The Young Visiters | Page 7

aunt Caroline
she was rarther exentrick and quite old.
So I see said Mr Salteena and he passed on to a lady with a very tight
waist and quearly shaped. That is Mary Ann Fudge my grandmother I
think said Bernard she was very well known in her day.
Why asked Ethel who was rarther curious by nature.
Well I dont quite know said Bernard but she was and he moved away to
the next picture. It was of a man with a fat smiley face and a red ribbon
round him and a lot [Pg 39] of medals. My great uncle Ambrose Fudge
said Bernard carelessly.
He looks a thourough ancester said Ethel kindly.
Well he was said Bernard in a proud tone he was really the Sinister son

of Queen Victoria.
Not really cried Ethel in excited tones but what does that mean.
Well I dont quite know said Bernard Clark it puzzles me very much but
ancesters do turn quear at times.
Peraps it means god son said Mr Salteena in an inteligent voice.
Well I dont think so said Bernard but I mean to find out.
It is very grand anyhow said Ethel.
It is that replied her host geniully.
Who is this said Mr Salteena halting at a picture of a lady holding up
some grapes and smiling a good deal.
Her name was called Minnie Pilato responded Bernard she was rarther
far back [Pg 40] but a real relation and she was engaged to the earl of
Tullyvarden only it did not quite come off.
What a pity crid Ethel.
Yes it was rarther replied Bernard but she marrid a Captain in the Navy
and had seven children so she was quite alright.
Here Mr Salteena thourght he had better go to bed as he had had a long
jornney. Bernard always had a few prayers in the hall and some
whiskey afterwards as he was rarther pious but Mr Salteena was not
very adicted to prayers so he marched up to bed. Ethel stayed as she
thourght it would be a good thing. The butler came in as he was a very
holy man and Bernard piously said the Our Father and a very good
hymm called I will keep my anger down and a Decad of the Rosary.
Ethel chimed in quiutly and Francis Minnit was most devout and Ethel
thourght what a good holy family she was stopping with. So I will end
my chapter.

[Pg 41]
CHAPTER 4
MR SALTEENAS PLAN
Mr Salteena woke up rarther early next day and was supprised and
delighted to find Horace the footman entering with a cup of tea.
Oh thankyou my man said Mr Salteena rolling over in the costly bed.
Mr Clark is nearly out of the bath sir anounced Horace I will have great
plesure in turning it on for you if such is your desire. Well yes you
might said Mr Salteena seeing it was the idear and Horace gave a
profound bow.
Ethel are you getting up shouted Mr Salteena.
Very nearly replied Ethel faintly from the next room.
I say said Mr Salteena excitedly I have had some tea in bed.
[Pg 42] So have I replied Ethel.
Then Mr Salteena got into a mouve dressing goun with yellaw tassles
and siezing his soap he wandered off to the bath room which was most
sumpshous. It had a lovly white shiny bath and sparkling taps and
several towels arrayed in readiness by thourghtful Horace. It also had a
step for climbing up the bath and other good dodges of a rich nature.
Mr Salteena washed himself well and felt very much better. After
brekfast Mr Salteena asked Bernard if he could have some privite
conversation with him. Well yes replied Bernard if you will come into
my study we can have a few words.
Cant I come too muttered Ethel sulkily.
No my dear said Mr Salteena this is privite.
Perhaps later I might have a privite chat with you Miss Monticue said

Bernard kindly.
Oh do lets said Ethel.
[Pg 43] Then Bernard and Mr S. strolled to the study and sat upon two
arm chairs. Fire away said Bernard lighting his pipe. Well I cant
exactly do that said Mr Salteena in slow tones it is a searious matter
and you can advise me as you are a thorugh gentleman I am sure.
Well yes said Bernard what can I do for you eh Alf?
You can help me perhaps to be more like a gentleman said Mr Salteena
getting rarther hot I am quite alright as they say but I would like to be
the real thing can it be done he added slapping his knees.
I dont quite know said Bernard it might take a good time.