London at the End of the Century:A Book of Gossip
a Beckett, Arthur William
1900
A CLUB FOR 'ARRY.
Still, 'Arry does exist, and is unfortunately on a Bank Holiday. He is particularly fond of the river, and, if the weather be fairly good, will be found in hundreds and thousands on the Thames. He is rather amusing-from a distance. At Kingston there is a charming club on the banks of the Thames, with pleasant grounds and a well-appointed house. Before now I have, on a Bank Holiday, journeyed down to this favourite spot, and from the terrace have watched 'Arry at my leisure. I have been amused at his high spirits as displayed in on a boat, and have even appreciated his indistinctly heard harmony. 'Arry is better far away; in his case distance certainly lends enchantment to the view. The club to which I refer is within half-an-hour of town. You can train it or cab | |
264 | it or coach it. Arrived at your happy retreat, you can lunch for a florin or dine at three-and-sixpence. The wine is good and cheap, and altogether the place is worthy of patronage. On Bank Holidays it is simply delightful. There are very few members present, so that you can easily escape And here I may express my surprise that so far 'Arry has been clubless. Why does he not start a joint-stock palace on the lines set down in ? It would be a good thing, for 'Arry, once subject to committee rules, would readily abandon his most objectionable attributes. Just now new clubs are rather at a discount, otherwise my suggestion might be valuable. It will be necessary to find a good name for the . How about ? 'Arry is nothing if not patriotic. |