CHAPTER 3
THE FIRST EVENING
When they had unpacked Mr Salteena and Ethel went downstairs to
dinner. Mr Salteena had put on a compleat evening suit as he thought
it was the correct idear and some ruby studs he had got at a sale.
Ethel had on a dress of yellaw silk covered with tulle which was quite
in the fashion and she had on a necklace which Mr Salteena gave her
for a birthday present. She looked very becomeing and pretty and
Bernard heaved a sigh as he gave her his arm to go into dinner. The
butler Minnit was quite ready for the fray standing up very stiff and
surrounded by two footmen in green plush and curly white wigs who were
called Charles and Horace.
Well said Mr Salteena lapping up his [Pg 37] turtle soup you have a
very sumpshous house Bernard.
His friend gave a weary smile and swollowed a few drops of sherry
wine. It is fairly decent he replied with a bashful glance at Ethel
after our repast I will show you over the premisis.
Many thanks said Mr Salteena getting rarther flustered with his forks.
You ourght to give a ball remarked Ethel you have such large
compartments.
Yes there is room enough sighed Bernard we might try a few steps and
meanwhile I might get to know a few peaple.
So you might responded Ethel giving him a speaking look.
Mr Salteena was growing a little peevish but he cheered up when the
Port wine came on the table and the butler put round some costly
finger bowls. He did not have any in his own house and he followed
Bernard Clarks advice as to what to do with them. After dinner Ethel
played some [Pg 38] merry tunes on the piano and Bernard responded with
a rarther loud song in a base voice and Ethel clapped him a good deal.
Then Mr Salteena asked a few riddles as he was not musicle. Then
Bernard said shall I show you over my domain and they strolled into
the gloomy hall.
I see you have a lot of ancesters said Mr Salteena in a jelous tone,
who are they.
Well said Bernard they are all quite correct. This is my 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]