never had a country a more popular king than king edward vii, nor a more gracious queen than queen alexandra, and never was a happier day for the english people than that on which king edward was crowned. a few days before the date fixed for the coronation the king suddenly became ill, and a great gloom fell over the country, for it was feared that he might never be crowned. but though his illness was severe he soon began to get better, and when he was out of danger the hearts of his subjects were filled with joy and thankfulness. guns were fired, church-bells pealed, and glad shouts and cheers rang out from the happy crowds which lined the streets of london, through which the king and queen, in the midst of their gay procession, drove to westminster abbey.