Mrs.Petty, whose mind instantly ran to his bed socks, answered: "Don't you worry, sir; I won't forget them.But wherever are you going now?""Ah!" said Mr.Lavender subtly, "it is all in the air at present; but now that the lime-trees are beginning to smell a certain restlessness is upon me, and you may see some change in my proceedings.Whatever happens to me, however, I commit my dear Blink to your care; feed her as if she were myself, and love her as if she were Joe, for it is largely on food and affection that dogs depend for happiness.
"Why, good gracious, sir," said Mrs.Petty, "you talk as if you were going for a month of Sundays.Are you thinking of Eastbourne?"Mr.Lavender sighed deeply at that word, for the memory of a town where he had spent many happy days added to the gentle melancholy of his feelings on this last evening.
"As regards that I shall not inform you at present; for, indeed, I am by no means certain what my destination will be.Largely speaking, no pub--public man," he stammered, doubtful whether he was any longer that, "knows where he will be going to-morrow.Sufficient unto the day are the intentions in his head.
"Well, sir," said Mrs.Petty frankly, "you can't go anywhere without Joe or me, that's flat."Mr.Lavender smiled.
"Dear Mrs.Petty," he murmured, "there are sacrifices one cannot demand even of the most faithful friends.But," he went on with calculated playfulness, "we need not consider that point until the day after to-morrow at least, for I have much to do in the meantime."Reassured by those words and the knowledge that Mr.Lavender's plans seldom remained the same for more than two days, Mrs.Petty tossed her head slightly and went to the door."Well, it is a mystery, I'm sure,"she said.
"I should like to see Joe," said Mr.Lavender, with a lingering look at his devoted housekeeper.
"The beauty!" muttered Mrs.Petty; "I'll send him," and withdrew.