she replied, while her face
flushed up.

"So. When did your ladyship see him last?"

"I am not aware that it concerns you especially to know," she said,
confused.

"Yes it does. I have a right to know every thing about you _per fas et
nefas_. Any one who will burn up a _will_, which would have secured to
her a half million in funds and real estate, or, in case she did not
burn the will, won't consent to set one aside, which the testator
declared on his death-bed was null and void; who refused to come and
keep house for a childless old man, who would have treated her in every
respect as an honored guest; who flew off like a fussy little wren,
when her affluent cousin offered to provide for her; and who, last of
all, rejects one of nature's noblemen--the best match in the city--the
deuce knows for what; _I_ consider non compos mentis, and quite unable
to take care of herself."

May's countenance was a study while Mr. Fielding poured out this vial
of wrath on her head. Smiles, and tears, and blushes flitted in bright
tides over it, making it very radiant and beautiful; but when he summed
up the evidence, and the true cause of his ire burst on her, she
laughed outright, with such a clear, merry peal, that Mr. Fielding was
obliged to yield to its influence.

"You are an incorrigible little wretch, May! But tell me, soberly,
_why_ you rejected Dr. Burrell?"

"Simply, sir, because I have not the remotest idea of marrying; and if
I had, I do not think I should find those sympathies, affinities, and
qualities in Dr. Burrell which would secure my happiness."

"Whew! whew!" exclaimed Mr. Fielding, waving his hat around his head;
"_Ne quid nimis_!"

"Don't abuse me, sir, in an unknown tongue," said May, seriously.

"Child, do you expect to find so much excellence in one character on
earth, as you desire?" said the old lawyer, putting his hat down.

"I fear not, sir: but until I do, I shall remain single."

"Well, you deserve to. If any one ever deserved the fate of an old
maid, _you do_. But I want you to understand one thing. I have not
given up my point about that will. According to your express commands,
I have made no movement in the affair, but _nem. con._ I shall present
the case at the present term of the Orphan's Court as a fraud. I have
waited long enough for your prayers and novenas, or whatever it is you
call them. It is very clear to me that the powers on high do not
intend to trouble themselves