The Earl chimed into the conversation now and again and Lady Gay Finchling told several rarther witty stories to enliven the party. Then Bernard Clark came up and said they had better be going. Well goodbye Clincham he said I must say I have enjoyed this party most rechauffie I call it dont you Ethel. Most cried Ethel I suppose you often come she added in a tone of envy to Lady Gay Finchling. Pretty often said Lady G. F. well goodbye as I see you are in a hurry to be off and she dashed off towards the refreshment place. Goodbye Ethel said poor Mr Salteena in a spasam and he seized hold of her hand you will one day rue your wicked words farewell he repeated emphatically. Oh well goodbye said Ethel in a vage tone and then turning to the earl she 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.