CHAPTER 7
BERNARDS IDEAR
After Mr Salteena had departed Bernard Clark thourght he would show
Ethel over his house so they spent a merry morning so doing. Ethel
passed bright remarks on all the rooms and Bernard thourght she was
most pretty and Ethel began to be a bit excited. After a lovly lunch
they sat in the gloomy hall and Ethel began to feel very glad Mr
Salteena was not there. Suddenly Bernard lit his pipe I was thinking
he said passionately what about going up to London for a weeks
Gaierty.
Who inquired Ethel in a low tone.
You and me said Bernard I know of several splendid hotels and we could
go to theaters and parties and enjoy ourselves to the full.
[Pg 75]
So we could what an idear cried Ethel.
So the merry plan was all arranged and they spent the afternoon in
packing there trunks. Next day they were all ready in the hall when
the handsome viacle once more clattered up. Ethel had on her blue
velvit get up and a sweet new hat and plenty of ruge on her face and
looked quite a seemly counterpart for Bernard who was arrayed in a
white and shiny mackintosh top boots and a well brushed top hat tied
on to him with a bit of black elastick.
Well goodbye Minnit he cried to the somber butler take care of your
gout and the silver and I will pay your wages when I come back.
Thankyou kindly sir murmured Minnit when may I expect your return.
Oh well I will wire he said and dashed doun the steps.
Ethel followed with small lady like steps having bowed perlitely to
Minnit who closed his eyes in acknowlegment of her kindness.
[Pg 76]
The sun was shining and Ethel had the feeling of going to a very jolly
party and felt so sorry for all the passers by who were not going to
London with Bernard.
Arrived in the gay city Bernard hailed a eab to the manner born and
got in followed by Ethel. Kindly drive us to the Gaierty Hotel he
cried in a firm tone. The cabman waved his whip and off they dashed.
We shall be highly comfortable and select at the Gaierty said Bernard
and he thourght to himself how lovly it would be if he was married to
Ethel. He blushed a deep shade at his own thourghts and gave a side
long glance at Ethel who was gazing out of the window. Well one never
knows he murmerd to himself and as one of the poets says great events
from trivil causes springs.
Just then they stopped at the gay hotel and Ethel was spellbound at
the size of the big hall--Bernard poked his head into the window of
the pay desk. Have you a coupple [Pg 77] of bedrooms for self and young
lady he enquired in a lordly way.
A very handsome lady with golden hair and a lace apron glanced at a
book and hastilly replied Oh yes sir two beauties on the 1st floor
number 9 and 10.
Thankyou said Bernard we will go up if you have no objection.
None whatever sir said the genial lady the beds are well aired and the
view is quite pleasant.
Come along Ethel cried Bernard this sounds alright eh.
Oh quite said Ethel with a beaming smile.
They went upstairs and entered number 9 a very fine compartment with a
large douny bed and white doors with glass handles leading into number
10 an equally dainty room but a trifle smaller.
Which will you have Ethel asked Bernard.
Oh well I would rarther you settled it [Pg 78] said Ethel. I am willing
to abide by your choice.
The best shall be yours then said Bernard bowing gallantly and
pointing to the biggest room.
Ethel blushed at his speaking look. I shall be quite lost in that huge
bed she added to hide her embarassment.
Yes I expect you will said Bernard and now what about a little table
d'ote followed by a theater.
Oh yes cried Ethel and downstairs they went.
[Pg 79]