This lighted up such a new vista of public utility that his brain would certainly have caught fire again if one of the policemen who had conducted him across the Square had not touched him on the arm, and said:
"How are you now, sir?"
"I am pretty well, thank you, policeman," replied Mr.Lavender, "and sorry that I occasioned so much disturbance.""Don't mention it, sir," answered the policeman; "you came a nasty crump.""Tell me," said Mr.Lavender, suddenly looking up into his face, "do you consider that a man is justified in living a private life? For, as regards my future, it is largely on your opinion that I shall act."The policeman, whose solid face showed traces of astonishment, answered slowly: "As a general thing, a man's private life don't bear lookin'
into, as you know, sir."
"I have not lived one for some time," said Mr.Lavender.
"Well," remarked the policeman, "if you take my advice you won't try it a-gain.I should say you 'adn't the constitution.""I fear you do not catch my meaning," returned Mr.Lavender, whose whole body was aching from his fall; "it is my public life which tries me.""Well, then, I should chuck it," said the policeman.