"Herbert!"
"Yes, father;" and he went round and supported his father on his arm.
"Herbert, will you tell that man to go?"
"Come, sir, you have disturbed my father enough; will you have the kindness to leave him now?"
"I may chance to disturb him more, and you too, sir, if you treat me in that way. Let go my arm, sir. Am I to have any answer from you, Sir Thomas?"
But Sir Thomas could make no further attempt at speaking. He was now once more seated in his chair, holding his son's hand, and when he again heard Mollett's voice he merely made a sign for him to go.
"You see the state my father is in, Mr. Mollett," said Herbert; "I do not know what is the nature of your business, but whatever it may be, you must leave him now." And he made a slight attempt to push the visitor towards the door.
"You'd better take care what you're doing, Mr. Fitzgerald," said Mollett. "By —— you had! If you anger me, I might say a word that I couldn't unsay again, which would put you into queer street, I can tell you."
"Don't quarrel with him, my boy; pray don't quarrel with him, but let him leave me," said Sir Thomas.
"Mr. Mollett, you see my father's state; you must be aware that it is imperative that he should be left alone."