Distinguishsd Travellers.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 5023, 3 June 1889, Page 3

Distinguishsd Travellers.

A rather good thing is said to have happened a short time back. The story (says a contemporary) runs that at the time the coaching competition on the Grey road had brought the fares down to five shillings, two young fellows booked in Greymouth for little Grey. They were both decently dressed and as soon as they were comfortably seated one started to address the other as M’ Lord. Everything was M’ Lord this, and M’ Lord that, M’ Lord in return addressing the other party as Your Grace. So things went on, and at each stopping place M’ Lord and Your Grace monopolised the conversation, and made much ado. The other passengers naturally came to the coneL a on that happy chcnce had thrown them into the company of two real live scions of the nobility, and they consequently comported themselves worthy of the occasion. Whenever addressed by the distinguished travellers they never failed to answer M.’ Lord or Your Grace with respectful recognition. The noblemen condescendingly chatted with the passengers and on more than one occasion at the halting places actually permitted the passengers to pay for liquors for them. In fact the alacrity with which attentions of this kind were accepted led the shouters to conclude that noblemen were not such stuck-up snots as they had imagined. At the different way-side hosieries it was of course whispered that the two travellers were noblemen, and they were scrutinised with great curiosity. Once again the travellers took their seats, and away the coach rattled. The same respectful silence was observed by the rest of the passengers, while M’ Lord and Your Grace talked away to each other with the utmost freedom. Beaching the hotel where dinner was to bo had the passengers filed into the dining-room, but on looking round the table it was observed that the noblemen were not of the number, t-'omebody asked the driver at (ho head of the table what had become of the globe-trotters. Jimmy, delaying his fork mid air looked up in astonishment, and asked : Which globe-trotters? The Lori and Duke who were riding inside the coach, was the quick response, followed by a more particular deseriptffin of the individuals. Qit out, replied the urbane James, they’re no Lords. They are two digger chaps working at Antonio’s, who hive been having you! —! You should have seen those passengers.