Щоденник незначної особи

           Hesaid:“Ifyouwantedyourshirt-frontsmadeoutofpauper-linen,suchasisusedforpackingandbookbinding,whydidn’tyousayso?”

           June7.—Adreadfulannoyance.MetMr.Franching,wholivesatPeckham,andwhoisagreatswellinhisway.Iventuredtoaskhimtocomehometomeat-tea,andtakepot-luck.Ididnotthinkhewouldacceptsuchahumbleinvitation;buthedid,saying,inamostfriendlyway,hewouldrather“peck”withusthanbyhimself.Isaid:“Wehadbettergetintothisblue’bus.”Hereplied:“Noblue-bussingforme.Ihavehadenoughoftheblueslately.Ilostacool‘thou’overtheCopperScare.Stepinhere.”

           Wedroveuphomeinstyle,inahansom-cab,andIknockedthreetimesatthefrontdoorwithoutgettingananswer.IsawCarrie,throughthepanelsofground-glass(withstars),rushingupstairs.ItoldMr.FranchingtowaitatthedoorwhileIwentroundtotheside.ThereIsawthegrocer’sboyactuallypickingoffthepaintonthedoor,whichhadformedintoblisters.Notimetoreprovehim;sowentroundandeffectedanentrancethroughthekitchenwindow.IletinMr.Franching,andshowedhimintothedrawing-room.IwentupstairstoCarrie,whowaschangingherdress,andtoldherIhadpersuadedMr.Franchingtocomehome.Shereplied:“Howcanyoudosuchathing?Youknowit’sSarah’sholiday,andthere’snotathinginthehouse,thecoldmuttonhavingturnedwiththehotweather.