Shedranksogreedilyhedrewawaytheglassandurgedcaution，buttheshakingfingersclungtohimandthewaveringvoicebeggedformore。

``Inaminute，’’saidtheHarvestergently。Butthefeveredwomanwouldnotwait。Shedrankthecoolingliquiduntilshecouldtakenomore。Thenshewatchedhimfillasmallpitcherandpackitinapartoftheiceandlaysomefruitaroundit。

``Who，Ruth？’’shepanted。

``AMedicineManwhoheardaboutyou。’’

``WhatwillHenrysay？’’

``Hewon’tknow，’’explainedtheGirl，smoothingthehotforehead。``I’llputitinthecupboard，andslipittoyouwhileheisoutoftheroom。Itwillmakeyoustrongandwell。’’

``Idon’twanttobestrongandwellandsufferitalloveragain。Iwanttorest。Givememoreofthecooldrink。GivemeallIwant，thenI’llgotosleep。’’

``It’swonderful，’’saidtheGirl。``That’smorethanI’veheardhertalksinceIcame。Sheismuchstronger。

Pleaseletherhaveit。’’

TheHarvesterassented。Hegavethechildsomeofthefruit，andtoldhertositbesidethebedandholdthedrinkwhenitwasaskedfor。Sheagreedtobeverycarefulandwatchful。Thenhepickedupthebucket，andfollowedbytheGirl，returnedtothewoods。

``Nowwehavetobeginalloveragain，’’hesaid，assheseatedherselfatthetable。``Becauseofthewalkintheheat，thistimetheprogrammeisalittledifferent。’’

Hereplacedthewaferboxandopenedit，filledtheglass，andheapedthecoldfruit。

``Yourauntisgoingtohavearefreshingsleepnow，’’

hesaid，``andyourmindcanbefreeaboutherforanhourortwo。Iamverysureyourmotherwouldnotwantyoudeprivedofanythingbecauseshemissedit，soyouaretoenjoythis，ifyoucareforit。Atleasttryasample。’’

TheGirlliftedtheglasstoherlipswithatremblinghand。

``I’mlikeAuntMolly，’’shesaid；``IwishIcoulddrinkallIcouldswallow，andthenliedownandgotosleepforever。IsupposethisiswhattheyhaveinHeaven。’’

``No，it’swhattheydrinkalloverearthatpresent，butIhaveaconceitofmyownbrand。Someofitistoostrongofonefruitoroftheother，andalltoosweetforhealth。Thisiscompoundedscientificallyandit’sjustright。Ifyouarenotaccustomedtocolddrinks，goslowly。’’

``Youcan’tscareme，’’saidtheGirl；``I’mgoingtodrinkallIwant。’’

TherewasanoteofexcitementintheHarvester’slaugh。

``Youmusthavesome，too！’’

``Afterawhile，’’hesaid。``IwasthirstywhenImadeit，soIdon’tcareforanymorenow。Trythefruitandthosewafers。Ofcoursetheyarenothomemade——

theyarethebestIcoulddoatabakery。Taketimeenoughtoeatslowly。I’mgoingtotellyouatalewhileyoulunch，andit’saboutaMedicineMannamedDavidLangston。It’saverypeculiarstory，butit’squitetrue。ThismanlivesinthewoodseastofOnabasha，accompaniedbyhisdog，horse，cow，andchickens，andaforestfullofbirds，flowers，andmatchlesstrees。Hehaslivedthereinthismannerforsixlongyears，andeveryspringheandhisdoghaveaseanceandagreewhetherheshallgoongatheringmedicinalherbsandtryinghishandatmakingmedicineorgotothecityandliveasothermen。Alwaysthedogchoosestoremaininthewoods。

``Theneveryspring，onthedaythefirstbluebirdcomes，thedogalsodecideswhetherthemanshallgoonaloneorfindamateandbringherhomeforcompany。Eachyearthedogregularlyhasdecidedthattheyliveasalways。Thisspring，forsomeunforeseenreason，hechangedhismind，andcompelledtheman，accordingtohisvowinthebeginning，togocourting。Themanwassoveryangryattheideaofhavingawomaninhishome，interferingwithhiswork，disturbinghisarrangements，andperhapswantingtospendmoremoneythanhecouldafford，thathestruckthedogformakingthatdecision；

struckhimfortheveryfirsttimeinhislife——Ibelieveyou’dlikethoseapricots。Pleasetryone。’’

``Goonwiththestory，’’saidtheGirl，sippingdelicatelybutconstantlyatthefrostyglass。

TheHarvesteraroseandrefilledit。Thenhedroppedpiecesoficeoverthefruit。

``WherewasI？’’heinquiredcasually。

``WhereyoustruckBelshazzar，andit’snowonder，’’

answeredtheGirl。

Withouttakingtimetoponderthat，theHarvestercontinued:

``Butthatnightthemanhadawonderful，goldendream。Abeautifulgirlcametohim，andshewassograciousandlovelythathewassufficientlypunishedforstrikinghisdog，becausehefellunalterablyinlovewithher。’’

``Meaningyou？’’interruptedtheGirl。

``Yes，’’saidtheHarvester，``meaningme。I——ifyoulike——fellinlovewiththegirl。Shecamesoalluringly，andIwassoclosetoherthatIsawherbetterthanIeverdidanyothergirl，andIknewherforalltime。

Whenshewent，myheartwasgone。’’

``Andyouhavelivedwithoutthatimportantorganeversince？’’

``Withouteventheghostofit！Shetookitwithher。

Well，thatdreamwassoreal，thatthenextdayIbeganbuildingovermyhouse，makingfurniture，andplantingflowersforher；andeveryday，whereverIwent，Iwatchedforher。’’

``Whatnonsense！’’

``Ican’tseeit。’’

``Youwon’tfindagirlyoudreamedaboutinathousandyears。’’

``Wrong！’’criedtheHarvestertriumphantly。``Sawherinlittlelessthanthreemonths，butshevanishedandittooksometimeanddifficultworkbeforeIlocatedheragain；butI’vegotherallsolidnow，andshedoesn’tescape。’’

``Isshea`lovelyandgraciouslady’？’’

``Sheis！’’saidtheHarvester，withallhisheart。

``Youngandbeautiful，ofcourse！’’

``Indeedyes！’’

``Pleasefillthisglass。ItoldyouwhatIwasgoingtodo。’’

TheHarvesterrefilledtheglassandtheGirldrainedit。

``Nowwon’tyousetasidethesethingsandallowmetogotowork？’’sheasked。``Mycallmaycomeanyminute，andI’llneverforgivemyselfifIwastetime，anddon’tdrawyourmothpatternforyou。’’

``It’sagainstmyprinciplestohurry，andbesides，mystoryisn’tfinished。’’

``Itis，’’saidtheGirl。``Sheisyoungandlovely，gentleandalady，youhaveher`allsolid，’andshecan’t`escape’；

that’stheend，ofcourse。ButifIwereyou，Iwouldn’thaveheruntilIgaveherachancetogetaway，andsawwhethershewouldifshecould。’’

``OhIamnotajailer，’’saidtheHarvester。``SheshallbefreeifIcannotmakeherloveme；butIcan，andI

will；Iswearit。’’

``Youarenottrulyinearnest？’’

``Iamindeadlyearnest。’’

``Honestly，youdreamedaboutagirl，andfoundtheveryone？’’

``Mostcertainly，Idid。’’

``Itsoundslikethewildestromancing。’’

``Itistheveriestreality。’’

``WellIhopeyouwinher，andthatshewillbeeverythingyoudesire。’’

``Thankyou，’’saidtheHarvester。``It’swritteninthebookoffatethatIsucceed。Theveryelementsarewithme。TheSouthWindcarriedamessagetoherforme。Iamgoingtomarryher，butyoucouldmakeitmucheasierformeifyouwould。’’

``I！WhatcouldIdo？’’criedtheGirl。

``Youcouldceasebeingafraidofme。Youcouldlearntotrustme。Youcouldtrytolikeme，ifyouseeanythinglikeableaboutme。ThatwouldencouragemesothatIcouldtellyouofmyDreamGirl，andthenyoucouldshowmehowtowinher。Awomanalwaysknowsaboutthosethingsbetterthanaman。Youcouldbethegreatesthelpinalltheworldtome，ifonlyyouwould。’’

``Icouldn’tpossibly！Ican’tleavehere。Ihavenoproperclothingtoappearbeforeanothergirl。Shewouldbeshockedatmywhiteface。ThatIcouldhelpyouisthemostimprobabledreamyouhavehad。’’

``YoumustpardonmeifIdifferfromyou，andpersistinthinkingthatyoucanbeofinvaluableassistancetome，ifyouwill。Butyoucan’tinfluencemyDreamGirl，ifyoufearanddistrustmeyourself。Promisemethatyouwillhelpmethatmuch，anyway。’’

``I’lldoallIcan。IonlywanttomakeyouseethatIaminnopositiontograntanyfavours，nomatterhowmuchIoweyouorhowI’dliketo。Isthecandlestickyouarecarvingforher？’’

``Itis，’’saidtheHarvester。``IammakingapairofmapletostandonadressingtableIbuiltforher。Itisunusuallybeautifulwood，Ithink，andIhopeshewillbepleasedwithit。’’

``Pleasetakethesethingsawayandletmebegin。ThisistheonlythingIcanseethatIcandoforyou，andthemothwillwanttoflybeforeIhavefinished。’’

TheHarvesterclearedthetableandplacedthebox，whiletheGirlspreadthepaperandbeganworkeagerly。

``IwonderifIknewthereweresuchexquisitethingsinalltheworld，’’shesaid。``IscarcelythinkIdid。Iambeginningtounderstandwhyyoucouldn’tkillone。Youcouldmakeachairoratable，andsoyoufeelfreetodestroythem；butittakesagesandAlmightywisdomtoevolveacreaturelikethis，soyoudon’tdare。Ithinknooneelsewouldiftheyreallyknew。PleasetalkwhileIwork。’’

``Isthereaparticularsubjectyouwantdiscussed？’’

``Anythingbuther。IfIthinktoostronglyofher，I

can’tworksowell。’’

``Yourginsengisalmostdry，’’saidtheHarvester。

``IthinkIcanbringyouthemoneyinafewdays。’’

``Sosoon！’’shecried。

``Itdriesdayandnightinaneventemperature，andfasterthanyouwouldbelieve。There’sgoingtobebetweensevenandeightpoundsofit，whenImakeupwhatithasshrunk。Itwillgoundertheheadofthefinestwildroots。Icangeteightforitsure。’’

``Ohwhatgoodnews！’’criedtheGirl。``Thisismyluckyday，too。Andthelittlegirlisn’tcoming，soAuntMollymustbeasleep。Everythinggoesright！IfonlyUncleHenrywouldn’tcomehome！’’

``Letmefillyourglass，’’profferedtheHarvester。

``Justhalfway，andsetitwhereIcanseeit，’’saidtheGirl。Sheworkedwithswiftstrokesandtherewasahintofcolourinherface，asshelookedathim。``I

hopeyouwon’tthinkI’mgreedy，’’shesaid，``buttruly，that’sthefirstthingI’vehadthatIcouldtastein——I

can’trememberwhen。’’

``I’llbringabarrelto-morrow，’’offeredtheHarvester，``andabigpieceoficewrappedincoffeesacking。’’

``Youmustn’tthinkofsuchathing！Iceisexpensiveandsoarefruits。’’

``Icecostsmethetimerequiredtosawandpackitatmyhome。IalmostliveonthefruitIraise。Iconfesstoafondnessforthisdrink。Ihavenootherpersonalexpenses，unlessyoucountinbooks，andaveryfewclothes，suchasI’mwearing；soIsurelycanaffordallthefruitjuiceIwant。’’

``Foryourself，yes。’’

``AlsoforacoupleofwomenorIamamightypoorattemptataman，’’saidtheHarvester。``Thisismyday，soyouarenottotalk，becauseitwon’tdoanygood。

Thingsgomyway。’’

``Pleaseseewhatyouthinkofthis，’’shesaid。

TheHarvesteraroseandbentoverher。

``Thatwilldofinely，’’heanswered。``Youcanstop。

Idon’trequireallthoselittledetailsforcarving，Ijustwantagoodoutline。Itisfinished。Seehere！’’

Hedrewsomefoldedpapersfromhispocketandlaidthembeforeher。

``ThosearewhatIhavebeenworkingfrom，’’hesaid。

TheGirltookthemandstudiedeachcarefully。

``Ifthoseareworthfivedollarstoyou，’’shesaidgently，``whythenIneedn’thesitatetotakeasmuchformine。

Theyaresuperior。’’

``Ishouldsayso，’’laughedtheHarvesterashetookupthedrawingandlaiddownthemoney。

``IfyouwouldmakeithalfthatmuchI’dfeelbetteraboutit，’’shesaid。

``HowcouldI？’’askedtheHarvester。``Yourfingersarewelltrainedandextremelyskilful。BecausesomeonehasnotbeenpayingyouenoughforyourworkisnoreasonwhyIshouldkeepitup。Fromnowonyoumusthavewhatothersget。Assoonasyoucanarrangeforwork，IwanttotellyouaboutsomedesignsIhavestudiedoutfromdifferentthings，showyoutheplantsandinsects，andhaveyoumakesomesamples。I’llsendthemtoproperplaces，andseewhatexpertssayabouttheideasanddrawing。Workinthewoodsishealthful，withproperprecautions；it’seasycomparedwiththeexactionsofbeingboundtosewingorembroideringintheconfinementofaroom；it’svividlyinterestinginthesearchfornewsubjects，changesofmaterial，anddifferingharmoniouscombinations；it’strulyartistic；anditbringsthepriceshighgradestuffalwaysdoes。’’

``Almostyougivemehope，’’saidtheGirl。``Almost，Man——almost！Sincemotherdied，Ihaven’tthoughtorplannedbeyondpayingforthemedicineshetookandthesheltersheliesin。OhIdidn’tmeantosaythat——！’’

Sheburiedherfaceinherhands。TheHarvestersuffereduntilhescarcelyknewhowtobearit。

``Pleasefinish，’’hebegged。``Youhadn’tplannedbeyondthedebt，youweresaying——’’

TheGirlliftedhertired，strainedface。

``Givemealittlemoreofthatdeliciousdrink，’’shesaid。``Iamravenousforit。Itputsnewlifeinme。

Thisandwhatyousaybringafaraway，mistyvisionofaclean，bright，peacefulroomsomewhere，andworkonecouldloveandliveonincomfort；enoughtogiveadesiretofinishlifetoitsnaturalend。OhMan，youmakemehopeinspiteofmyself！’’

```PraiseGodfromwhomallblessingsflow；’’’quotedtheHarvesterreverently。``Nowtryoneofthesepeaches。

It’sjuicyandcold。Getthatroomrightinfocusinyourbrain，andnurturetheidea。Itswallsshallbebrightassunshine，itsfloorcreamywhite，anditshallopenintoalittlegarden，whereonlyyellowflowersgrow，andthebirdsshallsing。Thefirstrayofsunthatpeepsoverthehillsofmorningshallfallthroughitswindowsacrossyourbed，andyoushallworkonlyasyouplease，afteryou’vehadmonthsofplayandrest；andit’scomingtruetheinstantyoucanleavehere。Dreamofit，makeupyourmindtoit，becauseit’scoming。I

havealittlestreakofsecondsight，andIseeitontheway。’’

``Youaretalkingwildly，’’saidtheGirl，``elseyouareagoodgenietryingtoconjurearoomforme。’’

``ThisroomIamtalkingofisreadywheneveryouwanttotakepossession，’’saidtheHarvester。``Acceptitasareality，becauseItellyouIknowwhereitis，thatitiswaiting，andyoucanearnyourwayintoitwithnoobligationtoanyone。’’

TheGirlstretchedoutherrighthandandslowlyturnedandopenedandclosedit。ThensheglancedattheHarvesterwithawearysmile。

``FromsomewhereIfeelaglimmeringofthespirit，butOh，dearLord，thefleshisweak！’’shesaid。

``That’swherenourishingfoods，appetizingdrinks，plentyofpure，freshair，andgoodwatercomein。Nowwehavetalkedenoughforoneday，andworkedtoomuch。Thefruitanddrinkgowithyou。Iwillcarryittothehouse，andyoucanhideitinyourroom。Iamgoingtoputabottleoftonicontopthatthebestsurgeoninthestategavemeforyou。Trytoeatsomethingstrengtheningandthentakeaspoonfulofthis，anduseallthefruityouwant。I’llbringmoreto-morrowandputithere，withplentyofice。Nowsupposeyouletthemothgofree，’’hesuggestedtoavoidobjections。

``Youmusttakemywordforit，thatitisperfectlyharmless，lackingeitherstingorbite，andholdyourhandbeforeit，sothatitwillclimbonyourfingers。Thenstandwherearayofsunshinefallsandinafewminutesitwillgoouttoliveitslife。’’

TheGirlhesitatedasecondasshestudiedtheclean-cut，interestedfaceoftheman；thensheheldoutherhand，andheurgedthemothtoclimbonherfingers。Shesteppedwherearayofstronglightfellontheforestfloorandheldthemothinit。Thebrightnessalsotouchedhertransparenthandandwhitefaceandthegleamingblackhair。TheHarvesterchokeddownarisingsurgeofdesireforher，andtookanewgriponhimself。

``Oh！’’shecriedbreathlessly，astheclingingfeetsuddenlyloosenedandthelunaslowlyflewawayamongthetrees。SheturnedontheHarvester。``Youteachmewonders！’’shecried。``Yougivelifedifferentmeanings。

Youarenotasothermen。’’

``Ifthatbetrue，itisbecauseIamofthewoods。TheAlmightydoesnotevolveallhiswondersinanimal，bird，andflowerform；Hekeepssometoworkoutintheheart，ifhumanityonlywillgotoHisschool，andallowHimtohavedominion。Comenow，youmustgo。I

willcomebackandputawayallthethingsandtomorrowIwillbringyourginsengmoney。Anytimeyoucannotcome，ifyouwanttotellmewhy，orifthereisanythingIcandoforyou，putalineundertheoilcloth。

Iwillcarrythebucket。’’

``Iamsoafraid，’’shesaid。

``Iwillonlygototheedgeofthewoods。Youcanseeifthereisanyoneatthehousefirst。Ifnot，youcansendthechildaway，andthenIwillcarrythebuckettothedoorforyou，anditwillfurnishcomfortforonenight，atleast。’’

TheywenttotheclearedlandandtheGirlpassedonalone。SoonshereappearedandtheHarvestersawthechildgoingdowntheroad。Hetookupthebucketandsetitinsidethedoor。

``IsthereanythingIcandoforyou？’’

``Nothingbutgo，beforeyoumaketrouble。’’

``Willyouhidethatstuffandwalkbackasfarasthewoodswithme？ThereissomethingmoreIwanttosaytoyou。’’

TheGirlstaggeredundertheheavyload，andthemanturnedhisheadandtriedtopretendhedidnotsee。

Presentlyshecameouttohim，andtheyreturnedtothelineofthewoods。Justastheyenteredtheshadetherewasaflashbeforethem，andonatwigafewrodsawayalittlegraybirdalighted，whileinprecipitatepursuitcameaflamingwonderofred，andinaburstofexcitedtrills，brokenwhistles，andimploringgestures，perchedbesideher。

TheHarvesterhastilydrewtheGirlbehindsomebushes。

``Watch！’’hewhispered。``Youaregoingtoseeasightsolovelyandsorareitisvouchsafedtofewmortalsevertobehold。’’

``Whataretheyfightingabout？’’shewhispered。

``Youarewitnessingacardinalbirddeclarehislove，’’

breathedtheHarvester。

``Docardinalslovedifferentbirds？’’

``No。Thefemaleisgray，becauseifsheiscolouredthesameasthetreesandbranchesandhernest，shewillhavemorechancetobringoffheryounginsafety。

Heisbloodred，becauseheisthebravest，gayest，mostardentloverofthewholewoods，’’explainedtheHarvester。

TheGirlleanedforwardbreathlesslywatchingandaslowsurgeofcolourcreptintohercheeks。Theredbirdtwisted，whistled，rocked，tilted，andtrilled，andthegraysatdemurelywatchinghim，asifonlyhalfconvincedhereallymeantit。Thegayloverbeganatthebeginningandsaiditalloveragainwithmoreimpassionedgesturesthanbefore，andthenheedgedintouchandsoftlystrokedherwingwithhisbeak。Sheappearedstartled，butdidnotfly。Soagainthefountainofhalf-whistled，half-trillednotesbubbledwiththeacmeofpleadingintonationandthattimeheleanedandsoftlykissedherasshereachedherbillforthecaress。Thenshefledinheadlongflight，whilethestreakofflamedartedafterher。

TheGirlcaughtherbreathinaswiftspasmofsurpriseandwonder。SheturnedtotheHarvester。

``Whatwasityouwantedtosaytome？’’sheaskedhurriedly。

TheHarvesterwasnotthemantomissthegoodsthegodsprovided。Trulythiswashisluckyday。Unhesitatinglyhetooktheplunge。

``Preciselywhathesaidtoher。Andifyouobservedclosely，younoticedthatshedidn’taskhim`why。’’’

Beforeshecouldopenherlips，hewasgone，hisswiftstridescarryinghimthroughthewoods。

CHAPTERXII

``THEWAYOFAMANWITHAMAID’’

ThenextdaytheHarvesterliftedtheoilcloth，andpickingupafoldednoteheread——

``AuntMollyfoundrestinthenight。ShewasmorecomfortablethanshehadbeensinceIhaveknownher。ClosetheendshewhisperedtometothankyouifIeversawyouagain。Shewillbeburiedto-morrow。

Pastthat，Idarenotthink。’’

TheHarvestersatonthelogandstudiedthelines。

Shewouldnotcomethatdayorthenext。Afteralongtimeheputthenoteinhispocket，wroteananswertellingherhehadbeenthere，andwouldcomeonthefollowingdayonthechanceofherwantinganythinghecoulddo，andthenexthewouldbringtheginsengmoney，soshemustbesuretomeethim。

Thenhewentbacktothewagon，turnedBetsy，anddrovearoundtheJamesonlandwatchingclosely。Therewereseveralvehiclesinthebarnlot，andacoupleofmensittingunderthetreesofthedooryard。Fadedbeddinghungonthelineandwomenmovedthroughtherooms，buthecouldnotseetheGirl。Slowlyhedroveonuntilhecametothefirsthouse，andtherehestoppedandwentin。Hesawthechildofthepreviousday，andasshecameforwardhermotherappearedinthedoorway。

TheHarvesterexplainedwhohewasandthathewasexaminingthewoodsinsearchofsomealmostextinctherbsheneededinhisbusiness。Thenhetoldofhavingbeenattheadjoiningfarmthedaybeforeandmentionedthesickwoman。Headdedthatlatershehaddied。

Hecasuallymentionedthatayoungwomanthereseemedpaleandillandwonderediftheneighbourswouldseeherthrough。Hesuggestedthattheplaceappearedasiftheownerdidnottakemuchinterest，andwhenthewomanfinishedwithHenryJameson，hesaidhowveryimportantitseemedtohimthatsomegood，kind-heartedsoulshouldgoandmotherthepoorgirl，andthewomanthoughtshewastheveryperson。Withoutknowingexactlyhowhedidit，theHarvesterleftwithherpromisetoremainwiththeGirlthecomingtwonights。Thewomanhadherhandsfullofstrangeanddeliciousfruitwithoutunderstandingwhyithadbeengivenher，orwhyshehadmadethosepromises。ShethoughttheHarvesteraremarkablyfineyoungmantotakesuchinterestinstrangersandshetoldhimhewaswelcometoanythinghecouldfindonherplacethatwouldhelpwithhismedicines。

TheHarvesterjusthappenedtobecomingfromthewoodsasthewomanfreshlydressedleftthehouse，sohetookherinthewagonanddrovebacktotheJamesonplace，becausehewasgoingthatway。ThenhereturnedtoMedicineWoodsandworkedwithallhismight。

Firsthepolishedfloors，cleanedwindows，andarrangedtheroomsasbesthecouldinsidethecabin；thenhegaveafinishingtouchtoeverythingoutside。Hecouldnothavetoldwhyhedidit，buthethoughtitwasbecausetherewashopethatnowtheGirlwouldcometoOnabasha。Ifhefoundopportunitytobringhertothecity，hehopedthatpossiblyhemightdrivehomewithherandshowMedicineWoods，soeverythingmustbeinorder。Thenheworkedwithflyingfingersinthedry-house，puttingupherginsengformarket，andneverwasweightsoliberal。

ThenextmorninghedroveearlytoOnabashaandcamehomewithaloadedwagon，thecontentsofwhichhescatteredthroughthecabinwhereitseemedmostsuitable，butthegreaterpartofitwasforher。Heglancedatthebarefloorsandwallsoftheotherrooms，andthoughtoftryingtoimprovethem，buthewasafraidofnotgettingtherightthings。

``Idon’tknowmuchaboutwhatisneededhere，’’

hesaid，``butIamperfectlysafeinbuyinganythingagirleverused。’’

Thenhereturnedtothecity，explainedthesituationtothedoctor，andselectedtheroomhewantedincasetheGirlcouldbepersuadedtocometothehospital。

Afterthathewenttoseethedoctor’swife，andmadearrangementsforhertobereadyforaguest，becausetherewasapossibilityhemightwanttocallforhelp。

Hehadanotherjugoffruitjuiceandallthedelicacieshecouldthinkof，alsoabigcakeofice，whenhereachedthewoods。Therewereonlyafewwordsforhim。

``Iwillcometo-morrowattwo，ifatallpossible；ifnot，keepthemoneyuntilIcan。’’

Therewasnothingtodoexcepttoplacehisofferingundertheoilclothandwait，buthesimplywascompelledtoaddalinetosayhewouldbethere，andtoexpressthehopethatshewascomfortableaspossibleandthinkingofthesunshineroom。ThenhereturnedtoMedicineWoodstowait，andfoundthatpossibleonlybyworkingtoexhaustion。Thereweremanythingshecoulddo，andoneafteranotherhefinishedthem，untilcompletelywornout；andthenhesleptthedeepsleepofweariness。

Atnoonthenextdayhebathed，shaved，anddressedinfresh，cleanclothing。HestoppedinOnabashaformorefruit，anddrovetotheJamesonwoods。HewaswaitingandwatchingtheusualpaththeGirlfollowed，whenherstepsoundedontheotherside。TheHarvesteraroseandturned。Herpallorwasalarming。Shesteppedontherughehadspread，andsankalmostbreathlesstothechair。

``Whydoyoucomeanewwaythatfillsyouwithfear？’’

askedtheHarvester。

``ItseemsasifUncleHenryiswatchingmeeveryminute，andIdidn’tdarecomewherehecouldsee。I

mustnotremainasecond。Youmusttakethesethingsawayandgoatonce。Heisdreadful。’’

``SoamI，’’saidtheHarvester，``whenaffairsgotooeverlastinglywrong。Iamnotafraidofanymanliving。

Whatareyouplanningtodo？’’

``Iwanttoaskyou，areyousureaboutthepricesofmydrawingandtheginseng？’’

``Absolutely，’’saidtheHarvester。``Asfortheginsengitwentinfreshandearly，bestwildroots，anditbroughteightapound。TherewereeightpoundswhenImadeupweightandhereisyourmoney。’’

Hehandedheralongenvelopeaddressedtoher。

``Whatistheamount？’’sheasked。

``Sixty-fourdollars。’’

``Ican’tbelieveit。’’

``Youhaveitinyourfingers。’’

``YouknowthatIwouldliketothankyouproperly，ifIhadwordstoexpressmyself。’’

``Nevermindthat，’’saidtheHarvester。``Tellmewhatyouareplanning。Saythatyouwillcometothehospitalforthelong，perfectrestnow。’’

``Itisabsolutelyimpossible。Don’twearymebymentioningit。Icannot。’’

``Willyoutellmewhatyouintenddoing？’’

`Imust，’’shesaid，``foritdependsentirelyonyourword。IamgoingtogetUncleHenry’ssupper，andthengoandremainthenightwiththeneighbourwhohasbeenhelpingme。Inthemorning，whenheleaves，sheiscomingwithherwagonformytrunk，andsheisgoingtodrivewithmetoOnabashaandfindmeacheaproomandloanmeafewthings，untilIcanbuywhatIneed。

IamgoingtousefourteendollarsofthisandmydrawingmoneyforwhatIamforcedtobuy，andpayfiftyonmydebt。ThenIwillsendyoumyaddressandbereadyforwork。’’

Sheclutchedtheenvelopeandforthefirsttimelookedathim。

``Verywell，’’saidtheHarvester。``Icouldtakeyoutothewifeofmybestfriend，thechiefsurgeonofthecityhospital，andeverythingwouldbeeaseandrestuntilyouarestrong；shewouldlovetohaveyou。’’

TheGirldroppedherhandswearily。

``Don’ttiremewithit！’’shecried。``IamalmostfallingdespitethestimulusoffoodanddrinkIcantouch。Inevercanthankyouproperlyforthat。I

won’tbeabletoworkhardenoughtoshowyouhowmuchIappreciatewhatyouhavedoneforme。Butyoudon’tunderstand。Awoman，evenapoverty-poorwoman，ifshebedelicatelybornandreared，cannotgotoanotherwomanonaman’swhim，andwhenshelackseventhebarestnecessities。Idon’trefusetomeetyourfriends。Ishallloveto，whenIcanbesodressedthatIwillnotshameyou。Untilthattimescomes，ifyouarethegentlemanyouappeartobe，youwillwaitwithouturgingmefurther。’’

``Imustbeaman，inordertobeagentleman，’’saidtheHarvester。``Anditisbecausethemaninmeisinhotrebellionagainstmoreloneliness，pain，andsufferingforyou，thattheconventionsbecomechainsIdonotcarehowsoonorhowroughlyIbreak。Ifonlyyoucouldbeinducedtosaytheword，ItellyouIcouldbringoneofGod’sgentlestwomentoyou。’’

``Andprobablyshewouldcomeinadaintygown，inhercarriageormotor，andbedisgusted，astonished，andsecretlysorryforyou。Asforme，Idonotrequireherpity。Iwillbegladtoknowthebeautiful，refined，andgentlewomanyouaresocertainof，butnotuntilIambetterdressedandmoreattractiveinappearancethannow。Ifyouwillgivemeyouraddress，IwillwriteyouwhenIamreadyforwork。’’

SilentlytheHarvesterwroteit。``Willyougivemepermissiontotakethesethingstoyourneighbourforyou？’’heasked。``Theywouldserveuntilyoucandobetter，andIhavenoearthlyuseforthem。’’

Shehesitated。Thenshelaughedshortly。

``Whatatravestymyeffortsatpridearewithyou！’’

shecried。``Ibeginbytryingtopreservesomeproperdignity，andendbyconfessingabjectpoverty。Iyethavethetenyoupaidmetheotherday，buttwenty-fourdollarsarenotmuchtosetuphousekeepingon，andIwouldbemoregladthanIcansayfortheseverythings。’’

``Thankyou，’’saidtheHarvester。``IwilltakethemwhenIgo。Isthereanythingelse？’’

``Ithinknot。’’

``Willyouhaveadrink？’’

``Yes，ifyouhavemorewithyou。Ibelieveitisreallycoolingmyblood。’’

``Areyoutakingthemedicine？’’

``Yes，’’shesaid，``andIamstronger。TrulyIam。

IknowIappearghastlytoyou，butit’slossofsleep，andtryingtolayawaypoorAuntMollydecently，and——’’

``AndfearofUncleHenry，’’addedtheHarvester。

``Yes，’’saidtheGirl。``Thatmostofall！HethinksIamgoingtostayhereandtakeherplace。Ican’ttellhimIamnot，andhowIamtohidefromhimwhenIamgone，Idon’tknow。Iamafraidofhim。’’

``Hasheanyclaimonyou？’’

``Shelterforthepastthreemonths。’’

``Areyouofage？’’

``Iamalmosttwenty-four，’’shesaid。

``ThensupposeyouleaveUncleHenrytome，’’

suggestedtheHarvester。

``Why？’’

``Carefulnow！Theredbirdtoldyouwhy！’’saidtheman。``Iwillnoturgeituponyounow，butkeepitsteadilyinthebackofyourheadthatthereisasunshineroomallreadyandwaitingforyou，andIamgoingtotakeyoutoitverysoon。Asthingsare，Ithinkyoumightallowmetotellyou——’’

Shewasonherfeetininstantpanic。``Imustgo，’’

shesaid。``UncleHenryisdoggingmetopromisetoremain，andIwillnot，andheiswatchingme。Imustgo——’’

``Canyougivemeyourwordofhonourthatyouwillgototheneighbourwomanto-night；thatyoufeelperfectlysafe？’’

Shehesitated。``Yes，I——Ithinkso。Yes，ifhedoesn’tfindoutandgrowangry。Yes，Iwillbesafe。’’

``Howsoonwillyouwriteme？’’

``JustassoonasIamsettledandrestalittle。’’

``Doyoumeanseveraldays？’’

``Yes，severaldays。’’

``Aneternity！’’criedtheHarvesterwithwhitelips。

``Icannotletyougo。Supposeyoufallillandfailtowriteme，andIdonotknowwhereyouare，andthereisnoonetocareforyou。’’

``Butcan’tyouseethatIdon’tknowwhereIwillbe？Ifitwillsatisfyyou，Iwillwriteyoualineto-

morrownightandtellyouwhereIam，andyoucancomelater。’’

``Isthatapromise？’’askedtheHarvester。

``Itis，’’saidtheGirl。

``ThenIwilltakethesethingstoyourneighbourandwaituntilto-morrownight。Youwon’tfailme？’’

``Ineverinallmylifesawamansowildoverdesigns，’’

saidtheGirl，asshestartedtowardthehouse。

``Don’tforgetthatthedesignI’mcraziestaboutisthesameastheredbird’s，’’theHarvesterflungafterher，butshehurriedonandmadenoreply。

Hefoldedthetableandchair，rolledtherug，andshoulderingthempickedupthebucketandstarteddowntheriverbank。

``David！’’

SuchafaintlittlecallheneverwouldhavebeensureheheardanythingifBelshazzarhadnotstoppedsuddenly。

Thehaironthebackofhisneckaroseandheturnedwithagrowlinhisthroat。TheHarvesterdroppedhisloadwithacrashandraninleapingbounds，butthedogwasbeforehim。Halfwaytothehouse，RuthJamesonswayedinthegripofheruncle。Onehandclutchedhiscoatfrontinaspasmodicgrasp，andwiththeothershecoveredherface。

TheroartheHarvestersentupstayedthebig，liftedfist，andthedogleapedforathroathold，andcompelledthemantodefendhimself。TheHarvesterneverknewhowhecoveredthespaceuntilhestoodbetweenthem，andsawtheGirldrawbackandsnatchtogetherthefrontofherdress。

``Hetookitfromme！’’shepanted。``Makehim，ohmakehimgivebackmymoney！’’

Thenforafewsecondsthingshappenedtoorapidlytorecord。OncetheHarvestertossedatornenvelopeexposingmoneytotheGirl，andagainarevolver，andthenbothmenpantinganddishevelledwereontheirfeet。

``Countyourmoney，Ruth？’’saidtheHarvesterinavoiceofdeadlyquiet。

``Itisallhere，’’saidshe。

``Hermoney？’’criedHenryJameson。``Mymoney！

Shehasbeenstealingthepriceofmycattlefrommypockets。IthoughtIwasshortseveraltimeslately。’’

``Youarelying，’’saidtheHarvesterdeliberately。

``Itishermoney。Ijustpaidittoher。Youweretryingtotakeitfromher，nottheotherway。’’

``Oh，sheisinyourpay？’’leeredtheman。

``IfyousayaninsultingwordIthinkveryprobablyIwillfinishyou，’’saidtheHarvester。``Ican，withmynakedhands，andallyourneighbourswillsayitisaagoodjob。Youhavefeltmygrip！Iwarnyou！’’

``Howdoesmyniececometobetakingmoneyfromyou！’’

``Youhaveforfeitedallrighttoknow。Ruth，youcannotremainhere。Youmustcomewithme。IwilltakeyoutoOnabashaandfindyouaroom。’’

Ahorriblelaughbrokefromtheman。

``Sothatistheendofmysaintlyniece！’’hesaid。

``Remember！’’criedtheHarvesteradvancingastep。

``Ruth，willyougototherestIsuggestedforyou？’’

``Icannot。’’

``WillyougotoDoctorCarey’swife？’’

``Impossible！’’

``Willyoumarrymeandgototheshelterofmyhomewithme？’’

Wild-eyedshestaredathim。

``Why？’’

``BecauseIloveyou，andwantlifemadeeasierforyou，aboveanythingelseonearth。’’

``ButyourDreamGirl！’’

``YOUARETHEDREAMGIRL！Ithoughttheredbirdtoldyouforme！Ididn’tknowitwouldbeashock。I

believedIhadmadeyouunderstand。’’

Bythattimeshewasshakingwithanervouschill，andthesightunmannedtheHarvester。

``Comewithme！’’heurged。``Wewilldecidewhatyouwanttodoontheway。Onlycome，Ibegyou。’’

``Firstitwasmarry，nowit’sdecidelater，’’brokeinHenryJameson，crazedwithanger。``MoveastepandI’llstrikeyoudown。I’dbetterthanseeyoudisgraced——’’

TheHarvesteradvancedandJamesonsteppedback。

``Ruth，’’saidtheHarvester，``Iknowhowimpossiblethisseems。Itisgivingyounochanceatall。Ihadintended，whenIfoundyou，tocourtyoutenderlyasgirleverwaswooedbefore。Comewithme，andI’lldoityet。Thenewhomewasbuiltforyou。Thesunshineroomisreadyandwaitingforyou。Thereispureair，freshwater，nothingbutrestandcomfort。

I’llnurseyoubacktohealthandstrength，andyoushallbecourteduntilyoucometomeofyourownaccord。’’

``Impossible！’’criedthegirl。

``Onlyifyoumakeitso。Ifyouwillcomenow，wecanbemarriedinafewhours，andyoucanbesafeinyourownhome。Irealizenowthatthisisunexpectedandshockingtoyou，butifyouwillcomewithmeandallowmetorestoreyoutohealthandstrength，andif，say，inayear，youareconvincedthatyoudonotloveme，I

willsetyoufree。Ifyouwillcome，Isweartoyouthatyoushallbemywifefirst，andmyhonouredguestafterward，untilsuchtimeasyoueithertellmeyoulovemeorthatyounevercan。Willyoucomeonthoseterms，Ruth？’’

``Icannot！’’

``Itwillendfear，uncertainty，andwork，untilyouarestrongandwell。Itwillgiveyouhome，rest，andlove，thatyouwillfindisworthyourconsideration。I

willkeepmyword；ofthatyoumaybesure。’’

``No，’’shecried。``No！Buttakebackthismoney！

KeepituntilItellyoutowhomtopayit。’’

Shestartedtowardhimholdingouttheenvelope。

HenryJameson，withadreadfuloath，sprangforit，hiscontortedfaceadrawnsnarl。TheHarvestercaughthiminairandsenthimreeling。HesnatchedtherevolverfromtheGirlandputthemoneyinhispocket。

``Ruth，Ican’tleaveyouhere，’’hesaid。``OhmyDreamGirl！Areyouafraidofmeyet？Won’tyoutrustme？Won’tyoucome？’’

``No。’’

``Youarerightaboutthat，mylady；youwillcomebacktothehouse，that’swhatyou’lldo，’’saidHenryJameson，startingtowardher。

``No！’’criedtheGirlretreating。``OhHeavenhelpme！WhatamItodo？’’

``Ruth，youmustcomewithme，’’saidtheHarvester。

``Idon’tdareleaveyouhere。’’

ShestoodbetweenthemandgaveHenryJamesononelong，searchinglook。ThensheturnedtotheHarvester。

``Iamfarlessafraidofyou。Iwillacceptyouroffer，’’

shesaid。

``Thankyou！’’saidtheHarvester。``Iwillkeepmywordandyoushallhavenoregrets。Isthereanythinghereyouwishtotakewithyou？’’

``Iwantalittletrunkofmymother’s。Itcontainssomethingsofhers。’’

``Willyoushowmewhereitis？’’

Shestartedtowardthehouse；hefollowed，andHenryJamesonfellinline。TheHarvesterturnedonhim。

``Youremainwhereyouare，’’hesaid。``Iwilltakenothingbutthetrunk。Iknowwhatyouarethinking，butyouwillnotgetyourgunjustnow。Iwillreturnthisrevolverto-morrow。’’

``AndthefirstthingIdowithitwillbetouseitonyou，’’saidHenryJameson。

``I’llreportthatthreattothepolice，sothattheycanseeyouproperlyhangedifyoudo，’’retortedtheHarvester，ashefollowedthegirl。

``Whereishisgun？’’heaskedasheovertookher。

Whenhereachedthehousehetoldhertowatchthedoor。Hewentinside，brokethelockfromtheguninthecorner，foundthetrunk，andswingingittohisshoulder，passedHenryJamesonandwentbackthroughthewoods。TheHarvestersetthetrunkinthewagon，helpedtheGirlin，andreturnedfortheloadhehaddroppedathercall。ThenhetookthelinesandstartedforOnabasha。

TheGirlbesidehimwasalmostfainting。Hestoppedtogiveheradrinkandtriedtoencourageher。

``Braceupthebestyoucan，Ruth，’’hesaid。``Youmustgowithmeforalicense；thatisthelaw。Afterward，I’llmakeitjustaseasyforyouaspossible。I

willdoeverything，andinafewhoursyouwillbecomfortableinyourroom。Youbravegirl！Thismustcomeoutright！Youhavesufferedmorethanyourshare。Iwillhavepeaceforyoutheremainderoftheway。’’

Sheliftedshakinghandsandtriedtoarrangeherhairanddress。Astheynearedthecityshespoke。

``Whatwilltheyaskme？’’

``Idon’tknow。ButIamsurethelawrequiresyoutoappearinpersonnow。Icantakeyousomewhereandfindoutfirst。’’

``Thatwilltaketime。Iwanttoreachmyroom。

Whatwouldyouthink？’’

``Ifyouareofage，whereyouwereborn，ifyouareanativeofthiscountry，whatyourfatherandmotherdiedof，howoldtheywere，andsuchquestionsasthat。

I’llhelpyouallIcan。Youknowthosethings。don’tyou？’’

``Yes。ButImusttellyou——’’

``Idon’twanttobetoldanything，’’saidtheHarvester。

``Saveyourstrength。AllIwanttoknowisanywayinwhichIcanmakethiseasierforyou。Nothingelsematters。IwilltellyouwhatIthink；ifyouhaveanyobjections，makethem。Iwilldrivetothebankandgetadraftforwhatyouowe，andhavethatoffyourmind。

Thenwewillgetthelicense。AfterthatI’lltakeyoutothesidedoor，slipyouintheelevatorandtothefittingroomofastorewhereIknowthemanager，andyoushallhavesomeprettyclothingwhileIarrangeforaminister，andI’llcomeforyouwithacarriage。Thatisn’tthekindofweddingyouoranyothergirlshouldhave，buttherearetimeswhenamanonlycandohisbest。Youwillhelpmeasmuchasyoucan，won’tyou？’’

``Anythingyouchoose。Itdoesn’tmatter——onlybequickaspossible。’’

``ThereareafewdetailstowhichImustattend，’’

saidtheHarvester，``andthetimewillgofastertryingondressesthanwaitingalone。Whenyouareproperlyclothedyouwillfeelbetter。Whatdidyousaytheamountyouoweis？’’

``Youmaygetadraftforfiftydollars。IwillpaytheremainderwhenIearnit。’’

``Ruth，won’tyougivemethepleasureoftakingyouhomefreefromtheworryofthatdebt？’’

``Iamnotgoingto`worry。’Iamgoingtoworkandpayit。’’

``Verywell，’’saidtheHarvester。``Thisisthebank。

Wewillstophere。’’

Theywentinandhehandedheraslipofpaper。

``Writethenameandaddressonthat？’’hesaid。

Astheslipwasreturnedtohim，withoutaglancehefoldeditandsliditunderawicket。``Writeadraftforfiftydollarspayabletothatparty，andsendtothataddress，fromMissRuthJameson，’’hesaid。

Thenheturnedtoher。

``Thatisover。Seehoweasyitis！Nowwewillgotothecourthouse。Itisveryclose。Trynottothink。

Justmoveandspeak。’’

``Hello，Langston！’’saidtheclerk。``Whatcanwedoforyouhere？’’

``Showthisgirleveryconsideration，’’whisperedtheHarvester，asheadvanced。``Iwantamarriagelicenseinyourbesttime。Iwillanswerfirst。’’

Withthedocumentinhispossession，theywenttothestorehedesignated，wherehefoundtheGirlachairinthefittingroom，whilehewenttoseethemanager。

``Iwantoneofyourmostsensibleandaccommodatingclerks，’’saidtheHarvester，``andIwouldlikeafewwordswithher。’’

Whenshewaspresentedhescrutinizedhercarefullyanddecidedshewoulddo。

``Ihavemanythanksandsomethingmoresubstantialforawomanwhowillhelpmetocarrythroughaslightlyunusualprojectwithsympathyandability，’’hesaid，``andthemanagerhasselectedyou。Areyouwilling？’’

``IfIcan，’’saidtheclerk。

``Shehasputupyourotherorders，’’interposedthemanager；``weretheysatisfactory？’’

``Idon’tknow，’’saidtheHarvester。``Theyhavenotyetreachedtheoneforwhomtheywereintended。WhatIwantyoutodo，’’hesaidtotheclerk，``istogotothefittingroomanddressthegirlyoufindthereforherwedding。Shehadotherplans，butdeathdisarrangedthem，andshehasonlyanhourinwhichtomeettheeventmostgirlslovetolingeroverformonths。Shehasbeenill，andiswornwithwatching；butsometimeshemaylookbacktoherweddingdaywithjoy，andifonlyyouwouldhelpmetomakethebestofitforher，Iwouldbe，asIsaid，undermoreobligationsthanIcanexpress。’’

``Iwilldoanything，’’saidtheclerk。

``Verywell，’’saidtheHarvester。``Shehascomefromthecountryentirelyunprepared。Sheisdelicateandrefined。Saveheralltheembarrassmentyoucan。Dressherbeautifullyinwhite。Keepamemorandumslipofwhatyouspendformyaccount。’’

``Whatisthelimit？’’askedtheclerk。

``Thereisnone，’’saidtheHarvester。``Puttheprettiestthingsonheryouhaveintherightsizes，andifyouareawomanwithaheart，begentle！’’

``Issheready？’’inquiredthemanageratthedooranhourlater。

``Iam，’’saidtheGirlsteppingthrough。

TheastoundedHarvesterstoodandstared，utterlyobliviousofthecuriouspeople。

``Here，here，here！’’suddenlyhewhistledit，intheredbird’smostentreatingtones。

TheGirllaughedandthecolourinherfacedeepened。

``Letusgo，’’shesaid。

``Butwhataboutyou？’’askedthemanageroftheHarvester。

``Thunder！’’criedthemanaghast。``Iwassobusygettingeverythingelseready，Iforgotallaboutmyself。

Ican’tstandbeforeaministerbesideher，canI？’’

``WellIshouldsaynot，’’saidthemanager。

``Indeedyes，’’saidtheGirl。``Ineversawyouinanyotherclothing。YouwouldbeastrangerofwhomI’dbeafraid。’’

``Thatsettlesit！’’saidtheHarvestercalmly。``Thankallofyoumorethanwordscanexpress。Iwillcomeinthefirstoftheweekandtellyouhowwegetalong。’’

Thentheywenttothecarriageandstartedfortheresidenceofaminister。

``Ruth，youaremyDreamGirltothetipsofyoureyelashes，’’saidtheHarvester。``Ialmostwishyouwerenot。Itwouldn’tkeepmethinkingsomuchoftheremainderofthatdream。YouaretheloveliestsightIeversaw。’’

``DoIreallyappearwell？’’askedtheGirl，hungryforappreciation。

``Indeedyoudo！’’saidtheHarvester。``Inevercouldhaveguessedthatsuchamiraclecouldbewrought。Andyoudon’tseemsotired。Weretheygoodtoyou？’’

``Wonderfully！Ididnotknowtherewaskindnesslikethatinalltheworldforastranger。Ididnotfeellostorembarrassed，exceptthefirstfewsecondswhenIdidn’tknowwhattodo。OhIthankyouforthis！

Youwereright。WhatevercomesinlifeIalwaysshalllovetorememberthatIwasdaintilydressedandappearedaswellasIcouldwhenIwasmarried。ButImusttellyouIamnotreal。Theydideverythingonearthtome，threeofthemworkingatatime。Ifeelanincreaseinself-respectinsomeway。David，Idoappearbetter？’’

Whenshesaid``David，’’theHarvesterlookedoutofthewindowandgulpeddownhisdelight。Heleanedtowardher。

``Shutyoureyesandimagineyouseetheredbird，’’

hesaid。``Inmysoul，Iamsayingtoyouagainandagainjustwhathesang。Youarewonderfullybeautiful，Ruth，andmorethanwonderfullysweet。Willyouanswermeaquestion？’’

``IfIcan。’’

``Iloveyouwithallmyheart。Willyoumarryme？’’

``IsaidIwould。’’

``Thenweareengaged，aren’twe？’’

``Yes。’’

``Pleaseremovetheglovefromyourlefthand。Iwanttoputonyourring。Thiswillhavetobeaveryshortengagement，butnoonesaveourselvesneedknow。’’

``David，thatisn’tnecessary。’’

``Ihaveithere，andbelieveme，Ruth，itwillhelpinafewminutes；andallyourlifeyouwillbeglad。Itisaprecioussymbolthathasameaning。Thisweddingwon’tbehurtbyputtingallthesacrednessintoitwecan。

Please，Ruth！’’

``Ononecondition。’’

``Whatisit？’’

``Thatyouwillacceptandwearmymother’sweddingringinexchange，’’shesaid。``ItisallIhave。’’

``Ruth，doyoureallywishthat？’’

``Ido。’’

``IammorepleasedthanIcantellyou。MayIhaveitnow？’’

ShetookoffhergloveandtheHarvesterheldherhandcloselyasecond，thenliftedittohislips，passionatelykisseditandslippedonaring，thesettingabig，lustrouspearl。

``Ilookedatsomeothers，’’hesaid，``butnothinggotasecondglancesavethis。Theyknewyouwerecomingdowntheages，andsotheygotthepearlsready。

Howbeautifulitisonyourhand！Putonthegloveandwearthatringasifyouhadowneditforthelong，happyyearofbetrothaleverygirlshouldhave。Youcanstartyoursto-day，andifbythistimenextyearI

havenotwonyoutomyheartandarms，I’mnomanandnotworthyofyou。Ruth，youwilltryjustalittletoloveme，won’tyou？’’

``Iwilltrywithallmyheart，’’shesaidinstantly。

``Thankyou！Iamperfectlyhappywiththat。I

neverexpectedtomarryyoubeforeayear，anyway。

Allthedifferencewillbetheblessedfactthatinsteadofcomingtoseeyousomewhereelse，Inowcanhaveyouinmycare，andcourtyoueveryminute。Youmightaswellmakeupyourmindtocapitulatesoon。

It’sonthebooksthatyoudo。’’

``IfaninstantevercomeswhenIrealizethatIloveyou，Iwillcomestraightandtellyou；believeme，I

will。’’

``Thankyou！’’saidtheHarvester。``Thisisgoingtobequiteaproperweddingafterall。Hereistheplace。Itwillbeoversoonandyouonthehomeway。

Lord，Ruth——！’’

TheGirlsmiledathimasheopenedthecarriagedoor，helpedherupthestepsandrangthebell。

``Bebravenow！’’hewhispered。``Don’tloseyourlovelycolour。Thesepeoplewillbeaskindastheywereatthestore。’’

Theministerwasgentleandwastednotime。Hiswifeanddaughter，whoappearedforwitnesses，kissedRuth，andcongratulatedher。SheandtheHarvesterstood，tookthevows，exchangedrings，andreturnedtothecarriage，amanandhiswifebythelawsofman。

``DrivetoSeaton’scafe’，’’theHarvestersaid。

``OhDavid，letusgohome！’’

``ThisissogoodIhatetostopitforsomethingyoumaynotlikesowell。Iorderedlunchandifwedon’teatitIwillhavetopayforitanyway。Youwouldn’twantmetobeextravagant，wouldyou？’’

``No，’’saidtheGirl，``andbesides，sinceyoumentionit，IbelieveIamhungry。’’

``Good！’’criedtheHarvester。``Ihopedso！Ruth，youwouldn’tallowmetoholdyourhandjustuntilwereachthecafe’？Itmightsavemefromburstingwithjoy。’’

``Yes，’’shesaid。``ButImusttakeoffmylovelyglovesfirst。Iwanttokeepthemforever。’’

``I’dhatetheglovebeingremoveddreadfully，’’saidtheHarvester，hiseyesdancingandsnapping。

``I’msorryIamsothinandshaky，’’saidtheGirl。

``Iwillbesteadyandplumpsoon，won’tI？’’

``Onyourlifeyouwill，’’saidtheHarvester，takingthehandgently。

Nowthereareanumberofthingsamandeeplyinlovecanthinkoftodowithawoman’swhitehand。

Hecanstrokeit，pressittenderly，andlayitagainsthislipsandhisheart。TheHarvesterlackedexperienceinthesearts，andyetbysomewonderfulinstinctallofthesethingsoccurredtohim。TherewasrealcolourintheGirl’scheeksbythetimehehelpedherintothecafe’。Theywereguidedtoasmallroom，coolandrestful，closeawindow，besidewhichgrewatreecoveredwithtalkingleaves。Awaitingattendant，whoseemedperfectlyadept，broughtinsteamingbouillon，fragranttea，broiledchicken，properlycookedvegetables，awonderfulsalad，andthendeliciousicesandcoldfruit。ThehappyHarvesterleanedbackandwatchedtheGirldaintilymanagealmostasmuchfoodashewantedtoseehereat。

Whentheyhadfinished，``Nowwearegoinghome，’’

hesaid。``Willyoutrytolikeit，Ruth？’’

``IndeedIwill，’’shepromised。``AssoonasIgrowaccustomedtothedreadfulstillness，andlearnwhatthingswillnotbiteme，I’llbebetter。’’

``I’llhavetoaskyoutowaitaminute，’’hesaid。

``OnethingIforgot。ImusthireamantotakeBetsyhome。’’

``Aren’tyougoingtodriveheryourself？’’

``Noma’am！Wearegoinginacarriageoramotor，’’

saidtheHarvester。

``Indeedwearenot！’’contradictedtheGirl。``Youhavehadthisallyourwaysofar。IamgoinghomebehindBetsy，withBelshazzaratmyknee。’’

``Butyourdress！PeoplewillthinkIamcrazytoputalovelywomanlikeyouinaspringwagon。’’

``Letthem！’’saidtheGirlplacidly。``Whyshouldwebotheraboutotherpeople？IamgoingwithBetsyandBelshazzar。’’

TheHarvesterhadbeenthinkingthatheadoredher，thatitwasimpossibletolovehermore，buteveryminutewasprovingtohimthathewascapableoffeelingsoprofounditstartledhim。TocarrytheGirl，hisbride，throughthevalleyandupthehillinthelittlespringwagondrawnbyBetsy——thatwouldhavebeenhisidealway。Buthehadsupposedthatshewouldbeafraidofsoilingherdress，andembarrassedtorideinsuchaconveyance。Insteaditwasherchoice。Yes，hecouldlovehermore。Hourlyshewasprovingthat。

``Comethiswayafewsteps，’’hesaid。``Betsyishere。’’

TheGirllaidherfaceagainstthenoseofthefaithfuloldanimal，andstrokedherheadandneck。ThensheheldherskirtsandtheHarvesterhelpedherintothewagon。Shetooktheseat，andthedogwentwildwithjoy。

``Comeon，Bel，’’shesoftlycommanded。

Thedoghesitated，andlookedattheHarvesterforpermission。

``Youmaycomehereandputyourheadonmyknee，’’

saidtheGirl。

``Belshazzar，youluckydog，youareprivilegedtositthereandlayyourheadonthelady’slap，’’saidtheHarvester，andthedogquiveredwithjoy。

Thenthemanpickedupthelines，gaveabackwardglancetothebedofthewagon，highpiledwithlargebundles，andturnedBetsytowardMedicineWoods。

Throughthecrowdedstreetsandtowardthecountrytheydrove，whenabigredcarpassed，amancalledtothem，thenreversedandslowlybeganbackingbesidethewagon。TheHarvesterstopped。

``Thatismybestfriend，DoctorCarey，ofthehospital，Ruth，’’hesaidhastily。``MayItellhim，andwillyoushakehandswithhim？’’

``Certainly！’’saidtheGirl。

``Isitreallyyou，David？’’thedoctorpeeredwithgleamingeyesfromunderthecartop。

``Really！’’criedtheHarvester，asmangreetsmanwithafullheartwhenheissureofsympathy。``Come，giveusyourbestsend-off，Doc！Weweremarriedanhourago。WeareheadedforMedicineWoods。DoctorCarey，thisisMrs。Langston。’’

``Mightygladtoknowyou！’’criedthedoctor，reachingahappyhand。

TheGirlmetitcordially，whileshesmiledonhim。

``Howdidthishappen？’’demandedthedoctor。``Whydidn’tyouletusknow？Thisishardlyfairofyou，David。YoumighthaveletmeandtheMissussharewithyou。’’

``Thatistobeexplained，’’saidtheHarvester。``Itwasdecidedonverysuddenly，andrathersadly，onaccountofthedeathofMrs。Jameson。IforcedRuthtomarrymeandcomewithme。IgrowratherfrightenedwhenIthinkofit，butitwastheonlywayIknew。Sheabsolutelyrefusedmyotherplans。Youseebeforeyouawildmancarryingawayawomantohiscave。’’

``Don’tbelievehim，Doctor！’’laughedtheGirl。``Ifyouknowhim，youwillunderstandthattoofferallhehadwaslikehim，whenhesawmynecessity。Youwillcometoseeussoon？’’

``I’llcomerightnow，’’saidthedoctor。``I’llbringmywifeandarrivebythetimeyoudo。’’

``Ohnoyouwon’t！’’saidtheHarvester。``Doyouobservethebedofthiswagon？Thishappenedall`unbeknownst’tous。Wehavetosetuphousekeepingafterwereachhome。Wewillnotifyyouwhenwearereadyforvisitors。Justyousubsideandwaituntilyouaresentfor。’’

``WhyDavid！’’criedtheastonishedGirl。

``That’sthelaw！’’saidtheHarvestertersely。``Good-

bye，Doc；we’llbereadyforyouinadayortwo。’’

Heleaneddownandheldouthishand。Thegripthatcaughtitsaidallanywordscouldconvey；andthenBetsystartedupthehill。

CHAPTERXIII

WHENTHEDREAMCAMETRUE

Atfirsttheroadlaybetweenfertilefarmsdottedwithshockedwheat，coveredwithundulantseasofripeningoats，andforestsofgrowingcorn。Thelarksweretrailingmelodyabovetheshornandgrowingfields，thequailwereingatheringbesidethefences，andfromtheforestsongracefulwingsslippedthenighthawksandsailedandsoared，droppingsolowthatthehalfmoonsformedbywhitespotsontheirspreadwingsshowedplainly。

``Whyisthiscountrysodifferentfromtheothersideofthecity？’’askedtheGirl。

``Itisolder，’’repliedtheHarvester，``anditlieshigher。

Thiswassettledandwellcultivatedwhenthatwasaswamp。Butasafarmingproposition，themoneyisinthelowlandlikeyouruncle’s。Thecropsraisedthereareenormouscomparedwiththeyieldofthesefields。’’

``Isee，’’saidshe。``Butthisismuchbettertolookatandtheairisdifferent。Itlacksasoggy，depressingquality。’’

``Idon’tallowanyairtosurpassthatofMedicineWoods，’’saidtheHarvester，``byespecialarrangementwiththepowersthatbe。’’

Thentheydippedintoalittledepressionandarosetocrosstherailroadandthenfollowedalongervalleythatwasraggedandunkemptcomparedwiththeroadbetweencultivatedfields。TheHarvesterwasbusytryingtoplanwhattodofirst，andhowtodoitmosteffectively，andworkinghisbraintothinkifhehadeverythingtheGirlwouldrequireforhercomfort；sohedrovesilentlythroughthedeepeningshadows。Sheshudderedandawokehimsuddenly。Heglancedatherfromthecornerofhiseye。

Herthoughtshadgoneonajourney，also，andthewayhadbeenrough，forherfaceworeastrainedappearance。Thehandslyingbareinherlapweretightlygripped，sothatthenailsandknucklesappearedblue。

TheHarvesterhastilycastaroundseekingforthecauseofthetransformation。Afewminutesagoshehadseemedateaseandcomfortable，nowshewascloseopenpanic。Nothinghadbeensaidthatwoulddisturbher。

Withbrainalerthesearchedforthereason。Thenitbegantocometohim。Theunaccustomedsilenceanddepressionofthecountrymighthavebeenthebeginning。

Comingfromthecityandcrowdsofpeopletothegloomyvalleywithamanalmostastranger，goingsheknewnotwhere，toconditionssheknewnotwhat，withtheexperiencesofthedayvividbeforeher。Theblackvalleyroadwasnotprepossessing，withitsborderofgreenpools，throughwhichgrewswampbushesandstragglingvines。TheHarvesterlookedcarefullyattheroad，andceasedtomarvelattheGirl。Buthedislikedtoletherknowheunderstood，sohegaveonelastglanceatthosegrippedhandsandcasuallyheldoutthelines。

``Willyoutakethesejustasecond？’’heasked。

``Don’tletthemtouchyourdress。Wemustnotloseofourload，becauseit’smostlythingsthatwillmakeyoumorecomfortable。’’

Hearose，andturning，pretendedtoseethateverythingwasallright。Thenheresumedhisseatanddroveon。

``Iamalittleashamedofthisstretchthroughhere，’’

hesaidapologetically。``Icouldhavemanagedtohaveitclearedandinbettershapelongago，butinawayityieldsasnugprofit，andsofarI’vepreferredthemoney。Thelandisnotmine，butIcouldgruboutthisgrowthentirely，insteadoftakingonlywhatIneed。’’

``Istherestuffhereyouuse？’’theGirlarousedherselftoask，andtheHarvestersawthelookofreliefthatcrossedherfaceatthesoundofhisvoice。

``WellIshouldsayyes，’’helaughed。``Thosebushes，numerouseverywhere，withthehangingyellow-greenballs，those，inbarkandroot，gointofevermedicines。

Theyarenotsomuchusednow，butsometimesIhaveacall，andwhenIdo，Ipassthebedsonmy——onourland，andcomedownhereandgetwhatisneeded。

Thatbush，’’heindicatedwiththewhip，``bloomsexquisitelyinthespring。Itisarelativeoffloweringdogwood，andtheoneofitsmanynamesIlikebestissilkycornel。Isn’tthatpretty？’’

``Yes，’’shesaid，``itisbeautiful。’’

``I’veplantedsomeforyouinahedgealongthedrivewaysonextspringyoucangatherallyouwant。I

thinkyou’llliketheodour。Thebarkbringsmorethantruedogwood。IfIgetacallfromsomehousethatusesit，Isavemineandcomedownhere。Aroundtheedgearehoptrees，andIrealizesomethingfromthem，andalsothefalseandtruebitter-sweetthatrunriothere。

Bothofthemhaveprettyleaves，whiletheberriesofthetruehangallwinterandthecolourisgorgeous。I’vesetyourhedgecloselywiththem。Whenithasgrownafewmonthsit’sgoingtofurnishflowersinthespring，amilliondifferent，wonderfulleavesandberriesinthesummer，manyfruitsthebirdsloveinthefall，andbrightberries，queerseedpods，andnutsallwinter。’’

``Youplanteditforme？’’

``Yes。Ithinkitwillbebeautifulinaseasonortwo；

itisn’tsobadnow。Ihopeitwillcallmyriadsofbirdstokeepyoucompany。Whenyoucrossthisstretchofroadhereafter，don’tseefetidwaterandstragglingbushesandvines；justsaytoyourself，thishelpstofillorders！’’

``Iamperfectlytolerantofitnow，’’shesaid。``Youmakeeverythingdifferent。Iwillcomewithyouandhelpcollecttherootsandbarksyouwant。Whichbushdidyousayrelievedthepoorsoulsscorchingwithfever？’’

TheHarvesterdrewonthelines，Betsyswervedtotheedgeoftheroad，andheleanedandbrokeabranch。

``Thisone，’’heanswered。``Buttonbush，becausethoseballsresembleroundbuttons。Aren’ttheypeculiar？Seehowwaxyandgracefullycutandsettheleavesare。Goon，Betsy，getushomebeforenight。

Weappearourbestearlyinthemorning，whenthesuntopsMedicineWoodsandbeginstolightusup，andintheevening，justwhenshedropsbehindOnabashabackthere，andstrikesuswithafewlevelrays。WillyoutakethelinesuntilIopenthisgate？’’

Shelaidthetwiginherlaponthewhiteglovesandtookthelines。Asthegateswungwide，Betsywalkedthroughandstoppedattheusualplace。

``Nowmygirl，’’saidtheHarvester，``crossyourself，leanback，andtakeyourease。Thissidethatgateyouareathome。Fromhereonbelongstous。’’

``Toyou，youmean，’’saidtheGirl。

``Tous，Imean，’’declaredtheHarvester。``Don’tyouknowthatthe`worldlygoodsbestowal’clauseinamarriageceremonyisapartialreality。Itdoesn’tgiveyou`allmyworldlygoods，’butitgivesyouonethird。

Whichwillyoutake，thehill，lake，marsh，orapartofallofthem。’’

``Oh，istherewater？’’

``DidIforgettomentionthatIwasformerlysoleownerandproprietorofthelakeofLostLoons，alsoabrookofSingingWater，andmanycoldsprings。Thelakecoversaboutonethirdofourland，andmyneighbourswouldallowmeditchoutlettotheriver，buttheysayI’mtoolazytotakeit。’’

``Lazy！Dotheymeandrainyourlakeintotheriver？’’

``Theydo，’’saidtheHarvester，``andmakethebedintoacornfield。’’

``Butyouwouldn’t？’’