“Yes.”
“And he is Dr. Rymer now, Mrs. Cramp,” I added.
“I am glad to hear it,” said she warmly, “and I’ll shake your hand on the strength of it,” and she gave his hand a hearty shake. “At one time you said you never would take a doctor’s degree.”
“So I did,” said Ben. “But somebody wished me to take it.”
“Your mother, I guess,”—though, for my part, I did not suppose it was his mother. “Any way, you’ll do well now.”
“I hope so,” answered Ben. “You look fluttered, Mrs. Cramp.”
“I’m more fluttered than I care to be; I am living in a chronic state of flutter,” avowed Mrs. Cramp. “It’s over that tenant of mine; that woman down yonder,” pointing towards North Villa.
“Why should you flutter yourself over her?” he remonstrated. “She is not your tenant.”
“Indeed but she is my tenant. To all intents and purposes she is my tenant. The Miss Dennets left the house in my hands.”