The Young Visiters | Page 5

I am just going up to say
goodbye to Rosalind the housemaid.
Well dont be long said Ethel. Mr S. skipped upstairs to Rosalinds room.
Goodbye Rosalind he said I shall be back soon and I hope I shall enjoy

myself.
I make no doubt of that sir said Rosalind with a blush as Mr Salteena
silently put 2/6 on the dirty toilet cover.
Take care of your bronkitis said Mr S. rarther bashfully and he hastilly
left the room waving his hand carelessly to the housemaid.
Come along cried Ethel powdering her nose in the hall let us get into
the cab. Mr [Pg 29] Salteena did not care for powder but he was an
unselfish man so he dashed into the cab. Sit down said Ethel as the
cabman waved his whip you are standing on my luggage. Well I am
paying for the cab said Mr S. so I might be allowed to put my feet were
I like.
They traveled 2nd class in the train and Ethel was longing to go first
but thought perhaps least said soonest mended. Mr Salteena got very
excited in the train about his visit. Ethel was calm but she felt excited
inside. Bernard has a big house said Mr. S. gazing at Ethel he is
inclined to be rich.
Oh indeed said Ethel looking at some cows flashing past the window.
Mr. S. felt rarther disheartened so he read the paper till the train
stopped and the porters shouted Rickamere station. We had better
collect our traps said Mr Salteena and just then a very exalted footman
in a cocked hat and olive green uniform put his head in [Pg 30] at the
window. Are you for Rickamere Hall he said in impressive tones.
Well yes I am said Mr Salteena and so is this lady.
Very good sir said the noble footman if you will alight I will see to
your luggage there is a convayance awaiting you.
Oh thankyou thankyou said Mr. S. and he and Ethel stepped along the
platform. Outside they found a lovely cariage lined with olive green
cushons to match the footman and the horses had green bridles and
bows on their manes and tails. They got gingerly in. Will he bring our
luggage asked Ethel nervously.

I expect so said Mr Salteena lighting a very long cigar.
Do we tip him asked Ethel quietly.
Well no I dont think so not yet we had better just thank him perlitely.
Just then the footman staggered out with the bagage. Ethel bowed
gracefully over the door of the cariage and Mr S. waved his [Pg 31]
hand as each bit of luggage was hoisted up to make sure it was all there.
Then he said thankyou my good fellow very politely. Not at all sir said
the footman and touching his cocked hat he jumped actively to the box.
I was right not to tip him whispered Mr Salteena the thing to do is to
leave 2/6 on your dressing table when your stay is over.
Does he find it asked Ethel who did not really know at all how to go on
at a visit. I beleeve so replied Mr Salteena anyhow it is quite the
custom and we cant help it if he does not. Now my dear what do you
think of the sceenery
Very nice said Ethel gazing at the rich fur rug on her knees. Just then
the cariage rolled into a beautifull drive with tall trees and big red
flowers growing amid shiny dark leaves. Presently the haughty
coachman pulled up with a great clatter at a huge front door with tall
pillers each side a big iron bell and two very clean scrapers. The doors
flung open as if by majic causing [Pg 32] Ethel to jump and a portly
butler appeared on the scene with a very shiny shirt front and a huge
pale face. Welcome sir he exclaimed good naturedly as Mr Salteena
alighted rarther quickly from the viacle and please to step inside.
Mr Salteena stepped in as bid followed by Ethel. The footman again
struggled with the luggage and the butler Francis Minnit by name
kindly lent a hand. The hall was very big and hung round with guns and
mate and ancesters giving it a gloomy but a grand air. The butler then
showed them down a winding corridoor till he came to a door which he
flung open shouting Mr Salteena and a lady sir.
A tall man of 29 rose from the sofa. He was rarther bent in the middle

with very nice long legs fairish hair and blue eyes. Hullo Alf old boy he
cried so you have got here all safe and no limbs broken.
None thankyou Bernard replied Mr Salteena shaking