e said [Pg 87] I have enjoyed myself very much thankyou.

Please dont mention it cried the earl well goodbye Bernard he added I
shall look you up some day at your hotel.

Yes do muttered Bernard always welcome Clincham old boy he added
placing his blue crickit cap on his head and so saying he and Ethel
left the gay scene and once more oozed fourth into the streets of
London.

[Pg 88]
CHAPTER 9

A PROPOSALE

Next morning while imbibing his morning tea beneath his pink silken
quilt Bernard decided he must marry Ethel with no more delay. I love
the girl he said to himself and she must be mine but I somehow feel I
can not propose in London it would not be seemly in the city of
London. We must go for a day in the country and when surrounded by the
gay twittering of the birds and the smell of the cows I will lay my
suit at her feet and he waved his arm wildly at the gay thought. Then
he sprang from bed and gave a rat tat at Ethels door.

Are you up my dear he called.

Well not quite said Ethel hastilly jumping from her downy nest.

Be quick cried Bernard I have a plan to [Pg 89] spend a day near Windsor
Castle and we will take our lunch and spend a happy day.

Oh Hurrah shouted Ethel I shall soon be ready as I had my bath last
night so wont wash very much now.

No dont said Bernard and added in a rarther fervent tone through the
chink of the door you are fresher than the rose my dear no soap could
make you fairer.

Then he dashed off very embarrased to dress. Ethel blushed and felt a
bit excited as she heard the words and she put on a new white muslin
dress in a fit of high spirits. She looked very beautifull with some
red roses in her hat and the dainty red ruge in her cheeks looked
quite the thing. Bernard heaved a sigh and his eyes flashed as he
beheld her and Ethel thorght to herself what a fine type of manhood he
reprisented with his nice thin legs in pale broun trousers and well
fitting spats and a red rose in his button hole and rarther a sporting
cap which gave him a great air [Pg 90] with its quaint check and little
flaps to pull down if necesarry. Off they started the envy of all the
waiters.

They arrived at Windsor very hot from the jorney and Bernard at once
hired a boat to row his beloved up the river. Ethel could not row but
she much enjoyed seeing the tough sunburnt arms of Bernard tugging at
the oars as she lay among the rich cushons of the dainty boat. She had
a rarther lazy nature b