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           Wehadagoodlaughovermytryingonthehatwhenshehadfinishedit;Carriesayingitlookedsofunnywithmybeard,andhowthepeoplewouldhaveroaredifIwentonthestagelikeit.

           August2.—Mrs.BeckwrotetosaywecouldhaveourusualroomsatBroadstairs.That’soffourmind.Boughtacolouredshirtandapairoftan-colouredboots,whichIseemanyoftheswellclerkswearingintheCity,andhearareallthe“go.”

           August3.—Abeautifulday.Lookingforwardtotomorrow.Carrieboughtaparasolaboutfivefeetlong.Itoldheritwasridiculous.Shesaid:“Mrs.James,ofSutton,hasonetwiceaslongso;”thematterdropped.Iboughtacapitalhatforhotweatherattheseaside.Idon’tknowwhatitiscalled,butitistheshapeofthehelmetworninIndia,onlymadeofstraw.Gotthreenewties,twocolouredhandkerchiefs,andapairofnavy-bluesocksatPopeBrothers.Spenttheeveningpacking.CarrietoldmenottoforgettoborrowMr.Higgsworth’stelescope,whichhealwayslendsme,knowingIknowhowtotakecareofit.SentSarahoutforit.Whileeverythingwasseemingsobright,thelastpostbroughtusaletterfromMrs.Beck,saying:“Ihavejustletallmyhousetooneparty,andamsorryImusttakebackmywords,andamsorryyoumustfindotherapartments;butMrs.Womming,nextdoor,willbepleasedtoaccommodateyou,butshecannottakeyoubeforeMonday,asherroomsareengagedBankHolidayweek.”