The Young Visiters · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for The Young Visiters by Daisy Ashford.
Chapter 1
The Young Visiters Or, Mr. Salteena's Plan
Mr. Salteena, a middle-aged man of some wealth but lacking in high-society polish, decides he must become a gentleman to improve his social standing. He plans to visit the Crystal Palace and perhaps London, and invites his friend Bernard Clark and the young lady Ethel Monticue to accompany him. The chapter sets up his aspirations and the beginning of their adventures.
Chapter 2
I: Quite a Young Girl
Mr. Salteena, an elderly man of 42, lives with a young girl named Ethel Monticue. One morning, a peculiar parcel arrives containing a top hat and a letter from Bernard Clark inviting Mr. Salteena to stay with him and bring one of his young ladies. Mr. Salteena decides to take Ethel and writes back accepting the invitation, revealing his insecurity about not being quite a gentleman. The chapter ends with Bernard Clark reading the letter and muttering about Mr. Salteena's presumptuousness.
Chapter 3
Starting Gaily
Mr. Salteena and Ethel Monticue travel to Rickamere Hall for a visit. They discuss attire and nerves, travel second class, and are met by a footman and carriage. Upon arrival, they are greeted by Bernard Clark, who shows them to their rooms. Ethel is given a grand room with purple silk curtains, while Mr. Salteena has a smaller adjoining room. Bernard's room is dark red, and he mentions a bathroom with a tip-up basin.
Chapter 4
The First Evening
Mr. Salteena and Ethel dress for dinner at Bernard's house. After a meal with turtle soup and port wine, Bernard gives a tour of his ancestral portraits, including a mysterious 'Sinister son of Queen Victoria.' The evening ends with prayers in the hall, which Mr. Salteena skips, while Ethel stays to participate.
Chapter 5
Mr. Salteenas Plan
Mr. Salteena wakes early to the luxury of tea in bed served by Horace, enjoys a sumptuous bath, and after breakfast seeks private advice from Bernard on how to become a true gentleman. Bernard suggests he visit the Crystal Palace and offers a letter to the Earl of Clincham, while kindly agreeing to look after Ethel.
Chapter 6
V: The Crystal Palace
Mr. Salteena departs from Bernard Clark and Ethel Monticue, traveling first class to London. He visits a restaurant, then takes a cab to the Crystal Palace. Inside, he finds a private compartment area and meets Edward Procurio, the Groom of the Chambers. He then meets the Earl of Clincham, who reads a letter from Bernard and agrees to train Mr. Salteena in gentlemanly ways for a fee. The Earl outlines the training, including living in the lower range, learning etiquette, and possibly galloping beside the royal carriage. Mr. Salteena eagerly accepts.
Chapter 7
High Life
Mr. Salteena awakens at Rickamere Hall and is attended by the elegant Edward Procurio, who helps him dress and prepares him for a levée at Buckingham Palace with the Earl of Clincham. The earl lends him a hat and introduces him as 'Lord Hyssops' to the nobility. At the palace, they mingle with princes and archdukes, and Mr. Salteena even has a brief conversation with the Prince of Wales, who hints at a possible court position. The chapter ends with Mr. Salteena enjoying his glimpse of high life.
Chapter 8
Bernards Idear
After Mr. Salteena's departure, Bernard Clark shows Ethel Monticue around his house and proposes a week of gaiety in London. They pack and travel to the Gaiety Hotel, where Bernard begins to entertain thoughts of marriage.
Chapter 9
A Gay Call
Bernard and Ethel visit the Earl of Clincham at the Crystal Palace, where they encounter a party of high society. Ethel is introduced to Lord Hyssops, who is revealed to be Mr. Salteena with a new title. Mr. Salteena confesses his love for Ethel and proposes, but she rejects him. The visit ends with Bernard and Ethel departing.
Chapter 10
IX: A Proposale
Bernard decides to propose to Ethel and takes her on a day trip to Windsor. After a picnic by the river, he passionately declares his love, and Ethel accepts. They become engaged and plan to marry the following week.
Chapter 11
X: Preparing for the Fray
Ethel and Bernard prepare for their wedding by sending invitations, ordering a lavish wedding dress and suit, receiving gifts from friends and family, and arranging an extravagant wedding feast. Ethel reflects on her past life but looks forward to her future with Bernard.
Chapter 12
XI: The Wedding
Ethel and Bernard are married at the Abbey with the Earl of Clincham giving Ethel away and Mr. Salteena watching bitterly. After the ceremony, a reception is held at the Gaierty, where speeches are made and refreshments enjoyed. The newlyweds depart for their honeymoon in Egypt.
Chapter 13
XII: How It Ended
Mr. Salteena secures a job as a royal outrider, galloping after the Prince of Wales's carriage in Hyde Park. The Earl of Clincham marries Lady Helena Herring, and Mr. Salteena, feeling lonely, marries Bessie Topp, a maid of honour. Ethel and Bernard return from their honeymoon with a son and eventually have seven children. The Earl has two sickly daughters and considers divorce but abandons the idea. Mr. Salteena grows morose with a large family and pines for Ethel, while Bernard and Ethel remain happily married.
