Sheturnedtohimwithconfidence。
　　``Ihaven’tsofar，butofcourse，whenyouseeit，ifyouwouldpreferitinacorn——Let’splayagame！
　　Turnyourheadinthisdirection，’’heindicatedwiththewhip，``closeyoureyes，andopenthemwhenIsayready。’’
　　``Allright！’’
　　``Now！’’saidtheHarvester。
　　``Oh，’’criedtheGirl。``Stop！Pleasestop！’’
　　TheywereatthefootofasmallleveethatrantothebridgecrossingSingingWater。Ontheleftlaythevalleythroughwhichthestreamsweptfromitshurriedrushdownthehill，amarshythicketofvines，shrubs，andbushes，thebanksimpassablewithwatergrowth。Everywhereflamedfoxfireandcardinalflower，thousandsofwildtigerliliesliftedgorgeousorange-redtrumpets，besidepearl-whiteturtleheadandmoondaisies，whileallthecreekbankwasacorallinewiththefirstopeningbloomofbigpinkmallows。Rankjewelflowerpouredgoldfromdaintycornucopiasandlavenderbeard-tongueofferedhoneytoamillionbumblingbees；watersmart-
　　weedspreadaglowingpinkbackground，andtwiningamberdoddertoppedthemarshinlacymistwithitsdelicatewhitebloom。Straightbeforethemawhite-
　　sandedroadclimbedtothebridgeandupagentlehillbetweentheyounghedgeofsmalltreesandbushes，whereagainflowersandbrightcoloursriotedandledtothecabinyetinvisible。Ontheright，thehill，crownedwithgiganticforesttrees，slopedtothelake；midwaythebuildingstood，andfromit，amongscatteringtreesallthewaytothewater’sedge，wereimmensebedsofvividcolour。Likeascarfofgoldflungacrossthefaceofearthwavedthemistysaffron，andbesidetheroadrunningdownthehill，inasunny，openspacearosetree-likespecimensofthriftymagentapokeberry。Downthehillcreptthemassesofcolour，changingfromdrysoiltowatergrowth。
　　Higharoundtheblue-greensurfaceofthelakewavedlacyheadsofwildrice，lowercat-tails，bulrushes，andmarshgrasses；arrowheadliliesliftedspinesofpearlybloom，whileyellowwaterliliesandbluewaterhyacinthsintermingled；hereandtheregrewapinkstretchofwatersmartweedandthedanglinggoldofjewelflower。Overthewater，borderingtheedge，starryfacesofwhitepondliliesfloated。Blueflagswavedgracefulleaves，willowsgrewinclumps，andvinesclamberedeverywhere。
　　Amongthegrowthofthelakeshore，duck，coot，andgrebevoicescommingledinthelastchatteringhastenedsplashofsecuringsupperbeforebedtime；cryingkilldeerscrossedthewater，andoverheadthenighthawksmassedincirclingcompanies。BetsyclimbedthehillandateverysteptheGirlcried，``Slower！pleasegoslower！’’Withwideeyesshestaredaroundher。
　　``WHYDIDN’TYOUTELLMEITWOULDBELIKETHIS？’’shedemandedinawedtones。
　　``HaveIhadopportunitytodescribemuchofanything？’’askedtheHarvester。``Besides，Iwasbornandrearedhere，andwhileithasbeenagardenofbloomforthepastsixyearsonly，italwayshasbeenapicture；
　　butoneforgetstosaymuchaboutasightseeneverydayandthatrequirestheworkthisdoes。’’
　　``Thatwhitemistdownthere，whatisit？’’shemarvelled。
　　``PearlsgrownbytheAlmighty，’’answeredtheHarvester。``FlowersthatIhopeyouwilllove。Theyarelikeyou。Tallandslender，graceful，pearlwhiteandpearlpure——thosearethearrowheadLilies。’’
　　``Andthewonderfulpurplish-redthereonthebank？
　　Oh，Icouldkneelandpraybeforecolourlikethat！’
　　``Pokeberry！’’saidtheHarvester。``Rootsbringfivecentsapound。Goodbloodpurifier。’’
　　``Man！’’criedtheGirl。``Howcanyou？I’mnotgoingtoaskwhatanothercolouris。I’lljustworshipwhatIlikeinsilence。’’
　　``WillyouforgivemeifItellyouwhatawomanwhosejudgmentIrespectsaysaboutthatcolour？’’
　　``Perhaps！’’
　　``Shesays，`GodprovesthatHelovesitbestofallthetintsinHisworkshopbyusingitfirstandmostsparingly。’
　　Nowareyougoingtopunishmebykeepingsilent？’’
　　``Icouldn’tifItried。’’
　　JustthentheycameuponthebridgecrossingSingingWater，andtherewasalongviewofitsborder，ripplingbed，andmarshybanks；whileontheotherhandthelakeresembledarichlyincrustedsapphire。
　　``Isthehouseclose？’’
　　``Justafewrods，attheturnofthedrive。’’
　　``Pleasehelpmedown。Iwanttoremainhereawhile。
　　Idon’tcarewhatelsethereistosee。Nothingcanequalthis。IwishIcouldbringdownabedandsleephere。I’dliketohaveatable，anddrawandpaint。
　　Iunderstandnowwhatyoumeanaboutthedesignsyoumentioned。Why，theremustbethousands！I
　　can’tgoon。Ineversawanythingsoappealinginallmylife。’’
　　NowtheHarvester’smotherhaddesignedthatbridgeandhehadbuiltitwithmuchcare。Frombark-coveredrailingstosolidoakfloorandcomfortablebenchesrunningalongthesidesitwasintendedtobeapartofthelandscape。
　　``I’llsendBelshazzartothecabinwiththewagon，’’
　　hesaid，``soyoucanseebetter。’’
　　``Butyoumustnot！’’shecried。``Ican’twalk。I
　　wouldn’tsoilthesebeautifulshoesforanything。’’
　　``Whydon’tyouchangethem？’’inquiredtheHarvester。
　　``IamafraidIforgoteverythingIhad，’’saidtheGirl。
　　``Thereareshoessomewhereinthisload。Ithoughtofthemingettingotherthingsforyou，butIhadnoideaastosize，andsoItoldthatclerkto-daywhenshegotyourmeasuretoputineverykindyou’dneed。’’
　　``Youarehorriblyextravagant，’’shesaid。``Butifyouhavethemhere，perhapsIcoulduseonepair。’’
　　TheHarvestermountedthewagonandhunteduntilhefoundalargebox，andopeningitonthebenchhedisclosedalmosteveryvarietyofshoe，walkingshoeandslipper，agirleverowned，aswellassandalsandhighovershoes。
　　``Forpitysake！’’criedtheGirl。``Coverthatbox！
　　Youfrightenme。You’llnevergetthempaidfor。
　　Youmusttakethemstraightback。’’
　　``Nevertakeanythingback，’’saidtheHarvester。
　　```Besureyouareright，thengoahead，’ismymotto。
　　NowIknowtheseareyourcorrectsizeandthatfordifferingoccasionsyouwillwantjustsuchshoesasothergirlshave，andheretheyare。Simpleaslife！Ithinkthesewillservebecausetheyareforstreetwear，yettheyarewhiteinside。’’
　　Heproducedapairofcanvaswalkingshoesandkneelingbeforeherheldouthishand。
　　Whenhehadfinished，heloadedtheboxonthewagon，gavethehitchingstraptoBelshazzar，andtoldhimtoleadBetsytothecabinandholdheruntilhecame。
　　ThenheturnedtotheGirl。
　　``Now，’’hesaid，``lookaslongasyouchoose。Butrememberthatthelawgivesyoupartofthisandyourlover，whichsameamI，givesyoutheremainder，soyouareprivilegedtocomehereatanyhourasoftenasyouplease。Ifyoumissanythingthisevening，youhavealltimetocomeinwhichtore-examineit。’’
　　``I’dliketoliverighthereonthisbridge，’’shesaid。
　　``Iwishithadaroof。’’
　　``Roofitto-morrow，’’offeredtheHarvester。``Simplematterofafewpillarsalreadycut，joistsjoined，andsomeslabshinglesleftfromthecabin。Anythingelseyourladyshipcansuggest？’’
　　``Thatyoubesensible。’’
　　``Iwasbornthatway，’’explainedtheHarvester，``andI’vecultivatedthefacultyuntilI’vedevelopedrealgenius。Talkingofsense，thereneverwasapropermarriageinwhichthemandidn’tgivethewomanapresent。YouseemlikelytobemoreappreciativeofthisbridgethananythingelseIhave，sorighthereandnowwouldbetheappropriateplacetoofferyoumyweddinggift。Ididn’thavemuchtime，butIcouldn’thavefoundanythingmoresuitableifI’dtakenayear。’’
　　Heheldoutasmall，whitevelvetcase。
　　``Doesn’tthatlookasifitweremadeforabride？’’
　　heasked。
　　``Itdoes，’’answeredtheGirl。``ButIcan’ttakeit。
　　Youarenotdoingright。Marryingaswedid，younevercanbelievethatIloveyou；maybeitwon’teverhappenthatIdo。Ihavenorighttoacceptgiftsandexpensiveclothingfromyou。Inthefirstplace，iftheloveyouasknevercomes，thereisnopossiblewayinwhichIcanrepayyou。Inthesecond，thesethingsyouareofferingarenotsuitableforlifeandworkinthewoods。Inthethird，Ithinkyouarebeingextravagant，andIcouldn’tforgivemyselfifIallowedthat。’’
　　``Youdivideyourstatementslikeapreacher，don’tyou？’’askedtheHarvesteringenuously。``Nowsittheehereandgazeontheplacidlakeandquietyourtroubledspirit，whileIdemolishyour`perfectlygood’
　　arguments。Inthefirstplace，youarenowmywife，andyouhavearighttotakeanythingIoffer，ifyoucareforitorcanuseitinanymanner。Inthesecond，youmustrecognizeadifferenceinourpositions。Whatseemsnothingtoyoumeansalltheworldtome，andyouarelessthanhumanifyoudeprivemeofthejoyofexpressingfeelingsIaminhonourboundtokeepinmyheart，bytheselittlematerialofferings。Inthethirdplace，Iinheritedoversixhundredacresoflandandwater，pleaseobservethewater——itisnowinevidenceonyourleft。AllmylifeIhavebeentaughttobefrugal，economical，andtowork。AllI’veearnedeitherhasgonebackintoland，intothebank，orintobooks，veryplainfood，andsuchclothingasyounowseemewearing。Justthevalueofthisplaceasitstands，withitsbigtrees，itsdrugcropsyieldingalltheyearround，wouldbedifficulttoestimate；andIdon’tmindtellingyouthatonthetopofthathillthereisagoldmine，andit’smine——ourssincefouro’clock。’’
　　``Agoldmine！’’
　　``Acresandacresofwildginseng，sevenyearsofageandreadytoharvest。Doyourememberwhatyourfewpoundsbrought？’’
　　``Whyit’sworththousands！’’
　　``Exactly！ForyourpeaceofmindImightaddthatallIhavedoneorgotispaidfor，exceptwhatIboughtto-day，andIwillwriteacheckforthatassoonasthebillismadeout。MybankaccountneverwillfeelitTruly，Ruth，Iamnotdoingorgoingtodoanythingextravagant。Ican’taffordtogiveyoudiamondnecklaces，yachts，andtripstoEurope；butyoucanhavethecontentsofthisboxandamotorboatonthelake，ahorseandcarriage，andatrip——saytoNewYorkperfectlywell。Pleasetakeit。’’
　　``Iwishyouwouldn’taskme。Iwouldbehappiernotto。’’
　　``Yes，butIdoaskyou，’’persistedtheHarvester。
　　``Youarenottheonlyonetobeconsidered。Ihavesomerightsalso，andI’mnotsoself-effacingthatI
　　won’tinsistuponthem。FromyourstandpointIamalmostastranger。Youhavespentnotimeconsideringmeinnearrelations；Irealizethat。Youfeelasifyouweredrivenhereforarefuge，andthatistrue。IsaidtoBelshazzaronedaythatImustrememberthatyouhadnodream，andhadspentnotimelovingme，andI
　　doIknowhowthisweddingseemstoyou，butit’sgoingtomeansomethingdifferentandbettersoon，pleaseGod。Icanseeyourside；nowsupposeyoutakealookatmine。Ididhaveadream，itwasmydream，andbeyondthesumofanydelightIeverconceived。OnthestrengthofitIrebuiltmyhomeandremodelledthesepremises。ThenIsawyou，andfromthatdayIworkedearlyandlate。IlostyouandI
　　neverstoppeduntilIfoundyou；andIwouldhavecourtedandwonyou，butthefatesintervenedandhereyouare！Soit’smydelighttocourtandwinyounow。
　　Ifyouknewthedifferencebetweenhavingadreamthatstirredtheleastfibreofyourbeingandfacingtheworldinademandforrealizationofit，andthenfindingwhatyoucovetedinthepalmofyourhand，asitwere，youwouldknowwhatisinmyheart，andwhyexpressionofsomekindisnecessarytomejustnow，andwhyI’llexplodeifitisdenied。Itwilllowerthetension，ifyouwillacceptthisasamatteroffact；asifyouratherexpectedandlikedit，ifyoucan。’’
　　TheHarvestersethisfingeronthespring。
　　``Don’t！’’shesaid。``I’llneverhavethecourageifyoudo。Giveittomeinthecase，andletmeopenit。
　　Despiteyourunanswerablearguments，IamquitesurethatistheonlywayinwhichIcantakeit。’’
　　TheHarvestergaveherthebox。
　　``Myweddinggift！’’sheexclaimed，moretoherselfthantohim。``WhyshouldIbethebuffetofalltheunkindfateskeptinstoreforagirlmywholelife，andthensuddenlybeofferedhome，beautifulgifts，andwonderfullovingkindnessbyastranger？’’
　　TheHarvesterranhisfingersthroughhiscrisphair，pulleditintoapeak，steppedtotheseatandsittingontherailing，heliftedhiselbows，tiltedhishead，andbeganamotleyoutpouringofhalf-spoken，half-whistledtrillsandimploringcries。TherewasenoughsimilaritythattheGirlinstantlyrecognizedtheredbird。OutofbreaththeHarvesterdroppedtotheseatbesideher。
　　``Anddon’tyoukeepforgettingit！’’hecried。``Nowopenthatboxandputonthetrinket；becauseIwanttotakeyoutothecabinwhenthesunfallslevelonthedrive。’’
　　Sheopenedthecase，exposingathreadofgoldthatappearedtooslenderfortheweightofanexquisitependant，setwithshimmeringpearls。
　　``Ifyouwilllookdownthere，’’theHarvesterpointedovertherailingtothearrowheadliliestouchedwiththefadinglight，``youwillseethattheyaresimilar。’’
　　``Theyare！’’criedtheGirl。``Howlovely！WhichismorebeautifulIdonotknow。Andyouwon’tlikeitifIsayImustnot。’’
　　SheheldtheopencasetowardtheHarvester。
　　```Possessionisninepointsinthelaw，’’’hequoted。
　　``Youhavetakenitalreadyanditisinyourhands；
　　nowmakethegiftperfectformebyputtingitonandsayingnothingmore。’’
　　``Myweddinggift！’’repeatedtheGirl。Slowlysheliftedthebeautifulornamentandhelditinthelight。
　　``I’msogladyoujustforcemetotakeit，’’shesaid。
　　``Anyhalf-normalgirlwouldbedelighted。Idoacceptit。Andwhat’smore，Iamgoingtokeepandwearitandmyringatsuitabletimesallmylife，inmemoryofwhatyouhavedonetobekindtomeonthisawfulday。’’
　　``Thankyou！’’saidtheHarvester。``Thatisaflashoftheproperspirit。Allowmetoputitonyou。’’
　　``No！’’saidtheGirl。``Notyet！Afterawhile！I
　　wanttoholditinmyhands，whereIcanseeit！’’
　　``Nowthereisoneotherthing，’’saidtheHarvester。
　　``IfIhadknownforanylengthoftimethatthisdaywascomingandbringingyou，asmostmenknowwhenagirlistobegivenintotheircare，Icouldhavemadeitdifferent。Asitis，I’vedonethebestIknew。AllyourafterlifeIhopeyouwillbelievethis:Justthatifyoumissedanythingto-daythatwouldhavemadeiteasierforyouormorepleasant，thereasonwasbecauseofmyignoranceofwomenandtheconventions，andlackoftime。IwantyoutoknowandtofeelthatinmyheartthosevowsItookwerereal。ThisisundoubtedlyallthemarryingIwilleverwanttodo。Iamold-fashionedinmyways，anddeeplyimbuedwiththespiritofthewoods，andthatmeansunendingevolutionalongthesamelines。
　　``Tomeyouaremyreveredandbelovedwife，mymatenow；andIamsurenothingwillmakemefeelanydifferent。ThisisthedayofmymarriagetotheonlywomanIeverhavethoughtofwedding，andtomeitisjoyunspeakable。Withothermensuchadayendsdifferentlyfromthecloseofthiswithme。BecauseIhavedoneandwillcontinuetodothelevelbestIknowforyou，thisorationistheprologuetoaskingyouforonegifttomefromyou，aweddinggift。Idon’twantitunlessyoucanbestowitungrudgingly，andtrulywantmetohaveit。Ifyoucan，IwillhaveallfromthisdayIhopeforatthehandsoffate。MayIhavethegiftIaskofyou，Ruth？’’
　　Sheliftedstartledeyestohisface。
　　``Tellmewhatitis？’’shebreathed。
　　``Itmayseemmuchtoyou，’’saidtheHarvester；
　　``tomeitappearsonlyagraciousact，fromawonderfulwoman，ifyouwillgivemefreely，onerealkiss。I’veneverhadone，savefromaDreamGirl，Ruth，andyouwillhavetomakeyoursprettygoodifitisanythinglikehers。Youarewomanenoughtoknowthatmostmencrushtheirbridesintheirarmsandtakeathousand。
　　I’llputmyhandsbehindmeandnevermoveamuscle，andIwon’taskformore，ifyouwillcrownmyweddingdaywithonlyonetouchofyourlips。Willyoukissmejustonce，Ruth？’’
　　TheGirlliftedapiteousfacedownwhichbigtearssuddenlyrolled。
　　``OhMan，youshameme！’’shecried。``WhatkindofahearthaveIthatitfailstorespondtosuchaplea？HaveIbeenoverworkedandstarvedsolongthereisnofeelinginme？Idon’tunderstandwhyIdon’ttakeyouinmyarmsandkissyouahundredtimes，butyouseeIdon’t。Itdoesn’tseemasifIevercould。’’
　　``Nevermind，’’saidtheHarvestergently。``Itwasonlyafancyofmine，bredfrommydreamandunreasonable，perhaps。IamsorryImentionedit。Thesunisonthestoopnow；Iwantyoutoenteryourhomeinitslight。Come！’’
　　Hehalfliftedherfromthebench。``IamgoingtohelpyouupthedriveasIusedtoassistmother，’’hesaid，fightingtokeephisvoicenatural。``Claspyourhandsbeforeyouanddrawyourelbowstoyoursides。
　　Nowletmetakeoneineachpalm，andyouwillscootupthisdriveasifyouwereonwheels。’’
　　``ButIdon’twantto`scoot’，’’shesaidunsteadily。
　　``Imustgoslowlyandnotmissanything。’’
　　``Onthecontrary，youdon’twanttodoanysuchthing——youshouldleavemostofitforto-morrow。’’
　　``Ihadforgottentherewouldbeanyto-morrow。Itseemsasifthedaywouldenditandsetmeadriftagain。’’
　　``Youaregoingtoawakeinthegoldroomwiththesunshiningonyourfaceinthemorning，andit’sgoingtokeeponallyourlife。Nowifyou’vegotasmileinyouranatomy，bringittothesurface，forjustbeyondthistreelieshappinessforyou。’’
　　Hisvoicewasclearandsteadynow，hisconfidencesomethingcontagious。Therewasalovelysmileonherfaceasshelookedathim，andsteppedintothelineoflightcrossingthedriveway；andthenshestoppedandcried，``Ohlovely！Lovely！Lovely！’’overandover。
　　ThenmaybetheHarvesterwasnotgladhehadplanned，workedunceasingly，andbuildedaswellasheknew。
　　Thecabinoflarge，peeled，goldenoaklogs，oiledtopreservethem，nestledlikeabigmushroomonthesideofthehill。Aboveandbehindthebuildingthetreesaroseinagreensetting。Theroofwasstainedtotheirshades。Thewideverandawasenclosedinscreening，overwhichwonderfulvinesclimbedinplaces，androunditgrewfernsanddeep-woodplants。Insidehungbigbasketsofwildgrowth；therewasawideswingingseat，withabackrest，supportedbyheavychains。Therewerechairsandatableofbentsaplingsandhickorywithes。Twofullstoriesthebuildingarose，andthewesternsunwarmeditalmosttoorange-yellow，whilethegracefulvinescrepttowardtheroof。
　　TheGirllookedattherapidlyrisinghedgeoneachsideofher，atthewhitefloorofthedrive，andlongandlongatthecabin。
　　``YoudidallthissinceFebruary？’’sheasked。
　　``Eventotransformingthelandscape，’’answeredtheHarvester。
　　``OhIwishitwasnotcomingnight！’’shecried。``I
　　don’twantthedarktocome，untilyouhavetoldmethenameofeverytreeandshrubofthatwonderfulhedge，andeveryplantandvineoftheveranda；andohI
　　wanttofollowupthedrivewayandseethatbeautifullittlecreek——listentoitchuckleandlaugh！Isitalwaysgladlikethat？Seethefernsandthingsthatgrowontheothersideofit！Whytherearebigbedsofthem。Andliliesofthevalleybytheacre！Whatisthatyellowaroundthecorner？’’
　　``Nevermindthatnow，’’saidtheHarvester，guidingherupthesteps，alongthegravelledwalktothescreenthatheopened，andoverafloodofgoldlightshecrossedtheveranda，andenteredthedoor。
　　``Nowhereitappearsbare，’’saidtheHarvester，``becauseIdidn’tknowwhatshouldgoonthewallsorwhatrugstogetoraboutthewindows。Thetable，chairs，andcouchImademyselfwithsomehelpfromacarpenter。Theyaresolidblackwalnutandwillagefinely。’’
　　``Theyarebeautiful，’’saidtheGirl，softlytouchingtheshiningtabletopwithherfingers。``Pleaseputthenecklaceonmenow，Ihavetousemyeyesandhandsforotherthings。’’
　　SheheldouttheboxandtheHarvesterliftedthependantandclaspedthechainaroundherneck。Sheglancedatthelustrouspearlsandthenthefingersofonehandsoftlyclosedoverthem。Shewentthroughthelong，wideliving-room，examiningthechairsandmantel，stoppingtotouchandexclaimoveritsarrayofhalf-finishedcandlesticks。Atthedoorofhisroomshepaused。``Andthis？’’shequestioned。
　　``Mine，’’saidtheHarvester，turningtheknob。``I’llgiveyouonepeeptosatisfyyourcuriosity，andshowyouthelocationofthebridgeoverwhichyoucametomeinmydream。Alltheremainderisyours。Ireserveonlythis。’’
　　``Willthe`goblinsgitme’ifIcomehere？’’
　　``Notgoblins，butamanalive；soheedyourwarning。
　　Afteryouhaveseenit，keepaway。’’
　　Thefloorwascement，threeofthewallsheavyscreeningwithmosquitowireinside，theroofslabshingled。
　　Ontheinnerwallwasabookcase，belowitadesk，atonesideaguncabinet，attheotherabathinasmallalcovebesideacloset。Theroomcontainedtwochairslikethoseoftheveranda，andthebedwasalowoakcouchcoveredwithathickmattressofhemlocktwigs，toppedwithsweetfern，onwhichthesunshoneallday。
　　Onachairatthefootwerespreadsomewhitesheets，ablanket，andanoilcloth。Thesunbeatin，thewinddriftedthrough，andonelyingonthecouchcouldseedownthebrighthill，andsweepthelaketotheoppositebankwithoutliftingthehead。TheHarvesterdrewtheGirltothebedside。
　　``Nowstraightinalinefromhere，’’hesaid，``acrossthelaketothatbig，scraggyoak，everyclearnightthemoonbuildsabridgeofmoltengold，andonceyouwalkedit，mygirl，andcamestraighttome，aloneandunafraid；
　　andyouweregraciousandlovelybeyondanythingamaneverdreamedofbefore。I’llhavethattothinkofto-night。Nowcomeseethedining-room，kitchen，andhand-madesunshine。’’
　　Heledherintowhathadbeenthefrontroomoftheoldcabin，nowalarge，longdining-roomhavingoneachsidewidewindowswithdeepseats。Thefireplacebackwallwasagainstthatoftheliving-room，butherethemantelwasbare。Allthewood-work，chairs，thediningtable，cupboards，andcarvingtableweregoldenoak。Onlyafewrugsandfurnishingsandawoman’stouchwererequiredtomakeitanunusualandbeautifulroom。Thekitchenwasshiningwithawhitehard-woodfloor，whitewood-work，andpalegreenwalls。Itwasalight，airy，sanitaryplace，suppliedwithapump，sink，hotandcoldwaterfaucets，refrigerator，andeverymodernconveniencepossibletothecountry。
　　ThentheHarvesteralmostcarriedtheGirlupthestairsandshowedherthreelargesleepingrooms，emptyandbaresaveforsomepackingcases。
　　``Ididn’tknowaboutthese，soIdidn’tdoanything。
　　Whenyoufindtimetoplan，tellmewhatyouwant，andI’llmake——orbuyit。Theyaregood-sized，coolrooms。
　　Theyallhaveclosetsandpipesfromthefurnace，sotheywillbecomfortableinwinter。Nowthereisyourplaceremaining。I’llleaveyouwhileIstableBetsyandfeedthestock。’’
　　Heguidedhertothedooropeningfromtheliving-
　　roomtotheeast。
　　``Thisisthesunshinespot，’’hesaid。``Itisbathedinmorninglight，andshelteredbyafternoonshade。
　　SingingWaterisacrossthedrivetheretotalktoyoualways。Itcomespeltingdownsofastitneverfreezes，soitmakesmusicallwinter，andthebirdsaresonumerousyou’llhavetogotobedearlyforthey’llwakeyoubydawn。InoticedthisroomwasgoingtobefullofsunshinewhenIbuiltit，andIcravedonlybrightnessforyou，soIcoaxedallofittostaythatIcould。Everystrokeistheworkofmyhands，andallofthefurniture。
　　Ihopeyouwilllikeit。ThisistheroomofwhichI’vebeentellingyou，Ruth。Goinandtakepossession，andI’llentreatGodandallHisministeringangelstosendyousunshineandjoy。’’
　　Heopenedthedoor，guidedherinside，closedit，andwentswiftlytohiswork。
　　TheGirlstoodandlookedaroundherwithamazedeyes。Thefloorwaspaleyellowwood，polisheduntilitshonelikeatabletop。Thecasings，table，chairs，dressingtable，chestofdrawers，andbedweresolidcurlymaple。Thedoorswerebigpolishedslabsofit，eachcontainingenoughmaterialtoveneerallthefurnitureintheroom。Thewallswereofplaster，tintedyellow，andthewindowswithyellowshadeswerecurtainedindaintywhite。ShecouldheartheHarvestercarryingtheloadfromthewagontothefrontporch，theclamourofthebarnyard；andasshewenttothenorthwindowtoseetheview，ashiningpeacockstrutteddownthewalkandwenttotheHarvester’shandforgrain，whilescoresofsnow-whitedovescircledoverhishead。
　　Shesteppedondeeprugsofyellowgoatskins，and，glancingatthewindowsoneitherside，sheopenedthedoor。
　　Outsideitlayaporchwitharailing，butnoroof。
　　Oneachpoststoodaboxfilledwithyellowwood-flowersandtrailingvinesofpalegreen。Abigtreerisingthroughonecornerofthefloorsuppliedthecover。Agateopenedtoawalkleadingtothedriveway，andoneithersidelayapatchofsod，outlinedbyadeephedgeofbrightgold。Initsaffron，cone-flowers，black-eyedSusans，golden-rod，wildsunflowers，andjewelflowergrew，andsomeofit，enoughtoformayellowline，wasalreadyinbloom。Aroundtheporchanddownthewalkwerebedsofyellowviolets，pixiemoss，andeverytinygoldflowerofthewoods。TheGirlleanedagainstthetreeandlookedaroundherandthenstaggeredinsideanddroppedonthecouch。
　　``Whatplanning！Whatwork！’’shesobbed。``Whattaste！Whyhe’sapoet！Whatwonderfulbeauty！
　　He’sanartistwithearthforhiscanvas，andgrowingthingsforcolours。’’
　　Shelaytherestaringatthewalls，thebeautifulwood-
　　workandfurniture，thedressingtablewithitsarrayoftoiletarticles，alowchairbeforeit，andthethickrugforherfeet。Overandovershelookedateverything，andthenclosedhereyesandlayquietly，toowearyandoverwhelmedtothink。Byandbycametappingatthedoor，andshesprangupandcrossingtothedressingtablestraightenedherhairandcomposedherface。
　　``Ajaxdemandstoseeyou，’’criedagayvoice。
　　TheGirlsteppedoutside。
　　``Don’tbefrightenedifhescreamsatyou，’’warnedtheHarvesterasshepassedhim。``Hedetestsastranger，andhealwayscriesandsulks。’’
　　Itwasaquestionwhatwasintheheadofthebirdashesawthestrangelookingcreatureinvadinghisdomain，andhedidscream，awild，high，stridentwailthatdelightedtheHarvesterinexpressibly，becauseitsenttheGirlheadlongintohisarms。
　　``Oh，goodgracious！’’shecried。``Hassuchabeautifulbirdgotanoiseinitlikethat？WhyI’vefedtheminparksandIneverheardoneexplodebefore。’’
　　ThenhowtheHarvesterlaughed。
　　``Butyouseeyouareinthewoodsnow，andthisisnotaparkbird。Itwillbethetestofyourpowertoseehowsoonyoucancoaxhimtoyourhand。’’
　　``HowdoIworktowinhim？’’
　　``IamafraidIcan’ttellyouthat，’’saidtheHarvester。
　　``Ihadtoinventaplanformyself。Itrequiredalongtimeandmuchpetting，andmymethodsmightnotavailforyou。Itwillinterestyoutostudythatout。
　　ButthememberofthefamilyitispositivelyessentialthatyouwintoalifeanddeathallegianceisBelshazzar。
　　Ifyoucanmakehimloveyou，hewillprotectyouateveryturn。Hewillgobeforeyouintotheforestandallthecrawling，creepingthingswillgetoutofhisway。
　　Hewillnosearoundtheflowersyouwanttogather，andifhegrowlsandthehaironthebackofhisneckrises，neverforgetthatyoumustheedthatwarning。AfewtimesIhavenotstoppedforit，andIalwayshavebeensorry。Sofarasanythinganimateoruncertainfootingisconcerned，youarealwaysperfectlysafeifyouobeyhim。Abouttouchingplantsandflowers，youmustconfineyourselftothoseyouarecertainyouknow，untilIcanteachyou。Therearegorgeousandwonderfullyattractivethingshere，butsomeofthemarerankpoison。Youwon’thandleplantsyoudon’tknow，untilyoulearn，Ruth？’’
　　``Iwillnot，’’shepromisedinstantly。
　　Shewenttotheseatundertheporchtreeandleaningagainstthetrunkshestudiedthehill，andtheripplingcourseofSingingWaterwhereitturnedandcurvedbeforethecabin，andstartedacrossthevividlittlemarshtowardthelake。ThenshelookedattheHarvester。
　　Heseatedhimselfonthelowrailingandsmiledather。
　　``Youareverytired？’’heasked。
　　``No，’’shesaid。``Youarerightabouttheairbeingbetteruphere。Itisstimulatinginsteadofdepressing。’’
　　``Sofaraspureair，location，andwaterareconcerned，’’
　　saidtheHarvester，``Iconsiderthisplaceideal。Thelakeislargeenoughtocooltheairandraisesufficientmoisturetodampenit，andtoosmalltomakeitreallycoldanddisagreeable。Theslopeofthehillgivesperfectdrainage。Theheaviestrainsdonotwettheearthformorethanthreehours。North，south，andwestbreezessweepthecoolairfromthewatertothecabininsummer。
　　Thesamesunswarmushereonthewinterhillside。
　　Myviolets，springbeauties，anemones，anddutchman’sbreechesherearealwaystwoweeksaheadofthoseinthewoods。Iamnotafraidofyournotlikingthelocationortheair。Asforthecabin，ifyoudon’tcareforthat，it’sverysimple。I’lltransformitintoalaboratoryanddry-house，andbuildyouwhateveryouwant，withinmymeans，overthereonthehilljustacrossSingingWaterandfacingthevalleytowardOnabasha。
　　That’saperfectlocation。Thethingthatworriesmeiswhatyouaregoingtodoforcompany，especiallywhileIamaway。’’
　　``Don’ttroubleyourselfaboutanything，’’shesaid。
　　``Justsayinyourheart，`sheisgoingtobestrongerthansheeverhasbeeninherlifeinthislovelyplace，andshehasmorerightnowthansheeverhadorhopedtohave。’
　　Foronething，Iamgoingtostudyyourbooks。Ineverhavehadtimebefore。Whilewesewedorembroidered，mothertalkedbythehourofthegreatwritersoftheworld，toldmewhattheywrote，andhowtheyexpressedthemselves，butIgottoreadverylittleformyself。’’
　　``Booksaremycompany，’’saidtheHarvester。
　　``Doyourfriendscomeoften？’’
　　``Almostnever！Docandhiswifecomemost，andifyoulookoutsomedayandseeawhite-haired，bentoldwoman，withafaceassweetasdawn，comingupthebankofSingingWater，thatwillbemymother’sfriend，GrannyMoreland，whojoinsusonthenorthoverthere。
　　Sheisfrankandbrusque，soshesayswhatshethinkswithunmistakabledistinctness，butherheartisbigandtenderandherphilosophykeepshersweetandkindlydespitetheacheofrheumatismandtheweightofseventyyears。’’
　　``I’dlovetohavehercome，’’saidtheGirl。``Isthatall？’’
　　``Yes。’’
　　``Why？’’
　　``Yourfavouriteword，’’laughedtheHarvester。``Thereasonlieswithme，orratherwithmymother。SomedayIwilltellyouthewholestory，andthecause。I
　　thinknowIcanencompassitinthis。Theplaceisanexperiment。Whenmedicinalherbs，roots，andbarksbecamesoscarcethatsomeofthemostimportantwerealmostextinct，itoccurredtomethatitwouldbeagoodideatostoptravellingmilesandpoachingonthewoodsofotherpeople，andturnourlandintoanherbgarden。Forfouryearsbeforemotherwent，andsixsince，I’veworkedwithallmymight，andresultsarebeginningtotakeshape。WhileI’vebeenatit，ofcourse，myneighbourshadaninklingofwhatwasgoingon，andI’vebeencalledafool，lazy，andafanatic，becauseIdidnotfellthetreesandplowforcorn。YoureadilycanseeI’malittleshortofcorngroundoutthere，’’
　　hewavedtowardthemarshandlake，``andupthere，’’
　　heindicatedthesteephillandwood。``ButsomewhereonthislandI’vebeenabletofindmuckformallows，waterforflagsandwillows，shadeforferns，lilies，andginseng，rocky，sunnyspacesformullein，andopen，fertilebedsforBouncingBet——justforexamples。Godneverevolvedaplacebettersuitedforanherbfarm；fromwoodstowaterandallthatgoesbetween，itisperfect。’’
　　``Andindescribablylovely，’’addedtheGirl。
　　``Yes，Ithinkitis，’’saidtheHarvester。``ButinthedayswhenIdidn’tknowhowitwascomingout，Iwassensitiveaboutit；soIkeptquietandworked，andallowedtheotherfellowtodothetalking。Afterawhiletheginsengbedgrewatreasureworthguarding，andIdidn’tcareforanyonetoknowhowmuchIhadorwhereitwas，asamatterofprecaution。Ginsengandmoneyaresynonymous，andIwasforcedtobeawaysomeofthetime。’’
　　``Wouldanyonetakeit？’’
　　``Certainly！’’saidtheHarvester。``Iftheyknewitwasthere，andwhatitisworth。Then，asI’vetoldyou，muchofthestuffheremustnotbehandledexceptbyexperts，andIdidn’twantpeoplecominginmyabsenceandtakingrisks。Theremainderofmyreasonforlivingsoaloneiscowardice，pureandsimple。’’
　　``Cowardice？You！Ohno！’’
　　``Thankyou！’’saidtheHarvester。``Butitis！
　　SomedayI’lltellyouofaverysolemnoathI’vehadtokeep。Ithasn’tbeeneasy。Youwouldn’tunderstand，atleastnotnow。IfthedayevercomeswhenIthinkyouwill，I’lltellyou。JustnowIcanexpressitbythatoneword。Ididn’tdarefailorIfeltIwouldbelostasmyfatherwasbeforeme。SoIremainedawayfromthecityanditstemptationsandmenofmyage，andworkedinthewoodsuntilIwastiredenoughtodrop，readbooksthathelped，tinkeredwiththecarving，andsometimesIhadanidea，andIwentintothatlittlebuildingbehindthedry-house，tookoutmydifferentherbs，andtriedmyhandatcompoundinganewcureforsomeofthepainsofhumanity。Itisn’tbadwork，Ruth。Itkeepsafellowatafairlydecentlevel，andsomegoodmaycomeofit。Careyistryingseveralformulaeforme，andiftheyworkI’llcarrythemhigher。Ifyouwantmoney，Girl，Iknowhowtogetitforyou。’’
　　``Don’tyouwantit？’’
　　``NotonecentmorethanI’vegot，’’saidtheHarvesteremphatically。``Whenanymanaccumulatesmorethanhecanearnwithhisownhands，hebeginstoenrichhimselfattheexpenseoftheyouth，thesweat，theblood，thejoyofhisfellowmen。Icangotothecity，takealook，andseewhatmoneydoes，asarule，andit’sanotherthingI’mafraidof。Youwillfindmeadreadfulcowardonthosetwopoints。Idon’twanttoknowsocietyanditsways。Iseewhatitdoestoothermen；itwouldbepresumptiontoreckonmyselfstronger。SoIlivealone。Asformoney，I’vewatchedthecrosscutsandthequickandeasywaystoaccumulateit；butI’vehadsomethinginmethatheldmetotheslow，sure，cleanworkofmyownhands，andit’syieldedmeenoughforone，fortwoeven，inareasonabledegree。SoI’veworked，read，compounded，andcarved。
　　IfIcouldn’twearmyselfdownenoughtosleepbyanyothermethod，Iwentintothelake，andswamacrossandback；andthatisguaranteedtoputanymantorest，cleanandunashamed。’’
　　``Sixyears，’’saidtheGirlsoftly，asshestudiedhim。
　　``Ithinkithassetamarkonyou。IbelieveIcantraceit。Yourforehead，brow，andeyesbearthelinesandtheappearanceofallexperience，allcomprehension，butyourlipsarethoseofaveryyounglad。Ishouldn’tbesurprisedifIhadthatkissreadyforyou，andIreallybelieveIcanmakeitworthwhile。’’
　　``OhgoodLord！’’criedtheHarvester，turningabackwardsomersaultovertherailingandstartinginbigboundsupthedrivetowardthestable。Hepassedarounditandintothewoodsatarushandafewsecondslaterfromsomewhereonthetopofthehillhisstrong，deepvoicesweptdown，``Glory，gloryhallelujah！’’
　　Hesangitthroughatthetopofhislungs，thatmajesticoldhymn，buttherewasnomusicatall，itwassimplyaroar。ByandbyhecamesoberlytothebarnandpausedtostrokeBetsy’snose。
　　``Stopchewinggrassandlistentome，’’hesaid。``She’shere，Betsy！She’sinourcabin。She’sgoingtoremain，youcanstakeyouroatsonthat。She’sgoingtobetheloveliestandsweetestgirlinalltheworld，andbecauseyou’reabeast，I’lltellyousomethingamannevercouldknow。Downwithyourear，youcritter！She’sgoingtokissme，Betsy！Thisverynight，beforeIlayme，herlipsmeetmine，andmaybeyouthinkthatwon’tbeglorious。Isupposeditwouldbeayear，anyway，butit’snow！Ain’tyougladyouareananimal，Betsy，andcankeepsecretsforafoolmanthatcan’t？’’
　　Hewalkeddownthedriveway，andbeforetheGirlhadachancetospeak，hesaid，``IwonderifIhadnotbettercarrythosethingsintoyourroom，andarrangeyourbedforyou。’’
　　``Ican，’’shesaid。
　　``Ohno！’’exclaimedtheHarvester。``Youcan’tliftthemattressandheavycovers。Holdthedoorandtellmehow。’’
　　Helaidabigbundleonthefloor，openedit，andtookouttheshoes。
　　``Yourshoeboxisintheclosetthere。’’
　　``Ididn’tknowwhatthatdoorwas，soIdidn’topenit。’’
　　``Thatisapartofmyarrangementsforyou，’’saidtheHarvester。``Hereisaclosetwithshelvesforyourcoversandotherthings。TheyarebarebecauseI
　　didn’tknowjustwhatshouldbeputonthem。Thisistheshoeboxhereinthecorner；I’llputtheseinitnow。’’
　　Hekneltandinarowsettheshoesinthecurlymapleboxandclosedit。
　　``Thereyouareforallkindsofplacesandvarietiesofweather。Thisadjoiningisyourbathroom。Iputintowels，soaps；brushes，andeverythingIcouldthinkof，andthereishotwaterreadyforyou——rainwater，too。’’
　　TheGirlfollowedandlookedintoashininglittlebathroom，withitswhiteporcelaintubandwashbowl，enamelledwood-work，daintygreenwalls，andwhitecurtainsandtowels。Shecouldseenoaccessorysheknewofthatwasmissing，andthereweremanythingstowhichsheneverhadbeenaccustomed。TheHarvesterhadgonebacktothesunshineroom，andwaskneelingonthefloorbesidethebundle。Hebeganopeningboxesandhandingherdresses。
　　``Thereareskirt，coat，andwaisthangersonthehooks，’’hesaid。``Ionlygotafewthingstostarton，becauseIdidn’tknowwhatyouwouldlike。Insteadofbeingsocarefulwiththatdress，whydon’tyoutakeitoff，andputonacommonone？Thenwewillhavesomethingtoeat，andgotothetopofthehillandwatchthemoonbridgethelake。’’
　　Whileshehungthedressesandselectedtheonetowear，heplacedthemattress，spreadthepaddingandsheets，andencasedthepillow。Thenhebentandpressedthespringswithhishands。
　　``Ithinkyouwillfindthatsoftandeasyenoughforhealth，’’hesaid。``AllthepersonalbelongingsIhadthatclerkputupforyouareinthatchestofdrawersthere。Iputthelittleboxesinthetopandwentdown。
　　Youcanemptyandarrangethemto-morrow。Justhuntoutwhatyouwillneednow。Thereshouldbeeverythingagirlusestheresomewhere。Itoldthemtobeverycarefulaboutthat。Ifthethingsarenotrightornottoyourtaste，youcantakethembackassoonasyouarerested，andtheywillexchangethemforyou。
　　IfthereisanythingIhavemissedthatyoucanthinkofthatyouneedto-night，tellmeandI’llgoandgetit。’’
　　TheGirlturnedtowardhim。
　　``Youcouldn’tbemakingsportofme，’’shesaid，``butMan！Can’tyouseethatIdon’tknowwhattodowithhalfyouhavehere？Ineversawsuchthingscloselybefore。Idon’tknowwhattheyarefor。I
　　don’tknowhowtousethem。Mymotherwouldhaveknown，butIdonot。Youoverwhelmme！FiftytimesI’vetriedtotellyouthataroomofmyveryown，sucharoomasthiswillbewhento-morrow’ssuncomesin，andthese，andthese，andthese，’’sheturnedfromthechestofboxestothedressingtable，bed，closet，andbath，``alltheseforme，andyouknowabsolutelynothingaboutme——Igetabiglumpinmythroat，andthewordsthatdocomeallseemsomeaningless，Iamperfectlyashamedtosaythem。OhMan，whydoyoudoit？’’
　　``Ithoughtitwasabouttimetospringanother`why’
　　onme，’’saidtheHarvester。``ThankGod，IamnowinapositionwhereIcantellyou`why’！Idoitbecauseyouarethegirlofmydream，mymatebyeverylawofHeavenandearth。Allmenbuildaswellastheyknowwhentheonewomanoftheuniverselaysherspellonthem。IdidallthisformyselfjustasakindofexpressionofwhatitwouldbeinmyhearttodoifI
　　coulddowhatI’dlike。PutontheeasiestdressyoucanfindandIwillgoandsetoutsomethingtoeat。’’
　　Shestoodwitharmshighpiledwiththeprettiestdressesthatcouldbeselectedhurriedly，thetearsrunningdownherwhitecheeksandsmiledthroughthemathim。
　　``Therewouldn’tbeanyofthatliquidamberwouldthere？’’sheasked。
　　``Quarts！’’criedtheHarvester。``I’llbringsome……Doesitreallyhitthespot，Ruth？’’hequestionedashehandedhertheglass。
　　Sheheapedthedressesonthebedandtookit。
　　``Itreallydoes。IamafraidIamusingtoomuch。’’
　　``Idon’tthinkitpossiblycanhurtyou。To-morrowwewillaskDoc。Howsoonwillyoubereadyforlunch？’’
　　``Idon’twantabite。’’
　　``Youwillwhenyouseeandsmellit，’’saidtheHarvester。``Iamanexpertcook。It’smychiefestaccomplishment。YoushouldtastethedishesIimprovise。
　　Buttherewon’tbemuchto-night，becauseIwantyoutoseethemoonriseoverthelake。’’
　　HewentawayandtheGirlremovedherdressandspreaditonthecouch。Thenshebathedherfaceandhands。Whenshesawthediscolouredcloth，itprovedthatshehadbeenpainted，andmadeherveryindignant。
　　Yetshecouldnotbealtogetherangry，forthatflushofcolourhadsavedtheHarvesterfrombeingpitiedbyhisfriend。Shestoodalongtimebeforethemirror，staringathergaunt，colourlessface；thenshewenttothedressingtableandcommittedacrime。Shefoundaboxofcreamandrubbeditonforafoundation。
　　Thensheopenedsomepinkpowder，andcarefullydustedhercheeks。
　　``Iamutterlyashamed，’’shesaidtotheimageinthemirror，``buthehasdonesomuchforme，heisso，so——
　　Idon’tknowawordbigenough——thatIcan’tbearhimtoseehowghastlyIam，howlittleworthit。Perhapsthefood，betterair，andoutdoorexercisewillgivemestrengthandcoloursoon。UntilitdoesI’mafraidI’mgoingtohelpoutallIcanwiththis。Itiswonderfulhowitchangesone。Ireallyappearlikeagirlinsteadofabonyoldwoman。’’
　　Thenshelookedoverthedresses，selectedaprettywhiteprincesse，slippediton，andwenttothekitchen。
　　ButtheHarvesterwouldnothaveherthere。Heseatedheratthediningtable，besidethewindowoverlookingthelake，lightedapairofhishome-madecandlesinhisfineststicks，andplacedbeforeherbread，butter，coldmeat，milk，andfruit，andtogethertheyatetheirfirstmealintheirhome。
　　``IfIhadknown，’’saidtheHarvester，``GrannyMorelandisafamouscook。SheisaSouthernwoman，andshecanfrychickenandmakesomeespecialdishestosurpassanyoneIeverknew。Shewouldhavebeensopleasedtocomeoverandgetusanall-rightsupper。’’
　　``I’dmuchratherhavethis，andbebyourselves，’’saidtheGirl。
　　``Well，youcanbankonit，Iwould，’’agreedtheHarvester。``Forinstance，ifanyonewerehere，I
　　mightfeelrestrainedabouttellingyouthatyouareexactlythebeautiful，flushedDreamGirlIhaveadoredformonths，andyourdressmostbecoming。Youareapicturetoblindtheeyesofalonelybachelor，Ruth。’’
　　``Ohwhydidyousaythat？’’wailedtheGirl。``NowI’vegottofeellikeasneakortellyou——andIdidn’twantyoutoknow。’’
　　``Don’tyouevertellmeoranyoneelseanythingyoudon’twantto，’’saidtheHarvesterroundly。``It’snobody’sbusiness！’’
　　``ButImust！Ican’tbeginwithdeception。Iwasfoolenoughtothinkyouwouldn’tnotice。Man，theypaintedme！Ididn’tknowtheyweredoingit，butwhenitallwashedoff，IlookedsoghastlyIalmostfrightenedmyself。Ihuntedthroughtheboxestheyputupforyouandfoundsomepinkpowder——’’
　　``Butdon’tallthedaintiestwomenpowderthesedays，andconsideritindispensable？Theclerksaidso，andI’venoticeditmentionedinthepapers。Iboughtitforyoutouse。’’
　　``Yes，justpowder，butMan，Iputonalotofcoldcreamfirsttostickthepowdergoodandthick。OhIwishIhadn’t！’’
　　``Wellsinceyou’vetoldit，isyourconscienceperfectlyatease？Noyoudon’t！Yousitwhereyouare！
　　Youarelovely，andifyoudon’tuseenoughpowdertocoverthepaleness，untilyourcolourreturns，I’llholdyouandputiton。Iknowyoufeelbetterwhenyouappearsothateveryonemustadmireyou。’’
　　``Yes，butI’mafraud！’’
　　``Youarenosuchthing！’’criedtheHarvesterhotly。
　　``Therehasn’tawomanintenthousandgotanysuchropeofhair。Ihavebeenseeingthepapersonthehairquestion，too。Noonewillbelieveit’sreal。Iftheythinkyourhairisfalse，whenitisnatural，theywon’tbeanymorefooledwhentheythinkyourcolourisreal，anditisn’t。Verysoonitwillbeandnooneneedeverknowthedifference。Yougoonandfixupyourlevelbest。Toseeyourselfappearingwellwillmakeyouambitioustobecomesoassoonaspossible。’’
　　``Harvester-man，’’saidtheGirl，gazingathimwithwetluminouseyes，``forthesakeofotherwomen，I
　　couldwishthatallmenhadanoathtokeep，andhadbeenrearedinthewoods。’’
　　``Hereistheplaceweadjourntothemoon，’’criedtheHarvester。``Idon’tknowofanythingthatcancureasuddenaccessionofswellheadlikegazingattheheavens。
　　Onefindshisplaceamongtheatomsnaturallyandinstantaneouslywiththeeyesonthenightsky。Shouldyouhaveawrap？Youshould！Themistsfromthelakearecool。Idon’tbelievethereisoneamongmyorders。Iforgotthat。Butupstairswithmother’sclothingthereareseveralshawlsandshouldercapes。
　　Allofthemwerewashedandcarefullypacked。Wouldyouuseone，Ruth？’’
　　``Whynotgiveittome。Wouldn’tshelikemetowearherthingsbetterthantohavethemlyinginmothballs？’’
　　TheHarvesterlookedatherandshookhishead，marvelling。
　　``Ican’ttellhowpleasedshewouldbe，’’hesaid。
　　``Whereareherbelongings？’’askedtheGirl。``I
　　couldusethemtohelpfurnishthehouse，anditwouldn’tappearsostrangetoyou。’’
　　TheHarvesterlikedthat。
　　``Allthewashedthingsareinthoseboxesupstairs；
　　alsosomefineskinsI’vesavedonthechanceofwantingthem。Herdishesareinthebottomofthechinaclosetthere；shewasmightyproudofthem。ThefurnitureandcarpetsweresooldandabusedIburnedthem。I’llgobringawrap。’’
　　Hetookthecandleandclimbedthestairs，soonreturningwithalittlewhitewoolshawlandabigpinkcoverlet。
　　``GotthisforherChristmasonetime，’’hesaid。``She’dneverhadawhiteoneandshethoughtitwaspretty。’’
　　HefoldeditaroundtheGirl’sshouldersandpickedupthecoverlet。
　　``You’renevergoingtotakethattothewoods！’’shecried。
　　``Whynot？’’
　　Shetookitinherhandstofindacorner。
　　``JustasIthought！It’sagenuinePeterHartman！
　　It’soneofthethingsthatmoneycan’tbuy，or，rather，onethattakesamintofmoneytoown。Theyareheirlooms。Theyarenotmanufacturedanymore。
　　AttheartstorewhereIworkedthey’dgiveyoufiftydollarsforthat。Itisnotfadedorwornaparticle。
　　Itwouldbelovelyinmyroom；youmustn’ttakeatreasurelikethatoutofdoors。’’
　　``Ruth，areyouinearnest？’’demandedtheHarvester。
　　``Ibelievetherearesixofthemupstairs。’’
　　``Plutocrat！’’criedtheGirl。``Whatcolours？’’
　　``Moreofthispinkishred，blue，andpalegreen。’’
　　``Famous！MayIhavethemtohelpfurnishwithto-morrow？’’
　　``Certainly！Anythingyoucanfind，anywayonearthyouwantit，onlyinmyroom。Thatistaboo，asItoldyou。WhatamIgoingtotaketo-night？’’
　　``Isn’ttherugyouhadinthewoodsinthewagonyet？
　　Usethat！’’
　　``Ofcourse！Theverything！Bel，proceed！’’
　　``Areyougoingtoleavethehouselikethis？’’
　　``Whynot？’’
　　``Supposesomeonebreaksin！’’
　　``Nothingworthcarryingaway，exceptwhatyouhaveon。Noonetogetin。Thereisabigswampbackofourwoods，marshinfront，we’reupherewherewecanseethedriveandbridge。Thereisnothingpossiblefromanydirection。Neverlockedthecabininmylife，exceptyourroom，andthatwasbecauseitwassacred，notthattherewasanydanger。Cleartheway，Bel！’’
　　``Clearitofwhat？’’
　　``Katydids，hoptoads，andothercarnivorousanimals。’’
　　``Nowyouaremakingfunofme！Clearitofwhat？’’
　　``Acoonthatmightgoshufflingacross，anopossum，orasnakegoingtothelake。Nowareyoufrightenedsothatyouwillnotgo？’’
　　``No。ThepathisbroadandwhiteandsurelyyouandBelcantakecareofme。’’
　　``Ifyouwilltrustuswecan。’’
　　``Well，Iamtrustingyou。’’
　　``Youareindeed，’’saidtheHarvester。``Nowseeifyouthinkthisispretty。’’
　　Heindicatedthehillslopingtowardthelake。Thepathwoundamongmassivetrees，betweenwhosebranchespatchesofmoonlightfiltered。Aroundthelakeshoreandclimbingthehillwerethicketsofbushes。Thewaterlayshininginthelight，agentlewindruffledthesurfaceinundulantwaves，andontheoppositebankarosethelineofbigtrees。Underagiantoakwidelybranching，onthetopofthehill，theHarvesterspreadtherugandheldoneendofitagainstthetreetrunktoprotecttheGirl’sdress。Thenhesatalittledistanceawayandbegantotalk。Hemingledsomesensewithaquantityofnonsense，andappreciatedeveryhintofalaughheheard。Thedayhadbeennoamusingmatterforagirlabsolutelyaloneamongstrangepeopleandscenes。Anythingmoreforeigntoherpreviousenvironmentorexpectationshecouldnotimagine。Sohetalkedtopreventherfromthinking，andworkedforalaughashelabouredforbread。
　　``Nowwemustgo，’’hesaidatlast。``IfthereisthemalariaIstronglysuspectinyoursystem，thisnightairisnonetoogoodforyou。Ionlywantedyoutoseethelakethefirstnightinyournewhome，andifitwon’tshockyou，Ibroughtyouherebecausethisismyholyofholies。CanyouguesswhyIwantedyoutocome，Ruth？’’
　　``IfIwasn’tsostupidwithalternateburningandchills，andsodeadenedtoeverypropersensibility，I
　　supposeIcould，’’sheanswered，``butI’mnotbrilliant。
　　Idon’tknow，unlessitisbecauseyouknewitwouldbetheloveliestplaceIeversaw。Surelythereisnootherspotintheworldquitesobeautiful。’’
　　``Thenwoulditseemstrangetoyou，’’askedtheHarvestergoingtotheGirlandgentlyputtinghisarmsaroundher，``woulditseemstrangetoyou，thatawomanwhooncehomedhereandthoughtittheprettiestplaceonearth，chosetoremainforhereternalsleep，ratherthantorestinadistantcityofstrangerdead？’’
　　HefelttheGirltrembleagainsthim。
　　``Whereisshe？’’
　　``Veryclose，’’saidtheHarvester。``Underthisoak。
　　Sheusedtosaythatshehadaspeakingacquaintancewitheverytreeonourland，andofthemallshelovedthisbigonethebest。Shelikedtocomehereinwinter，andfeelthestingofthewindsweepingacrossthelake，andinsummerthiswasherplacetoreadandtothink。
　　Sowhensheslepttheunwakingsleep，Ruth，Icamehereandmadeherbedwithmyownhands，andthencarriedhertoit，coveredher，andshesleepswell。I
　　neverhaveregrettedhergoing。Lifedidnotbringherjoy。Shewasverytired。Sheusedtosaythatafterhersoulhadfled，ifIwouldlayherhere，perhapsthebigrootswouldreachdownandfindher，andfromherfrailframegatherslightnourishmentandthenherbodywouldliveagainintalkingleavesthatwouldsheltermeinsummerandwhisperherloveinwinter。
　　OfallMedicineWoodsthisisthedearestspottome。
　　Canyouloveittoo，Ruth？’’
　　``OhIcan！’’criedtheGirl；``Idonow！Justtoseetheplaceandhearthatisenough。Iwish，ohtomysoulIwish——’’
　　``Youwishwhat？’’whisperedtheHarvestergently。
　　``Idarenot！Iwaswildtothinkofit。Iwouldbeungratefultoaskit。’’
　　``Youwouldbeungraciousifyoudidn’taskanythingthatwouldgivemethejoyofpleasingyou。Howlongisitgoingtorequireforyoutolearn，Ruth，thattomakeupforsomeofthedifficultieslifehasbroughtyouwouldgivememorehappinessthananythingelsecould？
　　Tellmenow。’’
　　``No！’’
　　Hegatheredhercloser。
　　``Ruth，thereisnoreasonwhyyoushouldbeactivelyunkindtome。Whatisityouwish？’’
　　Shestruggledfromhisarmsandstoodaloneinwhitemoonlight，staringacrossthelake，alongtheshore，deepintotheperfumedforest，andthenatthemoundshenowcoulddistinguishunderthegianttree。Suddenlyshewenttohimandwithbothshakinghandsgrippedhisarm。
　　``Mymother！’’shepanted。``Ohshewasabeautifulwoman，delicatelyreared，andherheartwascrushedandbroken。BytheinchshewenttoadreadfulendIcouldnotavertorallay，andinpovertyandgrimeIfoughtforawaytosaveherbodyfromfurtherhorror，andit’sallsodreadfulIthoughtallfeelinginmewasdriedandstill，butIamnotquitecallousedyet。Isufferitoverwitheverybreath。Itisneverentirelyoutofmymind。OhMan，ifonlyyouwouldliftherfromthehorribleplaceshelies，wherebriersrunriotandcattletrampleandtheunmercifulsunbeats！Ohifonlyyou’dliftherfromit，andbringherhere！Ibelieveitwouldtakeawaysomeofthehorror，theshame，andtheheartache。
　　IbelieveIcouldgotosleepwithouthearingthevoiceofhersuffering，ifIknewshewaslyingonthishill，underyourbeautifultree，closethedearmotheryoulove。OhMan，wouldyou——？’’
　　TheHarvestercrushedtheGirlinhisarmsandshudderingsobsshookhisbigframe，andchokedhisvoice。
　　``Ruth，forGod’ssake，bequiet！’’hecried。``WhyI’dbegladto！I’llgoanywhereyoutellme，andbringher，andsheshallrestwherethelakemurmurs，thetreesshelter，thewindssing，andearthknowsthesunonlyinlongraysofgoldlight。’’
　　Shestaredathimwithstrainedface。
　　``You——youwouldn’t！’’shebreathed。
　　``Ruth，child，’’saidtheHarvester，``ItellyouI’dbehappy。Lookatmysideofthis！I’minsearchofbandstobindyoutomeandtothisplace。Couldyoutellmeastrongerthantohavethemotheryouidolizedliehereforherlongsleep？WhyGirl，youcan’tknowthedeepandabidingjoyitwouldgivemetobringher。I’dfeelIhadyoualmostsecure。WhereissheRuth？’’
　　``InthatoldunkeptcemeterysouthofOnabasha，whereitcostsnomoneytolayawayyourlovedones。’’
　　``Closehere！WhyI’llgoto-morrow！Isupposedshewasinthecity。’’
　　Shestraightenedanddrewawayfromhim。
　　``HowcouldI？Ihadnothing。IcouldnothavepaidevenherfareandbroughtherhereinthecheapestboxthedecencyofmanwouldallowhimtomakeifherdoctorhadnotgivenmethemoneyIowe。NowdoyouunderstandwhyImustearnandpayitmyself？
　　Saveforhim，itwascharityorherdelicatebodytohorrors。Moneynevercanrepayhim。’’
　　``Ruth，thedayyoucametoOnabashawasshewithyou？’’
　　``Intheexpresscar，’’saidtheGirl。
　　``Wheredidyougowhenyouleftthetrainshed？’’
　　``Straighttothebaggageroom，whereUncleHenrywaswaiting。Menbroughtandputherinhiswagon，andhedrovewithmetotheplaceandothermenloweredher，andthatwasall。’’
　　``YoupoorGirl！’’criedtheHarvester。``Thistimeto-morrownightsheshallsleepinluxuryunderthisoak，sohelpmeGod！Ruth，canyouspareme？MayI
　　goatonce？Ican’trest，myself。’’
　　``Youwill？’’criedtheGirl。``Youwill？’’
　　Shewaslaughinginthemoonlight。``OhMan，I
　　can’tever，evertellyou！’’
　　``Don’ttry，’’saidtheHarvester。``Callitsettled。
　　Iwillstartearlyinthemorning。Iknowthatlittlecemetery。Themanwhoselanditisoncanpointmethespot。Sheisprobablythelastonelaidthere。Comenow，Ruth。GototheroomImadeforyou，andsleepdeeplyandinpeace。Willyoutrytorest？’’
　　``OhDavid！’’sheexulted。``Onlythink！Herewhereit’scleanandcool；besidethelake，whereleavesfallgentlyandIcancomeandsitclosetoherandbringflowers；andsheneverwillbealone，foryourdearmotherishere。OhDavid！’’
　　``Itisbetter。Ican’tthankyouenoughforthinkingofit。Comenow，letmehelpyou。’’
　　Hehalfcarriedherdownthehill。Thenhemadethecabinaglamouroflightbyputtingcandlesinthestickshehadcarvedandplacingthemeverywhere。
　　``Thereisalightingplantinthebasement，’’hesaid，``butIhadnotexpectedtouseituntilwinter，andI
　　havenoacetylene。Candleswereourgrandmothers’
　　lightsandtheyarethebestanyway。Gobatheyourface，Ruth，andwashawayalltraceoftears。Putonthepinkpowder，andinafewweeksyouwillhavecolourtooutdothewildestrose。Youmustbeasgayasyoucantheremainderofthisnight。’’
　　``Iwill！’’criedtheGirl。``Iwill！OhIdidn’tknowathingonearthcouldmakemehappy！Ididn’tknowIreallycouldbeglad。Ohiftheiceinmyheartwouldmelt，andthewallbreakdown，andthegirlhoodI’veneverknownwouldcomeyet！OhDavid，ifitwould！’’
　　``BeforetheLorditshall！’’vowedtheHarvester。
　　``ItshallcomewiththefulnessofjoyrighthereinMedicineWoods。Thinkit！Believeit！Keepitbeforeyou！Workforit！Happinessisworthwhile！
　　Allofushavearighttoit！Itshallbeyoursandsoon。’’
　　``Iwilltry！Iwill！’’promisedtheGirl。``I’llgorightnowandI’llputontheblessedpinkpowdersothicklyyou’llneverknowwhatisunderit，andsoonitwon’tbeneededatall。’’
　　Shewaslaughingasshelefttheroom。TheHarvesterrestlesslywalkedthefloorafewminutesandthensatwithanotebookandbeganenteringstems。
　　WhentheGirlreturned，hebroughtthepillowfromherbed，foldedthecoverlet，andshelayontheminthebigswing。Hecoveredherwiththewhiteshawl，andwhileSingingWatersangitsloudest，katydidsexultedoverthedelightfulactoftheirancestor，andamilliongauze-
　　wingedcreaturesofnighthummedagainstthescreen，inavoicesoftandlowhetoldherinasteadystream，asheswayedherbackandforth，whateachsoundofthenightwas，andhowandwhyitwasmadeallthewayfromtherumblingbuzzoftheJunebugtothescreechoftheowlandthesplashofthebassinthelake。Allofit，asitappealedtohim，wasthestoryofsteadyevolution，thenaturalprocessesofreproduction，thejoyoflifeanditsbattles，andtheconquestofthestronginnature。Athishandseverysoundwasstrippedofterror。
　　Theleapingbasswasexultinginlife，thescreechingowlwastellingitsmateithadfoundafatmouseforthechildren，thenighthawkwascourting，thebigbullfrogsboomingaroundthelakewereserenadingthemoon。
　　Therewasnotathingtofearoravoiceleftwithanunsympatheticnoteinit。Shewashalfasleepwhenatlasthehelpedhertoherroom，setapitcheroffrosty，clinkingdrinkonhertable，lockedherdoorandwindowscreensinside，spreadBelshazzar’sblanketonherporch，andsethisdoorwideopen，thathemighthearifshecalled，andthensaidgoodnightandwentbacktohismemorandumbook。
　　``Nobadbeginning，’’hemutteredsoftly，``nobadbeginning，butI’dalmostgivemyrighthandifshehadn’tforgotten——’’
　　InherroomtheexhaustedGirlslippedthepinsfromherhairandsankonthelowchairbeforethedressing-
　　table。Shepickeduptheshining，silverbackedbrushandstaredatthemonogram，R。F。L，entwinedonit。
　　``Mysoul！’’sheexclaimed。``WASHESOSUREASTHAT？
　　Wasthereeveranyothermanlikehim？’’
　　Shedroppedthebrushandwithtiredhandspushedbacktheheavybraids。Thenshearoseandgoingtothechestofdrawersbeganliftinglidstofindanightrobe。Asshesearchedtheboxesshefoundeverydainty，prettyundergarmentagirleverusedandatlasttherobes。Sheshookoutalongwhiteone，slippedintoit，andwalkedtothebed。Thatstoodashehadarrangedit，white，clean，anddainty。
　　``Everythingforme！’’shesaidsoftly。``Everythingforme！Shalltherebenothingforhim？Ohhemakesiteasy，easy！’’
　　Shesteppedtothecloset，pickeddownalavendersilkkimonaanddrawingitoverhergownshegathereditaroundherandopeningthebathroomdoor，shesteppedintoalittlehallleadingtothedining-room。Assheenteredtheliving-roomtheHarvesterbentoverhisbook。
　　Herstepwasveryclosewhenhehearditandturnedhishead。Inaninstantshetouchedhisshoulders。TheHarvesterdroppedthepencil，andpalmdownwardlaidhishandsonthetable，hispromisestronginhisheart。
　　TheGirlslidashakingpalmunderhischin，leanedhisheadagainstherbreast，anddroppedasweet，tear-wetfaceonhis。Withallthestrengthofherfrailarmsshegrippedhimasecond，andthengavethekiss，intowhichshetriedtoputallshecouldfindnowordstoexpress。
　　CHAPTERXIV
　　SNOWYWINGS
　　TheHarvestersatatthetableindeepthoughtsuntilthelightsintheGirl’sroomweredarkenedandeverythingwasquiet。Thenhelockedthescreensinsideandwentintothenight。Themoonfloodedallthehillside，untilcoarseprintcouldhavebeenreadwithkeeneyesinitslight。Arestlessness，bornofexultationhecouldnotallayorcontrol，wasonhim。Shehadnotforgotten！Afterthis，thedreamwouldbeeffacedbyreality。Itwasthebeginning。Hescarcelyhaddaredhopeforsomuch。Surelyitpresagedthelovewithwhichshesomedaywouldcometohimandcrownhislife。Hewalkedsoftlyupanddownthedrive，passingherwindows，unabletothinkofsleep。Overandoverhedweltontheincidentsoftheday，soinevitablyhecametohispromise。
　　``MercifulHeaven！’’hemuttered。``Howcansuchthingshappen？Thepoor，overworked，tired，sufferinggirl。Itwillgivehersomecomfort。Shewillfeelbetter。
　　Ithastobedone。IbelieveIwilldotheworstpartofitwhileshesleeps。’’
　　Hewenttothecabin，creptveryclosetooneofherwindowsandlistenedintently。Surelynomortalawakecouldliemotionlesssolong。Shemustbesleeping。HepattedBelshazzar，whispered，``Watch，boy，watchforyourlife！’’andthencrossedtothedry-house。Besideithefoundabigrollofcoffeesacksthatheusedincollectingroots，andgoingtothebarn，hetookaspadeandmattock。Thenheclimbedthehilltotheoak；inthewhitemoonlightlaidoffhismeasurementsandbeganwork。Hisheartwasverytenderasheliftedtheearth，andthrewitintothetopsofthebigbagshehadproppedopen。
　　``I’lllineitwithacoupleofsheetsandfinishtheedgewithpondliliesandferns，’’heplanned，``andI’lldragthisearthfromsight，andcoveritwithbrushuntilI
　　needit。’’
　　Sometimeshepausedinhisworktorestafewminutesandthenhestoodandglancedaroundhim。Severaltimeshewentdownthehillandslippedclosetoawindow，buthecouldnothearasound。Whenhisworkwasfinished，hestoodbeforetheoak，scrapingclingingearthfromthemattockwithwhichhehadcutrootshehadbeencompelledtoremove。Hewastirednowandhethoughthewouldgotohisroomandsleepuntildaybreak。
　　Asheturnedtheimplementherememberedhowthroughithehadfoundher，andnowhewasusingitinherservice。Hesmiledasheworked，andhalflistenedtothesteadyrollofsoundencompassinghim。Acoolbreathsweptfromthelakeandhewonderedifitfoundherwet，hotcheek。Awildduckintherushesbelowgaveanalarmsignal，anditraninsubduedvoice，notebynote，alongtheshore。TheHarvestergrippedthemattockandstoodmotionless。Wildthingshadtaughthimsomanylessonsheheededtheirwarningsinstinctively。
　　Perhapsitwasaminkormuskratapproachingtherushes。Listeningintently，heheardastealthystepcomingupthepathbehindhim。
　　TheHarvesterwaited。Hesoundlesslymovedaroundthetrunkofthebigtree。Aninstantmorethenightprowlerstoppedsquarelyattheheadoftheopengrave，andjumpedbackwithanoath。Hestoodtenseasecond，thenadvanced，scratchedamatchanddroppeditintothedepthsoftheopening。ThatinstanttheHarvesterrecognizedHenryJameson，andwithaspringlandedbetweentheman’sshouldersandsenthim，facedown，headlongintothegrave。Hesnatchedoneofthesacksofearth，andtippingit，grippedthebottomandemptiedthecontentsontheheadandshouldersoftheprostrateman。Thenhedroppedonhimandfeelingacrosshisbacktookanugly，bigrevolverfromapocket。HeswungtothesurfaceandwaiteduntilHenryJamesoncrawledfromundertheweightofearthandbegantorise；then，ateachattempt，heknockedhimdown。Atlasthecaughttheexhaustedmanbythecollaranddraggedhimtothepath，wherehedroppedhimandstoodgloating。
　　``So！’’hesaid；``It’syou！Comingtoexecuteyourthreat，areyou？What’sthematterwithmyfinishingyou，loadingyourcarcasswithafewstonesintothissack，anddroppingyouinthedeepestpartofthelake。’’
　　Therewasnoreply。
　　``Ain’tyoualittlehasty？’’askedtheHarvester。
　　``Isn’titrathercoldbloodedtocomesneakingwhenyouthoughtI’dbeasleep？Don’tyouthinkitwouldbelowdowntokillamanonhisweddingday？’’
　　HenryJamesonarosecautiouslyandfacedtheHarvester。
　　``Whohaveyoukilled？’’hepanted。
　　``Noone，’’answeredtheHarvester。``Thisisforthevictimofamemberofyourfamily，butIneverdreamedI’dhavethejoyofplantinganyofyouinitfirst，eventemporarily。Didyourestwell？WhatIshouldhavedonewastofillin，treaddown，andleaveyouatthebottom。’’
　　Jamesonretreatedafewsteps。TheHarvesterlaughedandadvancedthesamedistance。
　　``Nowthen，’’hesaid，``explainwhatyouaredoingonmypremises，afewhoursafteryourthreat，andarmedwithanotherrevolverbeforeIcouldreturntheoneItookfromyouthisafternoon。Youmustgrowthemonbushesatyourplace，theyseemsonumerous。
　　Speakup！Whatareyoudoinghere？’’
　　Therewasnoanswer。
　　``Therearethreethingsitmightbe，’’musedtheHarvester。``Youmightthinktoharmme，butyou’rewatchedonthatscoreandIdon’tbelieveyou’denjoytheresultsuretofollow。YoumightcontemplatetryingtostealRuth’smoneyagain，butwe’llpassthatup。
　　YoumightwanttogothroughmywoodstoinformyourselfastowhatIhaveofvaluethere。But，inallprob-
　　ability，youareafterme。Well，hereIam。Goahead！
　　Dowhatyoucameto！’’
　　TheHarvestersteppedtowardthelakebankandJameson，turningtowatchhim，exposedafaceghastlythroughitsgrime。
　　``Lookhere！’’criedtheHarvester，sickening。``Wewillendthisrightnow。Iwasratherbusythisafternoon，butIwasn’ttoohurriedtotakethatlittleweaponofyourstothechiefofpoliceandtellhimwhereandhowIgotitandwhatoccurred。Hewastoreturnittoyouto-morrowwithhisultimatum。WhenIhaveaddedthehistoryofto-night，reinforcedbyanothergun，hewillunderstandyourintentionsandknowwhereyoubelong。Youshouldbeconfined，butbecauseyournameisthesameastheGirl’s，andthereisofyourbloodinherveins，I’llgiveyouonemorechance。I’llletyougothistime，butI’llreportyou，anddeliverthisimplementtobeaddedtoyourcollectionatheadquarters。AndI
　　tellyou，andI’lltellthem，thatifeverIfindyouonmypremisesagain，I’llfinishyouonsight。Isthatclear？’’
　　Jamesonnodded。
　　``WhatIshoulddoistoplumpyousquarelyintoconfinement，asIcouldeasilyenough，butthat’snotmyway。Iamgoingtoletyouoff，butyougoknowingthelaw。Onethingmore:Don’tleavewithanydistortedideasinyourhead。IsawRuththedayshesteppedfromthecarsinOnabashaandIlovedher。Iwantedtocourtandmarryher，asanymanwouldthegirlheloves，butyouspoiledthatwithyourwomankillingbrutality。SoImarriedherinOnabashathisafternoon。
　　Youcanseetherecordsatthecountyclerk’sofficeandinterviewtheministerwhoperformedtheceremony，ifyoudoubtme。Ruthisinherroom，comfortableasIcanmakeher，asleepandunafraid，thankGod！Thisgraveisforhermother。TheGirlwantsherliftedfromthehorribleplaceyouputher，andlaidwhereitisshelteredandpleasant。Now，I’llseeyouoffmyland。
　　Hurryyourself！’’
　　WiththeHarvesterfollowing，HenryJamesonwentbackoverthepathhehadcome，untilhereachedandmountedthehorsehehadridden。AstheHarvesterwatchedhim，Jamesonturnedinthesaddleandspokeforthesecondtime。
　　``Whatwillyougivemeincoldcashtotellyouwhosheis，andwherehermother’speopleare？’’
　　TheHarvesterleapedforthebridleandmissed。
　　Jamesonbentoverthehorseandlashedittoarun。