"Yes, certainly," replied the doctor. "I came here to help myself to pears; but you are taller than I—perhaps, with the help of that crooked-handled cane of yours, you can reach that best branch."
"A remarkably honourable and honest errand!" muttered the young man. "I shall be happy to be engaged in so good a cause." And, drawing down the branch, so that he could reach it with his hand, shook it vigorously. The ripe fruit fell on every side; and the doctor, having filled his pockets, and both his hands, started for the other side of the wall.
"Have you got enough?" asked the youth, in a very lazy tone of voice.
"Plenty, plenty," said the doctor.
"Glad of it," said the boy, indolently throwing himself on the grass, and still staring at Gertrude.
"You must be very tired," said the doctor, stepping back a pace or two; "I'm a physician, and should advise a nap."
"Are you, indeed!" replied the youth, in the same half-drawling, half-ironical tone of voice; "then I think I'll take your advice;" and he threw himself upon the grass, and closed his eyes.
Having emptied his pockets upon the seat of the summer-house, and invited Gertrude to partake, the doctor, still laughing at his boyish feat, looked at his watch. "Half-past four! The cars go in ten minutes. Who's going to drive me down to the depot?"
"I don't know, sir," replied Gertrude.
"Where's George?"