had had a piece of luck, having made three pounds out a private
deal in the City. I hope he won't gamble in his new situation.
The supper-room looked so nice, and Carrie truly said: "We need
not be ashamed of its being seen by Mr. Perkupp, should he honour
us by coming."

I dressed early in case people should arrive punctually at eight
o'clock, and was much vexed to find my new dress-trousers much too
short.

Lupin, who is getting beyond his position, found fault with my
wearing ordinary boots instead of dress-boots.

I replied satirically: "My dear son, I have lived to be above that
sort of thing."

Lupin burst out laughing, and said: "A man generally was above his
boots."

This may be funny, or it may NOT; but I was gratified to find he
had not discovered the coral had come off one of my studs. Carrie
looked a picture, wearing the dress she wore at the Mansion House.
The arrangement of the drawing-room was excellent. Carrie had hung
muslin curtains over the folding-doors, and also over one of the
entrances, for we had removed the door from its hinges.

Mr. Peters, the waiter, arrived in good time, and I gave him strict
orders not to open another bottle of champagne until the previous
one was empty. Carrie arranged for some sherry and port wine to be
placed on the drawing-room sideboard, with some glasses. By-the-