The Young Visiters | Page 8

Might it said Mr S. but I would slave for years if need be. Bernard
scratched his head. Why dont you try the Crystal Pallace he asked
several peaple Earls and even dukes have privite compartments there.
But I am not an Earl said Mr Salteena in a purplexed tone.
[Pg 44] True replied Bernard but I understand there are sort of students
there who want to get into the War Office and notable banks.
Would that be a help asked Mr Salteena egerly.
Well it might said Bernard I can give you a letter to my old pal the Earl
of Clincham who lives there he might rub you up and by mixing with
him you would probably grow more seemly.
Oh ten thousand thanks said Mr Salteena I will go there as soon as it
can be arranged if you would be so kind as to keep an eye on Ethel
while I am away.
Oh yes said Bernard I may be running up to town for a few days and
she could come too.

You are too kind said Mr Salteena and I dont think you will find her
any trouble.
No I dont think I shall said Bernard she is a pretty girl cheerful and
active. And he blushed rarther red.

[Pg 45]
CHAPTER 5
THE CRYSTAL PALACE
About 9 oclock next morning Mr Salteena stood bag in hand in the
ancestle hall waiting for the viacle to convay him to the station.
Bernard Clark and Ethel were seated side by side on a costly sofa
gazing abstractly at the parting guest. Horace had dashed off to put on
his cocked hat as he was going in the baroushe but Francis Minnit was
roaming about the hall well prepared for any deed.
Well said Bernard puffing at his meershum pipe I hope you will get on
Alf I am sure you have that little letter to old Clincham eh
In deed I have said Mr Salteena many thanks for the same and I do
hope Ethel will behave properly.
[Pg 46] Oh yes I expect she will said Bernard with a sigh.
I always do said Ethel in a snappy tone.
Just then there was a great clatter outside and the sound of hoofs and a
loud neigh. The barouche I take it said Bernard rising slowly.
Quite correct sir said Minnit flinging wide the portles.
Well goodbye Alf old man said Bernard Clark good luck and God bless
you he added in a pius tone.

Not at all said Mr Salteena I have enjoyed my stop which has been
short and sweet well goodbye Ethel my child he said as bag in hand he
proceeded to the door. Francis Minnit bowed low and handed a small
parcel to Mr Salteena a few sandwighs for the jorney sir he remarked.
Oh this is most kind said Mr Salteena.
Minnit closed his eyes with a tired smile. Not kind sir he muttered quite
usual.
Oh really said Mr Salteena feeling rather [Pg 47] flabergasted well
goodbye my good fellow and he slipped 2/6 into the butlers open palm.
Mr Salteena had to travel first class as active Horace ran on to buy the
ticket which he presented with a low bow the Times and Tit-Bits. Oh
many thanks my man said Mr Salteena in a most airy voice now will
you find me a corner seat in the train eh.
If there is one sir replied Horace.
In got Mr Salteena to his first class carrage surrounded by his luggage
carefully piled up by kindly Horace. The other pasengers looked full of
envy at the curly white wig and green plush uniform of Horace. Mr
Salteena crossed his legs in a lordly way and flung a fur rug over his
knees though he was hot enough in all consciunce. He began to feel this
was the thin end of the partition and he smiled as he gently tapped the
letter in his coat tail pocket. When Mr Salteena arrived in [Pg 48]
London he began to strolle up the principle streets thinking how gay all
was. Presently he beheld a resterant with a big Menu outside and he
went boldly in.
It was a sumpshous spot all done up in gold with plenty of looking
glasses. Many hansome ladies and gentlemen were already partaking of
choice food and rich wines and whiskey and the scene was most lively.
Mr Salteena had a little whiskey to make him feel more at home. Then
he eat some curry to the tune of a merry valse on the band. He beat time
to the music and smiled kindly at the waiters and he felt very excited
inside. I am seeing life with a vengance he muttered to himself as he

paid his