TheHarvesterledthewaytotheguestchamberoverlookingthelake，andinstalleditsfirstoccupant。ThenhehurriedtotheGirl。Thedoctorwasholdingherheadandonehand，hiswifetheother，andthenurseherfeet。
　　IttooktheHarvestertenstrenuousminutestomakehistouchandpresenceknownandtoworkquiet。Alloverhebegancrooninghisstoryofrest，joy，andlove。
　　HebrokeoffwithafewwordstointroduceDoctorHarmontotheCareysandthenurse，andthencalmlycontinuedwhiletheothermenstoodandwatchedhim。
　　``Seemsrathercutoutforit，’’commentedDoctorHarmon。
　　``Ineveryethaveseenhimattemptanythingthathedidn’tappearcutoutfor，’’answeredDoctorCarey。
　　``Willsheknowme？’’inquiredtheyoungman，approachingthebed。
　　WhentheGirl’seyesfellonhimshegrewrigidandlaystaringathim。Suddenlywithawildcryshestruggledtorise。
　　``Youhavecome！’’shecried。``OhIknewyouwouldcome！Ifeltyouwouldcome！Icannotpayyounow！
　　Ohwhydidn’tyoucomesooner？’’
　　TheyoungdoctorleanedoverandtookoneofthewhitehandsfromtheHarvester，strokingitgently。
　　``Whyyoudidpay，Ruth！Howdidyoucometoforget？Don’tyourememberthedraftyousentme？
　　Ididn’tcomeformoney；Icametovisityou，tonurseyou，todoallIcantomakeyouwell。Iamgoingtotakecareofyounowsofinelyyou’llbeoutonthelakeandamongtheflowerssoon。I’vegotsomemedicinethatmakeseveryonewell。It’sgoingtomakeyoustrong，andthere’ssomethingelsethat’sgoingtomakeyouhappy；andme，I’mgoingtobetheproudestmanalive。’’
　　Hereachedoverandtookpossessionoftheotherhand，strokingthemsoftly，andtheGirllaytenselystaringathimandgraduallyyieldingtohistouchandvoice。
　　TheHarvesterarose，andpassingaroundthebed，heplacedachairforDoctorHarmonandmotioningforDoctorCareylefttheroom。Hewenttotheshoretohisswimmingpool，wearilydroppedonthebench，andstaredacrossthewater。
　　``WellthankGoditworked，anyway！’’hemuttered。
　　``What’sthatpopinjaydoinghere？’’thunderedDoctorCarey。``Gotsomemedicinethatcureseverybody。
　　Goingtomakeherwell，ishe？Makethecows，andtheducks，andthechickens，andtheshitepokeswell，andhappy——nonameforit！Afterthisweareallgoingtobewellandhappy！Youlookitrightnow，David！WhatunderHeavenhaveyoudone？’’
　　``Leftmywifewiththemansheloves，andtowhomI
　　releaseher，mydearfriend，’’saidtheHarvester。``Andit’ssoeasyformethatyouneedn’tgivemakingitalittleharder，anythought。’’
　　``David，forgiveme！’’criedDoctorCarey。``Idon’tunderstandthis。I’malmostinsane。Willyoutellmewhatitmeans？’’
　　``MeansthatItookadvantageoftheGirl’sillness，utterloneliness，andfear，andforcedherintomarryingmeforshelterandcare，whenshelovedandwantedanotherman，whowaspreparingtocometoher。HeisherChicagodoctor，andfineineveryfibre，asyoucansee。Thereisonlyonethingonearthformetodo，andthatistogetoutoftheirway，andI’lldoitassoonassheiswell；
　　butIvowIwon’tleaveherpoor，tiredbodyuntilsheis，notevenforhim。IthoughtsureIcouldteachhertoloveme！Ohbutthisisbitter，Doc！’’
　　``Youareaconsummatefooltobringhimhere！’’
　　criedDoctorCarey。``Ifsheistoosicktorealizethesituationnow，shewillbedifferentwhensheisnormalagain。Anysanegirlthatwouldn’tloveyou，David，ain’tfitforanything！’’
　　``Yes，I’mawhaleofalover！’’saidtheHarvestergrimly。``NicemessI’vemadeofit。Butthereisnorealharmdone。ThankGod，Harmonwasnottheonlywhiteman。’’
　　``David，whatdoyoumean？’’
　　``Isitbetweenus，Doc？’’
　　``Yes。’’
　　``Foralltime？’’
　　``Itis。’’
　　TheHarvestertoldhim。Heended，``Givethefellowhisdues，Doc。Hehadherathismercy，utterlyaloneandunprotected，inabigcity。Therewasnotalivingsoultoholdhimtoaccount。Headdedtohisburdens，borrowedmoremoney，andsentherhere。Hethoughtshewascomingtothecountrywhereshewouldbesafeandwellcaredforuntilhecouldsupporther。Ididtheremainder。NowImustundoit，that’sall！Butyouhavegottogointhereandpractisewithhim。
　　You’vegottoshowhimeverycourtesyoftheprofession。
　　Youmustgoalittleovertherules，andteachhimallyoucan。Youwillhavetostifleyourfeelings，andbeasmuchofamanasitisinyoutobe，atyourlevelbest。’’
　　``I’mnogoodatstiflingmyfeelings！’’
　　``Thenyou’llhavetolearn，’’saidtheHarvester。
　　``Ifyou’dlivedthroughmyyearsofrepressioninthewoodsyou’ddothefellowcredit。AsIseeit，hissideofthisisnearlyasfineasyoumakeit。Itellyoushewasutterlystricken，alone，andbeautiful。Shesoughthisassistance。Whentheendcamehethoughtonlyofher。
　　Won’tyougiveayoungfellowinaplacelikeChicagosomecreditforthat？Can’tyougetthroughyouwhatitmeans？’’
　　DoctorCareystoodfrowningindeepthought，butthelinesofhisfacegraduallychanged。
　　``IsupposeI’vegottostomachhim，’’hesaid。
　　Thenursecamedownthegravelpath。
　　``Mr。Langston，DoctorHarmonaskedmetocallyou，’’shesaid。
　　TheHarvesteraroseandwenttothesunshineroom。
　　``Whatdoeshewant，Molly？’’askedthedoctor。
　　``Wantstoturnoverhisjob，’’chuckledthenurse。``Hehelditaboutsevenminutesinpeace，andthenshebegantofretandcallfortheHarvester。Hejustsweatbloodtopacifyher，buthecouldn’tmakeit。Hetriedtoholdher，tomakelovetoher，andgoodnessknowswhat，butshestruggledandcried，`David，’untilhehadtogiveitupandsendme。’’
　　``Molly，’’saidDoctorCarey，``we’veknowntheHarvesteralongtime，andheisourfriend，isn’the？’’
　　``Ofcourse！’’saidthenurse。
　　``Weknowthisisthefirstwomanheeverloved，probablyeverwill，asheismade。Nowwedon’tlikethisstrangerbuttinginhere；weresentit，Molly。Weareonthesideofourfriend，andwewanthimtowin。
　　I’llgrantthatthisfellowisfine，andthathehasdonewell，butwhat’stheuseintearinguparrangementsalreadymade？Andsosuitable！NowMolly，youaremybestnurse，andagoodreliableaidintimeslikethis。
　　Igaveyouinstructionsanhourago。I’lladdthistothem。YOUAREONTHEHARVESTER’SSIDE。Doyouunderstand？
　　Inthis，andthedaystocome，you’llhaveathousandchancestoputinalickwithasickwoman。
　　PuttheminasItellyou。’’
　　``Yes，DoctorCarey。’’
　　``AndMolly！Youaresomethingbesidesmybestnurse。You’reasmashingprettygirl，andyouroccupationshouldmakeyouespeciallyattractivetoayoungdoctor。I’msurethisfellowisallright，sowhileyouaredoingyourbestwithyourpatientfortheHarvester，whynothaveatryforyourselfwiththedoctor？Itcouldn’tdoanyharm，anditmightstraightenoutmatters。Anyway，youthinkitover。’’
　　Thenursestudiedhisfacesilentlyforatime，andthenshebegantolaughsoftly。
　　``Heisuptheredoinghisbestwithher，’’shesaid。
　　Thedoctorthrewouthishandsinagestureofdisdain，andthenurselaughedagain；buthercheekswerepinkandhereyesflashingasshereturnedtoduty。
　　``Randomshot，butitmighthitsomething，younevercantell，’’commentedthedoctor。
　　TheHarvesterenteredtheGirl’sroomandstoodstill。
　　Shewasfrettingandraisinghertemperaturerapidly。
　　Beforehereachedthedoorhisheartgaveonegreatleapatthesoundofhervoicecallinghisname。Heknewwhattodo，buthehesitated。
　　``Sheseemstohavebecomeaccustomedtoyou，andattimesdoesnotrememberme，’’saidDoctorHarmon。``I
　　thinkyouhadbettertakeheragainuntilshegrowsquiet。’’
　　TheHarvestersteppedtothebedandlookedthedoctorintheeye。
　　``IamafraidIleftoutoneimportantfeatureinourlittletalkonthebridge，’’hesaid。``Ineglectedtotellyouthatinyourfightforthiswoman’slifeandloveyouhavearival。Iamhe。Sheismywife，andwiththelastfibreofmybeingIadoreher。Ifyouwin，andshewantsyoutotakeheraway，Iwillhelpyou；butmyheartgoeswithherforever。IfbyanychanceitshouldoccurthatIhavebeenmistakenormisinterpretedherdeliriumorthatshehasbeendeceivedandfindssheprefersmeandMedicineWoods，toyouandChicago，whenshehashadopportunitytomeasureusmanagainstman，youmustunderstandthatIclaimher。SoIsaytoyoufrankly，takeherifyoucan，butdon’timaginethatIampassive。
　　I’llhelpyouifIknowshewantsyou，butIfightyoueveryinchoftheway。Onlyithasgottobesquareandopen。Doyouunderstand？’’
　　``Youarecertainlysufficientlyclear。’’
　　``Nomanwhoishalfamanseesthelastchanceofhappinessgooutofhislifewithoutputtingupthestiffestbattleheknows，’’saidtheHarvestergrimly。``Ruth-
　　girl，youareraisingthefeveragain。Youmustbequiet。’’
　　Withinfinitetendernesshepossessedhimselfofherhandsandbeganstrokingherhair，andinalowandsoothingvoicethestoryofthebirds，flowers，lake，andwoodswenton。TokeepitfromgrowingmonotonoustheHarvesterbranchedoutandputineverythingheknew。
　　Inthedaysthatfollowedheheldapositionnonecouldtakefromhim。Whilethedoctorsfoughtthefever，heworkedforrestandquiet，andsoothedthetorturedbodyasbesthecould，thatthemedicinesmightact。
　　Butthefeverwasstubborn，andtheremedieswereslow；andlongbeforethedreadedcomingdaythedoctorsandnursewerequietlysayingtoeachotherthatwhenthecrisiscametheheartwouldfail。Therewasnovitalitytosustainlife。ButtheydidnotdaretelltheHarvester。DayandnighthesatbesidethemaplebedorstretchedsleepingafewminutesonthecouchwhiletheGirlslept；andwithfaithneverfalteringandcourageunequalled，hewarnedthemtohavetheirremediesandappliancesready。
　　``Idon’tsayit’sgoingtobeeasy，’’hesaid。``Ijustmerelystatethatitmustbedone。AndI’llalsomentionthat，whenthehourcomes，themanwhodiscoversthathecoulddosomethingifhehaddigitalis，oraremedyheshouldhavehadreadyandhasforgotten，thatmanhadbetterkeepoutofmysight。Makeyourpreparationsnow。Talkthecaseover。Fillyourhypodermics。Cleanyourairpumps。Getyourhot-waterbottlesready。
　　Havesystem。Labelyourstufflargeandsetitconveniently。
　　Youseewhatiscoming，beprepared！’’
　　Oneday，whiletheGirllayinahalf-drugged，feverishsleep，theHarvesterwentforaswim。Hedressedalittlesoonerthanwasexpectedandincrossingtheliving-roomheheardDoctorHarmonsaytoDoctorCareyontheveranda，``Whatarewegoingtodowithhimwhentheendcomes？’’
　　TheHarvestersteppedtothedoor。``Thatwon’tbethequestion，’’hesaidgrimly。``ItwillbewhatwillHEdowithus？’’
　　Then，withanalmostimperceptiblemovement，hecaughtDoctorHarmonatthewaistline，andliftedanddangledhimasababy，andthenstoodhimonthefloor。
　　``Didn’thardlyexpectthatmuchmuscle，didyou？’’
　　heinquiredlightly。``AndI’mnotinwhatyoucouldcallcondition，either。Insteadofwastinganytimeonfoolquestionslikethat，youtwogooveryourstuffandaskeachother，havewegoteverylastapplianceknowntophysicsandsurgery？Havewegotduplicatesonhandincasewebreakdelicateinstrumentslikehypodermicsyringesandthatsortofthing？Engageyourselveswithquestionspertainingtolife；thatisyourbusiness。
　　Insteadofplanningwhatyou’lldoinfailure，bolsteryoursoulsagainstit。GrannyMorelandbeatsyoutwoputtogetheringripandcourage。’’
　　TheHarvesterreturnedtohistask，andthefightwenton。Atlastthehourcamewhenthetemperaturefelllowerandlower。Thefeeblepulsesflickeredandgrewindiscernible；agraypallorhoveredovertheGirl，andacoldsweatstoodonhertemples。
　　``Now！’’saidtheHarvester。``Exerciseyourcalling！
　　Fightlikemenordevils，butwinyoumust。’’
　　Theydidwork。Theyadministeredstimulants；appliedheattothechilledbody；fansswepttheroomwithvitalizedair；hypodermicswereused；andeverylastresortknowntosciencewasgivenafulltest，andtheweakheartthrobbedslowerandslower，andliferanoutwitheachbreath。TheHarvesterstoodwaitingwithsetjaws。Hecoulddetectnochangeforthebetter。Atlasthepickedupachilledhandandcoulddiscovernopulse，andthegraynailsandthedarktipstoldastoryofarrestedcirculation。Helaiddownthehandandfacedthemen。
　　``Thisiswhatyou’dcallthecrisis，Doc？’’heaskedgently。
　　``Yes。’’
　　``Areyoustemmingit？Areyoustemmingit？Areyousuresheisholdingherown？’’
　　DoctorCareylookedathimsilently。
　　``Haveyoudoneallyoucando？’’askedtheHarvester。
　　``Yes。’’
　　``Youbelievehergoingout？’’
　　``Yes’’
　　TheHarvesterturnedtoDoctorHarmon。``Doyouconcurinthat？’’
　　``Yes。’’
　　Thentothenurse，``Andyou？’’
　　``Yes。’’
　　``Then，’’saidtheHarvester，``allofyouareuseless。
　　Getoutofhere。Idon’twantyouratmosphere。Ifyoucanbelieveonlyindeath，leaveus！Sheismywife，andifthisistheendshebelongstome，andIwilldoasI
　　choosewithher。Allofyougo！’’
　　TheHarvestersteppedtothebathroomdoorandcalledGrannyMoreland。``Granny，’’hesaid，``sciencehasturnedtail，andleftmeinextremity。Fillyourhot-
　　waterbottlesandcomeinherewithyourheartbigwithhopeandhelpmesavemyDreamGirl。SheisbreathingGranny；we’vegottomakeherkeepitup，that’sall——justkeepherbreathing。’’
　　Hereturnedtothesunshineroom，placedasmalltablebesidethebed，andonitaglassofwater，spoon，andahypodermicsyringe。WhenGrannyMorelandcamehesaid:``Nowyoubeginonherfeetandrubwithlong，sweeping，upwardstrokestodrivethebloodtoherheart。’’
　　AroundtheGirlhepiledhot-waterbottlesandbreathlesslyhungoverher，rubbingherhands。Hewipedtheperspirationfromherforehead，andthendroppedbyherbedandforasecondlaidhisfaceonhercoldpalm。
　　``IfIamwrong，Heavenforgiveme，’’heprayed。
　　``Andyou，oh，mydarlingDreamGirl，forgiveme，butIamforcedtotry——Godhelpingme！Amen。’’
　　Hearose，tookasmallbottlefromhispocket，filledthespoonwithwater，andmeasuredintoitthreedropsofliquidasyellowasgold。Thenheheldthespoontothebluelips，andwithhisfingersworkedapartthesetteeth，andpouredthemedicinedownherthroat。ThentheyrubbedandmutteredsnatchesofprayerforfifteenminuteswhentheHarvesteradministeredanotherthreedrops。Itmighthavebeenfancy，butitseemedtohimherjawswerenotsostiff。FasterflewhishandsandhesentGrannyMorelandtorefillthehotbottles。WhenhegavetheGirlthethirddoseheinjectedsomeoftheliquidoverherheartandoftheglycerinethedoctorshadleft，intheextremities。Hereleasedmoreairandbeganrubbingagain。
　　Thesecondhourstartedinthesameway，andendedwithslowlyrelaxingmusclesandfainttingesofcolourinthewhitecheeks。Thefeetwerenotsocold，andwhentheHarvesterheldthespoonheknewthattheGirlmadeanefforttoswallow，andhecouldseehereyelidstremble。ThereuponhepointedthesesignstoGranny，andimploredhertorubandpray，andprayandrub，whileheworkeduntiltheperspirationrolleddownhisgrayface。Attheendofthesecondhourhebegandecreasingthedosesandshorteningthetime，andagainhecommencedinalowrumblehissongoflifeandhealth，toencouragetheGirlasconsciousnessreturned。
　　OccasionallyDoctorCareyopenedthedoorslightlyandpeepedintoseeifhewerewanted，buthereceivednoinvitationtoenter。ThelasttimeheleftwiththeimpressionthattheHarvesterwasraving，whileheworkedoveralifelessbody。HehadtheGirlwarmlycoveredandbentoverherfaceandhands。AtherfeetcrouchedGrannyMoreland，rubbing，stillrubbing，beneaththecovers，whileinasteadystreamtheHarvesterwaspouringouthissong。Ifhehadlistenedaninstantlongerhewouldhaverecognizedthatthetoneandthewordshadchanged。Nowitwas，``Gently，breathegently，Girl！Slowly，steadily，easily！Deeper，alittledeeper，Ruth！BraveGirl，neveranothersowonderful！That’smyDreamGirlcomingfromtheshadows，comingtolife’ssunshine，comingtohope，comingtolove！Deeper，justalittledeeper！Smoothlyandevenly！Youaremakingit，Girl！Youaremakingit！
　　Byallthatisholyandglorious！Sticktoit，Ruth，holdtighttome！I’llhelpyou，dear！Youarecoming，comingbacktolifeandlove。Don’tworryyourselftryingtoohard，ifonlyyoucansendeverybreathasdeeplyasthelastone，youcanmakeit。Youbravegirl！
　　YouwonderfulDreamGirl！Ah，Ruth，thenameofthisisvictory！’’
　　AnhourbeforeDoctorCareyhadsaidtoDoctorHarmonandthenurse，ashesoftlyclosedthedoor:``ItisoverandtheHarvesterisraving。We’llgivehimalittlemoretimeandseeifhewon’trealizeithimself。
　　Thatwillbeeasierforhimthanforustotrytotellhim。’’
　　Nowheopenedthedoor，staredasecond，andcomingtotheoppositesideofthebed，heleanedovertheGirl。
　　Thenhefeltherfeet。Theywerewarmandslightlydamp。Asurprisedlookcreptoverhisface。HegentlyreachedforahandthattheHarvesteryieldedtohim。
　　Itwaswarm，thebluetipsbecomingrosy，thewristpulsediscernible。Thenhebentcloser，touchedherface，andsawthetremulouseyelids。Heturnedbackthecover，andheldhisearoverherheart。Whenhestraightened，``AsGodlives，she’sgotachance，David！’’heexultedinanawedwhisper。
　　TheHarvesterliftedagravenface，downwhichthesweatofagonyrolled，andhislipspartedinatwitchingsmile。``Thenthisiswherelovebeatsthedoctors，Carey！’’hesaid。
　　``Itiswherelovehasventuredwhatsciencedaresnot。
　　Lovedidn’tdoallofthis。InthenameoftheAlmighty，whatdidyougiveher，David？’’
　　``Life！’’criedtheHarvester。``Life！Comeon，Ruth，comeon！Outofthevalleycometome！Youarewellnow，Girl！It’sallover！Thelasttraceoffeverisgone，thelastofthedullache。Canyouswallowjusttwomoredropsofbottledsunshine，Ruth？’’
　　Theflickeringlidsslowlyopened，andthebigblackeyeslookedstraightintotheHarvester’s。Hemetthemsteadily，smilingencouragement。
　　``Hangontoeachbreath，dearheart！’’heurged。
　　``Thefeverisgone。Thepainisover！Longlifeandtheloveyoucraveareforyou。You’veonlytokeepbreathingafewmorehoursandthebattleisyours。
　　GloriousGirl！Noble！Youaredoingfinely！Ruth，doyouknowme？’’
　　Herlipsmoved。
　　``Don’ttrytospeak，’’saidtheHarvester。``Don’twastebreathonaword。Savethegoodoxygentostrengthenyourtiredbody。Butifyoudoknowme，maybeyoucouldsmile，Ruth！’’
　　Shecouldjustsmile，andthatwasall。Feeble，flickering，transient，butasitcrossedthelivingfacetheHarvesterliftedherhandsandkissedthemoverandover，back，palm，andfingertips。
　　``Nowjustonemoredrop，honey，andthenalongrest。
　　Willyoutryitagainforme？’’
　　Sheassented，andtheHarvestertookthebottlefromhispocket，pouredthedrop，andheldthespoontowillinglips。Thebigeyeswereonhimwithaquestion。
　　Thentheyfelltothespoon。TheHarvesterunderstood。
　　``Yes，it’smine！It’sgotsixtyyearsofwonderfullifeinit，everyoneofthemfullofloveandhappinessformydearDreamGirl。Canyoutakeit，Ruth？’’
　　Herlipsparted，thewineoflifepassedbetween。Shesmiledfaintly，andhereyelidsdroppedshut，butpresentlytheyopenedagain。
　　``David！’’
　　``MyDreamGirl！’’
　　``Harvester？’’
　　``Yes！’’
　　``MedicineMan？’’
　　``Don’t，Ruth！Saveeverybreathtohelpyourheart。’’
　　``Life？’’
　　``Lifeitis，Girl！’’exultedtheHarvester。``Longlife！Love！Home！Themanyoulove！Everyhappinessthatevercametoagirl！Nothingshallbedeniedyou！Nothingshallbelacking！It’sallinyourhandsnow，Ruth。We’vealldoneeverythingwecan；youmustdotheremainder。It’syourworktosendeverybreathasdeeplyasyoucan。Doc，releaseanothertankofair。
　　Areherfeetwarm，Granny？Letthenursetakeyourplacenow。And，honey，gotosleep！I’llkeepwatchforyou。I’llmeasureeachbreathyoudraw。Iftheyshortenorweaken，I’llwakeyouformoremedicine。Youcantrustme！Alwaysyoucantrustme，Ruth。’’
　　TheGirlsmiledandfellintoalight，evenslumber。
　　GrannyMorelandstumbledtothecouchandrolledonitsobbingwithnervousexhaustion。DoctorCareycalledthenursetotakeherplace。ThenhecametotheHarvester’ssideandwhispered，``Letme，David！’’
　　TheHarvesterlookedupwithhisqueergrin，buthemadenomotiontoarise。
　　``Won’tyoutrustme，David？I’llwatchasifitweremyownwife。’’
　　``Iwouldn’ttrustanymanonearth，forthecomingthreehours，’’repliedtheHarvester。``IfIkeepthisupthatlong，sheissafe。GoandrestuntilIcallyou。’’
　　HeagainbentovertheGirl，onehandonherleftwrist，theotheroverherheart，hiseyesonherlips，watchingthedepthandstrengthofhereverybreath。
　　Regularlyheadministeredthemedicinehewasgivingher。Sometimesshetookithalfasleep；againshegavehimasmilethattotheHarvesterwasthesupremethingofearthorHeaven。Towardtheendofthelongvigil，inexhaustionheslippedtothefloor，andlaidhisheadonthesideofthebed，andforasecondhishandrelaxedandhefellasleep。TheGirlawakenedashistouchloosenedandlookingdownshesawhishuddledbody。AsecondlatertheHarvesterawokewithaguiltystarttofindherfingerstwistedintheshockofhaironthetopofhishead。
　　``PoorstrandedGirl，’’hemuttered。``She’sclingingtomeforlife，andyoucanstakeallyouareworthshe’sgoingtogetit！’’
　　Thenhegentlyrelaxedhergrip，gaveherthelastdosehefeltnecessary，yieldedhisplacetoDoctorCareyandstaggeredupthehill。AsthesunpeepedoverMedicineWoodshestretchedhimselfbetweenthetwomoundsundertheoak，andforafewminuteshisbodywasrentwiththeawful，tornsobbingofastrongman。Belshazzarnosedthetwistingfigureandwhinedpitifully。A
　　chatteringlittlemarshwrentiltedonabushandscolded。
　　Abluejayperchedaboveandtriedtodecidewhethertherewascauseforanalarmsignal。Asnakecomingfromthewatertohuntbirdsranclosetohim，andchangingitscourse，wentweavingawayamongthemosses。
　　Graduallythepentforcesspentthemselves，andforhourstheHarvesterlayinthedeepsleepofexhaustion，andstretchedbesidehim，Belshazzarguardedwithanxiousdogeyes。
　　CHAPTERXVIII
　　THEBETTERMAN
　　InthemiddleoftheafternoontheHarvesteraroseandwentintothelake，ateaheartydinner，andthentookuphiswatchagain。Fortwodaysandnightshekepthisplace，untilhehadtheGirloutofdanger，andwherecarefulnursingwasallthatwasrequiredtoinsurelifeandhealth。Ashesatbesideherthelastday，hisphysicalendurancestrainedtothebreakingpoint，shelaidherhandoverhis，andlookedlongandsteadilyintohiseyes。
　　``TherearesomanythingsIwanttoknow，’’shesaid。
　　TheHarvester’sfirmfingersclosedoverhers。``Ruth，haveyoueverbeensorrythatyoutrustedme？’’
　　``Never！’’saidtheGirlinstantly。
　　``Thensupposeyoukeepitup，’’saidhe。``Whateveritisthatyouwanttoknow，don’tuseaniotaofstrengthtotalkortothinkaboutitnow。Justsaytoyourself，helovesmewellenoughtodowhatisright，andIknowthathewill。Allyouhavetodoistobepatientuntilyougrowstrongerthanyoueverhavebeeninyourlife，andthenyoushallhaveexactlywhatyouwant，Ruth。Sleeplikeababyforaweekortwo。Then，slowlyandgradually，wewillbuildupsuchaconstitutionforyouthatyoushallride，drive，row，swim，dance，play，andhaveallthatyourgirlhoodhasmissedinfunandfrolic，andallthatyourwomanhoodcravesinloveandcompanionship。Happinesshascomeatlast，Ruth。
　　Takeitfromme。Everythingyoucraveisyours。Theloveyouwant，thehome，andthelife。Assoonasyouarestrongenough，youshallknowallaboutit。Yourbusinessistodrinkstimulantsandsleepnow，dear。’’
　　``Sotiredofthisbed！’’
　　``Itwon’tbelonguntilyoucanlieonthecouchandtheverandaswingagain。’’
　　``Glory！’’saidtheGirl。``David，Imusthavebeenfulloffeverforalongtime。Ican’tremembereverything。’’
　　``Don’ttry，Itellyou。Lifeiscomingoutrightforyou；that’sallyouneedknownow。’’
　　``Andforyou，David？’’
　　``Wheneverthingsarerightforyou，theyareforme，Ruth。’’
　　``Don’tyoueverthinkofyourself？’’
　　``NotwhenIamcloseyou。’’
　　``Ah！ThenIshallhavetogrowstrongverysoonandthinkofyou。’’
　　TheHarvester’ssmilewaspathetic。Hewasunspeakablytiredagain。
　　``Nevermindme！’’hesaid。``Onlygetwell。’’
　　``David，wastherealittlehorse？’’
　　``Therecertainlywasandis，’’saidtheHarvester。
　　``Youhadnotnamedhimyet，butinafewdaysIcanleadhimtothewindow。’’
　　``Wastheresomethingsaidaboutaboat？’’
　　``Twoofthem。’’
　　``Two？’’
　　``Yes。Arowboatforyou，andalaunchthatwilltakeyoualloverthelakewithonlytheexertionofsteeringonyourpart。’’
　　``David，Iwantmypendantandring。Iamsotiredoflyinghere，Iwanttoplaywiththem。’’
　　``Wheredoyoukeepthem，Ruth？’’
　　``Inthewillowteapot。Ithoughtnoonewouldlookthere。’’
　　TheHarvesterlaughedandbroughtthelittleboxes。
　　Hehadtoopenthem，buttheGirlputontheringandaskedhimifhewouldnothelpherwiththependant。Heslippedthethreadaroundherneckandclaspedit。Withasighofsatisfactionshetooktheornamentinonehandandclosedhereyes。Hethoughtshewasfallingasleep，butpresentlyshelookedathim。
　　``Youwon’tallowthemtotakeitfromme？’’
　　``Indeedno！Thereisnoreasononearthwhyyoushouldnothavethatthreadaroundyourneckifyouwantit。’’
　　``Iamgoingtosleepnow。Iwanttwothings。MayIhavethem？’’
　　``Youmay，’’saidtheHarvesterpromptly，``providedtheyarenottoeat。’’
　　``No，’’saidtheGirl。``I’vesufferedandmadeotherstrouble。Iwon’tbotheryoubyaskingforanythingmorethanisbroughtme。Thisisdifferent。Youarecompletelywornout。Yourfacefrightensme，David，andwhitehairsthatwerenotthereafewdaysagohavecomealongyourtemples。Icanseethem。’’
　　``Yougavemeamightyseriousscare，Ruth。’’
　　``Iknow，’’saidtheGirl。``Forgiveme。Ididn’tmeanto。IwantyoutoleavemetoDoctorHarmonandthenurseandgosleepaweek。ThenIwillbereadyfortheswing，andtohearsomemoreaboutthetreesandbirds。’’
　　``Icankeepitupifyoureallyneedme，butifyoudon’tIamsleepy。So，ifyoufeelsafe，IthinkIwillgo。’’
　　``OhIamsafeenough，’’saidtheGirl。``Itisn’tthat。
　　I’msolonely。I’vemadeupmymindnottogrieveformother，butImisshersonow。Ifeelsofriendless。’’
　　``But，honey，’’saidtheHarvester，``youmustn’tdothat！Don’tyouseehowallofusloveyou？HereisGrannyshuttingupherhouseandlivinghere，justtobewithyou。Thenursewilldoanythingyousay。Hereisthemanyouknowbest，andthinksomuchof，stayinginthecabin，andsohappytogiveyouallhistime，andanythingelseyouwillhave，dear。AndtheCareyscomeeveryday，andwilldotheirbesttocomfortyou，andalwaysIamhereforyoutofallbackon。’’
　　``Yes，I’mfallingrightnow，’’saidtheGirl。``I
　　almostwishIhadthefeveragain。Noonehastouchedmefordays。Ifeelasifeveryonewasafraidofme。’’
　　TheHarvesterwaspuzzled。
　　``Well，Ruth，I’mdoingthebestIknow，’’hesaid。
　　``Whatisityouwant？’’
　　``Nothing！’’answeredtheGirlwithslightlydejectedinflection。``Saygood-byetome，andgosleepyourweek。
　　I’llbeverygood，andthenyoushalltakemeadriveupthehillwhenyouawaken。Won’tthatbefine？’’
　　``Saygood-byetome！’’Shefelta``littlelonely！’’
　　Theyallactedasiftheywere``afraid’’ofher。TheHarvesterindulgedinaflashingmentalreviewandarrivedatadecision。Hekneltbesidethebed，tookbothslender，coolhandsandcoveredthemwithkisses。Thenheslidahandunderthepillowandraisedthetiredhead。
　　``IfIamtosaygood-bye，Ihavetodoitinmyownway，Ruth，’’hesaid。
　　Thereuponhebeganatthetumbledmassofhairandkissedfromherforeheadtoherlips，kisseswarmandtender。
　　``Nowyougotosleep，andgrowstrongenoughbythetimeIcomebacktotellmewhomyoulove，’’hesaid，andwentfromtheroomwithoutwaitingforanyreply。
　　WithshortintervalsforfoodanddipsinthelaketheHarvesterverynearlyslepttheweek。Whenhefinallyfelthimselfagain，hebathed，shaved，dressedfreshly，andwenttoseetheGirl。Hehadtotouchhertobesureshewasreal。Shewasextremelyweakandtremulous，butherfaceandhandswerefuller，hercolourwasgood，shewasravenouslyhungry。DoctorHarmonsaidshewasalittletryant，andthenursethatshewasplaincross。ThefirstthingtheHarvesternoticedwasthatthedullbluelookinthedepthofthedarkeyeswasgone。Theywereclear，duskywells，withshininglightsatthebottom。
　　``WellIneverwouldhavebelievedit！’’hecried。
　　``DoctorHarmon，youareagreatphysician！Youhavemadeherallovernew，andinafewmoredaysshewillbeontheveranda。Thisisgreat！’’
　　``DoIappearsomuchbettertoyou，Harvester？’’
　　askedtheGirl。
　　``Hasnoonethoughttoshowyou，’’criedtheHarvester。``Here，letme！’
　　Hesteppedtoherdressingtable，pickedupamirror，andhelditbeforehersothatshecouldseeherself。
　　``SeemstomeIamdreadfullywhiteandthinyet！’’
　　``IfyouhadseenwhatIsawtendaysago，myGirl，youwouldthinkyouappearlikeapink，rosyangelnow，orawonderfuldream。’’
　　``Truly，doIintheleastresembleadream，David？’’
　　``Youareadream。Theloveliestoneamaneverhad。
　　Withthreemonthsofrightcareandexerciseyou’llbethebeautifulwomannatureintended。I’msoproudofyou。Youarebeingsobrave！Justliethereinpatienceafewmoredays，andoutyoucomeagaintolife；
　　andlifethatwillthrillyourbeingwithjoy。’’
　　``Allright，’’saidtheGirl，``Iwill。Davidareyouattendingtoyourherbs？’’
　　``Notforafewweeks。’’
　　``Youareverymuchbehind？’’
　　``No。Nothingimportant。Idon’tmakeenoughtocountonwhatisreadynow。Icansoongatherjimsonleavesandseedtofillorders，thehemlockisaboutrighttotakethefruit，themustardisyetinpod，andthesaffronandwormseedcanbeattendedlater。
　　Icancatchupintwodays。’’
　　``Whatabout——aboutthebigbedonthehill？’’
　　TheHarvesterexperiencedaninwardthrillofdelight。
　　Shewassoimpressedwiththevalueoftheginsengshewouldnotmentionit，evenbeforethemansheloved——
　　nomorethanthat——``adored’’——``worshipped！’’
　　Hesmiledatherinunderstanding。
　　``I’llhavetotakeapeepatthatandreport，’’hesaid。
　　``Areyourestednow？’’
　　``Indeedyes！’’
　　``Youaredreadfullythin。’’
　　``Ialwaysam。I’llpickupalittlewhenIgetbacktowork。’’
　　``David，Iwantyoutogotoworknow。’’
　　``Canyouspareme？’’
　　``Haven’twedonewelltheselastfewdays？’’
　　``Ican’ttellyouhowwell。’’
　　``Thenpleasegogathereverythingyouneedtofillordersexceptthebigbed，andbythattimemaybeyoucouldtakeanotherweekoff，andIcouldgotothehilltopandonthelake。I’msoanxioustoputmyfeetontheearth。Theyfeelsodead。’’
　　``Areyourfeetwellrubbedtodrawdownthecirculation？’’
　　``Theyarerubbedshinyandalmostskinned，David。
　　Nooneeverhadbettercare，ofthatIamsure。Gogatherwhatyoushouldhave。’’
　　``Allright，’’saidtheHarvester。
　　HearoseandashestartedtoleavetheroomhetookonelastlookattheGirltoseeifhecoulddetectanythinghecouldsuggestforhercomfort，andreadamessageinhereyes。Instantlytherewasanansweringflashinhis。
　　``I’llbebackinaminute，’’hesaid。``Ijustnoticeddiscoreavillosahasthefinestrattleboxesformed。I’vebeenwaitingtoshowyou。Andthehoptreehasitscastanetsallgreenandgold。Inafewmoreweeksitwillbegintoplayforyou。I’llbringyousome。’’
　　Soonhereturnedwiththequeerseedformations，andashebentaboveher，withhisbacktoDoctorHarmon，hewhispered，``Whatisit？’’
　　Herlipsbarelyformedtheoneword，``Hurry！’’
　　TheHarvesterstraightened。
　　``Allcomfortable，Ruth？’’heaskedcasually。
　　``Yes。’’
　　``Youunderstand，ofcourse，thatthereisnottheslightestnecessityformygoingtoworkifyoureallywantmeforanything，evenifit’snothingmorethantohavemewithincallingdistance，incaseyouSHOULD
　　wantsomething。ThewholelotIcangathernowwon’tamounttotwentydollars。It’smerelyamatterofpridewithmetohavewhatiscalledfor。I’dmuchratherremain，ifyoucanusemeinanywayatall。’’
　　``Twentydollarsisconsiderable，whenexpensesareasheavyasnow。Andit’sworthmorethananymoneytoyounottofailwhenorderscome。Ihavelearnedthat，andDavid，Idon’twantyoutoeither。Youmustfillalldemandsasusual。Iwouldn’tforgivemyselfthiswinterifyoushouldbeforcedtosendordersonlypartlyfilledbecauseIfellillandhinderedyou。Pleasegoandgatherallyoupossiblywillneedofeverythingyoutakeatthisseason，onlyremember！’’
　　``Thereisnodangerofmyforgetting。Ifyouaregoingtosendmeawaytowork，youwillallowmetokissyourhandbeforeIgo，fairlady？’’
　　Hediditfervently。
　　``Onewordwithyou，Harmon，’’hesaidashelefttheroom。
　　DoctorHarmonaroseandfollowedhimtothegoldgarden，andtogethertheystoodbesidethemoltenhedgeofsunflowers，coneflowers，elecampane，andjewelflower。
　　``Imerelywanttomentionthatthisisyourinning，’’
　　saidtheHarvester。``FindoutifyouareessentialtotheGirl’shappinessassoonasyoucan，andthedayshetellsmeso，Iwillfileherpetitionandtakeatriptothecitytostudysomelittlechemicalquirksthatbotherme。
　　That’sall。’’
　　TheHarvesterwenttothedry-houseforbagsandclippingshears，andthedoctorreturnedtothesunshineroom。
　　``Ruth，’’hesaid，``doyouknowthattheHarvesteristhesquarestmanIevermet？’’
　　``Ishe？’’askedtheGirl。
　　``Heis！Hecertainlyis！’’
　　``YoumustrememberthatIhavelittleacquaintancewithmen，’’saidshe。``YouarethefirstoneIeverknew，andtheonlyoneexcepthim。’’
　　``WellItrytobesquare，’’saidDoctorHarmon，``butthatiswhereLangstonhasmebeatenamile。I
　　havetotry。Hedoesn’t。Hewasbornthatway。’’
　　TheGirlbegantolaugh。
　　``Hisenvironmentissodifferent，’’shesaid。``Perhapsifhewereinabigcity，hewouldhavetotryalso。’’
　　``Won’tdo！’’saidthedoctor。``Hechosehislocation。
　　SodidI。HeisastrongerphysicalmanthanIeverwasoreverwillbe。Thestrugglethatboundhimtothewoodsandtoresearch，thatmadehimthemasterofforcesthatgivebacklife，whenamanlikeCareysaysitistheend，proveshimamaster。Thetumultinhissoulmusthavebeenlikeacycloneinhisforest，whenheturnedhisbackontheworldandstucktothewoods。
　　Careytoldmeaboutit。Somedayyoumusthear。It’sastoryawomanoughttoknowinordertoarriveatpropervalues。YouneverwillunderstandthemanuntilyouknowthatheiscleanwheremostofusareblackenedwithuglysinswehavenorightonGod’sfootstooltocommitandnotsomuchreasonashe。Everymanshouldbeasheis，butveryfeware。CareysaysLangston’smotherwasawonderfulelementintheformationofhischaracter；butallmothersareanxious，andnoneofthemcanbuildwithnofoundationandnosoultimber。
　　Shehadmaterialforamantoherhand，orshecouldn’thavemadeone。’’
　　``Iseewhatyoumean。’’
　　``Sofarasanyinexperiencedgirleversees，’’saidthedoctor。``Somedayifyoulivetofiftyyouwillknow，butyoucan’tcomprehenditnow。’’
　　``IfyouthinkIlivedallmylifeinChicago’spovertyspotsanddon’tknowunbridledhumannature！’’
　　``Ifoundyouandyourmotherunusuallyinnocentwomen。Youmayunderstandsomethings。Ihopeyoudo。Itwillhelpyoutodecidewhoistherealmanamongthemenwhocomeintoyourlife。Therearesomemen，Ruth，whoarefittomatewithawoman，andtoperpetuatethemselvesandtheirmentalandmoralforcesinchildren，whowillbelikethem，andthereareotherswhoarenot。Itisthese`others’whoareresponsibleforthesinoftheworld，thesicknessandsuffering。Anytimeyouaresureyouhaveachanceatamoralman，squareandhonest，incontrolofhisbrainandbody，ifyouareawisewoman，Ruth，sticktohimasthelimpettotherock。’’
　　``YoumeansticktotheHarvester？’’
　　``Ifyouareawisewoman！’’
　　``Whenwasawomaneverwise？’’
　　``Afewhavebeen。Theyaretheonlycare-free，reallyhappyonesoftheworld，theonlywiveswithoutabig，poison，blue-bottleflyintheirointment。’’
　　``Idetestflies！’’saidtheGirl。
　　``SodoI，’’saidthedoctor。``ForthisreasonIsaytoyouchoosetheointmentthatneverhadoneinit。
　　Takethemanwhois`masterofhisfate，captainofhissoul。’SticktotheHarvester！Heisinfinitelythebetterman！’’
　　``WellhaveyouseenanythingtoindicatethatI
　　wasn’tsticking？’’askedtheGirl。
　　``No。AndforyoursakeIhopeIneverwill。’’
　　Shelaughedsoftly。
　　``Youdolovehim，Ruth？’’
　　``AsIdidmymother，yes。Thereisnotatraceinmyheartofthethinghecallslove。’’
　　``Youhavebeenstunted，warped，andthefountainsoflifeneverhaveopened。Itwillcomewithrightconditionsofliving。’’
　　``Doyouthinkso？’’
　　``Iknowso。Atleastthereisnooneelseyoulove，Ruth？’’
　　``Nooneexceptyou。’’
　　``Anddoyoufeelaboutmejustasyoudohim？’’
　　``No！Itisdifferent。WhatIowehimisformyself。
　　WhatIoweyouisformymother。Yousaw！Youknow！Youunderstandwhatyoudidforher，andwhatitmeanttome。TheHarvestermustbethefinestmanonearth，butwhenItrytothinkofeitherGodorHeaven，yourfaceintervenes。’’
　　``That’sallright，Ruth，I’msogladyoutoldme，’’
　　saidDoctorHarmon。``Icanmakeitallperfectlycleartoyou。Youjustgoonandworshipmeallyouplease。
　　It’sboundtomakeacleaner，bettermanofme。
　　WhatyoufeelformewillholdmetoahighermorallevelallmylifethanIeverhaveknownbefore；butneverforgetthatyouarenotgoingtoliveinHeaven。Youwillbehereatleastsixtyyearsyet，sowhenyoucometothinkofselectingapartnerfortherelationsoftheworld，yousticktothefinestmanonearth；see？’’
　　``Ido！’’saidtheGirl。``IsawyoukissMollyaweekago。Sheislovely，andIhopeyouwillbeperfectlyhappy。Itwon’tinterferewithmyworshippingyou；nottheleastintheworld。Goaheadandbejoyful！’’
　　Thedoctorsprangtohisfeetincrimsonconfusion。
　　TheGirllayandlaughedathim。
　　``Don’t！’’shecried。``It’sallright！Ittakesaweightoffmysoulasheavyasamountain。Idoadoreyou，asIsaid。ButeveryhoursinceIleftChicagoabig，blackcloudhashungoverme。Ididn’tfeelfree。Ididn’tfeelabsolved。IfeltthatmyobligationstoyouweresoheavythatwhenIhadsettledthelastofthemoneydebtIwasinhonourbound——’’
　　``Don’t，Ruth！Forgetthosedreadfultimes，asItoldyouthen！Thinkonlyofahappyfuture！’’
　　``Letmefinish，’’saidtheGirl。``Letmegetthisoutofmysystemwiththeotherpoison。FromthedayI
　　camehere，I’vewhisperedinmyheart，`Iamnotfree！’
　　Butifyouloveanotherwoman！Ifyouaregoingtotakehertoyourheartandtoyourlips，whythatismyrelease。OhMan，speakthewords！TellmeIamfreeindeed！’’
　　``Ruth，bequiet，formercysake！You’llraiseatemperature，andtheHarvesterwillpitchmeintothelake。
　　Youarefree，child，ofcourse！Youalwayshavebeen。
　　IunderstoodtheawfulpressurethatwasonyouwiththeveryfirstglimpseIhadofyourmother。Whowasshe，Ruth？’’
　　``Sheneverwouldtellme。’’
　　``Shethoughtyouwouldappealtoherpeople？’’
　　``SheknewIwould！Icouldn’thavehelpedit。’’
　　``Wouldyouliketoknow？’’
　　``Ineverwantto。Itistoolate。Iinfinitelyprefertoremaininignorance。Talkofsomethingelse。’’
　　``LetmereadawonderfulbookIfoundontheHarvester’sshelves。’’
　　``Anythingtherewillcontainwonders，becauseheonlybuyswhatappealstohim，andittakesagreatbooktodothat。Iamgoingtolearn。Hewillteachme，andwhenIcomewithincomprehendingdistanceofhim，thenwearegoingontogether。’’
　　``Whatanattractiveplacethisis！’’
　　``Isn’tit？Ionlyhaveseenenoughtounderstandtheplan。Iscarcelycanwaittosetmyfeetonearthandgointodetail。GrannyMorelandsaysthatwhenspringcomesoverthehill，andbringsuptheflowersinthebigwoods，she’dratherwalkthroughthemthantoreadRevelation。ShesaysitgivesheranideaofHeavenshecancomecloserrealizinganditseemsmorestable。
　　Youknowsheworriesaboutthefoundations。Shecan’tunderstandwhatsupportsHeaven。ButupthereinMedicineWoodstheolddeargetssocloseherGodthatsomedaysheisgoingtorealizethatherideaofHeaventhereisquiteasnearrightasmarblestreetsandgoldpillarsandvastlymoreprobable。ThedayIreachthathilltopagain，Heavenbeginsforme。
　　DoyouknowthewonderfulthingtheHarvesterdidupthere？’’
　　``Undertheoak？’’
　　``Yes。’’
　　``Careytoldme。Itwasmarvellous。’’
　　``Notsuchamarvelasanotherthedoctorcouldn’thaveknown。TheHarvestermadepassingoutsonatural，soeasy，soapartofelementalforces，thatIalmosthaveforgottenhertorturedbody。WhenIthinkofhernow，itistowonderifnextsummerIcandistinguishherwhisperamongtheleaves。Beforeyougo，I’lltakeyouupthereandtellyouwhathesays，andshowyouwhathemeans，andyouwillfeelitalso。’’
　　``WhatifIshouldn’tgo？’’
　　``Whatdoyoumean？’’
　　``DoctorCareyhasofferedmeasplendidpositioninhishospital。Therewouldbeworkallday，insteadofwaitingalldayinthehopeofworkinganhour。Therewouldbealivinginitfortwofromthewordgo。Therewouldbebetterair，longerlife，moretobegotoutofit，andifIcanmakegood，Carey’sworktotakeupashegrowsold。’’
　　``Takeit！Takeitquickly！’’criedtheGirl。``Don’twaitaminute！YoumightwearoutyourheartinChicagofortwentyyearsorforever，andnothaveanopportunitytodoonehalfsomuchgood。Takeitatonce！’’
　　``IwaswaitingtolearnwhatyouandLangstonwouldsay。’’
　　``Hewillsaytakeit。’’
　　``ThenIwillbetoohappyforwords。Ruth，youhavenotonlypaidthedebt，butyouhavebroughtmethegreatestjoyamaneverhad。AndthereisnoneedtowaittheagesIthoughtImust。HecantellinayearifIcandothework，andIknowIcannow；soit’sallsettled，ifLangstonagrees。’’
　　``Hewill，’’saidtheGirl。``Letmetellhim！’’
　　``Iwishyouwould，’’saidthedoctor。``Idon’tknowjusthowtogoatit。’’
　　ThenfortwodaystheHarvesterandBelshazzargatheredherbsandspreadthemonthedryingtrays。
　　Ontheafternoonofthethird，closethree，thedoctorcametothedoor。
　　``Langston，’’hesaid，``wehaveacallforyou。Wecan’tkeepRuthquietmuchlonger。Sheistired。Wewanttochangeherbedcompletely。Shewon’talloweitherofustolifther。Shesayswehurther。Willyoucomeandtryit？’’
　　``You’llhavetogivemetimetodipandruboffandgetintocleanclothing，’’hesaid。``I’vebeenkeepingaway，becauseIwasworkingontime，andIsmelltostrangulationofstramoniumandsaffron。’’
　　``Can’tgiveyoutenseconds，’’saidthedoctor。``Ourtemperisgettingbrittle。Wearecrossastheproverbialfeverpatient。Ifyoudon’tcomeatoncewewillimagineyoudon’twantto，andrefusetobemovedatall。’’
　　``Coming！’’criedtheHarvester，asheplungedhishandsinthewashbowlandsousedhisface。Asecondlaterheappearedontheporch。
　　``Ruth，’’hesaid，``Iamsteepedintheodoursofthedry-house。Can’tyouwaituntilIbatheanddress？’’
　　``No，Ican’t，’’saidafretfulvoice。``Ican’tendurethisbedanotherminute。’’
　　``ThenletDoctorHarmonliftyou。Heissofreshandclean。’’
　　TheHarvesterglancedenviouslyattheshavenfaceandwhitetrousersandshirtofthedoctor。
　　``Ijusthatefresh，cleanmen。Iwanttosmellherbs。
　　Iwanttoputmyfeetinthedirtandmyhandsinthewater。’’
　　TheHarvestercameatarush。Hebroughtabigeasychairfromtheliving-room，straightenedthecover，andbentabovetheGirl。Hepickedheruplightly，gently，andeasinghertohisbodysettledinthechair。Shelaidherfaceonhisshoulder，andheavedadeepsighofcontent。
　　``Becarefulwithmyback，Man，’’shesaid。``Ithinkmyspineisalmostwornthrough。’’
　　``Poorgirl，’’saidtheHarvester。``Thatbedshouldbesofter。’’
　　``Itshouldnot！’’contradictedtheGirl。``Itshouldbemuchharder。I’mtiredofsoftbeds。Iwanttolieontheearth，withmyheadonaroot；andIwishitwouldraindirtonme。Iambathedthreadbare。Iwanttobeallstreaky。’’
　　``Iunderstand，’’saidtheHarvester。``Harmon，bringmeapadandpencilaminute，ImustwriteanorderforsomethingsIwant。Willyoucalluptownandhavethemsentoutimmediately？’’
　　Onthepadhewrote:``TelephoneCareytogetthehighestgradecurled-hairmattress，anewpad，andpillow，andbringthemflyinginthecar。CallGrannyandthegirlandemptytheroom。Clean，air，andfumigateitthoroughly。Arrangethefurnituredifferently，andhelpmeintotheliving-roomwithRuth。’’Hehandedthepadtothedoctor。
　　``Pleaseattendtothat，’’hesaid，andtotheGirl:
　　``Nowwegoonajourney。Doc，youandMollytakethecornersoftherugweareonandslideusintotheotherroomuntilyougetthisairedandfreshened。’’
　　Intheliving-roomtheGirltookonelonglookatthesurroundingsandsuddenlyrelaxed。ShecuddledagainsttheHarvesterandliftingatremulouswhitehand，drewitacrosshisunshavencheek。
　　``Feelssogood，’’shesaid。``I’msickandtiredofimmaculatemen。’’
　　TheHarvesterlaughed，tuckedherfeetinthecoverandheldhertenderly。TheGirllaywithhercheekagainsttheroughkhaki，palpitantwiththeexcitementofbeingmoved。
　　``Isn’titgreat？’’shepanted。
　　Hecaughtthehandthathadtouchedhischeekinatendergrip，andlaughedadeeprumbleofexultationthatcamefromthedepthsofhisheart。
　　``There’snonameforit，honey，’’hesaid。``Butdon’ttrytotalkuntilyouhavealongrest。Changingpositionsafteryouhavelainsolongmaybemakingunusualworkforyourheart。AmIhurtingyourback？’’
　　``No，’’saidtheGirl。``ThisisthefirsttimeIhavebeencomfortableinages。AmItiringyou？’’
　　``Yes，’’laughedtheHarvester。``Youarealmostasheavyasalargesackofleaves，butnotquiteequaltoabridgepillaroralog。Besuretothinkofthat，andworryconsiderably。Youareindangerofstrainingmymusclestothelastdegree，myheartincluded。’’
　　``Whereisyourheart？’’whisperedtheGirl。
　　``Rightunderyourcheek，’’answeredtheHarvester。
　　``ButforHeaven’ssake，don’tintimatethatyouaretakinganyinterestinit，oritwillgotopoundinguntilyourheadwillbounce。It’sonememberofmybodythatIcan’tcontrolwhereyouareconcerned。’’
　　``Ithoughtyoudidn’tlikemeanymore。’’
　　``Careful！’’warnedtheHarvester。``YouareyettoocloseHeaventofiblikethat，Ruth。WhathaveI
　　donetoindicatethatIdon’tloveyoumorethanever？’’
　　``Stayedawaynearlyeveryminuteforthreeawfuldays，andwouldn’tcomewithoutbeingdragged；andnowyou’rewishingtheywouldhurryandfixthatbed，soyoucanputmedownandgobacktoyourrankoldherbsagain。’’
　　``Wellofalltheblackprevarications！Iwentwhenyousentme，andcamewhenyoucalled。I’dwillinglygiveupmyhopeofwhatGrannycalls`salvation’toholdyouasIamforanhour，andyouknowit。’’
　　``It’sgoingtobemuchlongerthanthat，’’saidtheGirlnestlingtohim。``Iaskedforyoubecauseyouneverhurtme，andtheyalwaysdo。Iknewyouweresostrongthatmyweightnowwouldn’tbealoadforoneofyourhands，andIamnotgoingbacktothatbeduntilIamsotiredthatIwillbegladtoliedown。’’
　　ForalongtimeshewassosilenttheHarvesterthoughthergoingtosleep；andhavinglearnedthatforhimjoywasprobablytransient，hedeliberatelygotallhecould。
　　Hecloselyheldthehandshehadnotwithdrawn，andoftenliftedittohislips。Sometimeshestrokedtheheavybraid，gentlyranhishandsacrossthetiredshoulders，oreasedherintoadifferentposition。Therewasnotadoubtinhismindofonething。Hewashavingaroyal，goodtime，andhewasthankfulfortheworkhehadsethisassistantsthatkeptthemoutoftheroom。
　　Theyseemedinnohurry，andfromscuffling，laughing，andasteadystreamoftalk，theywereentertainedatleast。AtlasttheGirlroused。
　　``ThereissomethingIwanttoaskyou，’’shesaid。
　　``IpromisedDoctorHarmonIwould。’’
　　InstantlytheheartoftheHarvestergavealeapthatjarredtheheadrestingonit。
　　``Youdon’tlikehim？’’questionedtheGirl。
　　``Ido！’’declaredtheHarvester。``Ilikehimimmensely。
　　Thereisnotafine，manlygood-lookingfeatureabouthimthatIhavemissed。Idon’tfailtodohimjusticeoneverypoint。’’
　　``I’msoglad！Thenyouwillwanthimtoremain。’’
　　``Here？’’askedtheHarvesterwithalight，hotbreath。
　　``InOnabasha！DoctorCareyhasofferedhimtheplaceofchiefassistantatthehospital。Thereisagoodsalaryandthechanceoftakingupthedoctor’sworkashegrowsolder。Itmeansplentytodoatonce，healthfulatmosphere，congenialsociety——everythingtoayoungman。HeonlyhadacallonceinawhileinChicago，oftenamongpeoplewhoreceivedmorethantheypaid，likeme，andhewasverylonely。Ithinkitwouldbegreatforhim。’’
　　``Andforyou，Ruth？’’
　　``Itdoesn’tmaketheleastdifferencetome；butforhissake，becauseIthinksomuchofhim，Iwouldliketoseehimhavetheplace。’’
　　``Youstillthinksomuchofhim，Ruth？’’
　　``More，ifpossible，’’saidtheGirl。``AddedtoallI
　　owedhimbefore，hehascomehereandworkedfordaystosaveme，anditwasn’thisfaultthatittookabiggerman。Nothingaltersthefactthathedidallhecould，mostgraciouslyandgladly。’’
　　``Whatdoyoumean，Ruth？’’stammeredtheHarvester。
　　``Ohtheyhavewornthemselvesout！’’criedtheGirlimpatiently。``First，GrannyMorelandtoldmeeveryleastlittledetailofhowIwentout，andyouresurrectedme。Iknewwhatshesaidwastrue，becausesheworkedwithyou。ThenDoctorCareytoldme，andMrs。Carey，andDoctorHarmon，andMolly，andevenGranny’slittleassistanthasleftthekitchentotellmethatI
　　owemylifetoyou，andallofthemmightaswellhavesavedbreath。IknewallthetimethatifeverIcameoutofthis，andhadachancetobelikeotherwomen，itwouldbeyourwork，andI’mgladitis。I’dhatetobeunderobligationstosomepeopleIknow；butI
　　feelhonouredtobeindebtedtoyou。’’
　　``I’mmightysorrytheyworriedyou。Ihadnoidea——’’
　　``Theydidn’t`worry，’me！IamjusttellingyouthatIknewitallthetime；that’sall！’’
　　``Forgetthat！’’saidtheHarvester。``Comebacktooursubject。Whatwasityouwanted，dear？’’
　　``ToknowifyouhaveanyobjectionstoDoctorHarmonremaininginOnabasha？’’
　　``Certainlynot！Itwillbeafinethingforhim。’’
　　``Willitmakeanydifferencetoyouinanyway？’’
　　``Ruth，that’sprobingtoodeep，’’saidtheHarvester。
　　``Idon’tseewhy！’’
　　``I’mgladofit！’’
　　``Why？’’
　　``I’dleastrathershowmylittlenesstoyouthantoanyoneelseonearth。’’
　　``Thenyouhavesomefeelingaboutit？’’
　　``Perhapsatrifle。I’llgetoverit。Givemealittletimetoadjustmyself。DoctorHarmonshallhavetheplace，ofcourse。Don’tworryaboutthat！’’
　　``Hewillbesohappy！’’
　　``Andyou，Ruth？’’
　　``I’llbehappytoo！’’
　　``Thenit’sallright，’’saidtheHarvester。
　　Helaiddownherhand，drewthecoveroverit，andslightlyshiftedherpositiontoresther。Thedooropened，andDoctorHarmonannouncedthattheroomwasready。Itwasshiningandfresh。Thebedwasnowturnedwithitsheadtothenorth，sothatfromitonecouldseethebigtreesinMedicineWoods，thesweepofthehillside，thesparkleofmallow-borderedSingingWater，thedrivewayandthegoldflowergarden。Everythingwassochangedthattheroomhadquiteadifferentappearance。TheinstanthelaidheronittheGirlsaid，``Thisbedisnotmine。’’
　　``Yesitis，’’saidtheHarvester。``Yousee，wewerealittleexcitedsometimes，andwespilledafewquartsofperfectlygoodmedicineonyourmattress。Itwashopelesslysmellyandruined；soIamgoingtocremateitandthisisyoursplinternewoneandafreshpadandpillow。Nowyoutrythemandseeiftheyarenotmuchharderandmorecomfortable。’’
　　``Thisisjustperfect！’’shesighed，asshesankintothebed。
　　TheHarvesterbentoverhertostraightenthecover，whensuddenlyshereachedbotharmsaroundhisneck，andgrippedhimwithallherstrength。
　　``Thankyou！’’shesaid。
　　``MayIholdyouto-morrow？’’whisperedtheHarvester，emboldenedbythis。
　　``Pleasedo，’’saidtheGirl。
　　TheHarvester，withdogtoheel，wenttotheoaktothink。
　　``Belshazzar，kommenSie！’’saidtheman，droppingontheseatandholdingouthishand。Thedoglaidhismuzzleinthefirmgrip。
　　``Bel，’’saidtheHarvester，``Iamallatsea。OnedayIthinkmaybeIhavealittlechance，thenext——noneatall。Ihadanhourofsolidcomfortto-day，nowI’minthesweatboxagain。It’salittleselfishstreakinme，Bel，thathatestoseeHarmongointothehospitalandtakemyplacewiththeCareys。Theyaremybestandonlyfriends。Heisyoung，social，handsome，andwillbeeverpresent。InthreemonthshewillbecomesopopularthatImightaswellbeofftheearth。IwishIdidn’tthinkit，butI’msosmallthatIdo。AndthenthereismyDreamGirl，Bel。Thegirlyoufoundforme，oldfellow。Thereneverwasanotherlikeher，andshehasmyheartforalltime。Andhehashers。Thathospitalplanisthebestthingintheworldforher。ItwillkeepherwhereCareycanhaveaneyeonher，wheretheairisbetter，whereshecanhavecompanywithoutthecitycrush，wheresheisclosethecountry，andagoodlivingisassured。Bel，it’sthenicestarrangementyoueversawforeveryoneweknow，exceptus。’’
　　TheHarvesterlaughedshortly。``Bel，’’hesaid，``tellme！Ifamanlivedahundredyears，couldhehavetheheartachealltheway？SeemslikeI’vehaditalmostthatlongnow。Infact，I’vehaditsuchagesI’dbelonesomewithoutit。Thisissomemoreofmyveryownmedicine，soIshouldn’tmakeawryfaceovertakingit。IknewwhatwouldhappenwhenIsentforhim，andIdidn’thesitate。Imustnotnow。
　　``OnlyIgottostoponething，Bel。ItoldhimI
　　wouldplaysquare，andIhave。Buthereitends。
　　Afterthis，Imuststepbackandbebigbrother。Lotsoffuninthisbrotherbusiness，Bel。ButmaybeIamcutoutforit。Anywayit’swritten！Butifitis，howdidshecometoallowmesuchprivilegesasItookto-
　　day？Thatwasn’tprofessionalbyanymeans。Itwasjustthestiffestlove-makingIknewhowtodo，Bel，andshedidn’tobjectbythequiverofaneyelash。GodknowsIwaswatchingcloselyenoughforanysignthatI
　　wasdistasteful。AndImighthavebeenwellenough。
　　Rough，herb-stainedoldclothes，unshaven，everythingtooffendadaintygirl。ShesaidImightholdheragainto-morrow。And，Bel，whatthenationdidshehugmelikethatfor，ifshe’sgoingtomarryhim？Boy，Iseemywaycleartoanhourmore。WhileI’matit，justtosurprisemyself，IbelieveI’lltakeitlikeothermen。I
　　thinkI’llgoonalittlebender，andmakewhatprobablywillbethelastdayaplumbgoodone。Somethingworthrememberingisbetterthannothingatall，Bel！
　　Hehasn’ttoldmethathehaswon。Shedidn’tSAY
　　shewasgoingtomarryhim，andshedidsayhehurther，andshewantedme。Bel，howaboutthegrimnessofit，ifsheshouldmarryhimandthendiscoverthathehurtsher，andshewantsme。LordGodAlmighty，ifyouhaveanymercyatall，neverputmeupagainstthat，’’prayedtheHarvester，``formyheartiswaterwheresheisconcerned。’’
　　TheHarvesterarose，andgoingtothelake，hecutanarmloadofbig，pinkmallows，coveredeachmoundwithfreshflowers，whistledtothedog，andwenttohiswork。
　　Manythingshadaccumulated，andhecleanedthebarn，carriedherbsfromthedry-housetothestore-room，andputeverythingintoshape。ClosenoonthenextdayhewenttoOnabasha，andwasgonethreehours。
　　Hecamebackbarberedinthelateststyle，andcarryingabigbundle。Whenthehourforarrangingthebedcame，hewasyetinhisroom，buthesentwordhewouldbethereinasecond。
　　Ashecrossedtheliving-roomhepulledachairtotheverandaandplacedafootstoolbeforeit。Thenhesteppedintothesunshineroom。AquizzicalexpressioncrossedthefaceofDoctorHarmonasheclosedthebookhewasreadingaloudtotheGirlandarose。WhollyunembarrassedtheHarvestersmiled。
　　``HaveIgotthisrigginganywherenearright？’’heinquired。
　　``David，whathaveyoudone？’’gaspedtheamazedGirl。
　　``Ididn’tfeelanywherenearuptothe`markofmyhighcalling’yesterday，’’quotedtheHarvester。``I
　　don’tknowhowIappear，butI’mcleanasshaving，soapandhotwaterwillmakeme，andmyclothingwillnotsmelloffensively。Nowcomeoutofthatbedforahappyhour。Whereisthatbigcoverlet？Youaregoingontheverandato-day。’’
　　``Youlookjustlikeeveryoneelse，’’complainedDoctorHarmon。
　　``Youlookperfectlylovely，’’declaredtheGirl。
　　``Theswalesendsyouthisinvitationtocomeandseestar-shineatthefootofmulleinhill，’’saidtheHarvester，offeringabouquet。Itwasaloosebunchoflong-
　　stemmed，delicateflowers，eachaninchacross，andhavingfivepearl-whitepetalslightlystripedwithpalegreen。Fivelonggoldanthersarose，andattheirbasegoldstamensandagreenpistil。Theleaveswereheart-
　　shapedandfrosty，whitish-green，resemblingfelt。TheHarvesterbenttoofferthem。
　　``HavesomeGrassofParnassus，mydear，’’hesaid。
　　TheGirlwavedthemaway。``Gostandovertherebythedoorandslowlyturnaround。Iwanttoseeyou。’’
　　TheHarvesterobeyed。Hewasfreshlyandcarefullyshaven。Hishairwascloselycroppedatthebaseofthehead，long，heavy，andslightlywavingontop。Heworeawhitesilkshirt，witharollingcollarandtie，whitetrousers，belt，hose，andshoes，andhishandsweremanicuredwithcare。
　　``HaveImadeamessofit，ordoIappearanythinglikeothermen？’’heasked，eagerly。
　　TheGirlliftedhereyestoDoctorHarmonandsmiled。
　　``Doyouobserveanythingmessy？’’sheinquired。
　　``Youneedn’tfishforcomplimentsquitesoobviously，’’
　　heanswered。``I’llpaythemwithoutbeingasked。
　　Idonot。Heisquitecorrect，andinfinitelybetterlookingthantheaverage。Distinguishedisaproperwordforthegentlemaninmyopinion。Butwhy，inHeaven’sname，haveweneverhadthepleasureofseeingyouthusbefore？’’
　　``Lookhere，Doc，’’saidtheHarvester，``doyoumeanthatyouenjoylookingatmemerelybecauseIamdressedthisway？’’
　　``Idoindeed，’’saidthedoctor。``Itisgoodtoseeyouwiththegarbofworklaidaside，andthestampofcleanlinessandeaseuponyou。’’
　　``Bygum，thatisrubbingitinalittletoorough！’’
　　criedtheHarvester。``Ibatheoftenerthanyoudo。MyclothingisalwayscleanwhenIstartout。Ofcourse，inmyworkIcomehourlyincontactwithmuck，water，andherbjuices。’’
　　``It’sunderstoodthatisunavoidable，’’saidDoctorHarmon。
　　``Andifcleanlinessismadeanissue，I’dratherrollinanyofitthanputmyfingertipsintothedailyworkofasurgeon，’’addedtheHarvester，andtheGirlgiggled。
　　``That’senoughMedicineMan！’’shesaid。``Youdidnotmakea`mess’ofit，oranythingelseyoueverattempted。Asforappearinglikeothermen，thankHeaven，youdonot。Youlookjustawholeworldbiggerandbetterandfiner。Come，carrymeoutquickly。Iamwildtogo。Pleaseputmylovelyflowersinwater，Molly，onlygivemeafewtohold。’’
　　TheHarvesterarrangedthepinkcoverlet，pickeduptheGirl，andcarriedhertotheliving-room。
　　``Wewillrestherealittle，’’hesaid，``andthen，ifyoufeelequaltoit，wewilltrytheveranda。Areyoueasynow？’’
　　Shenestledherfaceagainstthesoftshirtandsmiledathim。Sheliftedherhand，laiditonhissmoothcheekandthenthecrisphair。
　　``OhMan！’’shecried。``ThankGodyoudidn’tgivemeup，too！Iwantlife！IwantLIFE！’’
　　TheHarvestertightenedhisgripjustatrifle。``ThenIthankGod，too，’’hesaid。``Canyoutellmehowyouare，dear？Isthereanydifference？’’
　　``Yes，’’sheanswered。``Igrowtiredlyingsolong，butthereisn’ttheghostofanacheinmybones。Icanjustfeelpure，deliciousbloodrunninginmyveins。Myhandsandfeetarealwayswarm，andmyheadcool。’’
　　TheHarvester’sfacedrewveryclose。``Howaboutyourheart，honey？’’hewhispered。``Anythingnewthere？’’
　　``Yes，Iamallovernewinsideandout。Iwanttoshout，run，sing，andswim。OhI’dgiveanythingtohaveyoucarrymedownanddipmeinthelakerightnow。’’
　　``Soon，Girl！Thatwillcomesoon，’’prophesiedtheHarvester。
　　``Iscarcelycanwait。Andyoudidsayasaddle，didn’tyou？Won’titbegreattocomegallopingupthelevee，whentheleavesareredandthefrostisintheair。
　　OhamIgoingfastenough？’’