The sound of the
concussion, the Major's oaths, Mr. Lavender's moans, Blink's barking,
and the peals of laughter from Aurora made up a noise which might have
been heard in Portugal. The situation was not eased until Mr. Lavender
crawled out, and taking up a dinner-knife, rolled his napkin round his
arm, and prepared to defend himself against the German Army.
"Well, I'm damned," said the Major when he saw these preparations; "I am
damned."
Aurora, who had been leaning against the wall from laughter, here came
forward, gasping:
"Go away, Dad, and leave him to me."
"To you!" cried the Major. "He's not safe!"
"Oh yes, he is; it's only you that are exciting him. Come along!"
And taking her father by the arm she conducted him from the room.
Closing the door behind him, and putting her back against it, she said,
gently:
"Dear Don Pickwixote, all danger is past. The enemy has been repulsed,
and we are alone in safety. Ha, ha, ha!"
Her voice recalled. Mr. Lavender from his strange hallucination. "What?"
he said weakly.
"Why? Who? Where? When?"
"You have been dreaming again. Let me take you home, and tuck you
into bed." And taking from him the knife and napkin, she opened the
French-window, and passed out on to the lawn.
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