Merlin, now she had gotten up entirely without his assistance—what a lout she must think him! This ill-opinion, Aldous expected, would no doubt intensify the longer he remained upon the ground, but from her new, elevated perspective, she would have an excellent view of his awkward (at best) efforts to rise. He was not in an enviable position in any sense of the word.

"Distracted?" he asked conversationally, hoping to buy himself some time as he assessed his situation.