There was a moment of embarrassed silence. Then, mastering her emotions, Clodagh advanced to the foot of the stairs, holding out her hand.
He responded to the gesture with something like gratitude.
"You have been out early," he said hurriedly. "Have you been taking a last look round?"
Clodagh nodded and turned aside. The pain of her recent farewell still burned in her eyes and throat.
He saw and interpreted the action.
"Don't take it to heart, my dear!" he said quickly. "You shall return whenever you like. And—and it will be my proud privilege to know that you will always find everything in readiness for you."
Clodagh's head drooped.
"You are very good," she said in a low, mechanical voice.
For a space Milbanke made no response; then suddenly his fingers tightened nervously over the hand he was still holding.
"Clodagh," he said anxiously, "you do not regret anything? You know it is not too late—even now."