In view of
that, your lordship had better furnish him with the vouchers of his
mother's marriage. My lord, I again beg you to leave the house."

The earl cast his eyes round the walls as if looking for a weapon.
Donal took him by the arm.

"There is no farther room for ceremony," he said. "I am sorry to be
rough with your lordship, but you compel me. Please remember I am the
younger and the stronger man."

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. What it said
was, "I know what I am doing, mistress Brookes. My lady must not turn
him out. I will take care of him."

"What are you two whispering at there?" cried the earl. "Here am I at
the point of death, and you will not even let me go to bed!"

"Your room will be ready in a few minutes, my lord," said Mrs. Brookes;
and she and Donal went to work in earnest, but with the door open
between the rooms.

When it was ready,

"Now, my lord," said Donal, "will you come?"

"When you are gone. I will have none of your cursed help!"

"My lord, I am not going to leave you."

With much grumbling, and a very ill grace, his lordship submi