Going to the privet hedge, he looked aver. She was
lying gracefully on the grass, with her face smothered in her hands, and
her whole body shaking. "Poor thing!" thought Mr. Lavender. "No doubt
she is one of those whose nerves have been destroyed by the terrible
sights she has seen!" But at that moment the young lady rose and ran as
if demented into her castle. Mr. Lavender stayed transfixed. "Who would
not be ill for the pleasure of drinking from a cup held by her hand?" he
thought. "I am fortunate to have received injuries in trying to save her
from confusion. Down, Blink, down!"
For his dog, who had once more leaped from the window, was frantically
endeavouring to lick his face. Soothing her, and feeling his anatomy,
Mr. Lavender became conscious that he was not alone. An old lady was
standing on the gardenpath which led to the front gate, holding in her
hand a hat. Mr. Lavender sat down at once, and gathering his nightshirt
under him, spoke as follows:
"There are circumstances, madam, which even the greatest public servants
cannot foresee, and I, who am the humblest of them, ask you to forgive
me for receiving you in this costume."
"I have brought your hat back," said the old lady with a kindling eye;
"they told me you lived here and I was anxious to know that you and your
dear dog were none the worse.
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