The Little Visiters

[Nick]

Written by an Edwardian child. Has anyone else come across it? Extract below:

STARTING GAILY


When the great morning came Mr Salteena did not have an egg for his
brekfast in case he should be sick on the jorney.

What top hat will you wear asked Ethel.

I shall wear my best black and my white alpacka coat to keep off the
dust and flies replied Mr Salteena.

I shall put some red ruge on my face said Ethel because I am very pale
owing to the drains in this house.

You will look very silly said Mr Salteena with a dry laugh.

Well so will you said Ethel in a snappy tone and she ran out of the
room with a very superier run throwing out her legs behind and her
arms swinging in rithum.

[Pg 28]
Well said the owner of the house she has a most idiotick run.

Presently Ethel came back in her best hat and a lovly velvit coat of
royal blue. Do I look nice in my get up she asked.

Mr Salteena survayed her. You look rarther rash my dear your colors
dont quite match your face but never mind I am just going up to say
goodbye to Rosalind the housemaid.

Well dont be long said Ethel. Mr S. skipped upstairs to Rosalinds
room. Goodbye Rosalind he said I shall be back soon and I hope I shall
enjoy myself.

I make no doubt of that sir said Rosalind with a blush as Mr Salteena
silently put 2/6 on the dirty toilet cover.

Take care of your bronkitis said Mr S. rarther bashfully and he
hastilly left the room waving his hand carelessly to the housemaid.

Come along cried Ethel powdering her nose in the hall let us get into
the cab. Mr [Pg 29] Salteena did not care for powder but he was an
unselfish man so he dashed into the cab. Sit down said Ethel as the
cabman waved his whip you are standing on my luggage. Well I am paying
for the cab said Mr S. so I might be allowed to put my feet were I like.

They traveled 2nd class in the train and Ethel was longing to go first
but thought perhaps least said soonest mended. Mr Salteena got very
excited in the train about his visit. Ethel was calm but she felt
excited inside. Bernard has a big house said Mr. S. gazing at Ethel he
is inclined to be rich.

Oh indeed said Ethel looking at some cows flashing past the window.
Mr. S. felt rarther disheartened so he read the paper till the train
stopped and the porters shouted Rickamere station. We had better
collect our traps said Mr Salteena and just then a very exalted
footman in a cocked hat and olive green uniform put his head in [Pg 30]
at the window. Are you for Rickamere Hall he said in impressive tones.

[Darwins Selection]

Did you borrow my copy of "Squire Darnleys Diary"?