Sheturnedtohimwithconfidence。

``Ihaven’tsofar，butofcourse，whenyouseeit，ifyouwouldpreferitinacorn——Let’splayagame！

Turnyourheadinthisdirection，’’heindicatedwiththewhip，``closeyoureyes，andopenthemwhenIsayready。’’

``Allright！’’

``Now！’’saidtheHarvester。

``Oh，’’criedtheGirl。``Stop！Pleasestop！’’

TheywereatthefootofasmallleveethatrantothebridgecrossingSingingWater。Ontheleftlaythevalleythroughwhichthestreamsweptfromitshurriedrushdownthehill，amarshythicketofvines，shrubs，andbushes，thebanksimpassablewithwatergrowth。Everywhereflamedfoxfireandcardinalflower，thousandsofwildtigerliliesliftedgorgeousorange-redtrumpets，besidepearl-whiteturtleheadandmoondaisies，whileallthecreekbankwasacorallinewiththefirstopeningbloomofbigpinkmallows。Rankjewelflowerpouredgoldfromdaintycornucopiasandlavenderbeard-tongueofferedhoneytoamillionbumblingbees；watersmart-

weedspreadaglowingpinkbackground，andtwiningamberdoddertoppedthemarshinlacymistwithitsdelicatewhitebloom。Straightbeforethemawhite-

sandedroadclimbedtothebridgeandupagentlehillbetweentheyounghedgeofsmalltreesandbushes，whereagainflowersandbrightcoloursriotedandledtothecabinyetinvisible。Ontheright，thehill，crownedwithgiganticforesttrees，slopedtothelake；midwaythebuildingstood，andfromit，amongscatteringtreesallthewaytothewater’sedge，wereimmensebedsofvividcolour。Likeascarfofgoldflungacrossthefaceofearthwavedthemistysaffron，andbesidetheroadrunningdownthehill，inasunny，openspacearosetree-likespecimensofthriftymagentapokeberry。Downthehillcreptthemassesofcolour，changingfromdrysoiltowatergrowth。

Higharoundtheblue-greensurfaceofthelakewavedlacyheadsofwildrice，lowercat-tails，bulrushes，andmarshgrasses；arrowheadliliesliftedspinesofpearlybloom，whileyellowwaterliliesandbluewaterhyacinthsintermingled；hereandtheregrewapinkstretchofwatersmartweedandthedanglinggoldofjewelflower。Overthewater，borderingtheedge，starryfacesofwhitepondliliesfloated。Blueflagswavedgracefulleaves，willowsgrewinclumps，andvinesclamberedeverywhere。

Amongthegrowthofthelakeshore，duck，coot，andgrebevoicescommingledinthelastchatteringhastenedsplashofsecuringsupperbeforebedtime；cryingkilldeerscrossedthewater，andoverheadthenighthawksmassedincirclingcompanies。BetsyclimbedthehillandateverysteptheGirlcried，``Slower！pleasegoslower！’’Withwideeyesshestaredaroundher。

``WHYDIDN’TYOUTELLMEITWOULDBELIKETHIS？’’shedemandedinawedtones。

``HaveIhadopportunitytodescribemuchofanything？’’askedtheHarvester。``Besides，Iwasbornandrearedhere，andwhileithasbeenagardenofbloomforthepastsixyearsonly，italwayshasbeenapicture；

butoneforgetstosaymuchaboutasightseeneverydayandthatrequirestheworkthisdoes。’’

``Thatwhitemistdownthere，whatisit？’’shemarvelled。

``PearlsgrownbytheAlmighty，’’answeredtheHarvester。``FlowersthatIhopeyouwilllove。Theyarelikeyou。Tallandslender，graceful，pearlwhiteandpearlpure——thosearethearrowheadLilies。’’

``Andthewonderfulpurplish-redthereonthebank？

Oh，Icouldkneelandpraybeforecolourlikethat！’

``Pokeberry！’’saidtheHarvester。``Rootsbringfivecentsapound。Goodbloodpurifier。’’

``Man！’’criedtheGirl。``Howcanyou？I’mnotgoingtoaskwhatanothercolouris。I’lljustworshipwhatIlikeinsilence。’’

``WillyouforgivemeifItellyouwhatawomanwhosejudgmentIrespectsaysaboutthatcolour？’’

``Perhaps！’’

``Shesays，`GodprovesthatHelovesitbestofallthetintsinHisworkshopbyusingitfirstandmostsparingly。’

Nowareyougoingtopunishmebykeepingsilent？’’

``Icouldn’tifItried。’’

JustthentheycameuponthebridgecrossingSingingWater，andtherewasalongviewofitsborder，ripplingbed，andmarshybanks；whileontheotherhandthelakeresembledarichlyincrustedsapphire。

``Isthehouseclose？’’

``Justafewrods，attheturnofthedrive。’’

``Pleasehelpmedown。Iwanttoremainhereawhile。

Idon’tcarewhatelsethereistosee。Nothingcanequalthis。IwishIcouldbringdownabedandsleephere。I’dliketohaveatable，anddrawandpaint。

Iunderstandnowwhatyoumeanaboutthedesignsyoumentioned。Why，theremustbethousands！I

can’tgoon。Ineversawanythingsoappealinginallmylife。’’

NowtheHarvester’smotherhaddesignedthatbridgeandhehadbuiltitwithmuchcare。Frombark-coveredrailingstosolidoakfloorandcomfortablebenchesrunningalongthesidesitwasintendedtobeapartofthelandscape。

``I’llsendBelshazzartothecabinwiththewagon，’’

hesaid，``soyoucanseebetter。’’

``Butyoumustnot！’’shecried。``Ican’twalk。I

wouldn’tsoilthesebeautifulshoesforanything。’’

``Whydon’tyouchangethem？’’inquiredtheHarvester。

``IamafraidIforgoteverythingIhad，’’saidtheGirl。

``Thereareshoessomewhereinthisload。Ithoughtofthemingettingotherthingsforyou，butIhadnoideaastosize，andsoItoldthatclerkto-daywhenshegotyourmeasuretoputineverykindyou’dneed。’’

``Youarehorriblyextravagant，’’shesaid。``Butifyouhavethemhere，perhapsIcoulduseonepair。’’

TheHarvestermountedthewagonandhunteduntilhefoundalargebox，andopeningitonthebenchhedisclosedalmosteveryvarietyofshoe，walkingshoeandslipper，agirleverowned，aswellassandalsandhighovershoes。

``Forpitysake！’’criedtheGirl。``Coverthatbox！

Youfrightenme。You’llnevergetthempaidfor。

Youmusttakethemstraightback。’’

``Nevertakeanythingback，’’saidtheHarvester。

```Besureyouareright，thengoahead，’ismymotto。

NowIknowtheseareyourcorrectsizeandthatfordifferingoccasionsyouwillwantjustsuchshoesasothergirlshave，andheretheyare。Simpleaslife！Ithinkthesewillservebecausetheyareforstreetwear，yettheyarewhiteinside。’’

Heproducedapairofcanvaswalkingshoesandkneelingbeforeherheldouthishand。

Whenhehadfinished，heloadedtheboxonthewagon，gavethehitchingstraptoBelshazzar，andtoldhimtoleadBetsytothecabinandholdheruntilhecame。

ThenheturnedtotheGirl。

``Now，’’hesaid，``lookaslongasyouchoose。Butrememberthatthelawgivesyoupartofthisandyourlover，whichsameamI，givesyoutheremainder，soyouareprivilegedtocomehereatanyhourasoftenasyouplease。Ifyoumissanythingthisevening，youhavealltimetocomeinwhichtore-examineit。’’

``I’dliketoliverighthereonthisbridge，’’shesaid。

``Iwishithadaroof。’’

``Roofitto-morrow，’’offeredtheHarvester。``Simplematterofafewpillarsalreadycut，joistsjoined，andsomeslabshinglesleftfromthecabin。Anythingelseyourladyshipcansuggest？’’

``Thatyoubesensible。’’

``Iwasbornthatway，’’explainedtheHarvester，``andI’vecultivatedthefacultyuntilI’vedevelopedrealgenius。Talkingofsense，thereneverwasapropermarriageinwhichthemandidn’tgivethewomanapresent。YouseemlikelytobemoreappreciativeofthisbridgethananythingelseIhave，sorighthereandnowwouldbetheappropriateplacetoofferyoumyweddinggift。Ididn’thavemuchtime，butIcouldn’thavefoundanythingmoresuitableifI’dtakenayear。’’

Heheldoutasmall，whitevelvetcase。

``Doesn’tthatlookasifitweremadeforabride？’’

heasked。

``Itdoes，’’answeredtheGirl。``ButIcan’ttakeit。

Youarenotdoingright。Marryingaswedid，younevercanbelievethatIloveyou；maybeitwon’teverhappenthatIdo。Ihavenorighttoacceptgiftsandexpensiveclothingfromyou。Inthefirstplace，iftheloveyouasknevercomes，thereisnopossiblewayinwhichIcanrepayyou。Inthesecond，thesethingsyouareofferingarenotsuitableforlifeandworkinthewoods。Inthethird，Ithinkyouarebeingextravagant，andIcouldn’tforgivemyselfifIallowedthat。’’

``Youdivideyourstatementslikeapreacher，don’tyou？’’askedtheHarvesteringenuously。``Nowsittheehereandgazeontheplacidlakeandquietyourtroubledspirit，whileIdemolishyour`perfectlygood’

arguments。Inthefirstplace，youarenowmywife，andyouhavearighttotakeanythingIoffer，ifyoucareforitorcanuseitinanymanner。Inthesecond，youmustrecognizeadifferenceinourpositions。Whatseemsnothingtoyoumeansalltheworldtome，andyouarelessthanhumanifyoudeprivemeofthejoyofexpressingfeelingsIaminhonourboundtokeepinmyheart，bytheselittlematerialofferings。Inthethirdplace，Iinheritedoversixhundredacresoflandandwater，pleaseobservethewater——itisnowinevidenceonyourleft。AllmylifeIhavebeentaughttobefrugal，economical，andtowork。AllI’veearnedeitherhasgonebackintoland，intothebank，orintobooks，veryplainfood，andsuchclothingasyounowseemewearing。Justthevalueofthisplaceasitstands，withitsbigtrees，itsdrugcropsyieldingalltheyearround，wouldbedifficulttoestimate；andIdon’tmindtellingyouthatonthetopofthathillthereisagoldmine，andit’smine——ourssincefouro’clock。’’

``Agoldmine！’’

``Acresandacresofwildginseng，sevenyearsofageandreadytoharvest。Doyourememberwhatyourfewpoundsbrought？’’

``Whyit’sworththousands！’’

``Exactly！ForyourpeaceofmindImightaddthatallIhavedoneorgotispaidfor，exceptwhatIboughtto-day，andIwillwriteacheckforthatassoonasthebillismadeout。MybankaccountneverwillfeelitTruly，Ruth，Iamnotdoingorgoingtodoanythingextravagant。Ican’taffordtogiveyoudiamondnecklaces，yachts，andtripstoEurope；butyoucanhavethecontentsofthisboxandamotorboatonthelake，ahorseandcarriage，andatrip——saytoNewYorkperfectlywell。Pleasetakeit。’’

``Iwishyouwouldn’taskme。Iwouldbehappiernotto。’’

``Yes，butIdoaskyou，’’persistedtheHarvester。

``Youarenottheonlyonetobeconsidered。Ihavesomerightsalso，andI’mnotsoself-effacingthatI

won’tinsistuponthem。FromyourstandpointIamalmostastranger。Youhavespentnotimeconsideringmeinnearrelations；Irealizethat。Youfeelasifyouweredrivenhereforarefuge，andthatistrue。IsaidtoBelshazzaronedaythatImustrememberthatyouhadnodream，andhadspentnotimelovingme，andI

doIknowhowthisweddingseemstoyou，butit’sgoingtomeansomethingdifferentandbettersoon，pleaseGod。Icanseeyourside；nowsupposeyoutakealookatmine。Ididhaveadream，itwasmydream，andbeyondthesumofanydelightIeverconceived。OnthestrengthofitIrebuiltmyhomeandremodelledthesepremises。ThenIsawyou，andfromthatdayIworkedearlyandlate。IlostyouandI

neverstoppeduntilIfoundyou；andIwouldhavecourtedandwonyou，butthefatesintervenedandhereyouare！Soit’smydelighttocourtandwinyounow。

Ifyouknewthedifferencebetweenhavingadreamthatstirredtheleastfibreofyourbeingandfacingtheworldinademandforrealizationofit，andthenfindingwhatyoucovetedinthepalmofyourhand，asitwere，youwouldknowwhatisinmyheart，andwhyexpressionofsomekindisnecessarytomejustnow，andwhyI’llexplodeifitisdenied。Itwilllowerthetension，ifyouwillacceptthisasamatteroffact；asifyouratherexpectedandlikedit，ifyoucan。’’

TheHarvestersethisfingeronthespring。

``Don’t！’’shesaid。``I’llneverhavethecourageifyoudo。Giveittomeinthecase，andletmeopenit。

Despiteyourunanswerablearguments，IamquitesurethatistheonlywayinwhichIcantakeit。’’

TheHarvestergaveherthebox。

``Myweddinggift！’’sheexclaimed，moretoherselfthantohim。``WhyshouldIbethebuffetofalltheunkindfateskeptinstoreforagirlmywholelife，andthensuddenlybeofferedhome，beautifulgifts，andwonderfullovingkindnessbyastranger？’’

TheHarvesterranhisfingersthroughhiscrisphair，pulleditintoapeak，steppedtotheseatandsittingontherailing，heliftedhiselbows，tiltedhishead，andbeganamotleyoutpouringofhalf-spoken，half-whistledtrillsandimploringcries。TherewasenoughsimilaritythattheGirlinstantlyrecognizedtheredbird。OutofbreaththeHarvesterdroppedtotheseatbesideher。

``Anddon’tyoukeepforgettingit！’’hecried。``Nowopenthatboxandputonthetrinket；becauseIwanttotakeyoutothecabinwhenthesunfallslevelonthedrive。’’

Sheopenedthecase，exposingathreadofgoldthatappearedtooslenderfortheweightofanexquisitependant，setwithshimmeringpearls。

``Ifyouwilllookdownthere，’’theHarvesterpointedovertherailingtothearrowheadliliestouchedwiththefadinglight，``youwillseethattheyaresimilar。’’

``Theyare！’’criedtheGirl。``Howlovely！WhichismorebeautifulIdonotknow。Andyouwon’tlikeitifIsayImustnot。’’

SheheldtheopencasetowardtheHarvester。

```Possessionisninepointsinthelaw，’’’hequoted。

``Youhavetakenitalreadyanditisinyourhands；

nowmakethegiftperfectformebyputtingitonandsayingnothingmore。’’

``Myweddinggift！’’repeatedtheGirl。Slowlysheliftedthebeautifulornamentandhelditinthelight。

``I’msogladyoujustforcemetotakeit，’’shesaid。

``Anyhalf-normalgirlwouldbedelighted。Idoacceptit。Andwhat’smore，Iamgoingtokeepandwearitandmyringatsuitabletimesallmylife，inmemoryofwhatyouhavedonetobekindtomeonthisawfulday。’’

``Thankyou！’’saidtheHarvester。``Thatisaflashoftheproperspirit。Allowmetoputitonyou。’’

``No！’’saidtheGirl。``Notyet！Afterawhile！I

wanttoholditinmyhands，whereIcanseeit！’’

``Nowthereisoneotherthing，’’saidtheHarvester。

``IfIhadknownforanylengthoftimethatthisdaywascomingandbringingyou，asmostmenknowwhenagirlistobegivenintotheircare，Icouldhavemadeitdifferent。Asitis，I’vedonethebestIknew。AllyourafterlifeIhopeyouwillbelievethis:Justthatifyoumissedanythingto-daythatwouldhavemadeiteasierforyouormorepleasant，thereasonwasbecauseofmyignoranceofwomenandtheconventions，andlackoftime。IwantyoutoknowandtofeelthatinmyheartthosevowsItookwerereal。ThisisundoubtedlyallthemarryingIwilleverwanttodo。Iamold-fashionedinmyways，anddeeplyimbuedwiththespiritofthewoods，andthatmeansunendingevolutionalongthesamelines。

``Tomeyouaremyreveredandbelovedwife，mymatenow；andIamsurenothingwillmakemefeelanydifferent。ThisisthedayofmymarriagetotheonlywomanIeverhavethoughtofwedding，andtomeitisjoyunspeakable。Withothermensuchadayendsdifferentlyfromthecloseofthiswithme。BecauseIhavedoneandwillcontinuetodothelevelbestIknowforyou，thisorationistheprologuetoaskingyouforonegifttomefromyou，aweddinggift。Idon’twantitunlessyoucanbestowitungrudgingly，andtrulywantmetohaveit。Ifyoucan，IwillhaveallfromthisdayIhopeforatthehandsoffate。MayIhavethegiftIaskofyou，Ruth？’’

Sheliftedstartledeyestohisface。

``Tellmewhatitis？’’shebreathed。

``Itmayseemmuchtoyou，’’saidtheHarvester；

``tomeitappearsonlyagraciousact，fromawonderfulwoman，ifyouwillgivemefreely，onerealkiss。I’veneverhadone，savefromaDreamGirl，Ruth，andyouwillhavetomakeyoursprettygoodifitisanythinglikehers。Youarewomanenoughtoknowthatmostmencrushtheirbridesintheirarmsandtakeathousand。

I’llputmyhandsbehindmeandnevermoveamuscle，andIwon’taskformore，ifyouwillcrownmyweddingdaywithonlyonetouchofyourlips。Willyoukissmejustonce，Ruth？’’

TheGirlliftedapiteousfacedownwhichbigtearssuddenlyrolled。

``OhMan，youshameme！’’shecried。``WhatkindofahearthaveIthatitfailstorespondtosuchaplea？HaveIbeenoverworkedandstarvedsolongthereisnofeelinginme？Idon’tunderstandwhyIdon’ttakeyouinmyarmsandkissyouahundredtimes，butyouseeIdon’t。Itdoesn’tseemasifIevercould。’’

``Nevermind，’’saidtheHarvestergently。``Itwasonlyafancyofmine，bredfrommydreamandunreasonable，perhaps。IamsorryImentionedit。Thesunisonthestoopnow；Iwantyoutoenteryourhomeinitslight。Come！’’

Hehalfliftedherfromthebench。``IamgoingtohelpyouupthedriveasIusedtoassistmother，’’hesaid，fightingtokeephisvoicenatural。``Claspyourhandsbeforeyouanddrawyourelbowstoyoursides。

Nowletmetakeoneineachpalm，andyouwillscootupthisdriveasifyouwereonwheels。’’

``ButIdon’twantto`scoot’，’’shesaidunsteadily。

``Imustgoslowlyandnotmissanything。’’

``Onthecontrary，youdon’twanttodoanysuchthing——youshouldleavemostofitforto-morrow。’’

``Ihadforgottentherewouldbeanyto-morrow。Itseemsasifthedaywouldenditandsetmeadriftagain。’’

``Youaregoingtoawakeinthegoldroomwiththesunshiningonyourfaceinthemorning，andit’sgoingtokeeponallyourlife。Nowifyou’vegotasmileinyouranatomy，bringittothesurface，forjustbeyondthistreelieshappinessforyou。’’

Hisvoicewasclearandsteadynow，hisconfidencesomethingcontagious。Therewasalovelysmileonherfaceasshelookedathim，andsteppedintothelineoflightcrossingthedriveway；andthenshestoppedandcried，``Ohlovely！Lovely！Lovely！’’overandover。

ThenmaybetheHarvesterwasnotgladhehadplanned，workedunceasingly，andbuildedaswellasheknew。

Thecabinoflarge，peeled，goldenoaklogs，oiledtopreservethem，nestledlikeabigmushroomonthesideofthehill。Aboveandbehindthebuildingthetreesaroseinagreensetting。Theroofwasstainedtotheirshades。Thewideverandawasenclosedinscreening，overwhichwonderfulvinesclimbedinplaces，androunditgrewfernsanddeep-woodplants。Insidehungbigbasketsofwildgrowth；therewasawideswingingseat，withabackrest，supportedbyheavychains。Therewerechairsandatableofbentsaplingsandhickorywithes。Twofullstoriesthebuildingarose，andthewesternsunwarmeditalmosttoorange-yellow，whilethegracefulvinescrepttowardtheroof。

TheGirllookedattherapidlyrisinghedgeoneachsideofher，atthewhitefloorofthedrive，andlongandlongatthecabin。

``YoudidallthissinceFebruary？’’sheasked。

``Eventotransformingthelandscape，’’answeredtheHarvester。

``OhIwishitwasnotcomingnight！’’shecried。``I

don’twantthedarktocome，untilyouhavetoldmethenameofeverytreeandshrubofthatwonderfulhedge，andeveryplantandvineoftheveranda；andohI

wanttofollowupthedrivewayandseethatbeautifullittlecreek——listentoitchuckleandlaugh！Isitalwaysgladlikethat？Seethefernsandthingsthatgrowontheothersideofit！Whytherearebigbedsofthem。Andliliesofthevalleybytheacre！Whatisthatyellowaroundthecorner？’’

``Nevermindthatnow，’’saidtheHarvester，guidingherupthesteps，alongthegravelledwalktothescreenthatheopened，andoverafloodofgoldlightshecrossedtheveranda，andenteredthedoor。

``Nowhereitappearsbare，’’saidtheHarvester，``becauseIdidn’tknowwhatshouldgoonthewallsorwhatrugstogetoraboutthewindows。Thetable，chairs，andcouchImademyselfwithsomehelpfromacarpenter。Theyaresolidblackwalnutandwillagefinely。’’

``Theyarebeautiful，’’saidtheGirl，softlytouchingtheshiningtabletopwithherfingers。``Pleaseputthenecklaceonmenow，Ihavetousemyeyesandhandsforotherthings。’’

SheheldouttheboxandtheHarvesterliftedthependantandclaspedthechainaroundherneck。Sheglancedatthelustrouspearlsandthenthefingersofonehandsoftlyclosedoverthem。Shewentthroughthelong，wideliving-room，examiningthechairsandmantel，stoppingtotouchandexclaimoveritsarrayofhalf-finishedcandlesticks。Atthedoorofhisroomshepaused。``Andthis？’’shequestioned。

``Mine，’’saidtheHarvester，turningtheknob。``I’llgiveyouonepeeptosatisfyyourcuriosity，andshowyouthelocationofthebridgeoverwhichyoucametomeinmydream。Alltheremainderisyours。Ireserveonlythis。’’

``Willthe`goblinsgitme’ifIcomehere？’’

``Notgoblins，butamanalive；soheedyourwarning。

Afteryouhaveseenit，keepaway。’’

Thefloorwascement，threeofthewallsheavyscreeningwithmosquitowireinside，theroofslabshingled。

Ontheinnerwallwasabookcase，belowitadesk，atonesideaguncabinet，attheotherabathinasmallalcovebesideacloset。Theroomcontainedtwochairslikethoseoftheveranda，andthebedwasalowoakcouchcoveredwithathickmattressofhemlocktwigs，toppedwithsweetfern，onwhichthesunshoneallday。

Onachairatthefootwerespreadsomewhitesheets，ablanket，andanoilcloth。Thesunbeatin，thewinddriftedthrough，andonelyingonthecouchcouldseedownthebrighthill，andsweepthelaketotheoppositebankwithoutliftingthehead。TheHarvesterdrewtheGirltothebedside。

``Nowstraightinalinefromhere，’’hesaid，``acrossthelaketothatbig，scraggyoak，everyclearnightthemoonbuildsabridgeofmoltengold，andonceyouwalkedit，mygirl，andcamestraighttome，aloneandunafraid；

andyouweregraciousandlovelybeyondanythingamaneverdreamedofbefore。I’llhavethattothinkofto-night。Nowcomeseethedining-room，kitchen，andhand-madesunshine。’’

Heledherintowhathadbeenthefrontroomoftheoldcabin，nowalarge，longdining-roomhavingoneachsidewidewindowswithdeepseats。Thefireplacebackwallwasagainstthatoftheliving-room，butherethemantelwasbare。Allthewood-work，chairs，thediningtable，cupboards，andcarvingtableweregoldenoak。Onlyafewrugsandfurnishingsandawoman’stouchwererequiredtomakeitanunusualandbeautifulroom。Thekitchenwasshiningwithawhitehard-woodfloor，whitewood-work，andpalegreenwalls。Itwasalight，airy，sanitaryplace，suppliedwithapump，sink，hotandcoldwaterfaucets，refrigerator，andeverymodernconveniencepossibletothecountry。

ThentheHarvesteralmostcarriedtheGirlupthestairsandshowedherthreelargesleepingrooms，emptyandbaresaveforsomepackingcases。

``Ididn’tknowaboutthese，soIdidn’tdoanything。

Whenyoufindtimetoplan，tellmewhatyouwant，andI’llmake——orbuyit。Theyaregood-sized，coolrooms。

Theyallhaveclosetsandpipesfromthefurnace，sotheywillbecomfortableinwinter。Nowthereisyourplaceremaining。I’llleaveyouwhileIstableBetsyandfeedthestock。’’

Heguidedhertothedooropeningfromtheliving-

roomtotheeast。

``Thisisthesunshinespot，’’hesaid。``Itisbathedinmorninglight，andshelteredbyafternoonshade。

SingingWaterisacrossthedrivetheretotalktoyoualways。Itcomespeltingdownsofastitneverfreezes，soitmakesmusicallwinter，andthebirdsaresonumerousyou’llhavetogotobedearlyforthey’llwakeyoubydawn。InoticedthisroomwasgoingtobefullofsunshinewhenIbuiltit，andIcravedonlybrightnessforyou，soIcoaxedallofittostaythatIcould。Everystrokeistheworkofmyhands，andallofthefurniture。

Ihopeyouwilllikeit。ThisistheroomofwhichI’vebeentellingyou，Ruth。Goinandtakepossession，andI’llentreatGodandallHisministeringangelstosendyousunshineandjoy。’’

Heopenedthedoor，guidedherinside，closedit，andwentswiftlytohiswork。

TheGirlstoodandlookedaroundherwithamazedeyes。Thefloorwaspaleyellowwood，polisheduntilitshonelikeatabletop。Thecasings，table，chairs，dressingtable，chestofdrawers，andbedweresolidcurlymaple。Thedoorswerebigpolishedslabsofit，eachcontainingenoughmaterialtoveneerallthefurnitureintheroom。Thewallswereofplaster，tintedyellow，andthewindowswithyellowshadeswerecurtainedindaintywhite。ShecouldheartheHarvestercarryingtheloadfromthewagontothefrontporch，theclamourofthebarnyard；andasshewenttothenorthwindowtoseetheview，ashiningpeacockstrutteddownthewalkandwenttotheHarvester’shandforgrain，whilescoresofsnow-whitedovescircledoverhishead。

Shesteppedondeeprugsofyellowgoatskins，and，glancingatthewindowsoneitherside，sheopenedthedoor。

Outsideitlayaporchwitharailing，butnoroof。

Oneachpoststoodaboxfilledwithyellowwood-flowersandtrailingvinesofpalegreen。Abigtreerisingthroughonecornerofthefloorsuppliedthecover。Agateopenedtoawalkleadingtothedriveway，andoneithersidelayapatchofsod，outlinedbyadeephedgeofbrightgold。Initsaffron，cone-flowers，black-eyedSusans，golden-rod，wildsunflowers，andjewelflowergrew，andsomeofit，enoughtoformayellowline，wasalreadyinbloom。Aroundtheporchanddownthewalkwerebedsofyellowviolets，pixiemoss，andeverytinygoldflowerofthewoods。TheGirlleanedagainstthetreeandlookedaroundherandthenstaggeredinsideanddroppedonthecouch。

``Whatplanning！Whatwork！’’shesobbed。``Whattaste！Whyhe’sapoet！Whatwonderfulbeauty！

He’sanartistwithearthforhiscanvas，andgrowingthingsforcolours。’’

Shelaytherestaringatthewalls，thebeautifulwood-

workandfurniture，thedressingtablewithitsarrayoftoiletarticles，alowchairbeforeit，andthethickrugforherfeet。Overandovershelookedateverything，andthenclosedhereyesandlayquietly，toowearyandoverwhelmedtothink。Byandbycametappingatthedoor，andshesprangupandcrossingtothedressingtablestraightenedherhairandcomposedherface。

``Ajaxdemandstoseeyou，’’criedagayvoice。

TheGirlsteppedoutside。

``Don’tbefrightenedifhescreamsatyou，’’warnedtheHarvesterasshepassedhim。``Hedetestsastranger，andhealwayscriesandsulks。’’

Itwasaquestionwhatwasintheheadofthebirdashesawthestrangelookingcreatureinvadinghisdomain，andhedidscream，awild，high，stridentwailthatdelightedtheHarvesterinexpressibly，becauseitsenttheGirlheadlongintohisarms。

``Oh，goodgracious！’’shecried。``Hassuchabeautifulbirdgotanoiseinitlikethat？WhyI’vefedtheminparksandIneverheardoneexplodebefore。’’

ThenhowtheHarvesterlaughed。

``Butyouseeyouareinthewoodsnow，andthisisnotaparkbird。Itwillbethetestofyourpowertoseehowsoonyoucancoaxhimtoyourhand。’’

``HowdoIworktowinhim？’’

``IamafraidIcan’ttellyouthat，’’saidtheHarvester。

``Ihadtoinventaplanformyself。Itrequiredalongtimeandmuchpetting，andmymethodsmightnotavailforyou。Itwillinterestyoutostudythatout。

ButthememberofthefamilyitispositivelyessentialthatyouwintoalifeanddeathallegianceisBelshazzar。

Ifyoucanmakehimloveyou，hewillprotectyouateveryturn。Hewillgobeforeyouintotheforestandallthecrawling，creepingthingswillgetoutofhisway。

Hewillnosearoundtheflowersyouwanttogather，andifhegrowlsandthehaironthebackofhisneckrises，neverforgetthatyoumustheedthatwarning。AfewtimesIhavenotstoppedforit，andIalwayshavebeensorry。Sofarasanythinganimateoruncertainfootingisconcerned，youarealwaysperfectlysafeifyouobeyhim。Abouttouchingplantsandflowers，youmustconfineyourselftothoseyouarecertainyouknow，untilIcanteachyou。Therearegorgeousandwonderfullyattractivethingshere，butsomeofthemarerankpoison。Youwon’thandleplantsyoudon’tknow，untilyoulearn，Ruth？’’

``Iwillnot，’’shepromisedinstantly。

Shewenttotheseatundertheporchtreeandleaningagainstthetrunkshestudiedthehill，andtheripplingcourseofSingingWaterwhereitturnedandcurvedbeforethecabin，andstartedacrossthevividlittlemarshtowardthelake。ThenshelookedattheHarvester。

Heseatedhimselfonthelowrailingandsmiledather。

``Youareverytired？’’heasked。

``No，’’shesaid。``Youarerightabouttheairbeingbetteruphere。Itisstimulatinginsteadofdepressing。’’

``Sofaraspureair，location，andwaterareconcerned，’’

saidtheHarvester，``Iconsiderthisplaceideal。Thelakeislargeenoughtocooltheairandraisesufficientmoisturetodampenit，andtoosmalltomakeitreallycoldanddisagreeable。Theslopeofthehillgivesperfectdrainage。Theheaviestrainsdonotwettheearthformorethanthreehours。North，south，andwestbreezessweepthecoolairfromthewatertothecabininsummer。

Thesamesunswarmushereonthewinterhillside。

Myviolets，springbeauties，anemones，anddutchman’sbreechesherearealwaystwoweeksaheadofthoseinthewoods。Iamnotafraidofyournotlikingthelocationortheair。Asforthecabin，ifyoudon’tcareforthat，it’sverysimple。I’lltransformitintoalaboratoryanddry-house，andbuildyouwhateveryouwant，withinmymeans，overthereonthehilljustacrossSingingWaterandfacingthevalleytowardOnabasha。

That’saperfectlocation。Thethingthatworriesmeiswhatyouaregoingtodoforcompany，especiallywhileIamaway。’’

``Don’ttroubleyourselfaboutanything，’’shesaid。

``Justsayinyourheart，`sheisgoingtobestrongerthansheeverhasbeeninherlifeinthislovelyplace，andshehasmorerightnowthansheeverhadorhopedtohave。’

Foronething，Iamgoingtostudyyourbooks。Ineverhavehadtimebefore。Whilewesewedorembroidered，mothertalkedbythehourofthegreatwritersoftheworld，toldmewhattheywrote，andhowtheyexpressedthemselves，butIgottoreadverylittleformyself。’’

``Booksaremycompany，’’saidtheHarvester。

``Doyourfriendscomeoften？’’

``Almostnever！Docandhiswifecomemost，andifyoulookoutsomedayandseeawhite-haired，bentoldwoman，withafaceassweetasdawn，comingupthebankofSingingWater，thatwillbemymother’sfriend，GrannyMoreland，whojoinsusonthenorthoverthere。

Sheisfrankandbrusque，soshesayswhatshethinkswithunmistakabledistinctness，butherheartisbigandtenderandherphilosophykeepshersweetandkindlydespitetheacheofrheumatismandtheweightofseventyyears。’’

``I’dlovetohavehercome，’’saidtheGirl。``Isthatall？’’

``Yes。’’

``Why？’’

``Yourfavouriteword，’’laughedtheHarvester。``Thereasonlieswithme，orratherwithmymother。SomedayIwilltellyouthewholestory，andthecause。I

thinknowIcanencompassitinthis。Theplaceisanexperiment。Whenmedicinalherbs，roots，andbarksbecamesoscarcethatsomeofthemostimportantwerealmostextinct，itoccurredtomethatitwouldbeagoodideatostoptravellingmilesandpoachingonthewoodsofotherpeople，andturnourlandintoanherbgarden。Forfouryearsbeforemotherwent，andsixsince，I’veworkedwithallmymight，andresultsarebeginningtotakeshape。WhileI’vebeenatit，ofcourse，myneighbourshadaninklingofwhatwasgoingon，andI’vebeencalledafool，lazy，andafanatic，becauseIdidnotfellthetreesandplowforcorn。YoureadilycanseeI’malittleshortofcorngroundoutthere，’’

hewavedtowardthemarshandlake，``andupthere，’’

heindicatedthesteephillandwood。``ButsomewhereonthislandI’vebeenabletofindmuckformallows，waterforflagsandwillows，shadeforferns，lilies，andginseng，rocky，sunnyspacesformullein，andopen，fertilebedsforBouncingBet——justforexamples。Godneverevolvedaplacebettersuitedforanherbfarm；fromwoodstowaterandallthatgoesbetween，itisperfect。’’

``Andindescribablylovely，’’addedtheGirl。

``Yes，Ithinkitis，’’saidtheHarvester。``ButinthedayswhenIdidn’tknowhowitwascomingout，Iwassensitiveaboutit；soIkeptquietandworked，andallowedtheotherfellowtodothetalking。Afterawhiletheginsengbedgrewatreasureworthguarding，andIdidn’tcareforanyonetoknowhowmuchIhadorwhereitwas，asamatterofprecaution。Ginsengandmoneyaresynonymous，andIwasforcedtobeawaysomeofthetime。’’

``Wouldanyonetakeit？’’

``Certainly！’’saidtheHarvester。``Iftheyknewitwasthere，andwhatitisworth。Then，asI’vetoldyou，muchofthestuffheremustnotbehandledexceptbyexperts，andIdidn’twantpeoplecominginmyabsenceandtakingrisks。Theremainderofmyreasonforlivingsoaloneiscowardice，pureandsimple。’’

``Cowardice？You！Ohno！’’

``Thankyou！’’saidtheHarvester。``Butitis！

SomedayI’lltellyouofaverysolemnoathI’vehadtokeep。Ithasn’tbeeneasy。Youwouldn’tunderstand，atleastnotnow。IfthedayevercomeswhenIthinkyouwill，I’lltellyou。JustnowIcanexpressitbythatoneword。Ididn’tdarefailorIfeltIwouldbelostasmyfatherwasbeforeme。SoIremainedawayfromthecityanditstemptationsandmenofmyage，andworkedinthewoodsuntilIwastiredenoughtodrop，readbooksthathelped，tinkeredwiththecarving，andsometimesIhadanidea，andIwentintothatlittlebuildingbehindthedry-house，tookoutmydifferentherbs，andtriedmyhandatcompoundinganewcureforsomeofthepainsofhumanity。Itisn’tbadwork，Ruth。Itkeepsafellowatafairlydecentlevel，andsomegoodmaycomeofit。Careyistryingseveralformulaeforme，andiftheyworkI’llcarrythemhigher。Ifyouwantmoney，Girl，Iknowhowtogetitforyou。’’

``Don’tyouwantit？’’

``NotonecentmorethanI’vegot，’’saidtheHarvesteremphatically。``Whenanymanaccumulatesmorethanhecanearnwithhisownhands，hebeginstoenrichhimselfattheexpenseoftheyouth，thesweat，theblood，thejoyofhisfellowmen。Icangotothecity，takealook，andseewhatmoneydoes，asarule，andit’sanotherthingI’mafraidof。Youwillfindmeadreadfulcowardonthosetwopoints。Idon’twanttoknowsocietyanditsways。Iseewhatitdoestoothermen；itwouldbepresumptiontoreckonmyselfstronger。SoIlivealone。Asformoney，I’vewatchedthecrosscutsandthequickandeasywaystoaccumulateit；butI’vehadsomethinginmethatheldmetotheslow，sure，cleanworkofmyownhands，andit’syieldedmeenoughforone，fortwoeven，inareasonabledegree。SoI’veworked，read，compounded，andcarved。

IfIcouldn’twearmyselfdownenoughtosleepbyanyothermethod，Iwentintothelake，andswamacrossandback；andthatisguaranteedtoputanymantorest，cleanandunashamed。’’

``Sixyears，’’saidtheGirlsoftly，asshestudiedhim。

``Ithinkithassetamarkonyou。IbelieveIcantraceit。Yourforehead，brow，andeyesbearthelinesandtheappearanceofallexperience，allcomprehension，butyourlipsarethoseofaveryyounglad。Ishouldn’tbesurprisedifIhadthatkissreadyforyou，andIreallybelieveIcanmakeitworthwhile。’’

``OhgoodLord！’’criedtheHarvester，turningabackwardsomersaultovertherailingandstartinginbigboundsupthedrivetowardthestable。Hepassedarounditandintothewoodsatarushandafewsecondslaterfromsomewhereonthetopofthehillhisstrong，deepvoicesweptdown，``Glory，gloryhallelujah！’’

Hesangitthroughatthetopofhislungs，thatmajesticoldhymn，buttherewasnomusicatall，itwassimplyaroar。ByandbyhecamesoberlytothebarnandpausedtostrokeBetsy’snose。

``Stopchewinggrassandlistentome，’’hesaid。``She’shere，Betsy！She’sinourcabin。She’sgoingtoremain，youcanstakeyouroatsonthat。She’sgoingtobetheloveliestandsweetestgirlinalltheworld，andbecauseyou’reabeast，I’lltellyousomethingamannevercouldknow。Downwithyourear，youcritter！She’sgoingtokissme，Betsy！Thisverynight，beforeIlayme，herlipsmeetmine，andmaybeyouthinkthatwon’tbeglorious。Isupposeditwouldbeayear，anyway，butit’snow！Ain’tyougladyouareananimal，Betsy，andcankeepsecretsforafoolmanthatcan’t？’’

Hewalkeddownthedriveway，andbeforetheGirlhadachancetospeak，hesaid，``IwonderifIhadnotbettercarrythosethingsintoyourroom，andarrangeyourbedforyou。’’

``Ican，’’shesaid。

``Ohno！’’exclaimedtheHarvester。``Youcan’tliftthemattressandheavycovers。Holdthedoorandtellmehow。’’

Helaidabigbundleonthefloor，openedit，andtookouttheshoes。

``Yourshoeboxisintheclosetthere。’’

``Ididn’tknowwhatthatdoorwas，soIdidn’topenit。’’

``Thatisapartofmyarrangementsforyou，’’saidtheHarvester。``Hereisaclosetwithshelvesforyourcoversandotherthings。TheyarebarebecauseI

didn’tknowjustwhatshouldbeputonthem。Thisistheshoeboxhereinthecorner；I’llputtheseinitnow。’’

Hekneltandinarowsettheshoesinthecurlymapleboxandclosedit。

``Thereyouareforallkindsofplacesandvarietiesofweather。Thisadjoiningisyourbathroom。Iputintowels，soaps；brushes，andeverythingIcouldthinkof，andthereishotwaterreadyforyou——rainwater，too。’’

TheGirlfollowedandlookedintoashininglittlebathroom，withitswhiteporcelaintubandwashbowl，enamelledwood-work，daintygreenwalls，andwhitecurtainsandtowels。Shecouldseenoaccessorysheknewofthatwasmissing，andthereweremanythingstowhichsheneverhadbeenaccustomed。TheHarvesterhadgonebacktothesunshineroom，andwaskneelingonthefloorbesidethebundle。Hebeganopeningboxesandhandingherdresses。

``Thereareskirt，coat，andwaisthangersonthehooks，’’hesaid。``Ionlygotafewthingstostarton，becauseIdidn’tknowwhatyouwouldlike。Insteadofbeingsocarefulwiththatdress，whydon’tyoutakeitoff，andputonacommonone？Thenwewillhavesomethingtoeat，andgotothetopofthehillandwatchthemoonbridgethelake。’’

Whileshehungthedressesandselectedtheonetowear，heplacedthemattress，spreadthepaddingandsheets，andencasedthepillow。Thenhebentandpressedthespringswithhishands。

``Ithinkyouwillfindthatsoftandeasyenoughforhealth，’’hesaid。``AllthepersonalbelongingsIhadthatclerkputupforyouareinthatchestofdrawersthere。Iputthelittleboxesinthetopandwentdown。

Youcanemptyandarrangethemto-morrow。Justhuntoutwhatyouwillneednow。Thereshouldbeeverythingagirlusestheresomewhere。Itoldthemtobeverycarefulaboutthat。Ifthethingsarenotrightornottoyourtaste，youcantakethembackassoonasyouarerested，andtheywillexchangethemforyou。

IfthereisanythingIhavemissedthatyoucanthinkofthatyouneedto-night，tellmeandI’llgoandgetit。’’

TheGirlturnedtowardhim。

``Youcouldn’tbemakingsportofme，’’shesaid，``butMan！Can’tyouseethatIdon’tknowwhattodowithhalfyouhavehere？Ineversawsuchthingscloselybefore。Idon’tknowwhattheyarefor。I

don’tknowhowtousethem。Mymotherwouldhaveknown，butIdonot。Youoverwhelmme！FiftytimesI’vetriedtotellyouthataroomofmyveryown，sucharoomasthiswillbewhento-morrow’ssuncomesin，andthese，andthese，andthese，’’sheturnedfromthechestofboxestothedressingtable，bed，closet，andbath，``alltheseforme，andyouknowabsolutelynothingaboutme——Igetabiglumpinmythroat，andthewordsthatdocomeallseemsomeaningless，Iamperfectlyashamedtosaythem。OhMan，whydoyoudoit？’’

``Ithoughtitwasabouttimetospringanother`why’

onme，’’saidtheHarvester。``ThankGod，IamnowinapositionwhereIcantellyou`why’！Idoitbecauseyouarethegirlofmydream，mymatebyeverylawofHeavenandearth。Allmenbuildaswellastheyknowwhentheonewomanoftheuniverselaysherspellonthem。IdidallthisformyselfjustasakindofexpressionofwhatitwouldbeinmyhearttodoifI

coulddowhatI’dlike。PutontheeasiestdressyoucanfindandIwillgoandsetoutsomethingtoeat。’’

Shestoodwitharmshighpiledwiththeprettiestdressesthatcouldbeselectedhurriedly，thetearsrunningdownherwhitecheeksandsmiledthroughthemathim。

``Therewouldn’tbeanyofthatliquidamberwouldthere？’’sheasked。

``Quarts！’’criedtheHarvester。``I’llbringsome……Doesitreallyhitthespot，Ruth？’’hequestionedashehandedhertheglass。

Sheheapedthedressesonthebedandtookit。

``Itreallydoes。IamafraidIamusingtoomuch。’’

``Idon’tthinkitpossiblycanhurtyou。To-morrowwewillaskDoc。Howsoonwillyoubereadyforlunch？’’

``Idon’twantabite。’’

``Youwillwhenyouseeandsmellit，’’saidtheHarvester。``Iamanexpertcook。It’smychiefestaccomplishment。YoushouldtastethedishesIimprovise。

Buttherewon’tbemuchto-night，becauseIwantyoutoseethemoonriseoverthelake。’’

HewentawayandtheGirlremovedherdressandspreaditonthecouch。Thenshebathedherfaceandhands。Whenshesawthediscolouredcloth，itprovedthatshehadbeenpainted，andmadeherveryindignant。

Yetshecouldnotbealtogetherangry，forthatflushofcolourhadsavedtheHarvesterfrombeingpitiedbyhisfriend。Shestoodalongtimebeforethemirror，staringathergaunt，colourlessface；thenshewenttothedressingtableandcommittedacrime。Shefoundaboxofcreamandrubbeditonforafoundation。

Thensheopenedsomepinkpowder，andcarefullydustedhercheeks。

``Iamutterlyashamed，’’shesaidtotheimageinthemirror，``buthehasdonesomuchforme，heisso，so——

Idon’tknowawordbigenough——thatIcan’tbearhimtoseehowghastlyIam，howlittleworthit。Perhapsthefood，betterair，andoutdoorexercisewillgivemestrengthandcoloursoon。UntilitdoesI’mafraidI’mgoingtohelpoutallIcanwiththis。Itiswonderfulhowitchangesone。Ireallyappearlikeagirlinsteadofabonyoldwoman。’’

Thenshelookedoverthedresses，selectedaprettywhiteprincesse，slippediton，andwenttothekitchen。

ButtheHarvesterwouldnothaveherthere。Heseatedheratthediningtable，besidethewindowoverlookingthelake，lightedapairofhishome-madecandlesinhisfineststicks，andplacedbeforeherbread，butter，coldmeat，milk，andfruit，andtogethertheyatetheirfirstmealintheirhome。

``IfIhadknown，’’saidtheHarvester，``GrannyMorelandisafamouscook。SheisaSouthernwoman，andshecanfrychickenandmakesomeespecialdishestosurpassanyoneIeverknew。Shewouldhavebeensopleasedtocomeoverandgetusanall-rightsupper。’’

``I’dmuchratherhavethis，andbebyourselves，’’saidtheGirl。

``Well，youcanbankonit，Iwould，’’agreedtheHarvester。``Forinstance，ifanyonewerehere，I

mightfeelrestrainedabouttellingyouthatyouareexactlythebeautiful，flushedDreamGirlIhaveadoredformonths，andyourdressmostbecoming。Youareapicturetoblindtheeyesofalonelybachelor，Ruth。’’

``Ohwhydidyousaythat？’’wailedtheGirl。``NowI’vegottofeellikeasneakortellyou——andIdidn’twantyoutoknow。’’

``Don’tyouevertellmeoranyoneelseanythingyoudon’twantto，’’saidtheHarvesterroundly。``It’snobody’sbusiness！’’

``ButImust！Ican’tbeginwithdeception。Iwasfoolenoughtothinkyouwouldn’tnotice。Man，theypaintedme！Ididn’tknowtheyweredoingit，butwhenitallwashedoff，IlookedsoghastlyIalmostfrightenedmyself。Ihuntedthroughtheboxestheyputupforyouandfoundsomepinkpowder——’’

``Butdon’tallthedaintiestwomenpowderthesedays，andconsideritindispensable？Theclerksaidso，andI’venoticeditmentionedinthepapers。Iboughtitforyoutouse。’’

``Yes，justpowder，butMan，Iputonalotofcoldcreamfirsttostickthepowdergoodandthick。OhIwishIhadn’t！’’

``Wellsinceyou’vetoldit，isyourconscienceperfectlyatease？Noyoudon’t！Yousitwhereyouare！

Youarelovely，andifyoudon’tuseenoughpowdertocoverthepaleness，untilyourcolourreturns，I’llholdyouandputiton。Iknowyoufeelbetterwhenyouappearsothateveryonemustadmireyou。’’

``Yes，butI’mafraud！’’

``Youarenosuchthing！’’criedtheHarvesterhotly。

``Therehasn’tawomanintenthousandgotanysuchropeofhair。Ihavebeenseeingthepapersonthehairquestion，too。Noonewillbelieveit’sreal。Iftheythinkyourhairisfalse，whenitisnatural，theywon’tbeanymorefooledwhentheythinkyourcolourisreal，anditisn’t。Verysoonitwillbeandnooneneedeverknowthedifference。Yougoonandfixupyourlevelbest。Toseeyourselfappearingwellwillmakeyouambitioustobecomesoassoonaspossible。’’

``Harvester-man，’’saidtheGirl，gazingathimwithwetluminouseyes，``forthesakeofotherwomen，I

couldwishthatallmenhadanoathtokeep，andhadbeenrearedinthewoods。’’

``Hereistheplaceweadjourntothemoon，’’criedtheHarvester。``Idon’tknowofanythingthatcancureasuddenaccessionofswellheadlikegazingattheheavens。

Onefindshisplaceamongtheatomsnaturallyandinstantaneouslywiththeeyesonthenightsky。Shouldyouhaveawrap？Youshould！Themistsfromthelakearecool。Idon’tbelievethereisoneamongmyorders。Iforgotthat。Butupstairswithmother’sclothingthereareseveralshawlsandshouldercapes。

Allofthemwerewashedandcarefullypacked。Wouldyouuseone，Ruth？’’

``Whynotgiveittome。Wouldn’tshelikemetowearherthingsbetterthantohavethemlyinginmothballs？’’

TheHarvesterlookedatherandshookhishead，marvelling。

``Ican’ttellhowpleasedshewouldbe，’’hesaid。

``Whereareherbelongings？’’askedtheGirl。``I

couldusethemtohelpfurnishthehouse，anditwouldn’tappearsostrangetoyou。’’

TheHarvesterlikedthat。

``Allthewashedthingsareinthoseboxesupstairs；

alsosomefineskinsI’vesavedonthechanceofwantingthem。Herdishesareinthebottomofthechinaclosetthere；shewasmightyproudofthem。ThefurnitureandcarpetsweresooldandabusedIburnedthem。I’llgobringawrap。’’

Hetookthecandleandclimbedthestairs，soonreturningwithalittlewhitewoolshawlandabigpinkcoverlet。

``GotthisforherChristmasonetime，’’hesaid。``She’dneverhadawhiteoneandshethoughtitwaspretty。’’

HefoldeditaroundtheGirl’sshouldersandpickedupthecoverlet。

``You’renevergoingtotakethattothewoods！’’shecried。

``Whynot？’’

Shetookitinherhandstofindacorner。

``JustasIthought！It’sagenuinePeterHartman！

It’soneofthethingsthatmoneycan’tbuy，or，rather，onethattakesamintofmoneytoown。Theyareheirlooms。Theyarenotmanufacturedanymore。

AttheartstorewhereIworkedthey’dgiveyoufiftydollarsforthat。Itisnotfadedorwornaparticle。

Itwouldbelovelyinmyroom；youmustn’ttakeatreasurelikethatoutofdoors。’’

``Ruth，areyouinearnest？’’demandedtheHarvester。

``Ibelievetherearesixofthemupstairs。’’

``Plutocrat！’’criedtheGirl。``Whatcolours？’’

``Moreofthispinkishred，blue，andpalegreen。’’

``Famous！MayIhavethemtohelpfurnishwithto-morrow？’’

``Certainly！Anythingyoucanfind，anywayonearthyouwantit，onlyinmyroom。Thatistaboo，asItoldyou。WhatamIgoingtotaketo-night？’’

``Isn’ttherugyouhadinthewoodsinthewagonyet？

Usethat！’’

``Ofcourse！Theverything！Bel，proceed！’’

``Areyougoingtoleavethehouselikethis？’’

``Whynot？’’

``Supposesomeonebreaksin！’’

``Nothingworthcarryingaway，exceptwhatyouhaveon。Noonetogetin。Thereisabigswampbackofourwoods，marshinfront，we’reupherewherewecanseethedriveandbridge。Thereisnothingpossiblefromanydirection。Neverlockedthecabininmylife，exceptyourroom，andthatwasbecauseitwassacred，notthattherewasanydanger。Cleartheway，Bel！’’

``Clearitofwhat？’’

``Katydids，hoptoads，andothercarnivorousanimals。’’

``Nowyouaremakingfunofme！Clearitofwhat？’’

``Acoonthatmightgoshufflingacross，anopossum，orasnakegoingtothelake。Nowareyoufrightenedsothatyouwillnotgo？’’

``No。ThepathisbroadandwhiteandsurelyyouandBelcantakecareofme。’’

``Ifyouwilltrustuswecan。’’

``Well，Iamtrustingyou。’’

``Youareindeed，’’saidtheHarvester。``Nowseeifyouthinkthisispretty。’’

Heindicatedthehillslopingtowardthelake。Thepathwoundamongmassivetrees，betweenwhosebranchespatchesofmoonlightfiltered。Aroundthelakeshoreandclimbingthehillwerethicketsofbushes。Thewaterlayshininginthelight，agentlewindruffledthesurfaceinundulantwaves，andontheoppositebankarosethelineofbigtrees。Underagiantoakwidelybranching，onthetopofthehill，theHarvesterspreadtherugandheldoneendofitagainstthetreetrunktoprotecttheGirl’sdress。Thenhesatalittledistanceawayandbegantotalk。Hemingledsomesensewithaquantityofnonsense，andappreciatedeveryhintofalaughheheard。Thedayhadbeennoamusingmatterforagirlabsolutelyaloneamongstrangepeopleandscenes。Anythingmoreforeigntoherpreviousenvironmentorexpectationshecouldnotimagine。Sohetalkedtopreventherfromthinking，andworkedforalaughashelabouredforbread。

``Nowwemustgo，’’hesaidatlast。``IfthereisthemalariaIstronglysuspectinyoursystem，thisnightairisnonetoogoodforyou。Ionlywantedyoutoseethelakethefirstnightinyournewhome，andifitwon’tshockyou，Ibroughtyouherebecausethisismyholyofholies。CanyouguesswhyIwantedyoutocome，Ruth？’’

``IfIwasn’tsostupidwithalternateburningandchills，andsodeadenedtoeverypropersensibility，I

supposeIcould，’’sheanswered，``butI’mnotbrilliant。

Idon’tknow，unlessitisbecauseyouknewitwouldbetheloveliestplaceIeversaw。Surelythereisnootherspotintheworldquitesobeautiful。’’

``Thenwoulditseemstrangetoyou，’’askedtheHarvestergoingtotheGirlandgentlyputtinghisarmsaroundher，``woulditseemstrangetoyou，thatawomanwhooncehomedhereandthoughtittheprettiestplaceonearth，chosetoremainforhereternalsleep，ratherthantorestinadistantcityofstrangerdead？’’

HefelttheGirltrembleagainsthim。

``Whereisshe？’’

``Veryclose，’’saidtheHarvester。``Underthisoak。

Sheusedtosaythatshehadaspeakingacquaintancewitheverytreeonourland，andofthemallshelovedthisbigonethebest。Shelikedtocomehereinwinter，andfeelthestingofthewindsweepingacrossthelake，andinsummerthiswasherplacetoreadandtothink。

Sowhensheslepttheunwakingsleep，Ruth，Icamehereandmadeherbedwithmyownhands，andthencarriedhertoit，coveredher，andshesleepswell。I

neverhaveregrettedhergoing。Lifedidnotbringherjoy。Shewasverytired。Sheusedtosaythatafterhersoulhadfled，ifIwouldlayherhere，perhapsthebigrootswouldreachdownandfindher，andfromherfrailframegatherslightnourishmentandthenherbodywouldliveagainintalkingleavesthatwouldsheltermeinsummerandwhisperherloveinwinter。

OfallMedicineWoodsthisisthedearestspottome。

Canyouloveittoo，Ruth？’’

``OhIcan！’’criedtheGirl；``Idonow！Justtoseetheplaceandhearthatisenough。Iwish，ohtomysoulIwish——’’

``Youwishwhat？’’whisperedtheHarvestergently。

``Idarenot！Iwaswildtothinkofit。Iwouldbeungratefultoaskit。’’

``Youwouldbeungraciousifyoudidn’taskanythingthatwouldgivemethejoyofpleasingyou。Howlongisitgoingtorequireforyoutolearn，Ruth，thattomakeupforsomeofthedifficultieslifehasbroughtyouwouldgivememorehappinessthananythingelsecould？

Tellmenow。’’

``No！’’

Hegatheredhercloser。

``Ruth，thereisnoreasonwhyyoushouldbeactivelyunkindtome。Whatisityouwish？’’

Shestruggledfromhisarmsandstoodaloneinwhitemoonlight，staringacrossthelake，alongtheshore，deepintotheperfumedforest，andthenatthemoundshenowcoulddistinguishunderthegianttree。Suddenlyshewenttohimandwithbothshakinghandsgrippedhisarm。

``Mymother！’’shepanted。``Ohshewasabeautifulwoman，delicatelyreared，andherheartwascrushedandbroken。BytheinchshewenttoadreadfulendIcouldnotavertorallay，andinpovertyandgrimeIfoughtforawaytosaveherbodyfromfurtherhorror，andit’sallsodreadfulIthoughtallfeelinginmewasdriedandstill，butIamnotquitecallousedyet。Isufferitoverwitheverybreath。Itisneverentirelyoutofmymind。OhMan，ifonlyyouwouldliftherfromthehorribleplaceshelies，wherebriersrunriotandcattletrampleandtheunmercifulsunbeats！Ohifonlyyou’dliftherfromit，andbringherhere！Ibelieveitwouldtakeawaysomeofthehorror，theshame，andtheheartache。

IbelieveIcouldgotosleepwithouthearingthevoiceofhersuffering，ifIknewshewaslyingonthishill，underyourbeautifultree，closethedearmotheryoulove。OhMan，wouldyou——？’’

TheHarvestercrushedtheGirlinhisarmsandshudderingsobsshookhisbigframe，andchokedhisvoice。

``Ruth，forGod’ssake，bequiet！’’hecried。``WhyI’dbegladto！I’llgoanywhereyoutellme，andbringher，andsheshallrestwherethelakemurmurs，thetreesshelter，thewindssing，andearthknowsthesunonlyinlongraysofgoldlight。’’

Shestaredathimwithstrainedface。

``You——youwouldn’t！’’shebreathed。

``Ruth，child，’’saidtheHarvester，``ItellyouI’dbehappy。Lookatmysideofthis！I’minsearchofbandstobindyoutomeandtothisplace。Couldyoutellmeastrongerthantohavethemotheryouidolizedliehereforherlongsleep？WhyGirl，youcan’tknowthedeepandabidingjoyitwouldgivemetobringher。I’dfeelIhadyoualmostsecure。WhereissheRuth？’’

``InthatoldunkeptcemeterysouthofOnabasha，whereitcostsnomoneytolayawayyourlovedones。’’

``Closehere！WhyI’llgoto-morrow！Isupposedshewasinthecity。’’

Shestraightenedanddrewawayfromhim。

``HowcouldI？Ihadnothing。IcouldnothavepaidevenherfareandbroughtherhereinthecheapestboxthedecencyofmanwouldallowhimtomakeifherdoctorhadnotgivenmethemoneyIowe。NowdoyouunderstandwhyImustearnandpayitmyself？

Saveforhim，itwascharityorherdelicatebodytohorrors。Moneynevercanrepayhim。’’

``Ruth，thedayyoucametoOnabashawasshewithyou？’’

``Intheexpresscar，’’saidtheGirl。

``Wheredidyougowhenyouleftthetrainshed？’’

``Straighttothebaggageroom，whereUncleHenrywaswaiting。Menbroughtandputherinhiswagon，andhedrovewithmetotheplaceandothermenloweredher，andthatwasall。’’

``YoupoorGirl！’’criedtheHarvester。``Thistimeto-morrownightsheshallsleepinluxuryunderthisoak，sohelpmeGod！Ruth，canyouspareme？MayI

goatonce？Ican’trest，myself。’’

``Youwill？’’criedtheGirl。``Youwill？’’

Shewaslaughinginthemoonlight。``OhMan，I

can’tever，evertellyou！’’

``Don’ttry，’’saidtheHarvester。``Callitsettled。

Iwillstartearlyinthemorning。Iknowthatlittlecemetery。Themanwhoselanditisoncanpointmethespot。Sheisprobablythelastonelaidthere。Comenow，Ruth。GototheroomImadeforyou，andsleepdeeplyandinpeace。Willyoutrytorest？’’

``OhDavid！’’sheexulted。``Onlythink！Herewhereit’scleanandcool；besidethelake，whereleavesfallgentlyandIcancomeandsitclosetoherandbringflowers；andsheneverwillbealone，foryourdearmotherishere。OhDavid！’’

``Itisbetter。Ican’tthankyouenoughforthinkingofit。Comenow，letmehelpyou。’’

Hehalfcarriedherdownthehill。Thenhemadethecabinaglamouroflightbyputtingcandlesinthestickshehadcarvedandplacingthemeverywhere。

``Thereisalightingplantinthebasement，’’hesaid，``butIhadnotexpectedtouseituntilwinter，andI

havenoacetylene。Candleswereourgrandmothers’

lightsandtheyarethebestanyway。Gobatheyourface，Ruth，andwashawayalltraceoftears。Putonthepinkpowder，andinafewweeksyouwillhavecolourtooutdothewildestrose。Youmustbeasgayasyoucantheremainderofthisnight。’’

``Iwill！’’criedtheGirl。``Iwill！OhIdidn’tknowathingonearthcouldmakemehappy！Ididn’tknowIreallycouldbeglad。Ohiftheiceinmyheartwouldmelt，andthewallbreakdown，andthegirlhoodI’veneverknownwouldcomeyet！OhDavid，ifitwould！’’

``BeforetheLorditshall！’’vowedtheHarvester。

``ItshallcomewiththefulnessofjoyrighthereinMedicineWoods。Thinkit！Believeit！Keepitbeforeyou！Workforit！Happinessisworthwhile！

Allofushavearighttoit！Itshallbeyoursandsoon。’’

``Iwilltry！Iwill！’’promisedtheGirl。``I’llgorightnowandI’llputontheblessedpinkpowdersothicklyyou’llneverknowwhatisunderit，andsoonitwon’tbeneededatall。’’

Shewaslaughingasshelefttheroom。TheHarvesterrestlesslywalkedthefloorafewminutesandthensatwithanotebookandbeganenteringstems。

WhentheGirlreturned，hebroughtthepillowfromherbed，foldedthecoverlet，andshelayontheminthebigswing。Hecoveredherwiththewhiteshawl，andwhileSingingWatersangitsloudest，katydidsexultedoverthedelightfulactoftheirancestor，andamilliongauze-

wingedcreaturesofnighthummedagainstthescreen，inavoicesoftandlowhetoldherinasteadystream，asheswayedherbackandforth，whateachsoundofthenightwas，andhowandwhyitwasmadeallthewayfromtherumblingbuzzoftheJunebugtothescreechoftheowlandthesplashofthebassinthelake。Allofit，asitappealedtohim，wasthestoryofsteadyevolution，thenaturalprocessesofreproduction，thejoyoflifeanditsbattles，andtheconquestofthestronginnature。Athishandseverysoundwasstrippedofterror。

Theleapingbasswasexultinginlife，thescreechingowlwastellingitsmateithadfoundafatmouseforthechildren，thenighthawkwascourting，thebigbullfrogsboomingaroundthelakewereserenadingthemoon。

Therewasnotathingtofearoravoiceleftwithanunsympatheticnoteinit。Shewashalfasleepwhenatlasthehelpedhertoherroom，setapitcheroffrosty，clinkingdrinkonhertable，lockedherdoorandwindowscreensinside，spreadBelshazzar’sblanketonherporch，andsethisdoorwideopen，thathemighthearifshecalled，andthensaidgoodnightandwentbacktohismemorandumbook。

``Nobadbeginning，’’hemutteredsoftly，``nobadbeginning，butI’dalmostgivemyrighthandifshehadn’tforgotten——’’

InherroomtheexhaustedGirlslippedthepinsfromherhairandsankonthelowchairbeforethedressing-

table。Shepickeduptheshining，silverbackedbrushandstaredatthemonogram，R。F。L，entwinedonit。

``Mysoul！’’sheexclaimed。``WASHESOSUREASTHAT？

Wasthereeveranyothermanlikehim？’’

Shedroppedthebrushandwithtiredhandspushedbacktheheavybraids。Thenshearoseandgoingtothechestofdrawersbeganliftinglidstofindanightrobe。Asshesearchedtheboxesshefoundeverydainty，prettyundergarmentagirleverusedandatlasttherobes。Sheshookoutalongwhiteone，slippedintoit，andwalkedtothebed。Thatstoodashehadarrangedit，white，clean，anddainty。

``Everythingforme！’’shesaidsoftly。``Everythingforme！Shalltherebenothingforhim？Ohhemakesiteasy，easy！’’

Shesteppedtothecloset，pickeddownalavendersilkkimonaanddrawingitoverhergownshegathereditaroundherandopeningthebathroomdoor，shesteppedintoalittlehallleadingtothedining-room。Assheenteredtheliving-roomtheHarvesterbentoverhisbook。

Herstepwasveryclosewhenhehearditandturnedhishead。Inaninstantshetouchedhisshoulders。TheHarvesterdroppedthepencil，andpalmdownwardlaidhishandsonthetable，hispromisestronginhisheart。

TheGirlslidashakingpalmunderhischin，leanedhisheadagainstherbreast，anddroppedasweet，tear-wetfaceonhis。Withallthestrengthofherfrailarmsshegrippedhimasecond，andthengavethekiss，intowhichshetriedtoputallshecouldfindnowordstoexpress。

CHAPTERXIV

SNOWYWINGS

TheHarvestersatatthetableindeepthoughtsuntilthelightsintheGirl’sroomweredarkenedandeverythingwasquiet。Thenhelockedthescreensinsideandwentintothenight。Themoonfloodedallthehillside，untilcoarseprintcouldhavebeenreadwithkeeneyesinitslight。Arestlessness，bornofexultationhecouldnotallayorcontrol，wasonhim。Shehadnotforgotten！Afterthis，thedreamwouldbeeffacedbyreality。Itwasthebeginning。Hescarcelyhaddaredhopeforsomuch。Surelyitpresagedthelovewithwhichshesomedaywouldcometohimandcrownhislife。Hewalkedsoftlyupanddownthedrive，passingherwindows，unabletothinkofsleep。Overandoverhedweltontheincidentsoftheday，soinevitablyhecametohispromise。

``MercifulHeaven！’’hemuttered。``Howcansuchthingshappen？Thepoor，overworked，tired，sufferinggirl。Itwillgivehersomecomfort。Shewillfeelbetter。

Ithastobedone。IbelieveIwilldotheworstpartofitwhileshesleeps。’’

Hewenttothecabin，creptveryclosetooneofherwindowsandlistenedintently。Surelynomortalawakecouldliemotionlesssolong。Shemustbesleeping。HepattedBelshazzar，whispered，``Watch，boy，watchforyourlife！’’andthencrossedtothedry-house。Besideithefoundabigrollofcoffeesacksthatheusedincollectingroots，andgoingtothebarn，hetookaspadeandmattock。Thenheclimbedthehilltotheoak；inthewhitemoonlightlaidoffhismeasurementsandbeganwork。Hisheartwasverytenderasheliftedtheearth，andthrewitintothetopsofthebigbagshehadproppedopen。

``I’lllineitwithacoupleofsheetsandfinishtheedgewithpondliliesandferns，’’heplanned，``andI’lldragthisearthfromsight，andcoveritwithbrushuntilI

needit。’’

Sometimeshepausedinhisworktorestafewminutesandthenhestoodandglancedaroundhim。Severaltimeshewentdownthehillandslippedclosetoawindow，buthecouldnothearasound。Whenhisworkwasfinished，hestoodbeforetheoak，scrapingclingingearthfromthemattockwithwhichhehadcutrootshehadbeencompelledtoremove。Hewastirednowandhethoughthewouldgotohisroomandsleepuntildaybreak。

Asheturnedtheimplementherememberedhowthroughithehadfoundher，andnowhewasusingitinherservice。Hesmiledasheworked，andhalflistenedtothesteadyrollofsoundencompassinghim。Acoolbreathsweptfromthelakeandhewonderedifitfoundherwet，hotcheek。Awildduckintherushesbelowgaveanalarmsignal，anditraninsubduedvoice，notebynote，alongtheshore。TheHarvestergrippedthemattockandstoodmotionless。Wildthingshadtaughthimsomanylessonsheheededtheirwarningsinstinctively。

Perhapsitwasaminkormuskratapproachingtherushes。Listeningintently，heheardastealthystepcomingupthepathbehindhim。

TheHarvesterwaited。Hesoundlesslymovedaroundthetrunkofthebigtree。Aninstantmorethenightprowlerstoppedsquarelyattheheadoftheopengrave，andjumpedbackwithanoath。Hestoodtenseasecond，thenadvanced，scratchedamatchanddroppeditintothedepthsoftheopening。ThatinstanttheHarvesterrecognizedHenryJameson，andwithaspringlandedbetweentheman’sshouldersandsenthim，facedown，headlongintothegrave。Hesnatchedoneofthesacksofearth，andtippingit，grippedthebottomandemptiedthecontentsontheheadandshouldersoftheprostrateman。Thenhedroppedonhimandfeelingacrosshisbacktookanugly，bigrevolverfromapocket。HeswungtothesurfaceandwaiteduntilHenryJamesoncrawledfromundertheweightofearthandbegantorise；then，ateachattempt，heknockedhimdown。Atlasthecaughttheexhaustedmanbythecollaranddraggedhimtothepath，wherehedroppedhimandstoodgloating。

``So！’’hesaid；``It’syou！Comingtoexecuteyourthreat，areyou？What’sthematterwithmyfinishingyou，loadingyourcarcasswithafewstonesintothissack，anddroppingyouinthedeepestpartofthelake。’’

Therewasnoreply。

``Ain’tyoualittlehasty？’’askedtheHarvester。

``Isn’titrathercoldbloodedtocomesneakingwhenyouthoughtI’dbeasleep？Don’tyouthinkitwouldbelowdowntokillamanonhisweddingday？’’

HenryJamesonarosecautiouslyandfacedtheHarvester。

``Whohaveyoukilled？’’hepanted。

``Noone，’’answeredtheHarvester。``Thisisforthevictimofamemberofyourfamily，butIneverdreamedI’dhavethejoyofplantinganyofyouinitfirst，eventemporarily。Didyourestwell？WhatIshouldhavedonewastofillin，treaddown，andleaveyouatthebottom。’’

Jamesonretreatedafewsteps。TheHarvesterlaughedandadvancedthesamedistance。

``Nowthen，’’hesaid，``explainwhatyouaredoingonmypremises，afewhoursafteryourthreat，andarmedwithanotherrevolverbeforeIcouldreturntheoneItookfromyouthisafternoon。Youmustgrowthemonbushesatyourplace，theyseemsonumerous。

Speakup！Whatareyoudoinghere？’’

Therewasnoanswer。

``Therearethreethingsitmightbe，’’musedtheHarvester。``Youmightthinktoharmme，butyou’rewatchedonthatscoreandIdon’tbelieveyou’denjoytheresultsuretofollow。YoumightcontemplatetryingtostealRuth’smoneyagain，butwe’llpassthatup。

YoumightwanttogothroughmywoodstoinformyourselfastowhatIhaveofvaluethere。But，inallprob-

ability，youareafterme。Well，hereIam。Goahead！

Dowhatyoucameto！’’

TheHarvestersteppedtowardthelakebankandJameson，turningtowatchhim，exposedafaceghastlythroughitsgrime。

``Lookhere！’’criedtheHarvester，sickening。``Wewillendthisrightnow。Iwasratherbusythisafternoon，butIwasn’ttoohurriedtotakethatlittleweaponofyourstothechiefofpoliceandtellhimwhereandhowIgotitandwhatoccurred。Hewastoreturnittoyouto-morrowwithhisultimatum。WhenIhaveaddedthehistoryofto-night，reinforcedbyanothergun，hewillunderstandyourintentionsandknowwhereyoubelong。Youshouldbeconfined，butbecauseyournameisthesameastheGirl’s，andthereisofyourbloodinherveins，I’llgiveyouonemorechance。I’llletyougothistime，butI’llreportyou，anddeliverthisimplementtobeaddedtoyourcollectionatheadquarters。AndI

tellyou，andI’lltellthem，thatifeverIfindyouonmypremisesagain，I’llfinishyouonsight。Isthatclear？’’

Jamesonnodded。

``WhatIshoulddoistoplumpyousquarelyintoconfinement，asIcouldeasilyenough，butthat’snotmyway。Iamgoingtoletyouoff，butyougoknowingthelaw。Onethingmore:Don’tleavewithanydistortedideasinyourhead。IsawRuththedayshesteppedfromthecarsinOnabashaandIlovedher。Iwantedtocourtandmarryher，asanymanwouldthegirlheloves，butyouspoiledthatwithyourwomankillingbrutality。SoImarriedherinOnabashathisafternoon。

Youcanseetherecordsatthecountyclerk’sofficeandinterviewtheministerwhoperformedtheceremony，ifyoudoubtme。Ruthisinherroom，comfortableasIcanmakeher，asleepandunafraid，thankGod！Thisgraveisforhermother。TheGirlwantsherliftedfromthehorribleplaceyouputher，andlaidwhereitisshelteredandpleasant。Now，I’llseeyouoffmyland。

Hurryyourself！’’

WiththeHarvesterfollowing，HenryJamesonwentbackoverthepathhehadcome，untilhereachedandmountedthehorsehehadridden。AstheHarvesterwatchedhim，Jamesonturnedinthesaddleandspokeforthesecondtime。

``Whatwillyougivemeincoldcashtotellyouwhosheis，andwherehermother’speopleare？’’

TheHarvesterleapedforthebridleandmissed。

Jamesonbentoverthehorseandlashedittoarun。