There is no need of your giving up a pleasant visit for the want of means of conveyance." "But even if the gig were all ready for us to use, you know that you could not go until Mr.Bannister has called," said the cruel-minded sister.
Ralph was of the opinion that there were certain features of social etiquette which ought to be ruthlessly trodden upon, but he could think of nothing suitable to say in regard to the point so frequently brought up by Miriam, and, walking somewhat moodily to the front door, he saw Dr.
Tolbridge approaching in his buggy.
The good doctor had come out of his way, and on a very busy morning, to lay before the Haverleys his project concerning Mrs.Drane and her daughter.

Having but little time, he went straight to the point, and surprised Miriam and Ralph as much as if he had proposed to them to open a summer hotel.

But, without regard to the impression he had made, he boldly proceeded in the statement of his case.
"You couldn't find pleasanter ladies than Mrs.Drane and her daughter," he said.

"The latter is copying some manuscript for me, which she could do just as well here as at my house--" "Are you talking about the two ladies who were here yesterday afternoon ?" interrupted Miriam.
"Here, yesterday afternoon!" cried the doctor, and now it was his turn to be surprised.
When he had heard the story of the trespass on private grounds, the doctor laughed heartily.
"Well," said he, "Mistress Fate has been ahead of me.

The good lady is in the habit of doing that sort of thing.