l have you got any more
friends she added turning to the earl.

Well I will see said the obliging earl and he once more disapeared.

I dont know why you should turn against me Ethel said Mr Salteena in a
low tone.

Ethel patted her hair and looked very sneery. Well I call it very
mystearious you going off and getting a title said Ethel and I think
our friendship had better stop as no doubt you will soon be marrying a
duchess or something.

Not at all said Mr Salteena you must know Ethel he said blushing a
deep red I always wished to marry you some fine day.

This is news to me cried Ethel still peevish.

But not to me murmered Mr Salteena and his voice trembled in his
chest. I may add that I have always loved you and now I seem to do so
madly he added passionately.

[Pg 85]
But I dont love you responded Ethel.

But if you married me you might get to said Mr Salteena.

I think not replied Ethel and all the same it is very kind of you to
ask me and she smiled more nicely at him.

This is agony cried Mr Salteena clutching hold of a table my life will
be sour grapes and ashes without you.

Be a man said Ethel in a gentle whisper and I shall always think of
you in a warm manner.

Well half a loaf is better than no bread responded Mr Salteena in a
gloomy voice and just then the earl reappeard with a very brisk lady
in a tight silk dress whose name was called Lady Gay Finchling and her
husband was a General but had been dead a few years. So this is Miss
Monticue she began in a rarther high voice. Oh yes said Ethel and Mr
Salteena wiped the foaming dew from his forehead. Little did Lady [Pg 86]
Gay Finchling guess she had just disturbed a proposal of marrage.

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
sh