Harry drew his hat over his eyes, and returned very gruffly the passing salutation of Geordie Paxton. It was now a week since he had visited his fields, and that was more than time to make Harry sick--as he said--of the whole concern. “The duties of my profession, Sir,” said Gilbert, solemnly: “a medical man is always a martyr to the public and his duty--always. By the way, Harry, what would you say to take a run up to town for a week or two, just before settling down? I think it would do me good.” And Mr. Gilbert laid his hand on his heart, and sighed, as if he were the most interesting invalid in the world. “To town? Do you mean to Stirling? I am there often enough already,” said Harry. “Stirling!” Mr. Gilbert put up his hand to arrange the great woollen cravat he wore and laughed hoarsely. “You don’t fancy I call that little hole of a place, town! How innocent you are, after all!” “Am I?” Harry felt himself grow very angry, and kicking away a stone which happened to lie beside his foot, sent it spinning through a group of Maidlin boys, dispersing themselves and their “bools” in all directions. If it had only broken Gilbert Allenders’ shins instead, it would have pleased Harry better; but even this was a satisfaction. “Very well aimed,” said Gilbert, approvingly. “What I mean is, London-town--there is but one ‘town’ in the world. Come up with me, Harry, and I’ll help you to enjoy yourself. Come.” “Help me to enjoy myself, will you?” said Harry, scornfully. Harry was more impatient of his companion to-day, than he had been for a long time. “Come, come, we’re old companions now,” said Gilbert; “and I know you wouldn’t dislike going to London: a man of your years and station, who has never been in London, is something quite unparallelled! The country should subscribe for a glass-case, and show you in it as a real old country-gentleman, who has never been in town all his life, and never means to go!” “There is such a thing as going too far,” said Harry, haughtily. “Who was it said that, the first night I saw you--” said the malicious Gilbert; “don’t you remember? But I wont aggravate you, Harry; and you needn’t look as if you could eat me. Come, will you go?” “I don’t care for seeing London. What is it to me?” said Harry, with dignity: “just half-a-dozen big towns compounded into one! What should send everybody to London? At the same time, perhaps I may go: it’s just as well going there, as staying at home here, doing nothing. And there is really nothing to be done on the land just now, in such a frost.”