ill 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.

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 th