The Mark of the Lobster Claw

But you've got one, said Lavender.

Got what? said Baby Pierre.

A tattoo, that tulip on your head, said Lavender.

That's not a tulip! It's the Mark of the Lobster Claw! said Baby Pierre.

It looks like a tulip, said Lavender. It should be a tulip.

Why? asked Baby Pierre. Why should it be a tulip?

Lavender and Tulip, said Lavender, as though that explained everything.

Why are you called Lavender, anyway? said Baby Pierre. Your'e a shell. Not even a shell, he added. A shell of a shell.

It was Auntie Kobo, said Lavender. I heard her sighing one day. She was saying Lavender, Lavender, oh Lavender. And I knew she meant me.

Hah! said Baby Pierre. She was sniffing, that's all. Sniffing the lavender.

No she wasn't, said Lavender, looking upset. She wasn't, she wasn't, she wasn't.

Alright, said Baby Pierre. She wasn't.

Are we there yet? asked Lavender.

Nearly, said Baby Pierre.

Where are we going again? asked Lavender.

To the library, said Baby Pierre patiently. To see Ageless.

Your daddy, said Lavender.

No....yes, said Baby Pierre.

What do you mean, no-yes? asked Lavender.

Probably, said Baby Pierre. Look here's our stop.

They got off the bus and crossed North Terrace to the State Library.

Oh look, there's your daddy! cried Lavender. He's waiting outside! Why's he up on that plinth?