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THE DIARY OF A NOBODY. laughed more than ever. I think perhaps the greatest surprise was when we broke up, for Mr. Burwin-Fosselton said: "Good-night, Mr. Pooter. I'm glad you like the imitation, I'll bring the other make-up to-morrow night."

24. I went to town without a pocket-handkerchief. This is the second time I have done this during the last week. I must be losing my memory. Had it not been for this Daisy Mutlar business, I would have written to Mr. Burwin-Fosselton and told him I should be out this evening, but I fancy he is the sort of young man who would come all the same.

Dear old Cummings came in the evening; but Gowing sent round a little note saying he hoped I would excuse his not turning up, which rather amused me. He added that his neck was still painful. Of course, Burwin-Fosselton came, but Lupin never turned up, and imagine my utter disgust when that man Padge actually came again, and not even accompanied by Gowing. I was exasperated, and said: "Mr. Padge, this is a surprise." Dear Carrie, fearing unpleasantness, said: "Oh! I suppose Mr. Padge has only come to see the other Irving make-up." Mr. Padge said: "That 's right," and took the best chair again, from which he never moved the whole evening. 131