“That’s because he wants to fall in love with you,” said Agnes, with a light laugh, diverted for the moment by the fervour of Rose’s good wishes for the fascinating Gilbert; “but I am sure I would not care where he was, if he was only away from Harry; and Harry does not like him either. Rose, we’re to try to gather a big basket of strawberries for Mrs. Charteris, and I think, maybe, Martha, if Harry goes _there_, that he may get no skaith in Edinburgh.” Rose came shyly to the table. “If it had only been a week sooner! or if we had not pulled so many berries on Saturday!” “We must take what we can get,” said Agnes; “and the basket is standing below the walnut tree. Will you not say anything to Harry, Martha?” “I will see him before he goes away,” said Martha, laying down her work. And Violet sprang up and threw “Hydrotaphia” into the work-basket, and called upon Katie Calder, who just then ran out of the work-room with a little paper pattern in her hand, of a bonnet which she designed manufacturing for a great doll, joint property of herself and Lettie. Lettie, with her books and her reveries, gave but a very inconstant regard to this doll; it was often thrown for a week together upon the less capricious attention of Katie Calder. Harry was standing by the dining-room window, with a sprig of jasmine in his breast, looking slightly ruffled and impatient, but still very bright and animated; and as Agnes passed him, carrying the basket, he patted her shoulder playfully, and called her a good girl, after all. Poor little Agnes! she was not sure whether it was best to laugh or cry. “So you are going, Harry?” Martha paused beside him, and leaned against the jasmine-covered wall. “Yes, I am going. Why, Martha, I am not a child; why do you constantly look so wistful and anxious? It’s enough to make a man stay away altogether,” said Harry, angrily. “Is it? A man, I suppose, must have very little inducement to stay at home, when that is enough to send him away,” said Martha, coldly; “but, Harry, your friend Gilbert Allenders annoys Rose--could you not restrain him, if you bring him here again?” “Is that all?” said Harry, laughing. “Gibbie’s not such a bad fellow, Martha; and the doctor will give him half of his practice, and he’s sure to be steadier in a year or two. Well, I should not like Rose to have anything to do with him, that is true; but still he may have his chance as well as another. Have you anything to say to Charteris, Martha?” “Nothing; but you will go there?” said Martha, eagerly. “Oh! of course--the old lady would not be pleased; but then I can’t take Allenders there--if it was only on account of Rose;” and Harry laughed again. His impatience was wearing away. He was quite good-humoured and light-hearted now.