“Haven’t I, my dear? Don’t you remember last night I remarked how tough was that one we had for dinner?... How long have you known Bertha, Mr. Craddock?” “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. “I hope you’re not angry with me for taking Bertha away from you. I hope I shall soon get to know you better, and that we shall become great friends.” Miss Ley was taken aback, but really thought his effort not bad. It might have been worse, and at all events he had kept out of it references to the Almighty and to his duty! Then Craddock turned to Dr. Ramsay, and went up to him with an outstretched hand that could not be refused. “I should like to see you sometime, Dr. Ramsay,” he said, looking at him steadily. “I fancy you want to have a talk with me, and I should like it too. When can you give me an appointment?” Bertha flushed with pleasure at his frank words, and Miss Ley was pleased at the courage with which he had attacked the old curmudgeon. “I think it would be a very good idea,” said the doctor. “I can see you to-night at eight.” “Good! Good-bye, Miss Ley.” He went out with Bertha. * * * * * Miss Ley was not one of those persons who consider it indiscreet to form an opinion upon small evidence. Before knowing a man for five minutes she made up her mind about him, and liked nothing better than to impart her impression to any that asked her. “Upon my word, doctor,” she said, as soon as the door was shut, “he’s not so terrible as I expected.” “I never said he was not good-looking,” pointedly answered Dr. Ramsay, who was convinced that any and every woman was willing to make herself a fool with a handsome man. Miss Ley smiled. “Good looks, my dear doctor, are three parts of the necessary equipment in the battle of life. You can’t imagine the miserable existence of a really plain girl.” “Do you approve of Bertha’s ridiculous idea?”