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THE DIARY OF A NOBODY. to some champagne; also myself, and handed the bottle to Mr. Padge to do likewise, saying: "You must look after yourself." He replied: "That's right," and poured out half a tumbler and drank Carrie's health, coupled, as he said, "with her worthy lord and master." We all had some splendid pigeon pie, and ices to follow.

The waiters were very attentive, and asked if we would like some more wine. I assisted Carrie and her friend and Mr. Padge, also some people who had just come from the dancing-room, who were very civil. It occurred to me at the time that perhaps some of the gentlemen knew me in the City, as they were so polite. I made myself useful, and assisted several ladies to ices, remembering an old saying that "There is nothing lost by civility."

The band struck up for the dance, and they all went into the ball-room. The ladies (Carrie and Mrs. Lupkin) were anxious to see the dancing, and as I had not quite finished my supper, Mr Padge offered his arms to them and escorted them to the ball-room, telling me to follow. I said to Mr. Padge: "It is quite a West End affair," to which remark Mr. Padge replied: "That's right."

When I had quite finished my supper, and was leaving, the waiter who had been attending on us arrested my attention by tapping me on 190