Our first important Party. Old Friends and New Friends. Gowing isa little annoying; but his friend, Mr. Stillbrook, turns out to be quiteamusing. Inopportune arrival of Mr. Perkupp, but he is most kind andcomplimentary. Party a great success.

　　November 15. - A red-letter day. Our first important party since wehave been in this house. I got home early from the City. Lupin insistedon having a hired waiter, and stood a half-dozen of champagne. I thinkthis an unnecessary expense, but Lupin said he had had a piece of luck,having made three pounds out a private deal in the City. I hope he won'tgamble in his new situation. The supper-room looked so nice, and Carrietruly 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 mywearing ordinary boots instead of dress-boots.

　　I replied satirically: "My dear son, I have lived to be above that sortof thing."Lupin burst out laughing, and said: "A man generally was above hisboots."This may be funny, or it may NOT; but I was gratified to find he hadnot discovered the coral had come off one of my studs. Carrie looked apicture, wearing the dress she wore at the Mansion House. Thearrangement of the drawing-room was excellent. Carrie had hung muslincurtains over the folding-doors, and also over one of the entrances, for wehad removed the door from its hinges.

　　Mr. Peters, the waiter, arrived in good time, and I gave him strictorders not to open another bottle of champagne until the previous one wasempty. Carrie arranged for some sherry and port wine to be placed onthe drawing-room sideboard, with some glasses. By-the- by, our new enlarged and tinted photographs look very nice on the walls, especially asCarrie has arranged some Liberty silk bows on the four corners of them.

　　The first arrival was Gowing, who, with his usual taste, greeted mewith: "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. Youshould get your missus to put a flounce on them."I wonder I waste my time entering his insulting observations in mydiary.

　　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 hadon a black frock-coat and white tie. The James', Mr. Merton, and Mr.

　　Stillbrook arrived, but Lupin was restless and unbearable till his DaisyMutlar and Frank arrived.

　　Carrie and I were rather startled at Daisy's appearance. She had abright-crimson dress on, cut very low in the neck. I do not think such astyle modest. She ought to have taken a lesson from Carrie, and coveredher shoulders with a little lace. Mr. Nackles, Mr. Sprice-Hogg and hisfour daughters came; so did Franching, and one or two of Lupin's newfriends, members of the "Holloway Comedians." Some of these seemedrather theatrical in their manner, especially one, who was posing all theevening, and l............