The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1895-01-11


His most Sacred Majesty King Charles was
received by the mayor and council of the
city of Chester. Through this window he
gazed upon the advancing army Of Crom-
well, and later in the day watched with
pain and anguish, the defeat of his own
army on the field two miles distant, In the
direction In which now point my hand"
and up went his old pump-handle with
automatic precision, while his face assumed
mournful expression, as IL he expected
his mother-in-law to dinner. tried to
look sober, also, but the idea of making
such fuss over dead king, who tried to
establish an absolute government ever Eng
hand was so ridiculous that / nearly smiled
audbly. However III did not observe but
what was perfectly decorous, and so he
continued to speak his little piece with APP
propriate gestures and modulations of the
voice. Poor old fool. l did not tell him
that few years ago had been to Gettys-
burg, where after three days pain and travail
a nation was reborn to proclaim liberty to
all mankind.
Two cents was the charge for the whole
performance, which when paid, left the
and his veneration for a dead and rotten
past.
Outside stood the old duffer, hat in hand
waiting to guide me still farther
about the walls which, being wide enough
OH top for cart to pass along, make
splendid promenade for pedestrians re-
membered something about guides expecting
pay for their services and concluded that L
could get ON without him. So | thanked
him for his kindness and told him l could
find my way all right without his assistance,
but he stuck to me like brother, and find
ing could not shake him asked him what
his terms were. Amy little trifle would be
enough he said, "whatever felt like CIV
ing" told him did not feel like giving
him red cent, and as could not get rid of
him / should remain where | was till
found out what his charges were. ''Well,
he generally charged four shillingS, Zone
dolar) but he would guide me around the
walls of Chester, which were four feet
thick and built by the Romans in 81, A. d.,
etc., for two shillings"
"My dearly beloved christian FRIEND"
said l, what do you take me tor. tender
foot, or as GU say in this country a bioomln
block? I'll give you just one shilling for
your services and if you don't want TO take
it, just leave me alone and I'll get on finely
without you" He began again his old
song about the walls Of Chester which were
four feet thick, etc, hut | managed to
choke HIM OF at the end OF two minutes
Two other towers and the rest OF the wall
were seen and gladly babe him an affec-
Tomato farewell at the cathedral door. lie
accepted the shilling with ill grace, remark
ing that was a sum lot and that two shill-
ings was his regular price Since then l
fight clear OF guides on the street, for there
are plenty of them everywhere, and most of
them are ignorant of what they are talking,
and useless TO a stranger.
Ii was dark when got back to the Hope
pole and dinner was nearly ready. Such a
commercial room in which din
der was served. a square, low room, the
walls covered with modern wallpaper and
adorned with beautiful water-cO.ors and Oil
paintings, long dining table of polished
with side-board and chairs to
match. Two large arm-chairs upholstered
in leather were placed, one on each side OF
the spacious Fireplace in which blaZed
CHEEKY coa-fre. Oyer the mantIe-piece
was large mirror in guilt frame and
around it were arranged some very fine
China-ware.
Tired as was it seemed u haven of rest
for poor wearied travellers. Not an open,
noisy, public room but gen,leman's snug,
coy dining room. Flowers on the table
AID pictures on the wall, the freight that
reflected from the polished brass fender was
reflected again from the dark carved furni-
ture, the thick walls and cl0sely-drawn cur
tains shut out all noises from the streets,
and there you were in as strict privacy as in
your own house.
Perhaps you would like. TO know the de-
tails of my first meal In England. Besides
myself, there were seated ut the table, q
gentleman, his wife and two children, two
gentlemen from the country and London
clerk who was taking an outing of q week.
The two farmers were attending the cheese
fair, and could not help being impressed
with their robust appearance and dignided
conduct. They were large men with ruddy
cheeks and bright, fresh skin, and though
they were over fifty years of age there were
no wrinkles to indicate the worry SO COM
mon to Americans.
The first course was soup which was
placed on the table In large silver tureep.
The married gentleman served each of us,
then loaf of bread on wooden plate was
passed around. Each person spreads his
own piece and then cuts 1t off the loaf
The butter which is not much used by the
English Is brought to the table when order
cd, in little dishes. 1t is generally very
fresh and garnshed with sprigs Of celery or
some other leaves.
Next on large platter appeared a fine