Another fit of immoderate and tearful laughter followed, and Hyacinth, embarrassed and alarmed, fetched a tumbler of soda-water from the syphon on the sideboard.

The lady refused to swallow any, and, just as he had made up his mind to risk an external application, recovered again.

During the lucid interval which followed she informed him that his own conduct had been superb and heroic.

What seemed to be an effort to celebrate his achievements in extemporary verse brought on another fit.

Hyacinth determined to risk an appearance in the college square in broad daylight rather than continue his ministrations.