Щоденник незначної особи

           Heseemedpleased,but,afterafewwhiffs,said:“Thisisagoodoldtup’ny—tryoneofmine,”andhehandedmeacigaraslongasitwasstrong,whichissayingagooddeal.

           August20.—Iamgladourlastdayattheseasidewasfine,thoughcloudedoverhead.WewentovertoCummings’(atMargate)intheevening,andasitwascold,westayedinandplayedgames;Gowing,asusual,oversteppingthemark.Hesuggestedweshouldplay“Cutlets,”agameweneverheardof.Hesatonachair,andaskedCarrietositonhislap,aninvitationwhichdearCarrierightlydeclined.

           Aftersomespeciesofwrangling,IsatonGowing’skneesandCarriesatontheedgeofmine.LupinsatontheedgeofCarrie’slap,thenCummingsonLupin’s,andMrs.Cummingsonherhusband’s.Welookedveryridiculous,andlaughedagooddeal.

           Gowingthensaid:“AreyouabelieverintheGreatMogul?”Wehadtoansweralltogether:“Yes—oh,yes!”(threetimes).Gowingsaid:“SoamI,”andsuddenlygotup.Theresultofthisstupidjokewasthatweallfellontheground,andpoorCarriebangedherheadagainstthecornerofthefender.Mrs.Cummingsputsomevinegaron;butthroughthiswemissedthelasttrain,andhadtodrivebacktoBroadstairs,whichcostmeseven-and-sixpence.