TheHarvesterledthewaytotheguestchamberoverlookingthelake，andinstalleditsfirstoccupant。ThenhehurriedtotheGirl。Thedoctorwasholdingherheadandonehand，hiswifetheother，andthenurseherfeet。

IttooktheHarvestertenstrenuousminutestomakehistouchandpresenceknownandtoworkquiet。Alloverhebegancrooninghisstoryofrest，joy，andlove。

HebrokeoffwithafewwordstointroduceDoctorHarmontotheCareysandthenurse，andthencalmlycontinuedwhiletheothermenstoodandwatchedhim。

``Seemsrathercutoutforit，’’commentedDoctorHarmon。

``Ineveryethaveseenhimattemptanythingthathedidn’tappearcutoutfor，’’answeredDoctorCarey。

``Willsheknowme？’’inquiredtheyoungman，approachingthebed。

WhentheGirl’seyesfellonhimshegrewrigidandlaystaringathim。Suddenlywithawildcryshestruggledtorise。

``Youhavecome！’’shecried。``OhIknewyouwouldcome！Ifeltyouwouldcome！Icannotpayyounow！

Ohwhydidn’tyoucomesooner？’’

TheyoungdoctorleanedoverandtookoneofthewhitehandsfromtheHarvester，strokingitgently。

``Whyyoudidpay，Ruth！Howdidyoucometoforget？Don’tyourememberthedraftyousentme？

Ididn’tcomeformoney；Icametovisityou，tonurseyou，todoallIcantomakeyouwell。Iamgoingtotakecareofyounowsofinelyyou’llbeoutonthelakeandamongtheflowerssoon。I’vegotsomemedicinethatmakeseveryonewell。It’sgoingtomakeyoustrong，andthere’ssomethingelsethat’sgoingtomakeyouhappy；andme，I’mgoingtobetheproudestmanalive。’’

Hereachedoverandtookpossessionoftheotherhand，strokingthemsoftly，andtheGirllaytenselystaringathimandgraduallyyieldingtohistouchandvoice。

TheHarvesterarose，andpassingaroundthebed，heplacedachairforDoctorHarmonandmotioningforDoctorCareylefttheroom。Hewenttotheshoretohisswimmingpool，wearilydroppedonthebench，andstaredacrossthewater。

``WellthankGoditworked，anyway！’’hemuttered。

``What’sthatpopinjaydoinghere？’’thunderedDoctorCarey。``Gotsomemedicinethatcureseverybody。

Goingtomakeherwell，ishe？Makethecows，andtheducks，andthechickens，andtheshitepokeswell，andhappy——nonameforit！Afterthisweareallgoingtobewellandhappy！Youlookitrightnow，David！WhatunderHeavenhaveyoudone？’’

``Leftmywifewiththemansheloves，andtowhomI

releaseher，mydearfriend，’’saidtheHarvester。``Andit’ssoeasyformethatyouneedn’tgivemakingitalittleharder，anythought。’’

``David，forgiveme！’’criedDoctorCarey。``Idon’tunderstandthis。I’malmostinsane。Willyoutellmewhatitmeans？’’

``MeansthatItookadvantageoftheGirl’sillness，utterloneliness，andfear，andforcedherintomarryingmeforshelterandcare，whenshelovedandwantedanotherman，whowaspreparingtocometoher。HeisherChicagodoctor，andfineineveryfibre，asyoucansee。Thereisonlyonethingonearthformetodo，andthatistogetoutoftheirway，andI’lldoitassoonassheiswell；

butIvowIwon’tleaveherpoor，tiredbodyuntilsheis，notevenforhim。IthoughtsureIcouldteachhertoloveme！Ohbutthisisbitter，Doc！’’

``Youareaconsummatefooltobringhimhere！’’

criedDoctorCarey。``Ifsheistoosicktorealizethesituationnow，shewillbedifferentwhensheisnormalagain。Anysanegirlthatwouldn’tloveyou，David，ain’tfitforanything！’’

``Yes，I’mawhaleofalover！’’saidtheHarvestergrimly。``NicemessI’vemadeofit。Butthereisnorealharmdone。ThankGod，Harmonwasnottheonlywhiteman。’’

``David，whatdoyoumean？’’

``Isitbetweenus，Doc？’’

``Yes。’’

``Foralltime？’’

``Itis。’’

TheHarvestertoldhim。Heended，``Givethefellowhisdues，Doc。Hehadherathismercy，utterlyaloneandunprotected，inabigcity。Therewasnotalivingsoultoholdhimtoaccount。Headdedtohisburdens，borrowedmoremoney，andsentherhere。Hethoughtshewascomingtothecountrywhereshewouldbesafeandwellcaredforuntilhecouldsupporther。Ididtheremainder。NowImustundoit，that’sall！Butyouhavegottogointhereandpractisewithhim。

You’vegottoshowhimeverycourtesyoftheprofession。

Youmustgoalittleovertherules，andteachhimallyoucan。Youwillhavetostifleyourfeelings，andbeasmuchofamanasitisinyoutobe，atyourlevelbest。’’

``I’mnogoodatstiflingmyfeelings！’’

``Thenyou’llhavetolearn，’’saidtheHarvester。

``Ifyou’dlivedthroughmyyearsofrepressioninthewoodsyou’ddothefellowcredit。AsIseeit，hissideofthisisnearlyasfineasyoumakeit。Itellyoushewasutterlystricken，alone，andbeautiful。Shesoughthisassistance。Whentheendcamehethoughtonlyofher。

Won’tyougiveayoungfellowinaplacelikeChicagosomecreditforthat？Can’tyougetthroughyouwhatitmeans？’’

DoctorCareystoodfrowningindeepthought，butthelinesofhisfacegraduallychanged。

``IsupposeI’vegottostomachhim，’’hesaid。

Thenursecamedownthegravelpath。

``Mr。Langston，DoctorHarmonaskedmetocallyou，’’shesaid。

TheHarvesteraroseandwenttothesunshineroom。

``Whatdoeshewant，Molly？’’askedthedoctor。

``Wantstoturnoverhisjob，’’chuckledthenurse。``Hehelditaboutsevenminutesinpeace，andthenshebegantofretandcallfortheHarvester。Hejustsweatbloodtopacifyher，buthecouldn’tmakeit。Hetriedtoholdher，tomakelovetoher，andgoodnessknowswhat，butshestruggledandcried，`David，’untilhehadtogiveitupandsendme。’’

``Molly，’’saidDoctorCarey，``we’veknowntheHarvesteralongtime，andheisourfriend，isn’the？’’

``Ofcourse！’’saidthenurse。

``Weknowthisisthefirstwomanheeverloved，probablyeverwill，asheismade。Nowwedon’tlikethisstrangerbuttinginhere；weresentit，Molly。Weareonthesideofourfriend，andwewanthimtowin。

I’llgrantthatthisfellowisfine，andthathehasdonewell，butwhat’stheuseintearinguparrangementsalreadymade？Andsosuitable！NowMolly，youaremybestnurse，andagoodreliableaidintimeslikethis。

Igaveyouinstructionsanhourago。I’lladdthistothem。YOUAREONTHEHARVESTER’SSIDE。Doyouunderstand？

Inthis，andthedaystocome，you’llhaveathousandchancestoputinalickwithasickwoman。

PuttheminasItellyou。’’

``Yes，DoctorCarey。’’

``AndMolly！Youaresomethingbesidesmybestnurse。You’reasmashingprettygirl，andyouroccupationshouldmakeyouespeciallyattractivetoayoungdoctor。I’msurethisfellowisallright，sowhileyouaredoingyourbestwithyourpatientfortheHarvester，whynothaveatryforyourselfwiththedoctor？Itcouldn’tdoanyharm，anditmightstraightenoutmatters。Anyway，youthinkitover。’’

Thenursestudiedhisfacesilentlyforatime，andthenshebegantolaughsoftly。

``Heisuptheredoinghisbestwithher，’’shesaid。

Thedoctorthrewouthishandsinagestureofdisdain，andthenurselaughedagain；buthercheekswerepinkandhereyesflashingasshereturnedtoduty。

``Randomshot，butitmighthitsomething，younevercantell，’’commentedthedoctor。

TheHarvesterenteredtheGirl’sroomandstoodstill。

Shewasfrettingandraisinghertemperaturerapidly。

Beforehereachedthedoorhisheartgaveonegreatleapatthesoundofhervoicecallinghisname。Heknewwhattodo，buthehesitated。

``Sheseemstohavebecomeaccustomedtoyou，andattimesdoesnotrememberme，’’saidDoctorHarmon。``I

thinkyouhadbettertakeheragainuntilshegrowsquiet。’’

TheHarvestersteppedtothebedandlookedthedoctorintheeye。

``IamafraidIleftoutoneimportantfeatureinourlittletalkonthebridge，’’hesaid。``Ineglectedtotellyouthatinyourfightforthiswoman’slifeandloveyouhavearival。Iamhe。Sheismywife，andwiththelastfibreofmybeingIadoreher。Ifyouwin，andshewantsyoutotakeheraway，Iwillhelpyou；butmyheartgoeswithherforever。IfbyanychanceitshouldoccurthatIhavebeenmistakenormisinterpretedherdeliriumorthatshehasbeendeceivedandfindssheprefersmeandMedicineWoods，toyouandChicago，whenshehashadopportunitytomeasureusmanagainstman，youmustunderstandthatIclaimher。SoIsaytoyoufrankly，takeherifyoucan，butdon’timaginethatIampassive。

I’llhelpyouifIknowshewantsyou，butIfightyoueveryinchoftheway。Onlyithasgottobesquareandopen。Doyouunderstand？’’

``Youarecertainlysufficientlyclear。’’

``Nomanwhoishalfamanseesthelastchanceofhappinessgooutofhislifewithoutputtingupthestiffestbattleheknows，’’saidtheHarvestergrimly。``Ruth-

girl，youareraisingthefeveragain。Youmustbequiet。’’

Withinfinitetendernesshepossessedhimselfofherhandsandbeganstrokingherhair，andinalowandsoothingvoicethestoryofthebirds，flowers，lake，andwoodswenton。TokeepitfromgrowingmonotonoustheHarvesterbranchedoutandputineverythingheknew。

Inthedaysthatfollowedheheldapositionnonecouldtakefromhim。Whilethedoctorsfoughtthefever，heworkedforrestandquiet，andsoothedthetorturedbodyasbesthecould，thatthemedicinesmightact。

Butthefeverwasstubborn，andtheremedieswereslow；andlongbeforethedreadedcomingdaythedoctorsandnursewerequietlysayingtoeachotherthatwhenthecrisiscametheheartwouldfail。Therewasnovitalitytosustainlife。ButtheydidnotdaretelltheHarvester。DayandnighthesatbesidethemaplebedorstretchedsleepingafewminutesonthecouchwhiletheGirlslept；andwithfaithneverfalteringandcourageunequalled，hewarnedthemtohavetheirremediesandappliancesready。

``Idon’tsayit’sgoingtobeeasy，’’hesaid。``Ijustmerelystatethatitmustbedone。AndI’llalsomentionthat，whenthehourcomes，themanwhodiscoversthathecoulddosomethingifhehaddigitalis，oraremedyheshouldhavehadreadyandhasforgotten，thatmanhadbetterkeepoutofmysight。Makeyourpreparationsnow。Talkthecaseover。Fillyourhypodermics。Cleanyourairpumps。Getyourhot-waterbottlesready。

Havesystem。Labelyourstufflargeandsetitconveniently。

Youseewhatiscoming，beprepared！’’

Oneday，whiletheGirllayinahalf-drugged，feverishsleep，theHarvesterwentforaswim。Hedressedalittlesoonerthanwasexpectedandincrossingtheliving-roomheheardDoctorHarmonsaytoDoctorCareyontheveranda，``Whatarewegoingtodowithhimwhentheendcomes？’’

TheHarvestersteppedtothedoor。``Thatwon’tbethequestion，’’hesaidgrimly。``ItwillbewhatwillHEdowithus？’’

Then，withanalmostimperceptiblemovement，hecaughtDoctorHarmonatthewaistline，andliftedanddangledhimasababy，andthenstoodhimonthefloor。

``Didn’thardlyexpectthatmuchmuscle，didyou？’’

heinquiredlightly。``AndI’mnotinwhatyoucouldcallcondition，either。Insteadofwastinganytimeonfoolquestionslikethat，youtwogooveryourstuffandaskeachother，havewegoteverylastapplianceknowntophysicsandsurgery？Havewegotduplicatesonhandincasewebreakdelicateinstrumentslikehypodermicsyringesandthatsortofthing？Engageyourselveswithquestionspertainingtolife；thatisyourbusiness。

Insteadofplanningwhatyou’lldoinfailure，bolsteryoursoulsagainstit。GrannyMorelandbeatsyoutwoputtogetheringripandcourage。’’

TheHarvesterreturnedtohistask，andthefightwenton。Atlastthehourcamewhenthetemperaturefelllowerandlower。Thefeeblepulsesflickeredandgrewindiscernible；agraypallorhoveredovertheGirl，andacoldsweatstoodonhertemples。

``Now！’’saidtheHarvester。``Exerciseyourcalling！

Fightlikemenordevils，butwinyoumust。’’

Theydidwork。Theyadministeredstimulants；appliedheattothechilledbody；fansswepttheroomwithvitalizedair；hypodermicswereused；andeverylastresortknowntosciencewasgivenafulltest，andtheweakheartthrobbedslowerandslower，andliferanoutwitheachbreath。TheHarvesterstoodwaitingwithsetjaws。Hecoulddetectnochangeforthebetter。Atlasthepickedupachilledhandandcoulddiscovernopulse，andthegraynailsandthedarktipstoldastoryofarrestedcirculation。Helaiddownthehandandfacedthemen。

``Thisiswhatyou’dcallthecrisis，Doc？’’heaskedgently。

``Yes。’’

``Areyoustemmingit？Areyoustemmingit？Areyousuresheisholdingherown？’’

DoctorCareylookedathimsilently。

``Haveyoudoneallyoucando？’’askedtheHarvester。

``Yes。’’

``Youbelievehergoingout？’’

``Yes’’

TheHarvesterturnedtoDoctorHarmon。``Doyouconcurinthat？’’

``Yes。’’

Thentothenurse，``Andyou？’’

``Yes。’’

``Then，’’saidtheHarvester，``allofyouareuseless。

Getoutofhere。Idon’twantyouratmosphere。Ifyoucanbelieveonlyindeath，leaveus！Sheismywife，andifthisistheendshebelongstome，andIwilldoasI

choosewithher。Allofyougo！’’

TheHarvestersteppedtothebathroomdoorandcalledGrannyMoreland。``Granny，’’hesaid，``sciencehasturnedtail，andleftmeinextremity。Fillyourhot-

waterbottlesandcomeinherewithyourheartbigwithhopeandhelpmesavemyDreamGirl。SheisbreathingGranny；we’vegottomakeherkeepitup，that’sall——justkeepherbreathing。’’

Hereturnedtothesunshineroom，placedasmalltablebesidethebed，andonitaglassofwater，spoon，andahypodermicsyringe。WhenGrannyMorelandcamehesaid:``Nowyoubeginonherfeetandrubwithlong，sweeping，upwardstrokestodrivethebloodtoherheart。’’

AroundtheGirlhepiledhot-waterbottlesandbreathlesslyhungoverher，rubbingherhands。Hewipedtheperspirationfromherforehead，andthendroppedbyherbedandforasecondlaidhisfaceonhercoldpalm。

``IfIamwrong，Heavenforgiveme，’’heprayed。

``Andyou，oh，mydarlingDreamGirl，forgiveme，butIamforcedtotry——Godhelpingme！Amen。’’

Hearose，tookasmallbottlefromhispocket，filledthespoonwithwater，andmeasuredintoitthreedropsofliquidasyellowasgold。Thenheheldthespoontothebluelips，andwithhisfingersworkedapartthesetteeth，andpouredthemedicinedownherthroat。ThentheyrubbedandmutteredsnatchesofprayerforfifteenminuteswhentheHarvesteradministeredanotherthreedrops。Itmighthavebeenfancy，butitseemedtohimherjawswerenotsostiff。FasterflewhishandsandhesentGrannyMorelandtorefillthehotbottles。WhenhegavetheGirlthethirddoseheinjectedsomeoftheliquidoverherheartandoftheglycerinethedoctorshadleft，intheextremities。Hereleasedmoreairandbeganrubbingagain。

Thesecondhourstartedinthesameway，andendedwithslowlyrelaxingmusclesandfainttingesofcolourinthewhitecheeks。Thefeetwerenotsocold，andwhentheHarvesterheldthespoonheknewthattheGirlmadeanefforttoswallow，andhecouldseehereyelidstremble。ThereuponhepointedthesesignstoGranny，andimploredhertorubandpray，andprayandrub，whileheworkeduntiltheperspirationrolleddownhisgrayface。Attheendofthesecondhourhebegandecreasingthedosesandshorteningthetime，andagainhecommencedinalowrumblehissongoflifeandhealth，toencouragetheGirlasconsciousnessreturned。

OccasionallyDoctorCareyopenedthedoorslightlyandpeepedintoseeifhewerewanted，buthereceivednoinvitationtoenter。ThelasttimeheleftwiththeimpressionthattheHarvesterwasraving，whileheworkedoveralifelessbody。HehadtheGirlwarmlycoveredandbentoverherfaceandhands。AtherfeetcrouchedGrannyMoreland，rubbing，stillrubbing，beneaththecovers，whileinasteadystreamtheHarvesterwaspouringouthissong。Ifhehadlistenedaninstantlongerhewouldhaverecognizedthatthetoneandthewordshadchanged。Nowitwas，``Gently，breathegently，Girl！Slowly，steadily，easily！Deeper，alittledeeper，Ruth！BraveGirl，neveranothersowonderful！That’smyDreamGirlcomingfromtheshadows，comingtolife’ssunshine，comingtohope，comingtolove！Deeper，justalittledeeper！Smoothlyandevenly！Youaremakingit，Girl！Youaremakingit！

Byallthatisholyandglorious！Sticktoit，Ruth，holdtighttome！I’llhelpyou，dear！Youarecoming，comingbacktolifeandlove。Don’tworryyourselftryingtoohard，ifonlyyoucansendeverybreathasdeeplyasthelastone，youcanmakeit。Youbravegirl！

YouwonderfulDreamGirl！Ah，Ruth，thenameofthisisvictory！’’

AnhourbeforeDoctorCareyhadsaidtoDoctorHarmonandthenurse，ashesoftlyclosedthedoor:``ItisoverandtheHarvesterisraving。We’llgivehimalittlemoretimeandseeifhewon’trealizeithimself。

Thatwillbeeasierforhimthanforustotrytotellhim。’’

Nowheopenedthedoor，staredasecond，andcomingtotheoppositesideofthebed，heleanedovertheGirl。

Thenhefeltherfeet。Theywerewarmandslightlydamp。Asurprisedlookcreptoverhisface。HegentlyreachedforahandthattheHarvesteryieldedtohim。

Itwaswarm，thebluetipsbecomingrosy，thewristpulsediscernible。Thenhebentcloser，touchedherface，andsawthetremulouseyelids。Heturnedbackthecover，andheldhisearoverherheart。Whenhestraightened，``AsGodlives，she’sgotachance，David！’’heexultedinanawedwhisper。

TheHarvesterliftedagravenface，downwhichthesweatofagonyrolled，andhislipspartedinatwitchingsmile。``Thenthisiswherelovebeatsthedoctors，Carey！’’hesaid。

``Itiswherelovehasventuredwhatsciencedaresnot。

Lovedidn’tdoallofthis。InthenameoftheAlmighty，whatdidyougiveher，David？’’

``Life！’’criedtheHarvester。``Life！Comeon，Ruth，comeon！Outofthevalleycometome！Youarewellnow，Girl！It’sallover！Thelasttraceoffeverisgone，thelastofthedullache。Canyouswallowjusttwomoredropsofbottledsunshine，Ruth？’’

Theflickeringlidsslowlyopened，andthebigblackeyeslookedstraightintotheHarvester’s。Hemetthemsteadily，smilingencouragement。

``Hangontoeachbreath，dearheart！’’heurged。

``Thefeverisgone。Thepainisover！Longlifeandtheloveyoucraveareforyou。You’veonlytokeepbreathingafewmorehoursandthebattleisyours。

GloriousGirl！Noble！Youaredoingfinely！Ruth，doyouknowme？’’

Herlipsmoved。

``Don’ttrytospeak，’’saidtheHarvester。``Don’twastebreathonaword。Savethegoodoxygentostrengthenyourtiredbody。Butifyoudoknowme，maybeyoucouldsmile，Ruth！’’

Shecouldjustsmile，andthatwasall。Feeble，flickering，transient，butasitcrossedthelivingfacetheHarvesterliftedherhandsandkissedthemoverandover，back，palm，andfingertips。

``Nowjustonemoredrop，honey，andthenalongrest。

Willyoutryitagainforme？’’

Sheassented，andtheHarvestertookthebottlefromhispocket，pouredthedrop，andheldthespoontowillinglips。Thebigeyeswereonhimwithaquestion。

Thentheyfelltothespoon。TheHarvesterunderstood。

``Yes，it’smine！It’sgotsixtyyearsofwonderfullifeinit，everyoneofthemfullofloveandhappinessformydearDreamGirl。Canyoutakeit，Ruth？’’

Herlipsparted，thewineoflifepassedbetween。Shesmiledfaintly，andhereyelidsdroppedshut，butpresentlytheyopenedagain。

``David！’’

``MyDreamGirl！’’

``Harvester？’’

``Yes！’’

``MedicineMan？’’

``Don’t，Ruth！Saveeverybreathtohelpyourheart。’’

``Life？’’

``Lifeitis，Girl！’’exultedtheHarvester。``Longlife！Love！Home！Themanyoulove！Everyhappinessthatevercametoagirl！Nothingshallbedeniedyou！Nothingshallbelacking！It’sallinyourhandsnow，Ruth。We’vealldoneeverythingwecan；youmustdotheremainder。It’syourworktosendeverybreathasdeeplyasyoucan。Doc，releaseanothertankofair。

Areherfeetwarm，Granny？Letthenursetakeyourplacenow。And，honey，gotosleep！I’llkeepwatchforyou。I’llmeasureeachbreathyoudraw。Iftheyshortenorweaken，I’llwakeyouformoremedicine。Youcantrustme！Alwaysyoucantrustme，Ruth。’’

TheGirlsmiledandfellintoalight，evenslumber。

GrannyMorelandstumbledtothecouchandrolledonitsobbingwithnervousexhaustion。DoctorCareycalledthenursetotakeherplace。ThenhecametotheHarvester’ssideandwhispered，``Letme，David！’’

TheHarvesterlookedupwithhisqueergrin，buthemadenomotiontoarise。

``Won’tyoutrustme，David？I’llwatchasifitweremyownwife。’’

``Iwouldn’ttrustanymanonearth，forthecomingthreehours，’’repliedtheHarvester。``IfIkeepthisupthatlong，sheissafe。GoandrestuntilIcallyou。’’

HeagainbentovertheGirl，onehandonherleftwrist，theotheroverherheart，hiseyesonherlips，watchingthedepthandstrengthofhereverybreath。

Regularlyheadministeredthemedicinehewasgivingher。Sometimesshetookithalfasleep；againshegavehimasmilethattotheHarvesterwasthesupremethingofearthorHeaven。Towardtheendofthelongvigil，inexhaustionheslippedtothefloor，andlaidhisheadonthesideofthebed，andforasecondhishandrelaxedandhefellasleep。TheGirlawakenedashistouchloosenedandlookingdownshesawhishuddledbody。AsecondlatertheHarvesterawokewithaguiltystarttofindherfingerstwistedintheshockofhaironthetopofhishead。

``PoorstrandedGirl，’’hemuttered。``She’sclingingtomeforlife，andyoucanstakeallyouareworthshe’sgoingtogetit！’’

Thenhegentlyrelaxedhergrip，gaveherthelastdosehefeltnecessary，yieldedhisplacetoDoctorCareyandstaggeredupthehill。AsthesunpeepedoverMedicineWoodshestretchedhimselfbetweenthetwomoundsundertheoak，andforafewminuteshisbodywasrentwiththeawful，tornsobbingofastrongman。Belshazzarnosedthetwistingfigureandwhinedpitifully。A

chatteringlittlemarshwrentiltedonabushandscolded。

Abluejayperchedaboveandtriedtodecidewhethertherewascauseforanalarmsignal。Asnakecomingfromthewatertohuntbirdsranclosetohim，andchangingitscourse，wentweavingawayamongthemosses。

Graduallythepentforcesspentthemselves，andforhourstheHarvesterlayinthedeepsleepofexhaustion，andstretchedbesidehim，Belshazzarguardedwithanxiousdogeyes。

CHAPTERXVIII

THEBETTERMAN

InthemiddleoftheafternoontheHarvesteraroseandwentintothelake，ateaheartydinner，andthentookuphiswatchagain。Fortwodaysandnightshekepthisplace，untilhehadtheGirloutofdanger，andwherecarefulnursingwasallthatwasrequiredtoinsurelifeandhealth。Ashesatbesideherthelastday，hisphysicalendurancestrainedtothebreakingpoint，shelaidherhandoverhis，andlookedlongandsteadilyintohiseyes。

``TherearesomanythingsIwanttoknow，’’shesaid。

TheHarvester’sfirmfingersclosedoverhers。``Ruth，haveyoueverbeensorrythatyoutrustedme？’’

``Never！’’saidtheGirlinstantly。

``Thensupposeyoukeepitup，’’saidhe。``Whateveritisthatyouwanttoknow，don’tuseaniotaofstrengthtotalkortothinkaboutitnow。Justsaytoyourself，helovesmewellenoughtodowhatisright，andIknowthathewill。Allyouhavetodoistobepatientuntilyougrowstrongerthanyoueverhavebeeninyourlife，andthenyoushallhaveexactlywhatyouwant，Ruth。Sleeplikeababyforaweekortwo。Then，slowlyandgradually，wewillbuildupsuchaconstitutionforyouthatyoushallride，drive，row，swim，dance，play，andhaveallthatyourgirlhoodhasmissedinfunandfrolic，andallthatyourwomanhoodcravesinloveandcompanionship。Happinesshascomeatlast，Ruth。

Takeitfromme。Everythingyoucraveisyours。Theloveyouwant，thehome，andthelife。Assoonasyouarestrongenough，youshallknowallaboutit。Yourbusinessistodrinkstimulantsandsleepnow，dear。’’

``Sotiredofthisbed！’’

``Itwon’tbelonguntilyoucanlieonthecouchandtheverandaswingagain。’’

``Glory！’’saidtheGirl。``David，Imusthavebeenfulloffeverforalongtime。Ican’tremembereverything。’’

``Don’ttry，Itellyou。Lifeiscomingoutrightforyou；that’sallyouneedknownow。’’

``Andforyou，David？’’

``Wheneverthingsarerightforyou，theyareforme，Ruth。’’

``Don’tyoueverthinkofyourself？’’

``NotwhenIamcloseyou。’’

``Ah！ThenIshallhavetogrowstrongverysoonandthinkofyou。’’

TheHarvester’ssmilewaspathetic。Hewasunspeakablytiredagain。

``Nevermindme！’’hesaid。``Onlygetwell。’’

``David，wastherealittlehorse？’’

``Therecertainlywasandis，’’saidtheHarvester。

``Youhadnotnamedhimyet，butinafewdaysIcanleadhimtothewindow。’’

``Wastheresomethingsaidaboutaboat？’’

``Twoofthem。’’

``Two？’’

``Yes。Arowboatforyou，andalaunchthatwilltakeyoualloverthelakewithonlytheexertionofsteeringonyourpart。’’

``David，Iwantmypendantandring。Iamsotiredoflyinghere，Iwanttoplaywiththem。’’

``Wheredoyoukeepthem，Ruth？’’

``Inthewillowteapot。Ithoughtnoonewouldlookthere。’’

TheHarvesterlaughedandbroughtthelittleboxes。

Hehadtoopenthem，buttheGirlputontheringandaskedhimifhewouldnothelpherwiththependant。Heslippedthethreadaroundherneckandclaspedit。Withasighofsatisfactionshetooktheornamentinonehandandclosedhereyes。Hethoughtshewasfallingasleep，butpresentlyshelookedathim。

``Youwon’tallowthemtotakeitfromme？’’

``Indeedno！Thereisnoreasononearthwhyyoushouldnothavethatthreadaroundyourneckifyouwantit。’’

``Iamgoingtosleepnow。Iwanttwothings。MayIhavethem？’’

``Youmay，’’saidtheHarvesterpromptly，``providedtheyarenottoeat。’’

``No，’’saidtheGirl。``I’vesufferedandmadeotherstrouble。Iwon’tbotheryoubyaskingforanythingmorethanisbroughtme。Thisisdifferent。Youarecompletelywornout。Yourfacefrightensme，David，andwhitehairsthatwerenotthereafewdaysagohavecomealongyourtemples。Icanseethem。’’

``Yougavemeamightyseriousscare，Ruth。’’

``Iknow，’’saidtheGirl。``Forgiveme。Ididn’tmeanto。IwantyoutoleavemetoDoctorHarmonandthenurseandgosleepaweek。ThenIwillbereadyfortheswing，andtohearsomemoreaboutthetreesandbirds。’’

``Icankeepitupifyoureallyneedme，butifyoudon’tIamsleepy。So，ifyoufeelsafe，IthinkIwillgo。’’

``OhIamsafeenough，’’saidtheGirl。``Itisn’tthat。

I’msolonely。I’vemadeupmymindnottogrieveformother，butImisshersonow。Ifeelsofriendless。’’

``But，honey，’’saidtheHarvester，``youmustn’tdothat！Don’tyouseehowallofusloveyou？HereisGrannyshuttingupherhouseandlivinghere，justtobewithyou。Thenursewilldoanythingyousay。Hereisthemanyouknowbest，andthinksomuchof，stayinginthecabin，andsohappytogiveyouallhistime，andanythingelseyouwillhave，dear。AndtheCareyscomeeveryday，andwilldotheirbesttocomfortyou，andalwaysIamhereforyoutofallbackon。’’

``Yes，I’mfallingrightnow，’’saidtheGirl。``I

almostwishIhadthefeveragain。Noonehastouchedmefordays。Ifeelasifeveryonewasafraidofme。’’

TheHarvesterwaspuzzled。

``Well，Ruth，I’mdoingthebestIknow，’’hesaid。

``Whatisityouwant？’’

``Nothing！’’answeredtheGirlwithslightlydejectedinflection。``Saygood-byetome，andgosleepyourweek。

I’llbeverygood，andthenyoushalltakemeadriveupthehillwhenyouawaken。Won’tthatbefine？’’

``Saygood-byetome！’’Shefelta``littlelonely！’’

Theyallactedasiftheywere``afraid’’ofher。TheHarvesterindulgedinaflashingmentalreviewandarrivedatadecision。Hekneltbesidethebed，tookbothslender，coolhandsandcoveredthemwithkisses。Thenheslidahandunderthepillowandraisedthetiredhead。

``IfIamtosaygood-bye，Ihavetodoitinmyownway，Ruth，’’hesaid。

Thereuponhebeganatthetumbledmassofhairandkissedfromherforeheadtoherlips，kisseswarmandtender。

``Nowyougotosleep，andgrowstrongenoughbythetimeIcomebacktotellmewhomyoulove，’’hesaid，andwentfromtheroomwithoutwaitingforanyreply。

WithshortintervalsforfoodanddipsinthelaketheHarvesterverynearlyslepttheweek。Whenhefinallyfelthimselfagain，hebathed，shaved，dressedfreshly，andwenttoseetheGirl。Hehadtotouchhertobesureshewasreal。Shewasextremelyweakandtremulous，butherfaceandhandswerefuller，hercolourwasgood，shewasravenouslyhungry。DoctorHarmonsaidshewasalittletryant，andthenursethatshewasplaincross。ThefirstthingtheHarvesternoticedwasthatthedullbluelookinthedepthofthedarkeyeswasgone。Theywereclear，duskywells，withshininglightsatthebottom。

``WellIneverwouldhavebelievedit！’’hecried。

``DoctorHarmon，youareagreatphysician！Youhavemadeherallovernew，andinafewmoredaysshewillbeontheveranda。Thisisgreat！’’

``DoIappearsomuchbettertoyou，Harvester？’’

askedtheGirl。

``Hasnoonethoughttoshowyou，’’criedtheHarvester。``Here，letme！’

Hesteppedtoherdressingtable，pickedupamirror，andhelditbeforehersothatshecouldseeherself。

``SeemstomeIamdreadfullywhiteandthinyet！’’

``IfyouhadseenwhatIsawtendaysago，myGirl，youwouldthinkyouappearlikeapink，rosyangelnow，orawonderfuldream。’’

``Truly，doIintheleastresembleadream，David？’’

``Youareadream。Theloveliestoneamaneverhad。

Withthreemonthsofrightcareandexerciseyou’llbethebeautifulwomannatureintended。I’msoproudofyou。Youarebeingsobrave！Justliethereinpatienceafewmoredays，andoutyoucomeagaintolife；

andlifethatwillthrillyourbeingwithjoy。’’

``Allright，’’saidtheGirl，``Iwill。Davidareyouattendingtoyourherbs？’’

``Notforafewweeks。’’

``Youareverymuchbehind？’’

``No。Nothingimportant。Idon’tmakeenoughtocountonwhatisreadynow。Icansoongatherjimsonleavesandseedtofillorders，thehemlockisaboutrighttotakethefruit，themustardisyetinpod，andthesaffronandwormseedcanbeattendedlater。

Icancatchupintwodays。’’

``Whatabout——aboutthebigbedonthehill？’’

TheHarvesterexperiencedaninwardthrillofdelight。

Shewassoimpressedwiththevalueoftheginsengshewouldnotmentionit，evenbeforethemansheloved——

nomorethanthat——``adored’’——``worshipped！’’

Hesmiledatherinunderstanding。

``I’llhavetotakeapeepatthatandreport，’’hesaid。

``Areyourestednow？’’

``Indeedyes！’’

``Youaredreadfullythin。’’

``Ialwaysam。I’llpickupalittlewhenIgetbacktowork。’’

``David，Iwantyoutogotoworknow。’’

``Canyouspareme？’’

``Haven’twedonewelltheselastfewdays？’’

``Ican’ttellyouhowwell。’’

``Thenpleasegogathereverythingyouneedtofillordersexceptthebigbed，andbythattimemaybeyoucouldtakeanotherweekoff，andIcouldgotothehilltopandonthelake。I’msoanxioustoputmyfeetontheearth。Theyfeelsodead。’’

``Areyourfeetwellrubbedtodrawdownthecirculation？’’

``Theyarerubbedshinyandalmostskinned，David。

Nooneeverhadbettercare，ofthatIamsure。Gogatherwhatyoushouldhave。’’

``Allright，’’saidtheHarvester。

HearoseandashestartedtoleavetheroomhetookonelastlookattheGirltoseeifhecoulddetectanythinghecouldsuggestforhercomfort，andreadamessageinhereyes。Instantlytherewasanansweringflashinhis。

``I’llbebackinaminute，’’hesaid。``Ijustnoticeddiscoreavillosahasthefinestrattleboxesformed。I’vebeenwaitingtoshowyou。Andthehoptreehasitscastanetsallgreenandgold。Inafewmoreweeksitwillbegintoplayforyou。I’llbringyousome。’’

Soonhereturnedwiththequeerseedformations，andashebentaboveher，withhisbacktoDoctorHarmon，hewhispered，``Whatisit？’’

Herlipsbarelyformedtheoneword，``Hurry！’’

TheHarvesterstraightened。

``Allcomfortable，Ruth？’’heaskedcasually。

``Yes。’’

``Youunderstand，ofcourse，thatthereisnottheslightestnecessityformygoingtoworkifyoureallywantmeforanything，evenifit’snothingmorethantohavemewithincallingdistance，incaseyouSHOULD

wantsomething。ThewholelotIcangathernowwon’tamounttotwentydollars。It’smerelyamatterofpridewithmetohavewhatiscalledfor。I’dmuchratherremain，ifyoucanusemeinanywayatall。’’

``Twentydollarsisconsiderable，whenexpensesareasheavyasnow。Andit’sworthmorethananymoneytoyounottofailwhenorderscome。Ihavelearnedthat，andDavid，Idon’twantyoutoeither。Youmustfillalldemandsasusual。Iwouldn’tforgivemyselfthiswinterifyoushouldbeforcedtosendordersonlypartlyfilledbecauseIfellillandhinderedyou。Pleasegoandgatherallyoupossiblywillneedofeverythingyoutakeatthisseason，onlyremember！’’

``Thereisnodangerofmyforgetting。Ifyouaregoingtosendmeawaytowork，youwillallowmetokissyourhandbeforeIgo，fairlady？’’

Hediditfervently。

``Onewordwithyou，Harmon，’’hesaidashelefttheroom。

DoctorHarmonaroseandfollowedhimtothegoldgarden，andtogethertheystoodbesidethemoltenhedgeofsunflowers，coneflowers，elecampane，andjewelflower。

``Imerelywanttomentionthatthisisyourinning，’’

saidtheHarvester。``FindoutifyouareessentialtotheGirl’shappinessassoonasyoucan，andthedayshetellsmeso，Iwillfileherpetitionandtakeatriptothecitytostudysomelittlechemicalquirksthatbotherme。

That’sall。’’

TheHarvesterwenttothedry-houseforbagsandclippingshears，andthedoctorreturnedtothesunshineroom。

``Ruth，’’hesaid，``doyouknowthattheHarvesteristhesquarestmanIevermet？’’

``Ishe？’’askedtheGirl。

``Heis！Hecertainlyis！’’

``YoumustrememberthatIhavelittleacquaintancewithmen，’’saidshe。``YouarethefirstoneIeverknew，andtheonlyoneexcepthim。’’

``WellItrytobesquare，’’saidDoctorHarmon，``butthatiswhereLangstonhasmebeatenamile。I

havetotry。Hedoesn’t。Hewasbornthatway。’’

TheGirlbegantolaugh。

``Hisenvironmentissodifferent，’’shesaid。``Perhapsifhewereinabigcity，hewouldhavetotryalso。’’

``Won’tdo！’’saidthedoctor。``Hechosehislocation。

SodidI。HeisastrongerphysicalmanthanIeverwasoreverwillbe。Thestrugglethatboundhimtothewoodsandtoresearch，thatmadehimthemasterofforcesthatgivebacklife，whenamanlikeCareysaysitistheend，proveshimamaster。Thetumultinhissoulmusthavebeenlikeacycloneinhisforest，whenheturnedhisbackontheworldandstucktothewoods。

Careytoldmeaboutit。Somedayyoumusthear。It’sastoryawomanoughttoknowinordertoarriveatpropervalues。YouneverwillunderstandthemanuntilyouknowthatheiscleanwheremostofusareblackenedwithuglysinswehavenorightonGod’sfootstooltocommitandnotsomuchreasonashe。Everymanshouldbeasheis，butveryfeware。CareysaysLangston’smotherwasawonderfulelementintheformationofhischaracter；butallmothersareanxious，andnoneofthemcanbuildwithnofoundationandnosoultimber。

Shehadmaterialforamantoherhand，orshecouldn’thavemadeone。’’

``Iseewhatyoumean。’’

``Sofarasanyinexperiencedgirleversees，’’saidthedoctor。``Somedayifyoulivetofiftyyouwillknow，butyoucan’tcomprehenditnow。’’

``IfyouthinkIlivedallmylifeinChicago’spovertyspotsanddon’tknowunbridledhumannature！’’

``Ifoundyouandyourmotherunusuallyinnocentwomen。Youmayunderstandsomethings。Ihopeyoudo。Itwillhelpyoutodecidewhoistherealmanamongthemenwhocomeintoyourlife。Therearesomemen，Ruth，whoarefittomatewithawoman，andtoperpetuatethemselvesandtheirmentalandmoralforcesinchildren，whowillbelikethem，andthereareotherswhoarenot。Itisthese`others’whoareresponsibleforthesinoftheworld，thesicknessandsuffering。Anytimeyouaresureyouhaveachanceatamoralman，squareandhonest，incontrolofhisbrainandbody，ifyouareawisewoman，Ruth，sticktohimasthelimpettotherock。’’

``YoumeansticktotheHarvester？’’

``Ifyouareawisewoman！’’

``Whenwasawomaneverwise？’’

``Afewhavebeen。Theyaretheonlycare-free，reallyhappyonesoftheworld，theonlywiveswithoutabig，poison，blue-bottleflyintheirointment。’’

``Idetestflies！’’saidtheGirl。

``SodoI，’’saidthedoctor。``ForthisreasonIsaytoyouchoosetheointmentthatneverhadoneinit。

Takethemanwhois`masterofhisfate，captainofhissoul。’SticktotheHarvester！Heisinfinitelythebetterman！’’

``WellhaveyouseenanythingtoindicatethatI

wasn’tsticking？’’askedtheGirl。

``No。AndforyoursakeIhopeIneverwill。’’

Shelaughedsoftly。

``Youdolovehim，Ruth？’’

``AsIdidmymother，yes。Thereisnotatraceinmyheartofthethinghecallslove。’’

``Youhavebeenstunted，warped，andthefountainsoflifeneverhaveopened。Itwillcomewithrightconditionsofliving。’’

``Doyouthinkso？’’

``Iknowso。Atleastthereisnooneelseyoulove，Ruth？’’

``Nooneexceptyou。’’

``Anddoyoufeelaboutmejustasyoudohim？’’

``No！Itisdifferent。WhatIowehimisformyself。

WhatIoweyouisformymother。Yousaw！Youknow！Youunderstandwhatyoudidforher，andwhatitmeanttome。TheHarvestermustbethefinestmanonearth，butwhenItrytothinkofeitherGodorHeaven，yourfaceintervenes。’’

``That’sallright，Ruth，I’msogladyoutoldme，’’

saidDoctorHarmon。``Icanmakeitallperfectlycleartoyou。Youjustgoonandworshipmeallyouplease。

It’sboundtomakeacleaner，bettermanofme。

WhatyoufeelformewillholdmetoahighermorallevelallmylifethanIeverhaveknownbefore；butneverforgetthatyouarenotgoingtoliveinHeaven。Youwillbehereatleastsixtyyearsyet，sowhenyoucometothinkofselectingapartnerfortherelationsoftheworld，yousticktothefinestmanonearth；see？’’

``Ido！’’saidtheGirl。``IsawyoukissMollyaweekago。Sheislovely，andIhopeyouwillbeperfectlyhappy。Itwon’tinterferewithmyworshippingyou；nottheleastintheworld。Goaheadandbejoyful！’’

Thedoctorsprangtohisfeetincrimsonconfusion。

TheGirllayandlaughedathim。

``Don’t！’’shecried。``It’sallright！Ittakesaweightoffmysoulasheavyasamountain。Idoadoreyou，asIsaid。ButeveryhoursinceIleftChicagoabig，blackcloudhashungoverme。Ididn’tfeelfree。Ididn’tfeelabsolved。IfeltthatmyobligationstoyouweresoheavythatwhenIhadsettledthelastofthemoneydebtIwasinhonourbound——’’

``Don’t，Ruth！Forgetthosedreadfultimes，asItoldyouthen！Thinkonlyofahappyfuture！’’

``Letmefinish，’’saidtheGirl。``Letmegetthisoutofmysystemwiththeotherpoison。FromthedayI

camehere，I’vewhisperedinmyheart，`Iamnotfree！’

Butifyouloveanotherwoman！Ifyouaregoingtotakehertoyourheartandtoyourlips，whythatismyrelease。OhMan，speakthewords！TellmeIamfreeindeed！’’

``Ruth，bequiet，formercysake！You’llraiseatemperature，andtheHarvesterwillpitchmeintothelake。

Youarefree，child，ofcourse！Youalwayshavebeen。

IunderstoodtheawfulpressurethatwasonyouwiththeveryfirstglimpseIhadofyourmother。Whowasshe，Ruth？’’

``Sheneverwouldtellme。’’

``Shethoughtyouwouldappealtoherpeople？’’

``SheknewIwould！Icouldn’thavehelpedit。’’

``Wouldyouliketoknow？’’

``Ineverwantto。Itistoolate。Iinfinitelyprefertoremaininignorance。Talkofsomethingelse。’’

``LetmereadawonderfulbookIfoundontheHarvester’sshelves。’’

``Anythingtherewillcontainwonders，becauseheonlybuyswhatappealstohim，andittakesagreatbooktodothat。Iamgoingtolearn。Hewillteachme，andwhenIcomewithincomprehendingdistanceofhim，thenwearegoingontogether。’’

``Whatanattractiveplacethisis！’’

``Isn’tit？Ionlyhaveseenenoughtounderstandtheplan。Iscarcelycanwaittosetmyfeetonearthandgointodetail。GrannyMorelandsaysthatwhenspringcomesoverthehill，andbringsuptheflowersinthebigwoods，she’dratherwalkthroughthemthantoreadRevelation。ShesaysitgivesheranideaofHeavenshecancomecloserrealizinganditseemsmorestable。

Youknowsheworriesaboutthefoundations。Shecan’tunderstandwhatsupportsHeaven。ButupthereinMedicineWoodstheolddeargetssocloseherGodthatsomedaysheisgoingtorealizethatherideaofHeaventhereisquiteasnearrightasmarblestreetsandgoldpillarsandvastlymoreprobable。ThedayIreachthathilltopagain，Heavenbeginsforme。

DoyouknowthewonderfulthingtheHarvesterdidupthere？’’

``Undertheoak？’’

``Yes。’’

``Careytoldme。Itwasmarvellous。’’

``Notsuchamarvelasanotherthedoctorcouldn’thaveknown。TheHarvestermadepassingoutsonatural，soeasy，soapartofelementalforces，thatIalmosthaveforgottenhertorturedbody。WhenIthinkofhernow，itistowonderifnextsummerIcandistinguishherwhisperamongtheleaves。Beforeyougo，I’lltakeyouupthereandtellyouwhathesays，andshowyouwhathemeans，andyouwillfeelitalso。’’

``WhatifIshouldn’tgo？’’

``Whatdoyoumean？’’

``DoctorCareyhasofferedmeasplendidpositioninhishospital。Therewouldbeworkallday，insteadofwaitingalldayinthehopeofworkinganhour。Therewouldbealivinginitfortwofromthewordgo。Therewouldbebetterair，longerlife，moretobegotoutofit，andifIcanmakegood，Carey’sworktotakeupashegrowsold。’’

``Takeit！Takeitquickly！’’criedtheGirl。``Don’twaitaminute！YoumightwearoutyourheartinChicagofortwentyyearsorforever，andnothaveanopportunitytodoonehalfsomuchgood。Takeitatonce！’’

``IwaswaitingtolearnwhatyouandLangstonwouldsay。’’

``Hewillsaytakeit。’’

``ThenIwillbetoohappyforwords。Ruth，youhavenotonlypaidthedebt，butyouhavebroughtmethegreatestjoyamaneverhad。AndthereisnoneedtowaittheagesIthoughtImust。HecantellinayearifIcandothework，andIknowIcannow；soit’sallsettled，ifLangstonagrees。’’

``Hewill，’’saidtheGirl。``Letmetellhim！’’

``Iwishyouwould，’’saidthedoctor。``Idon’tknowjusthowtogoatit。’’

ThenfortwodaystheHarvesterandBelshazzargatheredherbsandspreadthemonthedryingtrays。

Ontheafternoonofthethird，closethree，thedoctorcametothedoor。

``Langston，’’hesaid，``wehaveacallforyou。Wecan’tkeepRuthquietmuchlonger。Sheistired。Wewanttochangeherbedcompletely。Shewon’talloweitherofustolifther。Shesayswehurther。Willyoucomeandtryit？’’

``You’llhavetogivemetimetodipandruboffandgetintocleanclothing，’’hesaid。``I’vebeenkeepingaway，becauseIwasworkingontime，andIsmelltostrangulationofstramoniumandsaffron。’’

``Can’tgiveyoutenseconds，’’saidthedoctor。``Ourtemperisgettingbrittle。Wearecrossastheproverbialfeverpatient。Ifyoudon’tcomeatoncewewillimagineyoudon’twantto，andrefusetobemovedatall。’’

``Coming！’’criedtheHarvester，asheplungedhishandsinthewashbowlandsousedhisface。Asecondlaterheappearedontheporch。

``Ruth，’’hesaid，``Iamsteepedintheodoursofthedry-house。Can’tyouwaituntilIbatheanddress？’’

``No，Ican’t，’’saidafretfulvoice。``Ican’tendurethisbedanotherminute。’’

``ThenletDoctorHarmonliftyou。Heissofreshandclean。’’

TheHarvesterglancedenviouslyattheshavenfaceandwhitetrousersandshirtofthedoctor。

``Ijusthatefresh，cleanmen。Iwanttosmellherbs。

Iwanttoputmyfeetinthedirtandmyhandsinthewater。’’

TheHarvestercameatarush。Hebroughtabigeasychairfromtheliving-room，straightenedthecover，andbentabovetheGirl。Hepickedheruplightly，gently，andeasinghertohisbodysettledinthechair。Shelaidherfaceonhisshoulder，andheavedadeepsighofcontent。

``Becarefulwithmyback，Man，’’shesaid。``Ithinkmyspineisalmostwornthrough。’’

``Poorgirl，’’saidtheHarvester。``Thatbedshouldbesofter。’’

``Itshouldnot！’’contradictedtheGirl。``Itshouldbemuchharder。I’mtiredofsoftbeds。Iwanttolieontheearth，withmyheadonaroot；andIwishitwouldraindirtonme。Iambathedthreadbare。Iwanttobeallstreaky。’’

``Iunderstand，’’saidtheHarvester。``Harmon，bringmeapadandpencilaminute，ImustwriteanorderforsomethingsIwant。Willyoucalluptownandhavethemsentoutimmediately？’’

Onthepadhewrote:``TelephoneCareytogetthehighestgradecurled-hairmattress，anewpad，andpillow，andbringthemflyinginthecar。CallGrannyandthegirlandemptytheroom。Clean，air，andfumigateitthoroughly。Arrangethefurnituredifferently，andhelpmeintotheliving-roomwithRuth。’’Hehandedthepadtothedoctor。

``Pleaseattendtothat，’’hesaid，andtotheGirl:

``Nowwegoonajourney。Doc，youandMollytakethecornersoftherugweareonandslideusintotheotherroomuntilyougetthisairedandfreshened。’’

Intheliving-roomtheGirltookonelonglookatthesurroundingsandsuddenlyrelaxed。ShecuddledagainsttheHarvesterandliftingatremulouswhitehand，drewitacrosshisunshavencheek。

``Feelssogood，’’shesaid。``I’msickandtiredofimmaculatemen。’’

TheHarvesterlaughed，tuckedherfeetinthecoverandheldhertenderly。TheGirllaywithhercheekagainsttheroughkhaki，palpitantwiththeexcitementofbeingmoved。

``Isn’titgreat？’’shepanted。

Hecaughtthehandthathadtouchedhischeekinatendergrip，andlaughedadeeprumbleofexultationthatcamefromthedepthsofhisheart。

``There’snonameforit，honey，’’hesaid。``Butdon’ttrytotalkuntilyouhavealongrest。Changingpositionsafteryouhavelainsolongmaybemakingunusualworkforyourheart。AmIhurtingyourback？’’

``No，’’saidtheGirl。``ThisisthefirsttimeIhavebeencomfortableinages。AmItiringyou？’’

``Yes，’’laughedtheHarvester。``Youarealmostasheavyasalargesackofleaves，butnotquiteequaltoabridgepillaroralog。Besuretothinkofthat，andworryconsiderably。Youareindangerofstrainingmymusclestothelastdegree，myheartincluded。’’

``Whereisyourheart？’’whisperedtheGirl。

``Rightunderyourcheek，’’answeredtheHarvester。

``ButforHeaven’ssake，don’tintimatethatyouaretakinganyinterestinit，oritwillgotopoundinguntilyourheadwillbounce。It’sonememberofmybodythatIcan’tcontrolwhereyouareconcerned。’’

``Ithoughtyoudidn’tlikemeanymore。’’

``Careful！’’warnedtheHarvester。``YouareyettoocloseHeaventofiblikethat，Ruth。WhathaveI

donetoindicatethatIdon’tloveyoumorethanever？’’

``Stayedawaynearlyeveryminuteforthreeawfuldays，andwouldn’tcomewithoutbeingdragged；andnowyou’rewishingtheywouldhurryandfixthatbed，soyoucanputmedownandgobacktoyourrankoldherbsagain。’’

``Wellofalltheblackprevarications！Iwentwhenyousentme，andcamewhenyoucalled。I’dwillinglygiveupmyhopeofwhatGrannycalls`salvation’toholdyouasIamforanhour，andyouknowit。’’

``It’sgoingtobemuchlongerthanthat，’’saidtheGirlnestlingtohim。``Iaskedforyoubecauseyouneverhurtme，andtheyalwaysdo。Iknewyouweresostrongthatmyweightnowwouldn’tbealoadforoneofyourhands，andIamnotgoingbacktothatbeduntilIamsotiredthatIwillbegladtoliedown。’’

ForalongtimeshewassosilenttheHarvesterthoughthergoingtosleep；andhavinglearnedthatforhimjoywasprobablytransient，hedeliberatelygotallhecould。

Hecloselyheldthehandshehadnotwithdrawn，andoftenliftedittohislips。Sometimeshestrokedtheheavybraid，gentlyranhishandsacrossthetiredshoulders，oreasedherintoadifferentposition。Therewasnotadoubtinhismindofonething。Hewashavingaroyal，goodtime，andhewasthankfulfortheworkhehadsethisassistantsthatkeptthemoutoftheroom。

Theyseemedinnohurry，andfromscuffling，laughing，andasteadystreamoftalk，theywereentertainedatleast。AtlasttheGirlroused。

``ThereissomethingIwanttoaskyou，’’shesaid。

``IpromisedDoctorHarmonIwould。’’

InstantlytheheartoftheHarvestergavealeapthatjarredtheheadrestingonit。

``Youdon’tlikehim？’’questionedtheGirl。

``Ido！’’declaredtheHarvester。``Ilikehimimmensely。

Thereisnotafine，manlygood-lookingfeatureabouthimthatIhavemissed。Idon’tfailtodohimjusticeoneverypoint。’’

``I’msoglad！Thenyouwillwanthimtoremain。’’

``Here？’’askedtheHarvesterwithalight，hotbreath。

``InOnabasha！DoctorCareyhasofferedhimtheplaceofchiefassistantatthehospital。Thereisagoodsalaryandthechanceoftakingupthedoctor’sworkashegrowsolder。Itmeansplentytodoatonce，healthfulatmosphere，congenialsociety——everythingtoayoungman。HeonlyhadacallonceinawhileinChicago，oftenamongpeoplewhoreceivedmorethantheypaid，likeme，andhewasverylonely。Ithinkitwouldbegreatforhim。’’

``Andforyou，Ruth？’’

``Itdoesn’tmaketheleastdifferencetome；butforhissake，becauseIthinksomuchofhim，Iwouldliketoseehimhavetheplace。’’

``Youstillthinksomuchofhim，Ruth？’’

``More，ifpossible，’’saidtheGirl。``AddedtoallI

owedhimbefore，hehascomehereandworkedfordaystosaveme，anditwasn’thisfaultthatittookabiggerman。Nothingaltersthefactthathedidallhecould，mostgraciouslyandgladly。’’

``Whatdoyoumean，Ruth？’’stammeredtheHarvester。

``Ohtheyhavewornthemselvesout！’’criedtheGirlimpatiently。``First，GrannyMorelandtoldmeeveryleastlittledetailofhowIwentout，andyouresurrectedme。Iknewwhatshesaidwastrue，becausesheworkedwithyou。ThenDoctorCareytoldme，andMrs。Carey，andDoctorHarmon，andMolly，andevenGranny’slittleassistanthasleftthekitchentotellmethatI

owemylifetoyou，andallofthemmightaswellhavesavedbreath。IknewallthetimethatifeverIcameoutofthis，andhadachancetobelikeotherwomen，itwouldbeyourwork，andI’mgladitis。I’dhatetobeunderobligationstosomepeopleIknow；butI

feelhonouredtobeindebtedtoyou。’’

``I’mmightysorrytheyworriedyou。Ihadnoidea——’’

``Theydidn’t`worry，’me！IamjusttellingyouthatIknewitallthetime；that’sall！’’

``Forgetthat！’’saidtheHarvester。``Comebacktooursubject。Whatwasityouwanted，dear？’’

``ToknowifyouhaveanyobjectionstoDoctorHarmonremaininginOnabasha？’’

``Certainlynot！Itwillbeafinethingforhim。’’

``Willitmakeanydifferencetoyouinanyway？’’

``Ruth，that’sprobingtoodeep，’’saidtheHarvester。

``Idon’tseewhy！’’

``I’mgladofit！’’

``Why？’’

``I’dleastrathershowmylittlenesstoyouthantoanyoneelseonearth。’’

``Thenyouhavesomefeelingaboutit？’’

``Perhapsatrifle。I’llgetoverit。Givemealittletimetoadjustmyself。DoctorHarmonshallhavetheplace，ofcourse。Don’tworryaboutthat！’’

``Hewillbesohappy！’’

``Andyou，Ruth？’’

``I’llbehappytoo！’’

``Thenit’sallright，’’saidtheHarvester。

Helaiddownherhand，drewthecoveroverit，andslightlyshiftedherpositiontoresther。Thedooropened，andDoctorHarmonannouncedthattheroomwasready。Itwasshiningandfresh。Thebedwasnowturnedwithitsheadtothenorth，sothatfromitonecouldseethebigtreesinMedicineWoods，thesweepofthehillside，thesparkleofmallow-borderedSingingWater，thedrivewayandthegoldflowergarden。Everythingwassochangedthattheroomhadquiteadifferentappearance。TheinstanthelaidheronittheGirlsaid，``Thisbedisnotmine。’’

``Yesitis，’’saidtheHarvester。``Yousee，wewerealittleexcitedsometimes，andwespilledafewquartsofperfectlygoodmedicineonyourmattress。Itwashopelesslysmellyandruined；soIamgoingtocremateitandthisisyoursplinternewoneandafreshpadandpillow。Nowyoutrythemandseeiftheyarenotmuchharderandmorecomfortable。’’

``Thisisjustperfect！’’shesighed，asshesankintothebed。

TheHarvesterbentoverhertostraightenthecover，whensuddenlyshereachedbotharmsaroundhisneck，andgrippedhimwithallherstrength。

``Thankyou！’’shesaid。

``MayIholdyouto-morrow？’’whisperedtheHarvester，emboldenedbythis。

``Pleasedo，’’saidtheGirl。

TheHarvester，withdogtoheel，wenttotheoaktothink。

``Belshazzar，kommenSie！’’saidtheman，droppingontheseatandholdingouthishand。Thedoglaidhismuzzleinthefirmgrip。

``Bel，’’saidtheHarvester，``Iamallatsea。OnedayIthinkmaybeIhavealittlechance，thenext——noneatall。Ihadanhourofsolidcomfortto-day，nowI’minthesweatboxagain。It’salittleselfishstreakinme，Bel，thathatestoseeHarmongointothehospitalandtakemyplacewiththeCareys。Theyaremybestandonlyfriends。Heisyoung，social，handsome，andwillbeeverpresent。InthreemonthshewillbecomesopopularthatImightaswellbeofftheearth。IwishIdidn’tthinkit，butI’msosmallthatIdo。AndthenthereismyDreamGirl，Bel。Thegirlyoufoundforme，oldfellow。Thereneverwasanotherlikeher，andshehasmyheartforalltime。Andhehashers。Thathospitalplanisthebestthingintheworldforher。ItwillkeepherwhereCareycanhaveaneyeonher，wheretheairisbetter，whereshecanhavecompanywithoutthecitycrush，wheresheisclosethecountry，andagoodlivingisassured。Bel，it’sthenicestarrangementyoueversawforeveryoneweknow，exceptus。’’

TheHarvesterlaughedshortly。``Bel，’’hesaid，``tellme！Ifamanlivedahundredyears，couldhehavetheheartachealltheway？SeemslikeI’vehaditalmostthatlongnow。Infact，I’vehaditsuchagesI’dbelonesomewithoutit。Thisissomemoreofmyveryownmedicine，soIshouldn’tmakeawryfaceovertakingit。IknewwhatwouldhappenwhenIsentforhim，andIdidn’thesitate。Imustnotnow。

``OnlyIgottostoponething，Bel。ItoldhimI

wouldplaysquare，andIhave。Buthereitends。

Afterthis，Imuststepbackandbebigbrother。Lotsoffuninthisbrotherbusiness，Bel。ButmaybeIamcutoutforit。Anywayit’swritten！Butifitis，howdidshecometoallowmesuchprivilegesasItookto-

day？Thatwasn’tprofessionalbyanymeans。Itwasjustthestiffestlove-makingIknewhowtodo，Bel，andshedidn’tobjectbythequiverofaneyelash。GodknowsIwaswatchingcloselyenoughforanysignthatI

wasdistasteful。AndImighthavebeenwellenough。

Rough，herb-stainedoldclothes，unshaven，everythingtooffendadaintygirl。ShesaidImightholdheragainto-morrow。And，Bel，whatthenationdidshehugmelikethatfor，ifshe’sgoingtomarryhim？Boy，Iseemywaycleartoanhourmore。WhileI’matit，justtosurprisemyself，IbelieveI’lltakeitlikeothermen。I

thinkI’llgoonalittlebender，andmakewhatprobablywillbethelastdayaplumbgoodone。Somethingworthrememberingisbetterthannothingatall，Bel！

Hehasn’ttoldmethathehaswon。Shedidn’tSAY

shewasgoingtomarryhim，andshedidsayhehurther，andshewantedme。Bel，howaboutthegrimnessofit，ifsheshouldmarryhimandthendiscoverthathehurtsher，andshewantsme。LordGodAlmighty，ifyouhaveanymercyatall，neverputmeupagainstthat，’’prayedtheHarvester，``formyheartiswaterwheresheisconcerned。’’

TheHarvesterarose，andgoingtothelake，hecutanarmloadofbig，pinkmallows，coveredeachmoundwithfreshflowers，whistledtothedog，andwenttohiswork。

Manythingshadaccumulated，andhecleanedthebarn，carriedherbsfromthedry-housetothestore-room，andputeverythingintoshape。ClosenoonthenextdayhewenttoOnabasha，andwasgonethreehours。

Hecamebackbarberedinthelateststyle，andcarryingabigbundle。Whenthehourforarrangingthebedcame，hewasyetinhisroom，buthesentwordhewouldbethereinasecond。

Ashecrossedtheliving-roomhepulledachairtotheverandaandplacedafootstoolbeforeit。Thenhesteppedintothesunshineroom。AquizzicalexpressioncrossedthefaceofDoctorHarmonasheclosedthebookhewasreadingaloudtotheGirlandarose。WhollyunembarrassedtheHarvestersmiled。

``HaveIgotthisrigginganywherenearright？’’heinquired。

``David，whathaveyoudone？’’gaspedtheamazedGirl。

``Ididn’tfeelanywherenearuptothe`markofmyhighcalling’yesterday，’’quotedtheHarvester。``I

don’tknowhowIappear，butI’mcleanasshaving，soapandhotwaterwillmakeme，andmyclothingwillnotsmelloffensively。Nowcomeoutofthatbedforahappyhour。Whereisthatbigcoverlet？Youaregoingontheverandato-day。’’

``Youlookjustlikeeveryoneelse，’’complainedDoctorHarmon。

``Youlookperfectlylovely，’’declaredtheGirl。

``Theswalesendsyouthisinvitationtocomeandseestar-shineatthefootofmulleinhill，’’saidtheHarvester，offeringabouquet。Itwasaloosebunchoflong-

stemmed，delicateflowers，eachaninchacross，andhavingfivepearl-whitepetalslightlystripedwithpalegreen。Fivelonggoldanthersarose，andattheirbasegoldstamensandagreenpistil。Theleaveswereheart-

shapedandfrosty，whitish-green，resemblingfelt。TheHarvesterbenttoofferthem。

``HavesomeGrassofParnassus，mydear，’’hesaid。

TheGirlwavedthemaway。``Gostandovertherebythedoorandslowlyturnaround。Iwanttoseeyou。’’

TheHarvesterobeyed。Hewasfreshlyandcarefullyshaven。Hishairwascloselycroppedatthebaseofthehead，long，heavy，andslightlywavingontop。Heworeawhitesilkshirt，witharollingcollarandtie，whitetrousers，belt，hose，andshoes，andhishandsweremanicuredwithcare。

``HaveImadeamessofit，ordoIappearanythinglikeothermen？’’heasked，eagerly。

TheGirlliftedhereyestoDoctorHarmonandsmiled。

``Doyouobserveanythingmessy？’’sheinquired。

``Youneedn’tfishforcomplimentsquitesoobviously，’’

heanswered。``I’llpaythemwithoutbeingasked。

Idonot。Heisquitecorrect，andinfinitelybetterlookingthantheaverage。Distinguishedisaproperwordforthegentlemaninmyopinion。Butwhy，inHeaven’sname，haveweneverhadthepleasureofseeingyouthusbefore？’’

``Lookhere，Doc，’’saidtheHarvester，``doyoumeanthatyouenjoylookingatmemerelybecauseIamdressedthisway？’’

``Idoindeed，’’saidthedoctor。``Itisgoodtoseeyouwiththegarbofworklaidaside，andthestampofcleanlinessandeaseuponyou。’’

``Bygum，thatisrubbingitinalittletoorough！’’

criedtheHarvester。``Ibatheoftenerthanyoudo。MyclothingisalwayscleanwhenIstartout。Ofcourse，inmyworkIcomehourlyincontactwithmuck，water，andherbjuices。’’

``It’sunderstoodthatisunavoidable，’’saidDoctorHarmon。

``Andifcleanlinessismadeanissue，I’dratherrollinanyofitthanputmyfingertipsintothedailyworkofasurgeon，’’addedtheHarvester，andtheGirlgiggled。

``That’senoughMedicineMan！’’shesaid。``Youdidnotmakea`mess’ofit，oranythingelseyoueverattempted。Asforappearinglikeothermen，thankHeaven，youdonot。Youlookjustawholeworldbiggerandbetterandfiner。Come，carrymeoutquickly。Iamwildtogo。Pleaseputmylovelyflowersinwater，Molly，onlygivemeafewtohold。’’

TheHarvesterarrangedthepinkcoverlet，pickeduptheGirl，andcarriedhertotheliving-room。

``Wewillrestherealittle，’’hesaid，``andthen，ifyoufeelequaltoit，wewilltrytheveranda。Areyoueasynow？’’

Shenestledherfaceagainstthesoftshirtandsmiledathim。Sheliftedherhand，laiditonhissmoothcheekandthenthecrisphair。

``OhMan！’’shecried。``ThankGodyoudidn’tgivemeup，too！Iwantlife！IwantLIFE！’’

TheHarvestertightenedhisgripjustatrifle。``ThenIthankGod，too，’’hesaid。``Canyoutellmehowyouare，dear？Isthereanydifference？’’

``Yes，’’sheanswered。``Igrowtiredlyingsolong，butthereisn’ttheghostofanacheinmybones。Icanjustfeelpure，deliciousbloodrunninginmyveins。Myhandsandfeetarealwayswarm，andmyheadcool。’’

TheHarvester’sfacedrewveryclose。``Howaboutyourheart，honey？’’hewhispered。``Anythingnewthere？’’

``Yes，Iamallovernewinsideandout。Iwanttoshout，run，sing，andswim。OhI’dgiveanythingtohaveyoucarrymedownanddipmeinthelakerightnow。’’

``Soon，Girl！Thatwillcomesoon，’’prophesiedtheHarvester。

``Iscarcelycanwait。Andyoudidsayasaddle，didn’tyou？Won’titbegreattocomegallopingupthelevee，whentheleavesareredandthefrostisintheair。

OhamIgoingfastenough？’’