by, our new enlarged and tinted photographs look very nice on the
walls, especially as Carrie has arranged some Liberty silk bows on
the four corners of them.

The first arrival was Gowing, who, with his usual taste, greeted me
with: "Hulloh, Pooter, why your trousers are too short!"

I simply said: "Very likely, and you will find my temper 'SHORT'
also."

He said: "That won't make your trousers longer, Juggins. You
should get your missus to put a flounce on them."

I wonder I waste my time entering his insulting observations in my
diary.

The next arrivals were Mr. and Mrs. Cummings. The former said:
"As you didn't say anything about dress, I have come 'half dress.'"
He had on a black frock-coat and white tie. The James', Mr.
Merton, and Mr. Stillbrook arrived, but Lupin was restless and
unbearable till his Daisy Mutlar and Frank arrived.

Carrie and I were rather startled at Daisy's appearance. She had a
bright-crimson dress on, cut very low in the neck. I do not think
such a style modest. She ought to have taken a lesson from Carrie,
and covered her shoulders with a little lace. Mr. Nackles, Mr.
Sprice-Hogg and his four daughters came; so did Franching, and one
or two of Lupin's new friends, members of the "Holloway Comedians."
Some of these seemed rather theatrical in their manner, especially
one, who was posing all the evening, and leant on our little round