He was evidently rejoicing over her discomfiture, and that lady became rather cross. “How can I think anything till you explain yourself?” she asked. “He came to see me last night--you remember he asked for an interview of his own accord--and I put the case before him. I talked to him, I told him that the marriage was impossible; and I said the Leanham and Blackstable people would call him a fortune-hunter. I appealed to him for Bertha’s sake. He’s an honest, straightforward fellow--I always said he was. I made him see he wasn’t doing the straight thing, and at last he promised he’d break it off.” “He won’t keep a promise of that sort,” said Miss Ley. “Oh, won’t he!” cried the doctor. “I’ve known him all his life, and he’d rather die than break his word.” “Poor fellow!” said Miss Glover, “it must have pained him terribly.” “He bore it like a man.” Miss Ley pursed her lips till they practically disappeared. “And when is he supposed to carry out your ridiculous suggestion, Dr. Ramsay?” she asked. “He told me he was lunching here to-day, and would take the opportunity to ask Bertha for his release.” “The man’s a fool!” muttered Miss Ley to herself, but quite audibly. “I think it’s very noble of him,” said Miss Glover, “and I shall make a point of telling him so.” “I wasn’t thinking of Mr. Craddock,” snapped Miss Ley. Miss Glover looked at Dr. Ramsay to see how he took the rudeness; but at that moment the door was opened and Bertha walked in. Miss Ley caught her mood at a glance. Bertha was evidently not at all distressed; there were no signs of tears, but her cheeks showed more colour than usual, and her lips were firmly compressed; Miss Ley concluded that her niece was in a very pretty passion. However, she drove away the appearance of anger, and her face was full of smiles as she greeted her visitors. “Miss Glover, how kind of you to come. How d’you do, Dr. Ramsay?... Oh, by the way, I think I must ask you--er--not to interfere in future with my private concerns.” “Dearest,” broke in Miss Glover, “it’s all for the best.” Bertha turned to her and the flush on her face deepened: “Ah, I see you’ve been discussing the matter. How good of you! Edward has been asking me to release him.” Dr. Ramsay nodded with satisfaction. “But I refused!” Dr. Ramsay sprang up, and Miss Glover, lifting her hands, cried: “Oh, dear! Oh, dear!” This was one of the rare occasions in her life upon which Miss Ley was known to laugh outright. Bertha now was simply beaming with happiness. “He pretended that he wanted to break the engagement--but I utterly declined.” “D’you mean to say you wouldn’t let him go when he asked you?” said the doctor.