Scarlett settled himself down in the seat in a moody, excitable way, looking uneasily round; and the doctor offered him a cigar, which he took and lit, Scales also lighting one, and the friends sat smoking in the delicious pine-scented shade. "I wish that woman would not be so fond of coming over here," said Scarlett suddenly. "What woman?" "That Lady Martlett. Coarse, masculine, horsy creature. She is spoiling Kate." The doctor's countenance grew lowering, and there was a red spot on either cheek, but he only said quietly: "Think so?" "Yes. I shall put a stop to the intimacy." "I'm not going to have my home-life spoiled. Her coming makes me nervous." "Does it?" said the doctor cheerfully. "I'll soon put that right for you." "How?" said Scarlett suspiciously. "You shall have a shower-bath every morning, old fellow." "Water? ah!" The poor fellow shuddered, and started up. "Here, let's have a stroll down by the meadow-side." "All right!" cried the doctor with alacrity, "What a glorious day it is!" "Glorious? Ah, yes. Not breeze enough though. Now, let's go back to the lawn." "As you like, old fellow; but I don't think Lady Martlett has gone." "Why, what a dislike you seem to have taken to Lady Martlett, Jack!" "Well, you know what a woman-hater I am." "Yes, of course. Let's go on down by the meadow. Perhaps it will be best." They strolled down a green path separated from the meadow, where the cows were placidly grazing, by an iron fence; and as they went slowly on, two of the soft mousy-coloured creatures came slowly from the middle of the field, blinking their eyes to get rid of the clustering black flies, and giving a pendulum-like swing to their long tails. They timed their approach so accurately, that as the doctor and his patient reached the corner, they were there, with their heads stretched over the railings, ready for the caress and scrap of oilcake which they expected to receive. Scarlett's attention was so taken up by his thoughts, that he came upon the two patient animals quite suddenly, stopping as if paralysed, and trembling like one afflicted with the palsy. He did not speak, but stood staring, fascinated as it were by the great soft eyes gazing at him; but he stretched out one hand slowly and cautiously behind him, feeling about for his friend, till Scales placed his hand within. Then the poor fellow clasped the fingers with a sob of relief, shuddering as he tore himself away from the inoffensive beasts, and suffering himself to be led back to the seat they had quitted, where he sank down shivering, and covered his face with his hands, sobbing like a child.