But Asshlin interrupted with a weak echo of his old intolerance.
"Send Clo away!" he said. "There's something I want to say."
Again Milbanke looked helplessly at Clodagh, but her eyes were fixed passionately on her father's face.
"He'll excite himself more if we cross him," she said hesitatingly. "I think I'd better go."
Still Milbanke hesitated.
"But the doctor?" he hazarded. "If the doctor insists on quiet——"
She glanced at him quickly, her clear eyes brimming.
"Oh, I don't know!" she exclaimed; "I can't cross him—I can't cross him! He's wanted you so badly."
She turned quickly towards the bed.
"Father," she said tenderly, "won't you promise not to talk much? Won't you promise to take care?"