“It seems all my life,” he replied. “And I want to know her more.”
This time Bertha smiled, and Miss Ley, though she felt certain the repartee was unintentional, was not displeased with it.
All this time Dr. Ramsay was not saying a word, and his behaviour aroused Bertha’s anger.
“I have never seen you sit for five minutes in silence before, Dr. Ramsay,” she said.
“I think what I have to say would scarcely please you, Miss Bertha.”
Miss Ley was anxious that no altercation should disturb the polite discomfort of the meeting.
“You’re thinking about those rents again, doctor,” she said, and turning to Craddock: “The poor doctor is unhappy because half of our tenants say they cannot pay.”
The poor doctor grunted and sniffed, and Miss Ley thought it was high time for the young man to take his leave. She looked at Bertha, who quickly understood, and getting up, said—
“Let us leave them alone, Eddie; I want to show you the house.”
He rose with alacrity, evidently much relieved at the end of the ordeal. He shook Miss Ley’s hand, and this time could not be restrained from making a little speech.