“When you have given me your word that you will never again speak to Eppy Comin.”
“I’ll be damned first.”
“She will be sent away.”
“Where I shall see her the easier.”
His lordship said this more from perversity than intent, for he had begun to wish himself clear of the affair—only how was he to give in to this unbearable clown!
“I will give you till to-morrow to think of it,” said Donal, and opened the door.
His lordship made him no reply, but cast after him a look of uncertain anger. Donal, turning his head as he shut the door, saw it:
“I trust,” he said, “you will one day be glad I spoke to you plainly.”
“Oh, go along with your preaching!” cried Forgue, more testily than wrathfully; and Donal went.
In the meantime Eppy had been soundly taken to task by Mrs. Brookes, and told that if once again she spoke a word to lord Forgue, she should that very day have her dismissal. The housekeeper thought she had at least succeeded in impressing upon her that she was in danger of losing her situation in a way that must seriously affect her character. She assured Donal that she would not let the foolish girl out of her sight; and thereupon Donal thought it better to give lord Forgue a day to make up his mind.