“Five thousand acres which pay no rent,” murmured Miss Ley, who was always in opposition.
“You have nothing whatever against him,” retorted Bertha; “you told me yourself that he had the very best reputation.”
“I didn’t know you were asking me with a view to matrimony.”
“I wasn’t. I care nothing for his reputation. If he were drunken and idle and dissolute I’d marry him, because I love him.”
“My dear Bertha,” said Miss Ley, “the doctor will have an apoplectic fit if you say such things.”
“You told me he was one of the best fellows you knew, Dr. Ramsay,” said Bertha.
“I don’t deny it,” cried the doctor, and his red cheeks really had in them a purple tinge that was quite alarming. “He knows his business and he works hard, and he’s straight and steady.”
“Good heavens, Doctor,” cried Miss Ley, “he must be a miracle of rural excellence. Bertha would surely never have fallen in love with him if he were faultless.”
“If Bertha wanted an agent,” Dr. Ramsay proceeded, “I could recommend no one better, but as for marrying him——“
“Does he pay his rent?” asked Miss Ley.