Donkey." Frank and Lupin then bounded into the room. Lupin had
whitened his face like a clown, and Frank had tied round his waist
a large hearthrug. He was supposed to be the donkey, and he looked
it. They indulged in a very noisy pantomime, and we were all
shrieking with laughter.

I turned round suddenly, and then I saw Mr Perkupp standing half-
way in the door, he having arrived without our knowing it. I
beckoned to Carrie, and we went up to him at once. He would not
come right into the room. I apologised for the foolery, but Mr.
Perkupp said: "Oh, it seems amusing." I could see he was not a
bit amused.

Carrie and I took him downstairs, but the table was a wreck. There
was not a glass of champagne left--not even a sandwich. Mr.
Perkupp said he required nothing, but would like a glass of seltzer
or soda water. The last syphon was empty. Carrie said: "We have
plenty of port wine left." Mr. Perkupp said, with a smile: "No,
thank you. I really require nothing, but I am most pleased to see
you and your husband in your own home. Good-night, Mrs. Pooter--
you will excuse my very short stay, I know." I went with him to
his carriage, and he said: "Don't trouble to come to the office
till twelve to-morrow."

I felt despondent as I went back to the house, and I told Carrie I
thought the party was a failure. Carrie said it was a great
success, and I was only tired, and insisted on my having some port
myself. I drank two glasses, and felt much better, and we went
into the drawing-room, where they had commenced dancing. Carrie
and I had a little dance, which I said reminded me of old days.