“I will speak to mistress Brookes,” said the old man, with sad dignity.
“And make her turn me away!” said Eppy.
She seemed quite changed—bold and determined—was probably relieved that she could no more play a false part. His lordship stood and said nothing.
“But don’t you think, grandfather,” continued Eppy, “that whatever mistress Brookes says or does, I’ll go home with you! I’ve saved money, and, as I can’t get another place here when you’ve taken away my character, I’ll leave the country.”
His lordship advanced, and with strained composure said,
“I confess, Mr. Comin, things do look against us. It is awkward you should have found us together, but you know”—and here he attempted a laugh—“we are told not to judge by appearances!”
“We may be forced to act by them, though, my lord!” said Andrew. “I should be sorry to judge aither of you by them. Eppy must come home with me, or it will be more awkward yet for both of you!”
“Oh, if you threaten us,” said Forgue contemptuously, “then of course we are very frightened! But you had better beware! You will only make it the more difficult for me to do your granddaughter the justice I always intended.”
“What your lordship’s notion o’ justice may be, I wull not trouble you to explain,” said the old man. “All I desire for the present is, that she come home with me.”
“Let us leave the matter to mistress Brookes!” said Forgue. “I shall easily satisfy her that there is no occasion for any hurry. Believe me, you will only bring trouble on the innocent!”