# High Life explained — The Young Visiters

> Chapter companion for The Young Visiters by Daisy Ashford.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Aspiration

Mr. Salteena's anxiety about his attire and his eagerness to pass as a lord highlight his aspiration to climb the social ladder, while the earl's casual deception underscores the fluidity of class identity.

### The Absurdity of High Society

The levée is portrayed as a chaotic, ostentatious affair where titles are borrowed, costumes improvised, and the Prince of Wales casually discusses a job while dancing with an archduchess.

### Innocence and Naivete

Mr. Salteena's ignorance of court etiquette—asking if it is a fancy dress party, worrying about his trousers, and trusting Procurio's makeshift costume—reveals his charming naivety.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Salteena

Awakens in his green-and-white room, is dressed and coached by Procurio, attends the levée as 'Lord Hyssops,' and speaks with the Prince of Wales.

### Edward Procurio

Serves Mr. Salteena breakfast, helps him select clothes, and rigs him up with improvised court attire including a paper star and red rosettes.

### Earl of Clincham

Lends Mr. Salteena his second-best cocked hat, introduces him as Lord Hyssops at the levée, and mingles with the nobility.

### Alfred Salteena

Mentioned only as the name used for the false title 'Lord Hyssops' at the levée.

## Key lines

> Oh can I he said ten thousand thanks.

Mr. Salteena gratefully accepts Procurio's suggestion that he could have come to breakfast in his dressing gown.

_Shows Mr. Salteena's relief at learning informal domestic customs._

> You wont mind if I introduce you as Lord Hyssops do you said the earl as he lit his pipe. You see you are sort of mixed up with the family so it wont matter and will look better.

The Earl of Clincham asks Mr. Salteena if he can pretend to be Lord Hyssops to improve their social standing at the levée.

_Highlights the casual deception and class fluidity in high society._

> I suppose Prince you have not got a job going at this palace for my friend asked the earl you see I am rubbing him up in socierty ways and he fancies court life as a professhon.

The earl asks the Prince of Wales if there is a court position available for Mr. Salteena, whom he is training in etiquette.

_Illustrates the networking and patronage that defined aristocratic life._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_young_visiters_se/chapters/vi-high-life
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_young_visiters_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_young_visiters_se/chapters