Then the thought of what a public man should feel in his
position came to his rescue. "We die but once," he mused; "rather than
shock that charming lady let me seek oblivion." And the words of his
obituary notice at once began to dance before his eyes. "This great
public servant honoured his country no less in his death than in his
life." Then striking out vigorously with his feet he launched his
body forward. The words "My goodness!" resounded above him, as all
restraining influence was suddenly relaxed; Mr. Lavender slid into the
lilac-bush, turned heels over head, and fell bump on the ground. He lay
there at full, length, conscious of everything, and especially of the
faces of Blink and the young lady looking down on him from the window.
"Are you hurt?" she called.
"No," said Mr. Lavender, "that is--er--yes," he added, ever scrupulously
exact.
"I'm coming down," said the young lady.
"Don't move!"
With a great effort Mr. Lavender arranged his costume, and closed his
eyes. "How many lie like this, staring at the blue heavens!" he thought.
"Where has it got you?" said a voice; and he saw the young lady bending
over him.
"'In the dorsal region, I think," said Mr. Lavender. "But I suffer more
from the thought that I--that you--"
"That's all right," said the young lady; "I'm a V.
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