen going up here!" said Miriam in a low voice, as she climbed the hollow stairs.
"If she could get up," said Paul, "for she had rheumatism like anything.
I reckon they treated her rottenly." "You don't think she deserved it ?" asked Miriam.
"No, I don't.

She was only lively." They continued to mount the winding staircase.