“Ah, believe me,” said Mr. Lavender in a receding voice, “I would not pain you further for the world——”
Mrs. Petty, exerting all her strength, had hauled him in.
“Aren't you ashamed of yourself, sir,” she said severely, “talking to a young lady like that in your dressing-gown?
“Mrs. Petty,” said Mr Lavender mysteriously, “it might have been worse.... I should like some tea with a little lemon in it.”
Taking this for a sign of returning reason Mrs. Petty drew him gently towards the bed, and, having seen him get in, tucked him up and said:
“Now, sir, you never break your word, do you?”
“No public man——” began Mr. Lavender.
“Oh, bother! Now, promise me to stay quiet in bed while I get you that tea.”
“I certainly shall,” replied our hero, “for I feel rather faint.”
“That's right,” said Mrs. Petty. “I trust you.” And, bolting the window, she whisked out of the room and locked the door behind her.