"By ——, I would not! By all that is holy, I would not. Mr. Prendergast, do—."
"Mr. Mollett, I will trouble you to walk out of this house. I have nothing further to say to you."
"Oh, very well, sir." And then slowly Mollett took his departure, and finding his covered car at the door, got into it without saying another word to any of the Castle Richmond family.
"Mrs. Jones," said Mr. Prendergast, as soon as Mollett was gone, "I believe I need not trouble you any further. Your conduct has done you great honour, and I respect you greatly as an honest woman and an affectionate friend."
Mrs. Jones could only acknowledge this by loud sobs.
"For the present, if you will take my advice, you will say nothing of this to your mistress."
"No, sir, no; I shall say nothing. Oh, dear! oh dear!"
"The whole matter will be known soon, but in the mean time, we may as well remain silent. Good day to you." And then Mrs. Jones also left the room, and Mr. Prendergast was alone.