EDITOR'S WALLET.

Otago Witness, Issue 2651, 4 January 1905, Page 76

EDITOR'S WALLET.

An Uninvited Guest. "Terry," said Hook to the actor, as they passed a house where preparations were being made for a sumptuous banquet, "I think I shall dine here to-night." "Friends of yours?" "Friends? No! I have no idea who they are; but the dinner is sure to be something sumptuous. You call here for me at 10, and you'll find* I am quite at home." So saying, he rushed up the 6teps, gave an imperious knock at the door, and was ushered at once into the drawing room. Hera he soon was surrounded by a bew of guests, who were in fits of laughter at his sallies, laughter which atrtacted the attention of the host. "I must apologise," he said courteously to Hook, "but I really forget your name." "And i," replied Hook, "am just in tha same difficulty. You are certainly nofc Mr Brown with whom I was asked to dine to-night at 7." , "Seven? But it's past 8," cried tho host. "Yes, I've been more than an hour try* ing to find the .house. lam sorry. Do,pray, forgive my mistake, and accept my apologies." "But you must dine somewhere, and why not here?" said the host, who saw that his uninvited guest /would be! the very soul of the party. "Hook, after a show of reluctance, consented, and more than fulfilled the expectations of his host by keeping the table in a roar. Indeed, when Terry called for him at 10, Hooik was at the piano givirg one of his famous extemporaneous effusions. "Mr Terry!" announced -the footman, whereupon Hook wound up his sen" withi: — 1/aao. very much pleased* with your fare; ■ Your cellar is as prime a» your cook ; My_friend J s "Mr Terry, the player, And I'm Mr Slieodoro Hook! While entertaining a party in his own*' house frith one of these extemporaneous effusions, Hook "was interrupted by. the en. -'trance of -his servant to announce, "Pleas©, Mr WinterThtcs called for the taxes." Hook, ioi a moment, completed' rest, of 'the Terse: • ' ' J Then give Mr Winter whatever he axes ; Mr Winters' a man who'll stand jio kind' oT \- ' flummery.; ' His name,inay be Winter, his process is sunfi* - \ mary. ' - . s ..' —From "T. P. In His A-needotage "* in T.P.s Weekly. . '-