At last the day has arrived! I hurried home as quickly as I could, and got everything ready. Margaret [the housekeeper] refused point-blank to polish my shoes, so I left rather ill-humoured, but this soon wore off when I arrived. I was the first to come, and when dressed, I spent my time in knocking at doors, then running away, giving people frights, and making myself as big a nuisance as I could. Some of the costumes were really splendid, my cousin Arthur’s, who went as Pharaoh, Sophie’s, an eastern lady, and Fräulein Engelmann’s15, a Dutch boy, were the best. First we had some dancing, and then tea, at which things became very jolly. Musical chairs were then played, and after supper the real fun commenced. There were not many of us left, and we did nothing but romp and laugh the whole time. Pappy and I arrived home at 1 o’clock! We were scarcely able to drag ourselves homes. It was a most enjoyable night, and I shall remember it for a long time.
