I took a walk round the garden three or four times, feeling the need of fresh air. On returningGowing noticed I was not smoking: offered me another cigar, which I politely declined. Gowingbegan his usual sniffing, so, anticipating him, I said: “You’re not going to complain of the smell ofpaint again?” He said: “No, not this time; but I’ll tell you what, I distinctly smell dry rot.” I don’t oftenmake jokes, but I replied: “You’re talking a lot of dry rot yourself.” I could not help roaring at this,and Carrie said her sides quite ached with laughter. I never was so immensely tickled by anythingI have ever said before. I actually woke up twice during the night, and laughed till the bed shook.