"
As he spoke he let the earl feel the ploughman's grasp: it was
useless to struggle. His lordship threw himself on the couch.
"I will not leave the house. I am come home to die," he yelled. "I'm
dying now, I tell you. I cannot leave the house! I have no money.
Forgue has taken all."
"You owe a large sum to the estate!" said Donal.
"It is lost--all lost, I tell you! I have nowhere to go to! I am
dying!"
He looked so utterly wretched that Donal's heart smote him. He stood
back a little, and gave himself time.
"You would wish then to retire, my lord, I presume?" he said.
"Immediately--to be rid of you!" the earl answered.
"I fear, my lord, if you stay, you will not soon be rid of me! Have
you brought Simmons with you?"
"No, damn him! he is like all the rest of you: he has left me!"
"I will help you to bed, my lord."
"Go about your business. I will get myself to bed."
"I will not leave you except in bed," rejoined Donal with decision;
and ringing the bell, he desired the servant to ask mistress Brookes
to come to him.
She came instantly. Before the earl had time even to look at her,
Donal asked her to get his lordship's bed ready:--if she would not
mind doing it herself, he said, he would help her: he must see his
lordship to bed.
She looked a whole book at him, but said nothing. Donal returned her
gaze with one of quiet confidence, and she understood it.
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