A GAY CALL I tell you what Ethel said Bernard Clark about a week later we might go and pay a call on my pal the Earl of Clincham. Oh do lets cried Ethel who was game for any new adventure I would dearly love to meet his lordship. Bernard gave a frown of jellousy at her rarther mere words. Well dress in your best he muttered. Ethel skipped into her bedroom and arrayd herself in a grass green muslin of decent cut a lace scarf long faun colored kid gloves and a muslin hat to correspond. She carried a parasole in one hand also a green silk bag containing a few stray hair pins a clean handkerchief five shillings and a pot of ruge in case. She looked a dainty vishen [Pg 80] with her fair hair waving in the breeze and Bernard bit his lips rarther hard for he could hardly contain himself and felt he must marry Ethel soon. He looked a handsome sight himself in some exquisite white trousers with a silk shirt and a pale blue blazer belt and cap. He wore this in honour of the earl who had been to Cambridge in his youth and so had Bernard Clark. At last they found themselves in the entrance hall of the Crystale palace and speedily made their way to the privite compartments. Edward Procurio was walking up and down the passage looking dark and mystearious as usual. Is His Lordship at home cried Bernard Clark cheerily. Which one asked Procurio many lords live here he said scornfully. Well I mean the Earl of Clincham said Bernard. Oh yes he is in responded Procurio and to the best of my belief giving a party. [Pg 81] Indeed ejaculated Bernard we have come in the nick of time Ethel he added. Yes said Ethel in an excited tone. Then they pealed on the bell and the door flew open. Sounds of laughter and comic songs issued from the abode and in a second they were in the crowded drawing room. It was packed with all the Elite and a stout duchess with a good natured face was singing a lively song and causing much merriment. The earl strode forward at sight of two new comers. Hullo Bernard old boy he cried this is a pleasure and who have you got with you he added glancing at Ethel. Oh this is Miss Monticue said Bernard shall I introduce you---- If you will be so good said the Earl in an affable tone and Bernard hastily performed the right. Ethel began a bright conversatiun while Bernard stroled off to see if he could find any friends amid the throng. [Pg 82] What pleasant compartments you have cried Ethel in rarther a socierty tone. Fairly so so responded the Earl do you lire in London he added in a loud tone as someone was playing a very difficult peice on the piano. Well no I dont said Ethel my home is really in Northumberland but I am at present stopping with Mr Clark at the Gaierty Hotel she continud in a somewhat showing off tone. Oh I see said the earl well shall I introduce you to a few of my friends. Of please do said Ethel with a dainty blow at her nose.