"Attending to his patients, I presume," she replied, while her face flushed up.
"So. When did your ladyship see him last?"
"I am not aware that it concerns you especially to know," she said, confused.
"Yes it does. I have a right to know every thing about you per fas et nefas. Any one who will burn up a will, which would have secured to her a half million in funds and real estate, or, in case she did not burn the will, won't consent to set one aside, which the testator declared on his death-bed was null and void; who refused to come and keep house for a childless old man, who would have treated her in every respect as an honored guest; who flew off like a fussy little wren, when her affluent cousin offered to provide for her; and who, last of all, rejects one of nature's noblemen—the best match in the city—the deuce knows for what; I consider non compos mentis, and quite unable to take care of herself."
May's countenance was a study while Mr. Fielding poured out this vial of wrath on her head. Smiles, and tears, and blushes flitted in bright tides over it, making it very radiant and beautiful; but when he summed up the evidence, and the true cause of his ire burst on her, she laughed outright, with such a clear, merry peal, that Mr. Fielding was obliged to yield to its influence.
"You are an incorrigible little wretch, May! But tell me, soberly, why you rejected Dr. Burrell?"
"Simply, sir, because I have not the remotest idea of marrying; and if I had, I do not think I should find those sympathies, affinities, and qualities in Dr. Burrell which would secure my happiness."
"Whew! whew!" exclaimed Mr. Fielding, waving his hat around his head; "Ne quid nimis!"
"Don't abuse me, sir, in an unknown tongue," said May, seriously.
"Child, do you expect to find so much excellence in one character on earth, as you desire?" said the old lawyer, putting his hat down.