“Humph! Syme is a goose,” said the doctor, testily. “I’m sure you never wanted me dead, so as to get my money, Vane.”
“Why, of course not, uncle. I never thought about money except when I wanted to pay old Wrench or Dance for something he made for me.”
“There, I move that this meeting be adjourned,” cried the doctor. “One moment, though, before it is carried unanimously. How will Aunt behave to poor Deering, when he comes down.”
“Same as she behaves to every one, uncle,” cried Vane, laughing.
“There, old lady,” said the doctor, “and as for the money, bah! let it take wings and fly away, and—”
The doctor’s further speech was checked by Aunt Hannah throwing her arms about his neck and burying her face in his breast, while Vane made a rush out into the garden and then ran rapidly down the avenue.
“If I’d stopped a minute longer, I should have begun blubbering like a great girl,” he muttered. “Why, hanged if my eyes aren’t quite wet.”