TheHarvesterlookedatherquizzicallyandsawagleamofmischiefintheusuallydulldarkeyesthatdelightedhim。
``Thatisthecustomarysuppositionwhenhefindsvoice，’’hesaid。``Butsincethishasbecomeyourhome，youareboundtolearnsomeofmysecrets。OneofthemItrytoguardisthefactthatAjaxhasatemper。Nomydear，heisnotalwayssendingawireless，Iamsorrytosay。Iwishhewas！Asamatteroffactheisventinghisdispleasureatanydifferenceinourconditions。Hehateschange。Helearnedthatfromme。Iwillenjoyseeinghimcomeforfavourayearfromnow，asIlearnedtocomeforit，evenwhenIdidn’tgetmuch，andtheroadlaywestofOnabasha。Ajax，stopthat！There’snousetoobject。Youknowyouthinkthathorseisnicecompanyforyou，andthattwocanfeedyoumorethanone。Don’tbeahypocrite！Ceasecryingthingsyoudon’tmean，andlearntolovethepeopleIdo。Comeon，oldboy！’’
Thepeacockcame，butwithfeatherscloselypressedandsteppingdaintily。Asthebirdadvanced，theHarvesterretreated，untilhestoodbesidetheGirl，andthenheslippedsomegraintoherhandandsheofferedit。
ButAjaxwouldnotbecoaxed。Hewastoofatandwellfed。Hehaughtilyturnedandmarchedaway，screamingatintervals。
``Nastytemper！’’commentedtheHarvester。``Nevermind！Hesoonwillbecomeaccustomedtoyou，andthenhewillloveyouasBelshazzardoes。Feedthedovesinstead。Theyarefriendlyenoughinallconscience。
Doyounoticethatthereisnotacolouredfeatheramongthem？Thesquabthatishatchedwithoneyoumayhaveforbreakfast。Nowlet’sgofindsomethingtoeat，andIwillfinishthebridgesoyoucanrestthereto-nightandwatchthesunsetonSingingWater。’’
Sotheywentintothecabinandpreparedfood，andthentheHarvestertoldtheGirltomakeherselfsoprettythatshewouldbeapictureandcomeandtalktohimwhilehefinishedtheroof。Shewenttoherroom，foundapalelavenderlinendressandputiton，dustedthepinkpowderthickly，andwentwhereawidebenchmadeaninvitingplaceintheshade。Thereshesatandwatchedherlightlyexpressedwhimtakeshape。
``Soonasthisisfinished，’’saidtheHarvester，``Iamgoingtobeginonthatteatable。Icanmakeitinalittlewhile，ifyouwantittomatchtheotherfurniture。’’
``Ido，’’saidtheGirl。
``Wonderifyoucoulddrawaplanshowinghowitshouldappear。Iamalittleshyonteatables。’’
``IthinkIcan。’’
TheHarvesterbroughtpaper，pencil，andashingleforadrawingpad。
``Nowrememberonething，’’hesaid。``Ifyouareinearnestaboutusingthoseoldbluedishes，thishasgottobeabig，healthytable。Alittleonewillappeartopheavywiththem。Itwouldbeagoodideatosetoutwhatyouwanttouse，arrangedasyouwouldlikethem，andletmetakethetopmeasurementthatway。’’
``Allright！I’llonlyindicatehowitslegsshouldbeandwewillfindthesizelater。Icouldalmostweepbecausethatwonderfulsetisbroken。IfIhadallofitI’dbesoproud！’’
TheGirlbentoverthedrawing。TheHarvesterworkedwithhisattentiondividedbetweenher，thebridge，andtheroad。Atlasthesawthebigredcarcreepingupthevalley。
``Seemstobesomeonecoming，Ruth！GuessitmustbeDoc。I’llgoopenthegate？’’
``Yes，’’saidtheGirl。``I’msoglad。Youwon’tforgettoaskhimtohelpmeifhecan？’’
TheHarvesterwheeledhastily。``Iwon’tforget！’’
hesaid，ashehurriedtothegate。Thecarranslowly，andtheGirlcouldseehimswingtothestepandstandtalkingastheyadvanced。Whentheyreachedhertheystoppedandallofthemcameforward。Shewenttomeetthem。SheshookhandswithMrs。Careyandthenwiththedoctor。
``Iamsogladyouhavecome，’’shesaid。
``Ihopeyouarenotlonesomealready，’’laughedthedoctor。
``Idon’tthinkanyonewithbrainstoappreciatehalfofthisevercouldbecomelonelyhere，’’answeredtheGirl。``No，itisn’tthat。’’
``A-ha！’’criedthedoctor，turningtohiswife。``Youseethatthebeautifulyoungladyremembersme，andhasbeenwishingIwouldcome。Ialwayssaidyoudidn’thalfappreciateme。Whataplaceyouaremaking，David！I’llrunthecartotheshadeandjoinyou。’’
Foralongtimetheytalkedunderthetrees，thentheywenttoseethenewhomeandallitsfurnishings。
``NowthisiswhatIcallcomfort，’’saidthedoctor。
``David，buildusahouseexactlysimilartothisoverthereonthehill，andletusliveoutherealso。I’dloveit。Wouldyou，Clara？’’
``Idon’tknow。Ineverlivedinthecountry。Onethingissure:IfItriedit，I’dpreferthistoanyotherplaceIeversaw。David，won’tyoutakemefarenoughupthehillthatIcanlookfromthetoptothelake？’’
``Certainly，’’saidtheHarvester。``Excuseusalittlewhile，Ruth！’’
AssoonastheyweregonetheGirlturnedtothedoctor。
``DoctorCarey，Davidsaysyouaregreat。Won’tyouexerciseyourartonme。Iamnotatallwell，andoh！I’dsolovetobestrongandsound。’’
``Willyoutellme，’’askedthedoctor，``justenoughtoshowmewhatcausedthetrouble？’’
``Badairandwater，poorlightandfoodatirregulartimes，overworkanddeepsorrow；everywrongconditionoflifeyoucouldimagine，withnotarayofhopeinthedistance，untilnow。ForthesakeoftheHarvester，I
wouldbewellagain。Please，pleasetrytocureme！’’
Sotheytalkeduntilthedoctorthoughtheknewallhedesired，andthentheywenttoseethegoldflowergarden。
``Icallthissimplysuperb，’’saidhe，takingaseatbeneaththetreeroofofherporch。``Youngwoman，I
don’tknowwhatI’lldotoyouifyoudon’tspeedilygrowstronghere。ThisistheprettiestplaceIeversaw，andlistentothemusicofthatbubbling，gurglinglittlecreek！’’
``Isn’thewonderful？’’askedtheGirl，lookingupthehill，wherethetallformoftheHarvestercouldbeseenmovingaround。``Justtoseehim，youwouldthinkhimtheessenceofmanlystrengthandforce。Andheis！
Sostrong！Intothelakeatallhours，atthedry-house，onthehill，grubbingroots，liftingbigpillarstosupportabridgeroof，andwithitallafancyasdelicateasanydreaminggirl。Doctor，thefairiespainttheflowers，colourthefruit，andfrostthewindowsforhim；andthewindscarrypollentotellhimwhenhisgrowingthingsarereadyforthedry-house。Idon’tsupposeIcantellyouanythingnewabouthim；butisn’theaperpetualsurprise？Neverlikeanyoneelse！Andnomatterhowhestartlesmeinthebeginning，healwaysendsbyconvincingme，atleast，thatheisright。’’
``IneverlovedanyothermanasIdohim，’’saidthedoctor。``IusheredhimintotheworldwhenIwasayoungmanjustbeginningtopractise，andI’veknownhimeversince。Iknowfewmensoscrupulouslyclean。
Trytogetwellandmakehimhappy，Mrs。Langston。
Hesodeservesit。’’
``YoumaybesureIwill，’’answeredtheGirl。
Afterthevisitorshadgone，theHarvestertoldhertoplacetheoldbluedishesasshewouldliketoarrangethemonhertable，sohecouldgetacorrectideaofthesize，andhelefttoputafewfinishingstrokesonthebridgecover。Shewentintothedining-roomandopenedthechinacloset。Sheknewfromherpeepinthework-
roomthattherewouldbemorepiecesthanshehadseenbefore；butshedidnotthinkorhopethatafullhalfdozenteasetandplates，bowl，platter，andpitcherwouldbewaitingforher。
``WhyRuth，whatmadeyoutireyourselftocomedown？Iintendedtoreturninafewminutes。’’
``OhMan！’’criedthelaughingGirl，assheclungpantinglytoabridgepillarforsupport，``Ijusthadtocometotellyou。Therearefairies！Reallytrulyones！
Theyhavefoundtheremainderofthewillowdishesforme，andnowtherearesomanyitisn’tgoingtobeatableatall。Itmustbealittlecupboardespeciallyforthem，inthatspacebetweenthemantelandthebookcase。
Thereshouldbeashiningbrassteacanister，andawaferboxliketheartspeoplemake，andI’llpourteaandtendthechafingdishandyoucantoastthebreadwithalongforkoverthecoals，andwewillhavesuppersontheliving-roomtable，anditwillbesuchfun。’’
``Beseated！’’criedtheHarvester。``Ruth，that’sthelongestspeechIeverheardyoumake，anditsounded，praisetheLord，likeagirl。DidDocsayhewouldfixsomethingforyou？’’
``Yes，suchalotofthings！Iamgoingtoshutmyeyesandopenmymouthandswallowallofthem。I’mgoingtobebornagainandforgetallIeverknewbeforeIcamehere，andsoonIwillbetaggingyoueverywhere，beggingyoutosuggestdesignsformypencil，andI’llsimplyforcelifetocomerightforyou。’’
TheHarvestersmiled。
``Soundsgood！’’hesaid。``But，Ruth，I’malittledubiousaboutforcework。Lifewon’tcomerightformeunlessyoulearntoloveme，andloveisastubborn，contrarybulldogelementofournaturethatwon’tbedrivenaninch。Itwandersasthewind，andstrikesusasitwill。You’llarriveatwhatIhopeformuchsoonerifyouforgetitandamuseyourselfandbeashappyasyoucan。Then，perhapsallunknowntoyou，alittlesparkoftendernessformewilllightinyourbreast；
andifiteverdoeswewillbuyafanningmillandputitinoperation，andwe’llraiseaflameorknowwhy。’’
``Andtherewon’tbeanyforceinthat？’’
``Whatyoucan’tcompelisthestart。It’sallrighttopushanygrowthafteryouhavesomethingtoworkon。’’
``Thatremindsme，’’saidtheGirl，``thereisaquestionIwanttoaskyou。’’
``Goahead！’’saidtheHarvester，glancingatherashehewedajoist。
Sheturnedawayherfaceandsatlookingacrossthelakeforalongtime。
``Isitadifficultquestion，Ruth？’’inquiredtheHarvestertohelpher。
``Yes，’’saidtheGirl。``Idon’tknowhowtomakeyousee。’’
``Takeanykindofaplunge。I’mnotusuallydense。’’
``Itisreallyquitesimpleafterall。It’saboutagirl——agirlIknewverywellinChicago。Shehadaproblem——anditworriedherdreadfully，andIjustwonderedwhatyouwouldthinkofit。’’
TheHarvestershiftedhispositionsothathecouldwatchthesideoftheavertedface。
``You’llhavetotellme，beforeIcantellyou，’’hesuggested。
``Shewasagirlwhoneverhadanythingfromlifebutworkandworry。Ofcourse，that’stheonlykindI’dknow！Onedaywhentheworkwasmostdifficult，andworrycutdeepest，andshereallythoughtshewaslosinghermind，amancamebyandhelpedher。Heliftedherout，andrescuedallthatwaspossibleforamantosavetoherinhonour，andwenthisway。Therewasn’tanythingmore。Probablythereneverwouldbe。Hisheartwasgreat，andhestoopedandpitiedhergentlyandpassedon。Afteratimeanothermancameby，agoodandnobleman，andheofferedherlovesowonderfulshehadn’tbrainstocomprehendhoworwhyitwas。’’
TheGirl’svoicetrailedoffasifsheweretoowearytospeakfurther，whilesheleanedherheadagainstapillarandgazedwithdulleyesacrossthelake。
``Andyourquestion，’’suggestedtheHarvesteratlast。
Sherousedherself。``Oh，thequestion！Whythis——
ifintime，andaftershehadtriedandtried，lovetoequalhissimplywouldnotcomewould——would——shebewrongtoPRETENDshecared，anddotheverybestshecould，andhopeforreallovesomeday？OhDavid，wouldshe？’’
TheHarvester’sfacewaswhiterthantheGirl’s。Hepoundedthechiselintothejoistsavagely。
``Wouldshe，David？’’
``Letmeunderstandyouclearly，’’saidthemaninadry，breathlessvoice。``Didshelovethisfirstmantowhomshecameunderobligations？’’
TheGirlsatgazingacrossthelakeandthetorturedHarvesterstaredather。
``Idon’tknow，’’shesaidatlast。``Idon’tknowwhethersheknewwhatlovewasorevercould。Sheneverbeforehadknownaman；herheartwasasundevelopedandstarvedasherbody。Idon’tthinksherealizedlove，buttherewasaSOMETHING。Everytimeshewouldfeelmostgratefulandlongforthelovethatwasofferedher，that`something’wouldawakeandhurtheralmostbeyondendurance。Yetsheknewheneverwouldcome。Sheknewhedidnotcareforher。Idon’tknowthatshefeltshewantedhim，butshewasundersuchobligationstohimthatitseemedasifshemustwaittoseeifhemightnotpossiblycome，andifhedidsheshouldbefree。’’
``Ifhecame，shepreferredhim？’’
``Therewasadebtshehadtopay——ifheaskedit。
Idon’tknowwhethershepreferredhim。Idoknowshehadnoideathathewouldcome，butthePOSSIBILITYwasalwaysbeforeher。Ifhedidn’tcomeintime，wouldshebewrongingivingallshehadtothemanwholovedher？’’
TheHarvester’slaughwasshortandsharp。
``Shehadnothingtogive，Ruth！Talkaboutworm-
wood，colocynthapples，andhemlock！Whatsortofhuskswouldthatbetoofferamanwhogavehonestlove？Lietohim！Pretendfeelingshedidn’texperience。
Endurehimforthesakeofwhatheofferedher？WellIdon’tknowhowcalmlyanyothermanwouldtakethatproceeding，Ruth，buttellyourfriendforme，thatifI
offeredawomanthedeep，lasting，andonlylovingpassionofmyheart，andshegavebackalieandindifferentlips，I’ddropherintothedeepestholeofmylakeandtakemypunishmentcheerfully。’’
``Butifitwouldmakehimhappy？Hedeserveseveryhappiness，andheneedneverknow！’’
TheHarvester’slaughraisedtoanangryroar。
``Yousimpleton！’’hecriedroughly。``Doyouknowsolittleofhumanpassionintheheartthatyouthinklovecanbeasuccessfulassumption？GoodLord，Ruth！
Doyouthinkamanismadeofwoodorstone，thatawoman’slipsinherfirstkisswouldn’ttellhimthetruth？
WhyGirl，youmightaswelltrytospreadyourtiredarmsandflyacrossthelakeastoattempttopretendaloveyoudonotfeel。Younevercould！’’
``IsaidagirlIknew！’’
```AGirlyouknew，’then！Anywoman！Theideaismonstrous。Tellhersoandforgetit。Youalmostscaredthelifeoutofmeforaminute，Ruth。Ithoughtitwasgoingtobeyou。ButIrememberyourdebtistobepaidwiththefirstmoneyyouearn，andyoucannothavetheslightestideawhatloveis，ifyouhonestlyaskifitcanbesimulated。Noma’am！Itcan’t！Notpossibly！Notever！Andwhenthedaycomesthatitsfireslightyourheart，youwillcometome，andtellofafloodofdelightthatistinglingfromthesolesofyourfeetthrougheverynerveandfibreofyourbody，andyouwilllaughwithmeatthetimewhenyouaskedifitcouldbeimitatedsuccessfully。No，ma’am！Nowletmehelpyoutothecabin，serveagoodsupper，andseeyoueatlikeafarmer。’’
AlleveningtheHarvesterwassogayhekepttheGirllaughingandatlastsheaskedhimthecause。
``Relief，honey！Relief！’’criedtheman。``Youhadmeparalyzedforaminute，Ruth。Ithoughtyouweretryingtotellmethattherewassomeonesopossessingyourheartthatitfailedeverytimeyoutriedtothinkaboutcaringforme。Ifyouhadn’tconvincedmebeforeyoufinishedthatloveneverhastouchedyou，I’dbethesaddestmanintheworldto-night，Ruth。’’
TheGirlstaredathimwithwideeyesandsilentlyturnedaway。
Thenforaweektheyworkedoutlifetogetherinthewoods。TheHarvesterwasthehousekeeperandthecook。Headdedtohisstoremanydeliciousbrothsandstimulantshebroughtfromthecity。Theydroveeverydaythroughthecoolwoods，oftenrowedonthelakeintheevenings，walkedupthehilltotheoakandscatteredfreshflowersonthetwomoundsthere，andsatbesidethemtalkingforatime。TheHarvesterkeptuphisworkwiththeherbs，andthelittleclosetforthebluedisheswasfinished。Theycelebratedinstallingthembyhavingsupperontheliving-roomtable，withtheteapotononeend，andthepitcherfullofbellflowersontheother。
TheGirltookeverythingprescribedforher，bathed，sleptallshecould，andworkedforhealthwithalltheforceofherfrailbeing，andasthedayswentbyitseemedtotheHarvesterherweightgrewlighter，herhandshotter，andshedroveherselftoagayetyalmostdelirious。Hethoughthewouldhavepreferredadull，stupidsleepofmalaria。Therewascolourinplentyonhercheeksnow，andsometimeshefoundherwrappedinthewhiteshawlatnoononthewarmestdaysMedicineWoodsknewinearlyAugust；andoncoolnightssheworethethinnestclothingandbeggedtobetakenonthelake。TheCareyscameouteveryothereveningandthedoctorwatchedandworked，buthedidnotgettheresultshedesired。Hismedicineswerenoteffective。
``David，’’hesaidoneevening，``Idon’tlikethelooksofthis。YourwifehasfeverIcan’tbreak。Itiseatingthelittlestoreofvitalityshehasrightoutofher，andsomeofthesedayssheiscomingdownwithacrash。
SheshouldyieldtotheremediesIamgivingher。Sheactstomelikeawomandrivenwildbytroublesheisconcealing。Doyouknowanythingthatworriesher？’’
``No，’’saidtheHarvester，``butI’lltrytofindoutifitwillhelpyouinyourwork。’’
AftertheyweregonehelefttheGirllyingintheswingguardedbythedog，andwentacrossthemarshontheexcusethathewasgoingtoabedofthornappleatthefootofthehill。Therehesatonalogandtriedtothink。Withthemistsofnightrisingaroundhim，ghostsarosehefainwouldhaveescaped。``Whatwillyougivemeincoldcashtotellyouwhosheis，andwhoherpeopleare？’’Timesuntoldinthepasttwoweekshehadsmothered，swallowed，andchokeditdown。
Thatquestionshehadwantedtoask——wasitforagirlshehadknown，orwasitforherself？Daysofthoughthaddeepenedthefirstslightimpressionhesobravelyhadputaside，notintocertainty，butagreatfearthatshehadmeantherself。Ifshedid，whatwashetodo？Whowastheman？Therewasadebtshehadtopayifheaskedit？Whatdebtcouldawomanpayamanthatdidnotinvolvemoney？Crouchedonaloghesufferedandtwistedinagonizingthought。Atlasthearoseandreturnedtothecabin。Hecarriedafewfrosty，blue-greenleavesofvelvetsoftnessandunusualcutting，pricklythornapplesfullofseeds，andsomeofthesmoother，moreyellowish-greenleavesofthejimsonweed，togiveexcuseforhisabsence。
``Don’ttouchthem，’’hewarnedashecametoher。
``Theyarepoisonandhavedisagreeableodour。Butweareimportingthemformedicinalpurposes。Onthefarsideofthemarsh，wherethegroundrises，thereisawasteplacejustsuitedtothem，andsolongastheywillseedandflourishwithnocareatall，Imightaswellhavethepriceastheforeignpeoplewhoraisethem。Theydon’tbringenoughtomakethemworthcultivating，butwhentheygrowaloneandwithnocare，Icanmakemoneyonthetimerequiredtocliptheleavesanddrytheseeds。ImustgowashbeforeIcomeclosetoyou。’’
Thenextdayhehadbusinessinthecity，andagainshelayintheswingandtalkedtothedogwhiletheHarvesterwasgone。ShewasstartledasBelshazzararosewithagruffbark。Shelookeddownthedriveway，butnoonewascoming。Thenshefollowedthedog’seyesandsawaqueer，littleoldwomancomingupthebankofSingingWaterfromthenorth。SherememberedwhattheHarvesterhadsaid，andrisingsheopenedthescreenandwentdownthepath。AstheGirladvancedshenoticedthescrupulouscleanlinessofthecalicodressandginghamapron，andthesnowyhairframingabronzedfacewithdancingdarkeyes。
``AreyouDavid’snewwife？’’askedGrannyMorelandwithlaughinginflection。
``Yes，’’saidtheGirl。``Comein。Hetoldmetoexpectyou。Iamsosorryheisaway，butwecangetacquaintedwithouthim。Letmehelpyou。’’
``Idon’tknowbutthatoughttobetheotherwayabout。Youdon’tlookverystrong，child。’’
``Iamnotwell，’’saidtheGirl，``butit’slovelyhere，andtheairissofineIamgoingtobebettersoon。Takethischairuntilyourestalittle，andthenyoushallseeourprettyhome，andallthefurnitureandmydresses。’’
``Yes，Iwanttoseethings。My，butDavidhastriedhimself！Iheardhewasjusttearin’upJackoverhere，andIcouldgetthesoundofthehammerin’，andonedayheaskedmetocomeandseeabouthisbeddin’。
HehadthatLizyCroftertowashforhim，butifIhadn’tjeststoodoverherhisblanketswouldhavebeenruined。
She’snomorerespectforfinegoodsthanapigwouldhaveforcreampie。Ihatetoseewoollensabused，asiftheywerehuman。My，butthingsisfancyheresincewhatDavidplantedisgrowin’！Didyoueverliveinthecountrybefore？’’
``No。’’
``Wheredoyouhailfrom？’’
``Wellnotfromthedirectionofhail，’’laughedtheGirl。``IlivedinChicago，butwewere——werenotrich，andsoIdidn’tknowtheluxuryofthecity；justthelonely，difficultpart。’’
``DoyoucallChicagolonely？’’
``AthousandtimesmoresothanMedicineWoods。
HereIknowthetreeswillwhispertome，andthewaterlaughsandsingsallday，andthebirdsalmostsplittheirthroatsmakingmusicforme；butIcanimaginenolonelinessonearththatwillbegintocomparewithbeingamongthecrowdsandcrowdsofalargecityandnoonehasawordorlookforyou。Imisstheseaoffacesandtheroaroflife；atfirstIwasalmostwildwiththesilence，butnowIdon’tfinditstillanymore；theHarvesteristeachingmewhateachsoundmeansandtheyseemtobecountless。’’
``Youthink，then，you’lllikeithere？’’
``Ido，indeed！Anyonewould。Evenmorethanthebeautifullocation，IlovetheinterestingpartoftheHarvester’soccupation。Ireallythinkthatgatheringmaterialtomakemedicinesthatwillallaypainistheverygreatestofallthegreatworkamancando。’’
``Good！’’criedGrannyMoreland，herdarkeyessnapping。``I’vealwayssaidit！I’vetriedtoencourageDavidinit。Andhe’sjustcapitalatputtin’someofhisstuffinshape，andcombinin’itinasgoodmedicineasyouevertook。ThisspringIwasallcrippledupwiththerheumatizuntilIwantedtohollereverytimeIhadtomove，andsometimesitgotsoaggravatin’I’mnotrightsurebutIdoneit。’LongcomesDavidandsays，`Icanfixyousomethin’，’andblessyou，iftheboydidn’ttakethetucksoutofme，untilhereIam，andtickledtopiecesthatIcangethere。ThistimelastyearIdidn’tcareifIlivedornot。NowseemsasifI’mcaperishasathreeweeks’lamb。Idon’tseehowamancoulddoabiggerthingthantostiruplifeinyoulikethat。’’
``Ithinkthisplacemakesanespecialappealtome，because，shortlybeforeIcame，Ihadtogiveupmymother。Shewasveryillandsufferedhorribly。EverytimeIseeDavidgoingtohislittlelaboratoryonthehilltoworkawhileIslipawayandaskGodtohelphimtofixsomethingthatwilleasethepainofhumanityasIshouldliketohaveseenherrelieved。’’
``Whyyoupoorchild！Nowonderyouarelookin’
sothinandpeaked！’’
``OhI’llsoonbeoverthat，’’saidtheGirl。``IammuchbetterthanwhenIcame。I’llbecomingovertotradepiewithyoubeforelong。Davidsaysyouaremynearestneighbour，sowemustbeclosefriends。’’
``Wellblessyourbigheart！Nowwhoeverheardofaprettyyoungthinglikeyouwantin’tobefriendswithaplainoldcountrywoman？’’
``WhyIthinkyouarelovely！’’criedtheGirl。``Andallofusareonthewaytoage，sowemustrememberthatwewillwantkindnessthenmorethanatanyothertime。Davidsaysyouknewhismother。Sometimewon’tyoutellmeallabouther？Youmustverysoon。TheHarvesteradoredher，andDoctorCareysaysshewasthenoblestwomanheeverknew。It’sabigcontracttotakeherplace。MaybeifyouwouldtellmeallyoucanrememberIcouldprofitbymuchofit。’’
GrannyMorelandwatchedtheGirlkeenly。
``Shewa’antnoordinarywoman，that’ssure，’’shecommented。``Andshedidn’tmakenocommonmanoutofherson，either。I’vealwayscontendedshetookthejobtooserious，andworeherselfoutatit，butshecertainlydonetheworkupprime。Ifshe’sabovecloudleanin’overtherampartslookin’down——thoughitgetsmeastowhatfoundationtheyuseorwheretheygetthestufftobuildtheramparts——butiftheyisramparts，andshe’speekin’overthem，shemusttakealotofsolidsatisfactioninseeingthatDavidisnotonlythemanshefoughtanddiedtomakehim，buthe’sgiveherquiteamargintospreadherselfon。She’lowedtomakehimabigman，butyougottoknowhimcloseandplenty’foreitstrikesyoujestwhathissizeis。I’vewatchedhimprettysharp，andtriedtohelpwhatIcouldsinceMarthywent，andI’mfranktosayIdrutherseeDavidhappythantobehappymyself。I’vehadmyfling。TherestofthewayI’mwillin’totakewhatcomes，withthebestgraceIcanmuster，andwearasmilin’facetobetokenthejoyIhavehad；butitcutsmesoretoseetheyoungsufferin’。’’
``DoyouthinkDavidisunhappy？’’askedtheGirleagerly。
``Idon’tseehowhecouldbe！’’criedtheoldlady。
``Ofcourseheain’t！’Pearsasifhe’sgoteverythin’tomakehimtheproudest，bestsatisfiedofmen。I’llownI
wasmightyanxioustoseeyou。Iknowthekindo’
womanitwouldtaketomakeDavidmiserable，anditseemssometimesasifmen——thatisgoodmen——areplumb，stoneblindwhenitcomestopickin’awoman。
Theyjesthitchupwitheverlastin’miseryeasyasdewrollingoffacabbageleaf。It’ssechablessedsighttoseeyou，andhearyourvoiceandknowyou’rethewomananybodycanseeyoube。WhyI’msohappywhenI
sethereandcon-tem’-plateyou，Iwanttocacklelikeapulletannouncin’herfirstegg。Ain’tthisporchthepurtiestplace？’’
``Comeseeeverything，’’invitedtheGirl，rising。
GrannyMorelandfollowedwithalacrity。
``Barefloors！’’shecried。``Wouldn’tthatbestyou？
IsawtheywasfinishedcapitalwhenIwasover，butI’lowedthey’dbecoveredaforeyoucome。Don’tyoulikenice，floweryBrisselscarpets，honey？’’
``NoIdon’t，’’saidtheGirl。``Yousee，whenrugsaredustytheycanberolled，carriedoutside，andcleaned。
Thewallscanbewiped，thefloorspolishedandthatwayahouseisalwaysfresh。Icankeepthisshining，germproof，andtrulycleanwithhalftheworkandnoneofthedangerofheavycarpetsandcurtains。’’
``Idon’tdoubtbutthemistruewords，’’saidGrannyMorelandearnestly。``Workmustbeeasierandsoonerdonethanitwasinmyday，orpeoplejestcouldn’thavehousesthesizeofthisorthetimetogadthatwomenhavenow。FromthelooksoftilestreetsofOnabasha，youwouldn’tthinkawoman’udhadababytotend，adinnerpota-bilin’，orabakin’ofbreadsencetheflood。
Andthecountryisjestasbadasthecity。We’reaapin’themtobeatthemonkeysatashow。Ihardlygotaneighbourthatain’tgotfiggeredBrisselscarpet，afurnace，awindmill，apianny，andherownhorseandbuggy。Several’sgotautermobiles，andtheyoungfolksarevisitin’arounda-ridin’thetrolleys，goin’tocollege，andcopyin’cityways。AmosPeters，nexttous；goesbareheadedinthehayfield，andwearsglovestopitchandplowin。Itellhimheremindsmeofthesecitywomenthatonlywearsthelowerhalfofawaistandnosleeves，andayardoffinegoodsmoppin’thefloors。
Wellifthatdon’t’beatthenation！Ain’tthemMarthy’soldbluedishes？’’
``Letmeshowyou！’’TheGirlopenedthelittlecupboardandexhibitedthewillowware。Theeyesoftheoldwomanbegantosparkle。
``Foundationornofoundation，Idohopethemrampartsisago！’’shecried。``IfMarthyLangstonissquintin’overthemandsheseesheroldchanyputinafinecupboard，andherlittleshawlroundaspurtyagirlaseverstepped，andknowsherboyisgittin’whathedeserves，goodLord，she’llbeliketoousttheAlmighty，andsetonthethroneherself！’Bouteverythin’inlifewasadisappointmenttoher，’ceptDavid。Nowifshecouldseethis！Won’tIrubitintotheneighbours？
Andmyboys’wives！’’
``Idon’tunderstand，’’saidthebewilderedGirl。
``’Courseyoudon’t，honey，’’explainedthevisitor。
``It’slikethis:Idon’tknowanybody，manorwoman，intheseparts，thatain’trampagin’forCHANGE。Theyain’toneofthemthatwouldliveinalogcabin，thoughthey’snotahouseintwentymilesofherethatfitsitssurroundin’sandlookssohomelikeasthis。Theyrunupbig，fancybrickandframethings，allturnsandgablesandgayasfrostedpicnicpie，andworkandslavetogittheseverycarpetsyousayain’thealthy，andthechairsyousayyouwouldn’tgivehouseroom，an’theyusetheirgrandmother’schanyforbakin’，scraps，andgreasedishes，andhideitifthey’svisitors。Allofthemstrainin’aftersomethingtheycan’tafford，andthatain’thealthywhentheygitit，becausesomebodyelseisdoin’thesamething。MaryPeterssayssheisafearedofherlifeintheirnewsteamwagon，andshesaysAndygitssonarvousrunnin’it，hejestkeepsona-jerkin’anddrivin’allnight，andshethinkshe’llsoongotosmashhimself，ifthemachinedoesn’tbeathim。Buttheyarekeepin’itup，becauseGraceston’sis，andsoitgoesalloverthecountry。NowIcallitaslaprightinthefacetohaveaChicagywomancometothecountrytoliveandenjoyalogcabin，barefloors，andherman’sgrandmother’sdishes。Ifthereain’tMarthy’soldbluecoverlidalsocarefullyspreadonasplinternewsofy。Landy，Ican’twaittogettomysonJohn’s！He’sgotawomanthatwouldtaketwocoppersoffthecollectionplatewhileshewaspurtendin’toputonone，ifshecould，andthenspendthemforabrasspinorastringofglassbeads。
Won’thereyesbungwhenItellheraboutthis？ShewantedmyPeterHartmankiverforherironin’board。
Showmetherest！’’
``Thisisthedining-room，’’saidtheGirl，leadingtheway。
GrannyMorelandsteppedinandsentherkeeneyesrangingoverthefloor，walls，andfurnishings。Shesankonachairandsaidwithachuckle，``Nowyougoonandtellmeallaboutit，honey。Jestwhatthingsareandwhyyoufixedthem，andhowtheyareused。’’
TheGirldidherbest，andtheoldwomannoddedindelightedapproval。
``It’sthepurtiestthingIeversaw，’’sheannounced。
``Aminuteago，I’d’a’saidthembluewallsbackthere，jestlikeOctoberskiesinIndiansummer，andthebrownrugs，likeleavesinthewoods，couldn’tbebeat；butthisgreenandyallerispurtieryet。Thatblueroomwillkeepthebestlookin’partoffallonallwinter，andwitharoarin’woodfire，it’llbecapital，andnomistake；butthishereisspring，jestspringeternal，an’that’sbestofall。Lookslikeitwasabouttimetheleaveswasbustin’
andthingspushin’up。Itwouldn’tsurprisemeamitetoseeaflockofswallerscomesailin’rightthroughthesewinders。Andhere’saplacebigenoughtolaydownandrestaspellrighthandytothekitchen，wherea-bodygitstiredest，withoutrunnin’ahalfmiletofindabed，andinthemornin’youcanlookdowntothe`stillwaters’；
andintheafternoon，whenthesungitsaroundhere，youcanpullthatblindand`liftyoureyestothehills，’likeDavidoftheBiblesays。My，didn’thesaythepurtiestthings！Ineverreadnothin’couldtouchhim！’’
``HaveyouseenthePsalmsarrangedinverseaswewouldwriteitnow？’’
``Youdon’tmeantotellmeDavid’sbeenputintorealpoetry？’’
``Yes。SomeBibleshaveallthepoeticalbooksinourformsofverse。’’
``Well！SometimesIgitkindo’knockedout！AsaruleIholdtooldways。Ithinkthey’rethehealthiestandthemostfaver’bletothesoul。Butthey’ssomechangescomealong，that’sgotsechhardcommon-sensetoriccomendthem，thatIwonderthepastgenerationsdidn’tseesooner。Nowtakethis！AnhouragoI’dtoldyouI’dreadmyfather’sBibletotheendofmydays。Butifthey’sanewonethat’sgotDavid，Solomon，andJobinnateralform，I’llhaveone，andI’llgitajoyIneverexpectedoutoflife。Iain’tgotsomuchpoetryinme，butitalwaysriledmetoread，`7。ThelawoftheLordisperfect，covertin’thesoul。8。ThestatutesoftheLordareright。9。ThefearoftheLordisclean。’
Andsoitgoeson，’boutasmuchfiggersastheyispoetry。
Alwaysdidworryme。SoiftheymakeBibles’cordin’
tocommonsense，I’llhaveoneto-morrowifIhavetowalktoOnabashatogetit。Lawsyme！ifyouain’tgatheredupMarthy’soldpinkteaset，andgiveitashow，too！DidyoudothattopleaseDavid，ordoyouhonestlythinkthemisnicedishes？’’
``Ithinktheyarebeautiful，’’laughedtheGirl，sinkingtoachair。``Idon’tknowthatitdidpleasehim。Hehadbeenstudyingthesubject，butsomethingsavedhimfrombuyinganythinguntilIcame。I’dhavefeltdreadfullyifhehadgottenwhathewanted。’’
``Whatdidhewant，honey？’’askedtheoldladyinanawestruckwhisper。
``Egg-shellchinaandcutglass。’’
``Andyouwouldn’tlethim！Woman！Whatdoyouwant？’’
``Asetoftulip-yellowdishes，withDutchlittlefiguresonthem。Theyaresoquaintandtheywouldharmonizeperfectlywiththisroom。’’
Theoldladylaughedgleefully。
``My！Iwouldn’t’a’missedthisforadollar，’’shecried。
``Itjestdoesmysoulgood。More’nthat，ifyoureallylikeMarthy’sdishesandaregoingtotakecareofthemandusethemright，I’llgiveyoumine，too。Iain’tneverhadagirl。I’vealwayshopedshe’d’a’hadsomejedgmentofherown，andnotbeeneternallyapin’，ifIhad，buttheLordmay’a’savedmemanyadisappointmentbysendin’allmineboys。NotthatI’mlayin’thebabiesontotheLordatall——Ijestgotintothehabitofsayin’
that，’coseverybodyelsedoes，butallmine，IhadapurtygoodidyhowIgotthem。Ifagirlofminewouldn’t’a’hadmoresense，raisedrightwithme，I’d’a’beenpurtybadcutupoverit。Ofcourse，Ican’tbeheldresponsibleforthegirlsmyboysmarried，butt’otherdayEmmeline——that’sJohn’swife——Johnistheyoungest，andI
sorto’clingtohim——Emmelineshesaystome，`Mother，can’tIhavethisoldpinkandgreenteapot？’Myheartwarmedrightuptothechild，andIsays，`Whatdoyouwantitfor，Emmeline？’Andshesays，`Todrawtheteain。’CrackyDinah！Thatfoolwomanmeanttosetmygrandmother’sweddin’presentfromherpaandma，dishessameasMarthyWashingtonused，onthestovetobiletheteain。Ijestsnorted！`No，saysI，`youcan’t！’ForeIdie，’saysI，`I’llmeetupwithsomewomanthat’lllovedishesandknowhowtotreatthem。’
IthinkjestaboutasmuchofDavidasIdomyownboys，andIdon’tmakenobonesofthefactthathe’saheapmoreofaman。I’djestassoonmydisheswenttohischildrenastoJohn’s。I’llgiveyoueverypieceIgot，ifyou’lltakekeerofthem。’’
``Woulditberight？’’waveredthegirl。
``Right！Why，I’mjesttellin’youthefoolwimmenwouldbileteainthem，makegreasesassersofthem，andusethemtodishupthebakin’on！Wouldn’tyouaheapratherseethemgointoacupboardlikeDavid’sma’sisin，wherethey’dbetakenkeerof，iftheywasyours？Iguessyouwould！’’
``Wellifyoufeelthatway，andreallywantustohavethem，IknowDavidwillbuildanotherlittlecupboardontheothersideofthefireplacetoputyoursin，andIcan’ttellyouhowI’dloveandcareforthem。’’
``I’lljestdoit！’’saidGrannyMoreland。``IgotaboutasmanyblueonesasMarthyhadan’minearepurtierthanhers。Andmylustreisbrighter，forI
didn’tuseitsomuch。Isthisthekitchen？WellifIeversawsechacool，whiteplacetocookinbefore！
Ain’tDavidthebeatenesthandtothinkupthings？
Hegotthestartofthattakin’keerofhismaallhislife。Hesortoflearnedwhatawomanuses，andhowit’shandiest。Notthatothermendon’tknow；it’sjestthattheyaretoomortalselfishandkeerlesstofixthings。Wellthisisgreat！Nowwhenyoubilecabbageandthewash，alwaysopenyourwinderswideandletthosteamout，soitwon’tspileyourwalls。’’
``I’llbeverycareful，’’promisedtheGirl。``Nowcomeseemybathroom，closetandbedroom。’’
``WellasIlive！Ain’tthisfine。I’llbetapurtythatifI’d’a’hadaroomandatroughlikethistosoakinwhenIwasworetoafrazzle，Iwouldn’t’a’gotalltwistedupwithrheumatizlikeIam。Itjestlooksrestfultosee。Ineverwashedinaplacelikethisinallmydays。
Mustfeelgrandtobewetalloveratonce！Noweverybodyoughttohavesecharoomanduseitatallhours，likeDaviddoesthelake。Didyoueverseehisbeattogoswimmin’？He’salwaysinsplashin’！Beenatitallhislife。Iusedtobeskeeredwhenhewasalittletyke。Hesoakedsomuch’pearedlikehe’dwashallthesubstanceoutofhim，butitonlymadehimstrong。’’
``Hasheeverbeenill？’’
``NotthatIknowof，andIreckonI’dknoweditifhehad。Wellwhataclothespress！Ineversawsomanydressesatonce。Ain’ttheypurty？OhIwishIwasyoung，andcouldhaveonelikethatyaller。AndI’dliketohaveonelikeyourlavenderrightnow。My！
Youareluckytohavesomanyniceclothes。It’sagoodthingmostgirlshaven’tgotthem，orthey’dstandprimpin’alldaytryin’todecidewhichonetoputon。
Idon’tseehowyoutellyourself。’’
``IweartheonethatbesthideshowpaleIam，’’
answeredtheGirl。``Iusethecoloursnow。WhenI
growplumpandrosy，I’llwearthewhite。’’
GrannyMorelanddroppedonthecouchandassuredherselfthatitwasMartha’spinkPeterHartman。Thensheexaminedthesunshineroom。
``WellIgottogobacktothestart，’’shesaidatlast。
``Thisbeatsthedinin’-room。ThisisthepurtiestthingIeversaw。OhIdohopetheyain’tsoruntowhiteinHeavenassomefolksseemtothink！Usedtobescandalizedifa-bodytookanythin’butawhiteflowertoafuneral。NowtheytellmethatwhenJedgeStilton’syoungestgirlcomefromNewYorktoherpa’sburyin’shefetchedaboutawashtubofblood-redroses。
Putthemalloverhim，too！Saidhelovedredroseslivin’andsohewasgoin’tohavethemwhenhepassedover。Nowiftheyarelettin’upalittleonwhiteonearth，mebbysomeofthestylishoneswillcarrythefashionoveryander。IfHeavenislikethis，Iwon’tspendnoneofmytimefrettin’aboutthefoundations。I’lljestforgetthereisany，evenifwedoalwayshavetobesoperticlertogetthemsolidonearth。Talkofgoldharps！Can’tyoualmosthearthem？Andlistentothebirdsandthatwater！Say，youwon’tgetlonesomehere，willyou？’’
``Indeedno！’’answeredtheGirl。``Wouldn’tyouliketolieonmybeautifulcouchthattheHarvestermadewithhisownhands，andI’llspreadMotherLangston’scoverletoveryouandletyoulookatallmyprettythingswhileIslipawayafewminutestosomethingI’dliketodo？’’
``I’dloveto！’’saidtheoldwoman。``Ineverhadachanceatsuchfinethings。Davidtoldmehewasmakin’
yourroomallhimself，andthathewasgoin’tofillitchuckfullofeverythin’agirleverused，andIseehedoneitrightan’proper。AwaylastMarchhetoldmehewasbuildin’foryou，an’Ihankeredsotohaveawomanhereagain，eventhoughInevers’posedshe’dbesochiablelikeyou，thatIeggedhimonjestallIcould。I
neverwould’a’s’posedtheboycouldmarrylikethis——
allbyhimself。’’
TheGirlwenttotheicechesttobringsomeofthefruitjuice，chilledberries，andtothepantryforbreadandwaferstomakeadaintylittlelunchthatsheplacedontheverandatable；andthensheandGrannyMorelandtalked，untilthevisitorsaidthatshemustgo。TheGirlwentwithhertothelittlebridgecrossingSingingWateronthenorth。Theretheoldladytookherhand。
``Honey，’’shesaid，``I’mgoin’totellyousomethin’。
IamsohappyIcanpurtnearfly。LastnightIwascomin’downthepikeovertherechasin’homeacontraryoldganderofmine，andIlookedoveronyourlandandIseeDavidsettin’onalogwithhisheadbetweenhishandsalookin’likegrimdeath，ifIeverseeit。Myheartplumstopped。SaysI，`she’safailure！She’sabustin’theboy’sheart！I’llgostraightoverandtellherso。’Ididn’tdarebespeakhim，butIwasonnettlesallnight。Ijestlaida-studyin’anda-studyin’，andI
says，`Comemornin’I’llgostraightandgiveheracurry-
combin’that’lldohergood。’AndIstarteda-feelin’
prettygrim，andhereyoucametomeetme，andwipeditalloutofmyheartinaflash。Itdidlookliketheboywasgrievin’；butIknownowhewasjestthinkin’upwhattoputtogethertotaketheacheoutofsomepooroldcarcasslikemine。Itnevercouldhavebeenaboutyou。
LikeahalfblindoldfoolIthoughttheboywassufferin’，andherehewasonlystudyin’！Likeasnothewasthinkin’
whattodonexttoshowyouhowhelovesyou。WhatanoldsillyIwas！I’llsleeplikealogto-nighttopayupforit。Good-bye，honey！Youbettergobackandlaydownaspell。Youdolookmortaltired。’’
TheGirlsaidgood-byeandstaggeringafewstepssankonalogandsatstaringatthesky。
``Ohhewassuffering，andaboutme！’’shegasped。
Achillbegantoshakeherandfeverishbloodtoracethroughherveins。``Hedoesandgiveseverything；I
doandgivenothing！Ohwhydidn’tIstayatUncleHenry’suntilitended？Itwouldn’thavebeensobadasthis。WhatwillIdo？OhwhatwillIdo？Ohmother，mother！ifI’donlyhadthecourageyoudid。’’
Shearoseandstaggeredupthehill，passedthecabinandwenttotheoak。Thereshesankshiveringtoearth，andlaidherfaceamongthemosses。ThefrightenedHarvesterfoundheratalmostduskwhenhecamefromthecitywiththeDutchdishes，andhelpedamanlaunchagaylittlemotorboatforheronthelake。
``WhyRuth！Ruth-girl！’’heexclaimed，kneelingbesideher。
Sheliftedastrained，distortedface。
``Don’ttouchme！Don’tcomenearme！’’shecried。
``ItisnottruethatIambetter。Iamnot！Iamworse！
Ineverwillbebetter。AndbeforeIgoI’vegottotellyouofthedebtIowe；thenyouwillhateme，andthenI
willbeglad！Glad，Itellyou！Glad！Whenyoudespiseme？thenIcango，andknowthatsomedayyouwillloveagirlworthyofyou。OhIwantyoutohatemeIamfitfornothingelse。’’
ShefellforwardsobbingwildlyandtheHarvestertriedinvaintoquiether。Atlasthesaid，``Wellthentellme，Ruth。RememberIdon’twanttohearwhatyouhavetosay。Iwillbelievenothingagainstyou，notevenfromyourownlips，whenyouarefeverishandexcitedasnow，butifitwillquietyou，tellmeandhaveitover。See，Iwillsithereandlisten，andwhenyouhavefinishedI’llpickyouupandcarryyoutoyourroom，andIamnotsurebutIwillkissyouoverandover。
Whatisityouwanttotellme，Ruth？’’
Shesatuppantingandpushedbacktheheavycoilsofhair。
``I’vegottobeginawayatthebeginningtomakeyousee，’’shesaid。``ThefirstthingIcanrememberisasmall，suchasmallroom，andmothersewingandsometimesamanIcalledfather。HewaslikeHenryJamesonmadeovertallandsmooth，andmore，oh，muchmoreheartless！
Hewasgonelongatatime，andalwayswehadmosttoeat，andwentoftenertotheparks，andwerehappiestwithhimaway。WhenIwasbigenoughtounderstand，mothertoldmethatshehadmethimandcaredforhimwhenshewasaninexperiencedgirl。Shemusthavebeenvery，veryyoung，forshewasonlyagirlasIfirstrememberher，andoh！solovely，butwiththesaddestfaceIeversaw。Shesaidshehadagoodhomeandeveryluxury，andherparentsadoredher；buttheyknewlifeandmen，andtheywouldnotallowhimintheirhome，andsosheleftitwithhim，andhemarriedherandtriedtoforcethemtoaccepthim，andtheywouldnot。
Atfirstsheboreit。Latershefoundhimout，andappealedtothem，buttheywereawayorwouldnotforgive，andshewasaproudthing，andwouldnotbegmoreaftershehadsaidshewaswrong，andwouldtheytakeherback。
``Igrewupandweweregirlstogether。Weembroidered，andIdrew，andsometimeswehadlittletreatsandgoodtimes，andmyfatherdidnotcomeoften，andwegotalongthebestwecould。Alwaysitwasworseonher，becauseshewasnotsostrongasI，andherheartwassecretlybreakingforhermother，andshewasafraidhewouldcomebackanyhour。Shewastorturedthatshecouldnoteducatememorethantoputmethroughthehighschool。Sheworeherselfoutdoingthat，butshewaswildformetoberearedandtrainedright。Soeverydayshecrouchedoverdelicatelacesandembroidery，andbeforeandafterschoolIcarrieditandgotmore，andinvacationweworkedtogether。Butlivinggrewhigher，andshebecameill，andcouldnotwork，andIhadn’therskill，andthedrawingsdidn’tbringmuch，andI’dnotools——’’
``Ruth，formercysakeletmetakeyouinmyarms。
Ifyou’vegottotellthistofindpeace，letmeholdyouwhileyoudoit。’’
``Neveragain，’’saidtheGirl。``Youwon’twanttoinaminute。Youmusthearthis，becauseIcan’tbearitanylonger，anditisn’tfairtoletyougrieveandthinkmeworthloving。Anyway，Icouldn’tearnwhatshedid，andIwasafraid，foragreatcityisheartlesstothepoor。
Onemorningshefaintedandcouldn’tgetup。Icanseetheawfullookinhereyesnow。Sheknewwhatwascoming。Ididn’t。Itriedtobebraveandtowork。
Ohit’snousetogoonwiththat！Itwasjustworseandworse。Shewaslovelyanddelicate，shewasmymother，andIadoredher。OhMan！Youwon’tjudgeharshly？’’
``No！’’criedtheHarvester，``Iwon’tjudgeatall，Ruth。Iseenow。Getitoverifyoumusttellme。’’
``Onedayshehadbeendreadfullyillforalongtimeandtherewasnofoodorworkormoney，andthelastscrapwaspawned，andshesimplywouldnotletmenotifythecharitiesortellmewhoorwhereherpeoplewere。Shesaidshehadsinnedagainstthemandbrokentheirhearts，andprobablytheyweredead，andIwasdesperate。IwalkedalldayfromhousetohousewhereI
haddeliveredwork，butitwasnouse；noonewantedanythingIcoulddo，andIwentbackfrantic，andfoundhergnawingherfingersandgibberingindelirium。Shedidnotknowme，andforthefirsttimesheimploredmeforfood。
``ThenIlockedthedoorandwentonthestreetandI
askedawoman。Shelaughedandsaidshe’dreportmeandI’dbelockedupforbegging。ThenIsawamanIpassedsometimes。Ithoughthelivedclose。Iwentstraighttohim，andtoldhimmymotherwasveryill，andaskedhimtohelpher。Hetoldmetogototheproperauthorities。ItoldhimIdidn’tknowwhotheywereorwhere，andIhadnomoneyandshewasawomanofrefinement，andneverwouldforgiveme。Ioffered，ifhewouldcometoseeher，gethersomebeeftea，andtakecareofherwhileshelived，thatafterward——’’
TheGirl’sfrailformshookinastormofsobs。AtlastsheliftedhereyestotheHarvester’s。``TheremustbeaGod，andsomewhereatthelastextremityHemustcomein。Themanwentwithme，andhewasayoungdoctorwhohadanofficeafewblocksaway，andheknewwhattodo。Hehadn’tmuchhimself，butforseveralweekshedividedandshewasmorecomfortableandnothungrywhenshewent。WhenitwasoverIdressedherthebestIcouldinmygraduationdress，andfoldedherhands，andkissedhergood-bye，andtoldhimIwasreadytofulfillmyoffer；andohMan！——Hesaidhehadforgotten！’’
``God！’’pantedtheHarvester。
``Wecouldn’tburyherthere。ButIrememberedmyfatherhadsaidhehadabrotherinthecountry，andoncehehadbeentoseeuswhenIwasverylittle，andthedoctortelegraphedhim，andheansweredthathiswifewassick，andifIwasabletoworkIcouldcome，andhewouldburyher，andgivemeahome。
Thedoctorborrowedthemoneyandboughtthecoffinyoufoundherin。Hecouldn’tdobetterorhewould，forhelearnedtoloveher。Hepaidourfaresandtookustothetrain。BeforeIstartedI
wentonmykneestohimandworshippedhimastheAlmighty，andIamsureItoldhimthatIalwayswouldbeindebtedtohim，andanytimeherequiredIwouldpay。Therestyouknow。’’
``Haveyouheardfromhim，Ruth？’’
``No。’’
``ItWASyourselftheotherdayonthebridge？’’
``Yes。’’
``Didheloveyou？’’
``NotthatIknowof。No！NobodybutyouwouldloveagirlwhoappearedasIdidthen。’’
TheHarvesterstrovetokeepasetface，buthislipsdrewbackfromhisteeth。
``Ruth，doyoulovehim？’’
``Love！’’criedtheGirl。``Apale，expressionlessword！
Adorewouldcomecloser！Itellyoushewasdeliriouswithhunger，andhefedher。Shewassufferinghorrorsandheeasedthepain。Shewaslifeless，andhekeptherpoortiredbodyfromthedissectingtable。Iwouldhavefulfilledmyoffer，andgonestraightintothelake，buthesparedme，Man！Hesparedme！Worshipisagoodword。IthinkIworshiphim。Itriedtotellyou。Beforeyougotthatlicense，Iwantedyoutoknow。’’
``Iremember，’’saidtheHarvester。``Butnomancouldhaveguessedthatagirlwithyourfacehadagonylikethatinherheart，notevenwhenhereaddeeptroublethere。’’
``Ishouldhavetoldyouthen！Ishouldhaveforcedyoutohear！IwaswildwithfearofUncleHenry，andIhadnowheretogo。Nowyouknow！Goaway，andtheendwillcomesoon。’’
TheHarvesteraroseandwalkedafewstepstowardthelake，wherehepausedstricken，butfightingforcontrol。Forhimthelighthadgoneout。Therewasnothingbeyond。Theonepassionofhislifemustliveon，satisfiedwithatouchfromlipsthatlovedanotherman。Brokensobbingcametohim。Hedidnotevenhavetimetosuffer。StumblinglyheturnedandgoingtotheGirlhepickedherup，andsatonthebenchholdingherclosely。
``Stopit，Ruth！’’hesaidunsteadily。``Stopthis！
Whyshouldyousufferso？Isimplywillnothaveit。
Iwillsaveyouagainstyourselfandtheworld。Youshallhaveallhappinessyet；Iswearit，mygirl！Youareallright。Hewasanobleman，andhesparedyoubecausehelovedyou，ofcourse。Iwillmakeyouwellandrosyagain，andthenIwillgoandfindhim，andarrangeeverythingforyou。Ihavesparedyou，too，andifhedoesn’twantyoutoremainherewithme，Mrs。CareywouldbegladtohaveyouuntilIcanfreeyou。Judgesarehuman。Itwillbeasimplematter。Hush，Ruth，listentome！Youshallbefree！Atonce，ifyousayso！Youshallhavehim！
Iwillgoandbringhimhere，andIwillgoaway。
Ruth，darling，stopcryingandhearme。Youwillgrowbetter，nowthatyouhavetoldme。Itisthissecretthathasmadeyoufeverishandkeptyouill。Ruth，youshallhavehappinessyet，ifIhavegottocircletheglobeandscalethewallsofHeaventofinditforyou。’’
Shestruggledfromhisarmsandrantowardthelake。
WhentheHarvestercaughther，shescreamedwildly，andstruckhimwithherthinwhitehands。Heliftedandcarriedhertothelaboratory，wherehegaveherafewdropsfromabottleandsoonshebecamequiet。Thenhetookhertothesunshineroom，laidheronthebed，lockedthescreensandherdoor，calledBelshazzartowatch，andrantothestable。AfewminuteslaterwithdistendednostrilsandindignantheartBetsy，undertheflailofanunsparinglash，poundeddownthehilltowardOnabasha。
CHAPTERXVII
LOVEINVADESSCIENCE
TheHarvesterplacedthekeyinthedoorandturnedtoDoctorCareyandthenurse。
``IdruggedherintounconsciousnessbeforeI
left，butshemayhavereturned，atleastpartially。MissBarnet，willyoukindlyseeifsheisreadyforthedoctor？
Youneedn’tbeintheleastafraid。Shehasnostrength，evenindelirium。’’
Heopenedthedoor，hisheadaverted，andthenursehurriedintotheroom。TheGirlonthebedwasbeginningtotoss，moan，andmutter。Skilfulhandsstraightenedher，arrangedthecovers，andthedoctorwascalled。
Intheliving-roomtheHarvesterpacedinmiserytoodeepforconsecutivethought。Asconsciousnessreturned，theGirlgrewwilder，andthenursecouldnotfollowthedoctor’sdirectionsandcareforher。ThenDoctorCareycalledtheHarvester。Hewentinandsittingbesidethebedtookthefeverish，wildlybeatinghandsinhisstrong，coolones，andbeganstrokingthemandtalking。
``Easy，honey，’’hemurmuredsoftly。``LiequietlywhileItellyou。Youmustn’ttireyourself。Youarewastingstrengthyouneedtofightthefever。I’llholdyourhandstight，I’llstrokeyourheadforyou。Liequietly，dear，andDoctorCareyandhisheadnursearegoingtomakeyouwellinalittlewhile。That’sright！Letmedothemoving；youlieandrest。Onlyrestandrest，untilallthepainisgone，andthestrongdayscome，andtheyaregoingtobringgreatjoy，love，andpeace，tomydear，deargirl。Eventhemoanstakestrength。Tryjusttoliequietlyandrest。Youcan’thearSingingWaterifyoudon’tlisten，Ruth。’’
``Shedoesn’trealizethatitisyouorknowwhatyousay，David，’’saidDoctorCareygently。
``Iunderstand，’’saidtheHarvester。``Butifyouwillobserve，youwillseethatsheisquietwhenIstrokeherheadandhands，andifyounoticecloselyyouwillgrantthatshegetsawordoccasionally。Ifitistherightone，ithelps。Sheknowsmyvoiceandtouch，andsheislessnervousandafraidwithme。Watchaminute！’’
TheHarvestertookbothoftheGirl’sflutteringhandsinoneofhisandwithlong，lightstrokesgentlybrushedthem，andthenherhead，andface，andthenherhandsagain，andinalow，monotonous，halfsing-songvoicehecrooned，``Rest，Ruth，rest！Itisnightnow。ThemoonisbridgingLoonLake，andthewhip-poor-williscrying。Listen，dear，don’tyouhearhimcrying？
Still，Girl，still！Justasquiet！Liesoquietly。Thewhip-poor-willisgoingtotellhismatehelovesher，loveshersodearly。Heisgoingtotellher，whenyoulisten。That’sadeargirl。Nowheisbeginning。Hesays，`ComeoverthelakeandlistentothesongI’msingingtoyou，mymate，mymate，mydear，dearmate，’
andthebignightmothsareflying；andthekatydidsarecrying，positiveandsuretheyarecrying，athingthat’spastdenying。Hearthemcrying？Andtheducksarecheeping，softlittlemurmurswhilethey’resleeping，sleeping。Resting，softlyresting！Gently，Girl，gently！
DownthehillcomesSingingWater，laughing，laughing！
Don’tyouhearitlaughing？Listentothebigowlcourting；
itseesthecoonouthunting，ithearstheminksoftlyslipping，slipping，wherethedewsofnightaredripping。
Andthelittlebirdsaresleeping，sostilltheyaresleeping。
Girlsshouldbea-sleeping，likethebirdsa-sleeping，forto-morrowjoycomescreeping，joyandlifeandlovecomecreeping，creepingtomyGirl。Gently，gently，that’sadeargirl，gently！Tiredhandsresteasy，tiredheadliesstill！That’sthewaytorest——’’
Onandontheevenvoicekeptupthestory。Alloverandaroundthelake，thelengthofSingingWater，themarshfolkfoundvoicestotelloftheirlives，whereitwasastoryofjoy，rest，andlove。UpthehillrangedtheHarvester，throughtheforestwherethesquirrelsslept，theowlhunted，thefire-fliesflickered，thefairiessqueezedflowerleavestomakecolourtopainttheautumnfoliage，anddancedontoadstoolplatforms。Justsolongashisvoicemurmuredandhistouchcontinued，solongtheGirllayquietly，andthemedicinescouldact。Butnoothertouchwouldserve，andnoothervoicewouldanswer。
Iftheharvesterlefttheroomfiveminutestoshowthenursehowtolightthefire，andwheretofindthings，hereturnedtotossing，restlessdelirium。
``It’smagicDavid，’’saidDoctorCarey。``Magic！’’
``Itislove，’’saidtheHarvester。``Evencrazedwithfever，sherecognizesitsvoiceandtouch。You’vegotyourworkcutout，Doc。Rollyoursleevesandcollectyourwits。Setyourheartonwinning。Thereisonethingshallnothappen。Getthatstraightinyourmind，rightnow。Andyoutoo，MissBarnet！Thereisnothinglikefightingforacertainty。YoumaythinktheGirlisdesperatelyill，andsheis，butmakeupyourmindsthatyouareheretofightforherlife，andtosaveit。
Save，doyouunderstand？Ifsheistogo，Idon’tneedeitherofyou。Icanletherdothatmyself。Youarehereonamissionoflife。Keepitbeforeyou！LifeandhealthforthisGirlistheprizeyouaregoingtowin。
Digintoit，andI’llpaythebills，andextrabesides。Ifmoneyisanyincentive，I’llgiveyouallI’vegotforlifeandhealthfortheGirl。Areyoudoingallyouknow？’’
``Icertainlyam，David。’’
``Butwhendaycomesyou’llhavetogobacktothehospitalandwemaynotknowhowtomeetcrisesthatwillarise。Whatthen？Weshouldhaveacompetentphysicianinthehouseuntilthisfeverbreaks。’’
``Ihadthoughtofthat，David。Iwillarrangetosendoneofthemenfromthehospitalwhowillbeabletowatchsymptomsandcomeformewhenneeded。’’
``Won’tdo！’’saidtheHarvestercalmly。``Shehasnostrengthforwaiting。Youaretocomewhenyoucan，andremainaslongaspossible。Thecaseisyours；yourdecisionsgo，butIwillselectyourassistant。IknowthemanIwant。’’
``Whoishe，David？’’
``I’lltellyouwhenIlearnwhetherIcangethim。
NowIwantyoutogivetheGirlthestrongestsedativeyoudare，takeoffyourcoat，rollyoursleeves，andseehowwellyoucanimitatemyvoice，andhowmuchyouhaveprofitedbylisteningtomysong。Inotherwords，beforedaycalls，Iwantyoutotakemyplacesosuccessfullythatyoudeceiveher，andgivemetimetomakeatriptotown。Thereareafewthingsthatmustbedone，andIthinkIcanworkfasterinthenight。Willyou？’’
DoctorCareybentoverthebed。GentlyheslippedapractisedhandundertheHarvester’sandmadethenextstrokedownthewhitearm。Graduallyhetookpossessionofthethinhandsandhistouchfellonthemassesofdarkhair。AstheHarvesterarosethedoctortooktheseat。
``Yougoon！’’heorderedgruffly。``I’lldobetteralone。’’
TheHarvestersteppedback。Thedoctor’stouchwaseasyandtheGirllayquietlyforaninstant，thenshemovedrestlessly。
``Youmustbestillnow，’’hesaidgently。``Themoonisup，thelakeisallwhite，andthebirdsareflyingallaround。Liestilloryou’llmakeyourselfworse。Stillerthanthat！Ifyoudon’tyoucan’thearthingscourting。
Theducksarequacking，thebullfrogsarecroaking，andeverything。Liestill，still，Itellyou！’’
``OhgoodLord，Doc！’’groanedtheHarvesterindesperation。
TheGirlwrenchedherhandsfreeandherheadrolledonthepillow。
``Harvester！Harvester！’’shecried。
Thedoctorstartedtoarise。
``Sitstill！’’commandedtheHarvester。``Takeherhandsandgotowork，idiot！Givehermoresedative，andtellherI’mcoming。That’stheword，ifsherealizesenoughtocallforme。’’
Thedoctorpossessedhimselfoftheflyinghands，andgentlyheldandstrokedthem。
``TheHarvesteriscoming，’’hesaid。``Waitjustaminute，he’sontheway。Heiscoming。IthinkIhearhim。Hewillbeheresoon，verysoonnow。That’sagoodgirl！LiestillforDavid。Hewon’tlikeitifyoutossandmoan。Justasstill，liestillsoIcanlisten。I
can’ttellwhetherheiscominguntilyouarequiet。’’
ThenhesaidtotheHarvester，``Yousee，I’vegotitnow。Icanmanageher，butforpitysake，hurryman！
Takethecar！Jimisasleeponthebackseat——Yes，yes，Girl！I’mlisteningforhim。IthinkIhearhim！I
thinkhe’scoming！’’
Hereandthereawordpenetrated，andshelaymorequietly，butnotintheresttowhichtheHarvesterhadlulledher。
``Hurryman！’’groanedthedoctorinawhisperedaside，andtheHarvesterrantothecar，awakenedthedriverandtoldhimhehadaclearroadtoOnabasha，tospeedup。
``Whereto？’’askedthedriver。
``Dickson，oftheFirstNational。’’
InafewminutesthecarstoppedbeforetheresidenceandtheHarvestermadeanattackonthefrontdoor。
Presentlythemancame。
``Excusemeforroutingyououtatthistimeofnight，’’
saidtheHarvester，``butit’sacaseofnecessity。Ihaveanautomobilehere。Iwantyoutogotothebankwithme，andgetmeanaddressfromyourdraftrecords。
Iknowtherules，butIwantthenameofmywife’sChicagophysician。Sheisdelirious，andImusttelephonehim。’’
Thecashiersteppedoutandclosedthedoor。
``Ninechancesoutoftenitwillbeinthevault，’’
hesaid。
``Thatleavesonethatitwon’t，’’answeredtheHarvester。``SometimesI’velookedinwhenpassinginthenight，andI’venoticedthatthebooksarenotalwaysputaway。Icouldseesomeontherackto-night。I
thinkitisthere。’’
Itwasthere，andtheHarvesterorderedthedrivertohurryhimtothetelephoneexchange，thentakethecashierhomeandreturnandwait。HecalledtheChicagoInformationoffice。
``IwantDr。FrankHarmon，whoseofficeaddressis1509
ColumbiaStreet。Idon’tknowthe’phonenumber。’’
Thencamealongwait，andaftertwentyminutestheblessedbuzzingwhisper，``Here’syourparty。’’
``DoctorHarmon？’’
``Yes。’’
``YourememberRuthJameson，thedaughterofarecentpatientofyours？’’
``Ido。’’
``WellmynameisLangston。TheGirlisinmyhomeandcare。Sheisveryillwithfever，andshehasmuchconfidenceinyou。ThisisOnabasha，ontheGrandRapidsandIndiana。YoutakethePennsylvaniaatseveno’clock，telegraphaheadthatyouarecomingsothattheywillmakeconnectionforyou，changeattwelve-
twentyatFortWayne，andIwillmeetyouhere。YouwillfindyourticketandacheckwaitingyouattheChicagodepot。Arrangetoremainaweekatleast。
Youwillbepaidallexpensesandregularpricesforyourtime。Willyoucome？’’
``Yes。’’
``Allright。Makenofailure。Good-bye。’’
ThentheHarvesterleftanorderwiththetelephonecompanytorunawiretoMedicineWoodsthefirstthinginthemorning，anddrovetothedepottoarrangefortheticketandcheck。InlessthananhourhewasholdingtheGirl’shandsandcrooningoverher。
``Jerusalem！’’saidDoctorCarey，risingstiffly。``I’dratherundertaketocutoffyourheadandputitbackonthantotackleanotherjoblikethat。She’squitedelirious，butshehasflashes，andatsuchtimessheknowswhomshewants；therestofthetimeit’sajumbleandsomeofitisrathergruesome。She’sseendreadfulillness，hunger，andthere’sadebtshe’swildabout。I
toldyousomethingwasbackofthis。You’vegottofindoutandsethermindatease。’’
``Iknowallaboutit，’’saidtheHarvesterpatientlybetweencrooningsentencestotheGirl。``ButthecrashcamebeforeIcouldconvinceherthatitwasallrightandIcouldfixeverythingforhereasily。Ifsheonlycouldunderstandme！’’
``Didyoufindyourman？’’
``Yes。Hewillbeherethisafternoon。’’
``Quickwork！’’
``Thistakesquickwork。’’
``Doyouknowanythingabouthim？’’
``Yes。Heisayoungfellow，juststartingout。Heisafine，straight，manlyman。Idon’tknowhowmuchheknows，butitwillbeenoughtorecognizeyourabilityandstanding，andtodowhatyoutellhim。
Ihaveperfectconfidenceinhim。Iwantyoutocomebackatone，andtakemyplaceuntilIgotomeethim。’’
`Icanbringhimout。’’
``Ihavetoseehimmyself。ThereareafewwordstobesaidbeforeheseestheGirl。’’
``David，whatareyouupto？’’
``BeingashonourableasIcan。Nomangetsanytoodecent，butthereisnolawagainstdoingasyouwouldbedoneby，andbeingasstraightasyouknowhow。
WhenI’vetalkedtohim，I’llknowwhereIamandI’llhavesomethingtosaytoyou。’’
``David，I’mafraid——’’
``ThenwhatdoyousupposeIam？’’saidtheHarvester。
``It’snouse，Doc。Bestillandtakewhatcomes！
Themannerinwhichyoumeetacrisisprovesyouawhiningcuroraman。Ihavegotlotsofrespectforadog，asadog；butI’venoneforamanasadog。Ifyou’vegatheredfromtheGirl’sdeliriumthatI’vemadeamistake，IhopeyouhaveconfidenceenoughinmetobelieveI’llrightit，andtakemypunishmentwithoutwhining。Goaway，youmakeherworse。Easy，Girl，theworldisallrightandeveryoneissleepingnow，soyoushouldbeatrest。Withthedaythedoctorwillcome，thegooddoctoryouknowandlike，Ruth。Youhaven’tforgottenyourdoctor，Ruth？Thekinddoctorwhocaredforyou。Hewillmakeyouwell，Ruth；wellandoh，sohappy！Harmon，Harmon，DoctorHarmoniscomingtoyou，Girl，andthenyouwillbesohappy！’’
``Whyyoublameidiot！’’criedDoctorCareyinaharshwhisper。``Haveyoulostallthesenseyoueverhad？Stopthatgibber！ShewantstohearaboutthebirdsandSingingWater。Goonwiththatwoodslineoftalk；shelikesthatawaythebest。Thisstuffismakingherrestless。See！’’
``Youmeanyouare，’’saidtheHarvesterwearily。
``Pleaseleaveusalone。Iknowthewordsthatwillbringcomfort。Youdon’t。’’
Hebeganthestoryalloveragain，butnowthereranthroughitacontinualrefrain。``Yourdoctoriscoming，thegooddoctoryouknow。Hewillmakeyouwellandstrong，andhewillmakelifesolovelyforyou。’’
HewastalkingwithoutpauseorrestwhenDoctorCareyreturnedintheafternoontotakehisplace。HebroughtMrs。Careywithhim，andshetriedawoman’spowersofsoothinganotherwoman，andalmostdrovetheGirltofightingfrenzy。Sothedoctormadeanotherattempt，andtheHarvesterraceddownthehilltothecity。Hewenttothecarshedasthetrainpulledin，andstoodatonesidewhilethepeoplehurriedthroughthegate。Hewaswatchingforayoungmanwithatravellingbagandperhapsaphysician’ssatchel，whowouldbelookingforsomeone。
``IthinkI’llknowhim，’’mutteredtheHarvestergrimly。``IthinkthemasculineelementinmewillpopupstronglyandinstinctivelyatthesightofthismanwhowilltakemyDreamGirlfromme。OhgoodGod！
AreYousureYouAREgood？’’
Inhisbrownkhakitrousersandshirt，hisheadbare，hisbronzefacelimnedwithagonyhemadenoattempttoconceal，theHarvester，withfeetplantedfirmly，andtightlyfoldedarms，hisheadtippedslightlytooneside，bracedhimselfashesenthiskeengrayeyessearchingthecrowd。Farawayheselectedhisman。Hewasyoung，strong，criminallyhandsome，cleanandalert；therewasdiscernibleanxietyonhisface，andittouchedtheHarvester’ssoulthathewascomingjustasswiftlyashecouldforcehisway。AshepassedthegatestheHarvesterreachedhisside。
``DoctorHarmon，Ithink，’’hesaid。
``Yes。’’
``Thisway！Ifyouhaveluggage，Iwillsendforitlater。’’
TheHarvesterhurriedtothecar。
``Taketheshortestcutandcoverspace，’’hesaidtothedriver。Thecarkepttothespeedlimituntiltowardthesuburbs。
DoctorHarmonremovedhishat，ranhisfingersthroughdarkwavinghairandyieldedhisbodytotheswingofthecar。Neithermanattemptedtotalk。
OncetheHarvesterleanedforwardandtoldthedrivertostoponthebridge，andthensatsilently。Asthecarsloweddown，theyalighted。
``DriveonandtellDocwearehere，andwillbeupsoon，’’saidtheHarvester。Thenheturnedtothestranger。``DoctorHarmon，there’slittletimeforwords。
Thisismyplace，andhereIgrowherbsformedicinalhouses。’’
``Ihaveheardofyou，andheardyourstuffrecommended，’’saidthedoctor。
``Good！’’exclaimedtheHarvester。``Thatsavestime。Istoppedheretomakearequiredexplanationtoyou。ThedayyousentRuthJamesontoOnabasha，Isawherleavethetrainandrecognizedinhermyidealwoman。Ilostherinthecrowdandittooksometimetolocateher。Ifoundheraboutamonthago。Shewasmiserable。IfyousawwhatherfatherdidtoherandhermotherinChicago，youshouldhaveseenwhathisbrotherwasdoinghere。Theendcameonedayinmypresence，whenIpaidherforginsengshehadfoundtosettleherdebttoyou。Herobbedherbyforce。
Itookthemoneyfromhim，andhethreatenedher。Shewasillthenfromheat，overwork，wrongfood——everymiseryyoucanimagineheapeduponthedreadfulconditionsinwhichshecame。IthadbeenmyintentiontocourtandmarryherifIpossiblycould。Thatdayshehadnowheretogo；shewaswildwithfear；thefeverthatisscorchinghernowwasinherveinsthen。Ididaninsanething。Ibeggedhertomarrymeatonceandcomehereforrestandprotection。Isworethatifshewould，sheshouldnotbemywife，butmyhonouredguest，untilshelearnedtolovemeandreleasedmefrommyvow。Shetriedtotellmesomething；Ihadnoideaitwasanythingthatwouldmakeanyrealdifference，andIwouldn’tlisten。Lastnight，whenthefeverwasbeginningtodoitsworst，shetoldmeofyourentranceintoherlifeandwhatitmeanttoher。ThenIsawthatI
hadmadeamistake。Youwereherchoice，themanshecouldlove，notme，soItookthelibertyofsendingforyou。Iwantyoutocureher，courther，marryher，andmakeherhappy。Godknowsshehashadhershareofsuffering。Yourecognizeherasagirlofrefinement？’’
``Ido。’’
``Yougrantthatinhealthshewouldbelovelierthanmostwomen，doyounot？’’
``Shewasmorebeautifulthanmostinsicknessanddistress。’’
``Good！’’criedtheHarvester。``Shehasbeenheretwoweeks。Igiveyoumyword，mypromisetoherhasbeenkeptfaithfully。AssoonasIcanleavehertoattendtoit，sheshallhaveherfreedom。Thatwillbeeasy。Willyoumarryher？’’
Thedoctorhesitated。
``Whatisit？’’askedtheHarvester。
``Welltobefrank，’’saidDoctorHarmon，``itismoney！I’monlygettingastart。IborrowedfundsformyschoolingandwhatIusedforher。Sheisineverywayattractiveenoughtobedesiredbyanyman，buthowamItoprovideahomeandsupportherandpaythesedebts？I’lltryit，butI
amafraiditwillbetakingherbacktowrongconditionsagain。’’
``Ifyouknewthatsheownedacomfortablecottageinthesuburbs，whereitiscoolandclean，andhad，sayahundredamonthofherownforthecomingthreeyears，couldyouseeyourway？’’
``Thatwouldmakeallthedifferenceintheworld。I
thoughtseriouslyofwritingher。Iwantedto，butI
concludedI’dbetterworkashardasIcouldforsomepracticefirst，andseeifIcouldmakealivingfortwo，beforeItriedtostartanything。Ihadnoideashewouldnotbecomfortablycaredforatheruncle’s。’’
``Isee，’’saidtheHarvester。``IfIhadkeptout，lifewouldhavecomerightforher。’’
``Onthecontrary，’’saidthedoctor，``itappearsveryprobablethatshewouldnotbeliving。’’
``Itisunderstoodbetweenus，then，thatyouwillcourtandmarryhersosoonassheisstrongenough？’’
``Itisunderstood，’’agreedthedoctor。
``Willyouhonourmebytakingmyhand？’’askedtheHarvester。``Iscarcelyhadhopedtofindsomuchofaman。Nowcometoyourroomandgetreadyforthestiffestpieceofworkyoueverattempted。’’