“He’s one of the best tenants we’ve got,” growled the doctor, somewhat annoyed by Miss Ley’s frivolous interruptions.
“Of course in these bad times,” added Miss Ley, who was determined not to allow Dr. Ramsay to play the heavy father with too much seriousness, “I suppose about the only resource of the respectable farmer is to marry his landlady.”
“Here he is!” interrupted Bertha.
“Good God, is he coming here?” cried her guardian.
“I sent for him. Remember he is going to be my husband.”
“I’m damned if he is!” said Dr. Ramsay.
Chapter IV
BERTHA threw off her troubled looks and the vexation which the argument had caused her. She blushed charmingly as the door opened, and with the entrance of the fairy prince her face was wreathed in smiles. She went towards him and took his hands.
“Aunt Polly,” she said, “this is Mr. Edward Craddock.... Dr. Ramsay you know.”
He shook hands with Miss Ley and looked at the doctor, who promptly turned his back on him. Craddock flushed, and sat down by Miss Ley.