"What on earth is the matter with you, child?" she demanded.
"Nothing. But I want to know."
Mrs. Asshlin made a gesture tantamount to shrugging her shoulders.
"It is quite natural that Mr. Milbanke should be interested in you. He was your father's oldest friend."
"Yes, yes." Clodagh bent forward uncontrollably. "And, Aunt Fan, has father died poor? Has—has he left debts? That's what I want to know."
Mrs. Asshlin moved nervously in her chair.
"My dear child——" she began weakly.
"Has he? Oh! Aunt Fan, has he left debts?"
Mrs. Asshlin was taken at a disadvantage.
"Well," she stammered—"well——"