Q: Chapter 18--Fashion and Physiology

"Please, sir, I guess you'd better step up right away, or it will be too late, for I heard Miss Rose say she knew you wouldn't like it, and she'd never dare to let you see her."

Phebe said this as she popped her head into the study, where Dr. Alec sat reading a new book.

"They are at it, are they?" he said, looking up quickly, and giving himself a shake, as if ready for a battle of some sort.

"Yes, sir, as hard as they can talk, and Miss Rose don't seem to know what to do, for the things are ever so stylish, and she looks elegant in 'em; though I like her best in the old ones," answered Phebe.

"You are a girl of sense. I'll settle matters for Rosy, and you'll lend a hand. Is everything ready in her room, and are you sure you understand how they go?"

"Oh, yes, sir; but they are so funny! I know Miss Rose will think it's a joke," and Phebe laughed as if something tickled her immensely.

"Never mind what she thinks so long as she obeys. Tell her to do it for my sake, and she will find it the best joke she ever saw. I expect to have a tough time of it, but we'll win yet," said the Doctor, as he marched upstairs with the book in his hand, and an odd smile on his face.

There was such a clatter of tongues in the sewing-room that no one heard his tap at the door, so he pushed it open and took an observation. Aunt Plenty, Aunt Clara, and Aunt Jessie were all absorbed in gazing at Rose, who slowly revolved between them and the great mirror, in a full winter costume of the latest fashion.

Answer the following questions:
1. it was a clatter of what ?
2. where ?
3. how many aunts are mentioned ?
4. name 1
5. who were they looking at ?
6. what was she dress in ?
7. of old time fashion ?
8. what was it ?
9. what did miss rose say in the beginning ?
10. who was reading a book ?
11. where was he ?
12. who did not know what to do ?
13. who tinks she looks best in the old clothes ?
14. who has sense ?
15. who will think its a joke ?
16. who thought it was funny ?
17. who need people to obey him ?
18. where did he go ?
19. sis he smile ?
20. what kind ?
A: 1. tongues
2. sewing-room
3. Three
4. Plenty
5. Rose
6. full winter costume
7. no
8. latest
9. knew you wouldn't like it,
10. Dr. Alec
11. study
12. Miss Rose
13. Phebe
14. Phebe
15. Miss Rose
16. Phebe
17. Doctor
18. upstairs
19. smile
20. odd

Answer the questions at the end based on the text.

CHAPTER II.

THE EXPEDITION INTO SPAIN.

1623

The Palatinate.--Wars between the Protestants and Catholics.--Frederic dispossessed of his dominions.--Flees to Holland.--Elizabeth.--James's plan.--Donna Maria.--Negotiations with Spain.--Obstacles and delays.--Buckingham's proposal.--Nature of the adventure.--Buckingham's dissimulation.--Charles persuaded.--James's perplexity.--He reluctantly yields.--James's fears.--Royal captives.--Buckingham's violence.--Angry disputes.--James's distress.--Charles and Buckingham depart.--Charles and Buckingham's boisterous conduct.--Arrested at Dover.--Arrival at Paris.--Princess Henrietta.--Bourdeaux.--Entrance into Madrid.--Bristol's amazement.--Charles's reception.--Grand procession.--Spanish etiquette.--The Infanta kept secluded.--Athletic amusements.--Charles steals an interview.--Irregularities.--Delays and difficulties.--Letters.--The magic picture.--The pope's dispensation.--The treaty signed.--Buckingham is hated.--He breaks off the match.--Festivities at the Escurial.--Taking leave.--Return to London.--The Spanish match broken off.

In order that the reader may understand fully the nature of the romantic enterprise in which, as we have already said, Prince Charles embarked when he was a little over twenty years of age, we must premise that Frederic, the German prince who married Charles's sister Elizabeth some years before, was the ruler of a country in Germany called the Palatinate. It was on the banks of the Rhine. Frederic's title, as ruler of this country, was Elector Palatine. There are a great many independent states in Germany, whose sovereigns have various titles, and are possessed of various prerogatives and powers.

Now it happened that, at this time, very fierce civil wars were raging between the Catholics and the Protestants in Germany. Frederic got drawn into these wars on the Protestant side. His motive was not any desire to promote the progress of what he considered the true faith, but only a wish to extend his own dominions, and add to his own power, for he had been promised a kingdom, in addition to his Palatinate, if he would assist the people of the kingdom to gain the victory over their Catholic foes. He embarked in this enterprise without consulting with James, his father-in-law, knowing that he would probably disapprove of such dangerous ambition. James was, in fact, very sorry afterward to hear of Frederic's having engaged in such a contest.

1. who married Charles's sister?
2. what was his title?
3. how old was Prince Charles when the story takes place?
4. was there a war happening?
5. what kind of war was it?
6. where was it taking place?
7. who were the combatants?
8. which side was Frederic on?
9. what was Frederic's exact title?
10. where was the Palatinate?

Numbered answers:

A:
1. Frederic
2. he was a prince
3. twenty years of age
4. yes
5. a civil war
6. in Germany
7. Catholics and the Protestants
8. the Protestant side
9. Elector Palatine
10. It was on the banks of the Rhine.