He had sent the doctor to his father. Donal passed him with a
bend of the head. He followed him to the schoolroom.
"It is time this farce was over, Grant!" he said.
"Farce, my lord!" repeated Donal indignantly.
"These attentions to my lady."
"I have paid her no more attention than I would your lordship, had
you required it," answered Donal sternly.
"That would have been convenient doubtless! But there has been
enough of humbug, and now for an end to it! Ever since you came
here, you have been at work on the mind of that inexperienced
girl--with your damned religion!--for what end you know best! and
now you've half killed her by persuading her to go out with you
instead of me! The brute was lame and not fit to ride! Any fool
might have seen that!"
"I had nothing to do with her going, my lord. She asked Davie to go
with her, and he had a holiday on purpose."
"All very fine, but--"
"My lord, I have told you the truth, but not to justify myself: you
must be aware your opinion is of no value in my eyes! But tell me
one thing, my lord: if my lady's horse was lame, how was it she did
not know? You did!"
Forgue thought Donal knew more than he did, and was taken aback.
"It is time the place was clear of you!" he said.
"I am your father's servant, not yours," answered Donal, "and do not
trouble myself as to your pleasure concerning me.
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