Immediately the suggestion was made, Mrs. Asshlin broke forth in irresistible objection.
"Oh, but what would people say?" she cried. "Think of what people would say, with the funeral scarcely over."
Milbanke looked at her gravely. His matter-of-fact mind was as far as ever from comprehending the ramifications of the Irish character.
"But, my dear Mrs. Asshlin," he urged, "do you think we need really consider whether people talk or not? Surely we who knew and loved poor Denis——"
"Oh, it isn't that! No one knows better than I do what a friend you have been——"
Milbanke stirred uncomfortably.
"Please do not speak of it. I—I did no more than any Christian would have done. What I mean to suggest——"
But again she interrupted.
"Yes, yes; I know. But we must consider the county—we must consider the county."
But here Clodagh, who was standing by the window, turned swiftly round.