Neither of them has ever travelled by
rail, and both are equally nervous at the prospect. They are just in
time for the express, and soon find themselves seated in a first-class
carriage. As it is a carriage of two compartments, Howel fastens the
door between the two, draws down the blind, puts some coats on the
fourth seat, and says they will now have it to themselves all the way to
London.
Netta seizes his hand and screams when the steam whistle sounds, and his
mother falls down upon him from the opposite seat He laughs aloud, and
seems in such buoyant spirits that the women laugh too; and very soon
Netta has quite forgotten her home, as with her hand clasped in Howel's
he unfolds to her his future plans and arranges hers.
'Deet, and this is like a sofa in a drawing-room. I shall be asleep if I
don't take care,' says Mrs Jenkins.
'The best thing you can do, mother. I will awake you when we get to
Reading, where the biscuits are made you used to sell, faugh! and be
sure to show you Windsor Castle.'
Mrs Jenkins obeys her son's wish, and is soon sleeping soundly.
Howel then gives Netta the following intelligence, which, as it
interests her, we will hope may be interesting to her friends.
'The old gown you gave my mother, Netta, I sent to a celebrated house in
town, and calling there the next day ordered a proper _trousseau_ to be
made for you.
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