"She would die with you in the eye of the law" and here he branched off into rather a fantastical discourse on the oddities and quiddities of the law and lawyers, against whom he seemed to have a great grudge.
"But, Dr.Hull, what can I do about it ?" said Miss Ludington, as he quieted down.
"Excuse me.

About what ?" "How can I give her a name in the eye of the law ?" "Oh--ah--exactly?
Well, that's easy enough; there are two ways.

You can adopt her, or some young fellow can marry her, and if I were a young man--if you'll excuse an old gentleman for the remark--it would not be my fault if she were not provided with a legal title very soon." Declining Miss Ludington's proposal to send him to the ferry in her carriage, the doctor, soon after, took his leave.
He paused as he passed the croquet-ground and stood watching the players.
It came Ida's turn, and he waited to see her play.

It was a very easy shot which she had to make; she missed it badly.

He bade them good-evening, and went on..