Shedranksogreedilyhedrewawaytheglassandurgedcaution，buttheshakingfingersclungtohimandthewaveringvoicebeggedformore。
``Inaminute，’’saidtheHarvestergently。Butthefeveredwomanwouldnotwait。Shedrankthecoolingliquiduntilshecouldtakenomore。Thenshewatchedhimfillasmallpitcherandpackitinapartoftheiceandlaysomefruitaroundit。
``Who，Ruth？’’shepanted。
``AMedicineManwhoheardaboutyou。’’
``WhatwillHenrysay？’’
``Hewon’tknow，’’explainedtheGirl，smoothingthehotforehead。``I’llputitinthecupboard，andslipittoyouwhileheisoutoftheroom。Itwillmakeyoustrongandwell。’’
``Idon’twanttobestrongandwellandsufferitalloveragain。Iwanttorest。Givememoreofthecooldrink。GivemeallIwant，thenI’llgotosleep。’’
``It’swonderful，’’saidtheGirl。``That’smorethanI’veheardhertalksinceIcame。Sheismuchstronger。
Pleaseletherhaveit。’’
TheHarvesterassented。Hegavethechildsomeofthefruit，andtoldhertositbesidethebedandholdthedrinkwhenitwasaskedfor。Sheagreedtobeverycarefulandwatchful。Thenhepickedupthebucket，andfollowedbytheGirl，returnedtothewoods。
``Nowwehavetobeginalloveragain，’’hesaid，assheseatedherselfatthetable。``Becauseofthewalkintheheat，thistimetheprogrammeisalittledifferent。’’
Hereplacedthewaferboxandopenedit，filledtheglass，andheapedthecoldfruit。
``Yourauntisgoingtohavearefreshingsleepnow，’’
hesaid，``andyourmindcanbefreeaboutherforanhourortwo。Iamverysureyourmotherwouldnotwantyoudeprivedofanythingbecauseshemissedit，soyouaretoenjoythis，ifyoucareforit。Atleasttryasample。’’
TheGirlliftedtheglasstoherlipswithatremblinghand。
``I’mlikeAuntMolly，’’shesaid；``IwishIcoulddrinkallIcouldswallow，andthenliedownandgotosleepforever。IsupposethisiswhattheyhaveinHeaven。’’
``No，it’swhattheydrinkalloverearthatpresent，butIhaveaconceitofmyownbrand。Someofitistoostrongofonefruitoroftheother，andalltoosweetforhealth。Thisiscompoundedscientificallyandit’sjustright。Ifyouarenotaccustomedtocolddrinks，goslowly。’’
``Youcan’tscareme，’’saidtheGirl；``I’mgoingtodrinkallIwant。’’
TherewasanoteofexcitementintheHarvester’slaugh。
``Youmusthavesome，too！’’
``Afterawhile，’’hesaid。``IwasthirstywhenImadeit，soIdon’tcareforanymorenow。Trythefruitandthosewafers。Ofcoursetheyarenothomemade——
theyarethebestIcoulddoatabakery。Taketimeenoughtoeatslowly。I’mgoingtotellyouatalewhileyoulunch，andit’saboutaMedicineMannamedDavidLangston。It’saverypeculiarstory，butit’squitetrue。ThismanlivesinthewoodseastofOnabasha，accompaniedbyhisdog，horse，cow，andchickens，andaforestfullofbirds，flowers，andmatchlesstrees。Hehaslivedthereinthismannerforsixlongyears，andeveryspringheandhisdoghaveaseanceandagreewhetherheshallgoongatheringmedicinalherbsandtryinghishandatmakingmedicineorgotothecityandliveasothermen。Alwaysthedogchoosestoremaininthewoods。
``Theneveryspring，onthedaythefirstbluebirdcomes，thedogalsodecideswhetherthemanshallgoonaloneorfindamateandbringherhomeforcompany。Eachyearthedogregularlyhasdecidedthattheyliveasalways。Thisspring，forsomeunforeseenreason，hechangedhismind，andcompelledtheman，accordingtohisvowinthebeginning，togocourting。Themanwassoveryangryattheideaofhavingawomaninhishome，interferingwithhiswork，disturbinghisarrangements，andperhapswantingtospendmoremoneythanhecouldafford，thathestruckthedogformakingthatdecision；
struckhimfortheveryfirsttimeinhislife——Ibelieveyou’dlikethoseapricots。Pleasetryone。’’
``Goonwiththestory，’’saidtheGirl，sippingdelicatelybutconstantlyatthefrostyglass。
TheHarvesteraroseandrefilledit。Thenhedroppedpiecesoficeoverthefruit。
``WherewasI？’’heinquiredcasually。
``WhereyoustruckBelshazzar，andit’snowonder，’’
answeredtheGirl。
Withouttakingtimetoponderthat，theHarvestercontinued:
``Butthatnightthemanhadawonderful，goldendream。Abeautifulgirlcametohim，andshewassograciousandlovelythathewassufficientlypunishedforstrikinghisdog，becausehefellunalterablyinlovewithher。’’
``Meaningyou？’’interruptedtheGirl。
``Yes，’’saidtheHarvester，``meaningme。I——ifyoulike——fellinlovewiththegirl。Shecamesoalluringly，andIwassoclosetoherthatIsawherbetterthanIeverdidanyothergirl，andIknewherforalltime。
Whenshewent，myheartwasgone。’’
``Andyouhavelivedwithoutthatimportantorganeversince？’’
``Withouteventheghostofit！Shetookitwithher。
Well，thatdreamwassoreal，thatthenextdayIbeganbuildingovermyhouse，makingfurniture，andplantingflowersforher；andeveryday，whereverIwent，Iwatchedforher。’’
``Whatnonsense！’’
``Ican’tseeit。’’
``Youwon’tfindagirlyoudreamedaboutinathousandyears。’’
``Wrong！’’criedtheHarvestertriumphantly。``Sawherinlittlelessthanthreemonths，butshevanishedandittooksometimeanddifficultworkbeforeIlocatedheragain；butI’vegotherallsolidnow，andshedoesn’tescape。’’
``Isshea`lovelyandgraciouslady’？’’
``Sheis！’’saidtheHarvester，withallhisheart。
``Youngandbeautiful，ofcourse！’’
``Indeedyes！’’
``Pleasefillthisglass。ItoldyouwhatIwasgoingtodo。’’
TheHarvesterrefilledtheglassandtheGirldrainedit。
``Nowwon’tyousetasidethesethingsandallowmetogotowork？’’sheasked。``Mycallmaycomeanyminute，andI’llneverforgivemyselfifIwastetime，anddon’tdrawyourmothpatternforyou。’’
``It’sagainstmyprinciplestohurry，andbesides，mystoryisn’tfinished。’’
``Itis，’’saidtheGirl。``Sheisyoungandlovely，gentleandalady，youhaveher`allsolid，’andshecan’t`escape’；
that’stheend，ofcourse。ButifIwereyou，Iwouldn’thaveheruntilIgaveherachancetogetaway，andsawwhethershewouldifshecould。’’
``OhIamnotajailer，’’saidtheHarvester。``SheshallbefreeifIcannotmakeherloveme；butIcan，andI
will；Iswearit。’’
``Youarenottrulyinearnest？’’
``Iamindeadlyearnest。’’
``Honestly，youdreamedaboutagirl，andfoundtheveryone？’’
``Mostcertainly，Idid。’’
``Itsoundslikethewildestromancing。’’
``Itistheveriestreality。’’
``WellIhopeyouwinher，andthatshewillbeeverythingyoudesire。’’
``Thankyou，’’saidtheHarvester。``It’swritteninthebookoffatethatIsucceed。Theveryelementsarewithme。TheSouthWindcarriedamessagetoherforme。Iamgoingtomarryher，butyoucouldmakeitmucheasierformeifyouwould。’’
``I！WhatcouldIdo？’’criedtheGirl。
``Youcouldceasebeingafraidofme。Youcouldlearntotrustme。Youcouldtrytolikeme，ifyouseeanythinglikeableaboutme。ThatwouldencouragemesothatIcouldtellyouofmyDreamGirl，andthenyoucouldshowmehowtowinher。Awomanalwaysknowsaboutthosethingsbetterthanaman。Youcouldbethegreatesthelpinalltheworldtome，ifonlyyouwould。’’
``Icouldn’tpossibly！Ican’tleavehere。Ihavenoproperclothingtoappearbeforeanothergirl。Shewouldbeshockedatmywhiteface。ThatIcouldhelpyouisthemostimprobabledreamyouhavehad。’’
``YoumustpardonmeifIdifferfromyou，andpersistinthinkingthatyoucanbeofinvaluableassistancetome，ifyouwill。Butyoucan’tinfluencemyDreamGirl，ifyoufearanddistrustmeyourself。Promisemethatyouwillhelpmethatmuch，anyway。’’
``I’lldoallIcan。IonlywanttomakeyouseethatIaminnopositiontograntanyfavours，nomatterhowmuchIoweyouorhowI’dliketo。Isthecandlestickyouarecarvingforher？’’
``Itis，’’saidtheHarvester。``IammakingapairofmapletostandonadressingtableIbuiltforher。Itisunusuallybeautifulwood，Ithink，andIhopeshewillbepleasedwithit。’’
``Pleasetakethesethingsawayandletmebegin。ThisistheonlythingIcanseethatIcandoforyou，andthemothwillwanttoflybeforeIhavefinished。’’
TheHarvesterclearedthetableandplacedthebox，whiletheGirlspreadthepaperandbeganworkeagerly。
``IwonderifIknewthereweresuchexquisitethingsinalltheworld，’’shesaid。``IscarcelythinkIdid。Iambeginningtounderstandwhyyoucouldn’tkillone。Youcouldmakeachairoratable，andsoyoufeelfreetodestroythem；butittakesagesandAlmightywisdomtoevolveacreaturelikethis，soyoudon’tdare。Ithinknooneelsewouldiftheyreallyknew。PleasetalkwhileIwork。’’
``Isthereaparticularsubjectyouwantdiscussed？’’
``Anythingbuther。IfIthinktoostronglyofher，I
can’tworksowell。’’
``Yourginsengisalmostdry，’’saidtheHarvester。
``IthinkIcanbringyouthemoneyinafewdays。’’
``Sosoon！’’shecried。
``Itdriesdayandnightinaneventemperature，andfasterthanyouwouldbelieve。There’sgoingtobebetweensevenandeightpoundsofit，whenImakeupwhatithasshrunk。Itwillgoundertheheadofthefinestwildroots。Icangeteightforitsure。’’
``Ohwhatgoodnews！’’criedtheGirl。``Thisismyluckyday，too。Andthelittlegirlisn’tcoming，soAuntMollymustbeasleep。Everythinggoesright！IfonlyUncleHenrywouldn’tcomehome！’’
``Letmefillyourglass，’’profferedtheHarvester。
``Justhalfway，andsetitwhereIcanseeit，’’saidtheGirl。Sheworkedwithswiftstrokesandtherewasahintofcolourinherface，asshelookedathim。``I
hopeyouwon’tthinkI’mgreedy，’’shesaid，``buttruly，that’sthefirstthingI’vehadthatIcouldtastein——I
can’trememberwhen。’’
``I’llbringabarrelto-morrow，’’offeredtheHarvester，``andabigpieceoficewrappedincoffeesacking。’’
``Youmustn’tthinkofsuchathing！Iceisexpensiveandsoarefruits。’’
``Icecostsmethetimerequiredtosawandpackitatmyhome。IalmostliveonthefruitIraise。Iconfesstoafondnessforthisdrink。Ihavenootherpersonalexpenses，unlessyoucountinbooks，andaveryfewclothes，suchasI’mwearing；soIsurelycanaffordallthefruitjuiceIwant。’’
``Foryourself，yes。’’
``AlsoforacoupleofwomenorIamamightypoorattemptataman，’’saidtheHarvester。``Thisismyday，soyouarenottotalk，becauseitwon’tdoanygood。
Thingsgomyway。’’
``Pleaseseewhatyouthinkofthis，’’shesaid。
TheHarvesteraroseandbentoverher。
``Thatwilldofinely，’’heanswered。``Youcanstop。
Idon’trequireallthoselittledetailsforcarving，Ijustwantagoodoutline。Itisfinished。Seehere！’’
Hedrewsomefoldedpapersfromhispocketandlaidthembeforeher。
``ThosearewhatIhavebeenworkingfrom，’’hesaid。
TheGirltookthemandstudiedeachcarefully。
``Ifthoseareworthfivedollarstoyou，’’shesaidgently，``whythenIneedn’thesitatetotakeasmuchformine。
Theyaresuperior。’’
``Ishouldsayso，’’laughedtheHarvesterashetookupthedrawingandlaiddownthemoney。
``IfyouwouldmakeithalfthatmuchI’dfeelbetteraboutit，’’shesaid。
``HowcouldI？’’askedtheHarvester。``Yourfingersarewelltrainedandextremelyskilful。BecausesomeonehasnotbeenpayingyouenoughforyourworkisnoreasonwhyIshouldkeepitup。Fromnowonyoumusthavewhatothersget。Assoonasyoucanarrangeforwork，IwanttotellyouaboutsomedesignsIhavestudiedoutfromdifferentthings，showyoutheplantsandinsects，andhaveyoumakesomesamples。I’llsendthemtoproperplaces，andseewhatexpertssayabouttheideasanddrawing。Workinthewoodsishealthful，withproperprecautions；it’seasycomparedwiththeexactionsofbeingboundtosewingorembroideringintheconfinementofaroom；it’svividlyinterestinginthesearchfornewsubjects，changesofmaterial，anddifferingharmoniouscombinations；it’strulyartistic；anditbringsthepriceshighgradestuffalwaysdoes。’’
``Almostyougivemehope，’’saidtheGirl。``Almost，Man——almost！Sincemotherdied，Ihaven’tthoughtorplannedbeyondpayingforthemedicineshetookandthesheltersheliesin。OhIdidn’tmeantosaythat——！’’
Sheburiedherfaceinherhands。TheHarvestersuffereduntilhescarcelyknewhowtobearit。
``Pleasefinish，’’hebegged。``Youhadn’tplannedbeyondthedebt，youweresaying——’’
TheGirlliftedhertired，strainedface。
``Givemealittlemoreofthatdeliciousdrink，’’shesaid。``Iamravenousforit。Itputsnewlifeinme。
Thisandwhatyousaybringafaraway，mistyvisionofaclean，bright，peacefulroomsomewhere，andworkonecouldloveandliveonincomfort；enoughtogiveadesiretofinishlifetoitsnaturalend。OhMan，youmakemehopeinspiteofmyself！’’
```PraiseGodfromwhomallblessingsflow；’’’quotedtheHarvesterreverently。``Nowtryoneofthesepeaches。
It’sjuicyandcold。Getthatroomrightinfocusinyourbrain，andnurturetheidea。Itswallsshallbebrightassunshine，itsfloorcreamywhite，anditshallopenintoalittlegarden，whereonlyyellowflowersgrow，andthebirdsshallsing。Thefirstrayofsunthatpeepsoverthehillsofmorningshallfallthroughitswindowsacrossyourbed，andyoushallworkonlyasyouplease，afteryou’vehadmonthsofplayandrest；andit’scomingtruetheinstantyoucanleavehere。Dreamofit，makeupyourmindtoit，becauseit’scoming。I
havealittlestreakofsecondsight，andIseeitontheway。’’
``Youaretalkingwildly，’’saidtheGirl，``elseyouareagoodgenietryingtoconjurearoomforme。’’
``ThisroomIamtalkingofisreadywheneveryouwanttotakepossession，’’saidtheHarvester。``Acceptitasareality，becauseItellyouIknowwhereitis，thatitiswaiting，andyoucanearnyourwayintoitwithnoobligationtoanyone。’’
TheGirlstretchedoutherrighthandandslowlyturnedandopenedandclosedit。ThensheglancedattheHarvesterwithawearysmile。
``FromsomewhereIfeelaglimmeringofthespirit，butOh，dearLord，thefleshisweak！’’shesaid。
``That’swherenourishingfoods，appetizingdrinks，plentyofpure，freshair，andgoodwatercomein。Nowwehavetalkedenoughforoneday，andworkedtoomuch。Thefruitanddrinkgowithyou。Iwillcarryittothehouse，andyoucanhideitinyourroom。Iamgoingtoputabottleoftonicontopthatthebestsurgeoninthestategavemeforyou。Trytoeatsomethingstrengtheningandthentakeaspoonfulofthis，anduseallthefruityouwant。I’llbringmoreto-morrowandputithere，withplentyofice。Nowsupposeyouletthemothgofree，’’hesuggestedtoavoidobjections。
``Youmusttakemywordforit，thatitisperfectlyharmless，lackingeitherstingorbite，andholdyourhandbeforeit，sothatitwillclimbonyourfingers。Thenstandwherearayofsunshinefallsandinafewminutesitwillgoouttoliveitslife。’’
TheGirlhesitatedasecondasshestudiedtheclean-cut，interestedfaceoftheman；thensheheldoutherhand，andheurgedthemothtoclimbonherfingers。Shesteppedwherearayofstronglightfellontheforestfloorandheldthemothinit。Thebrightnessalsotouchedhertransparenthandandwhitefaceandthegleamingblackhair。TheHarvesterchokeddownarisingsurgeofdesireforher，andtookanewgriponhimself。
``Oh！’’shecriedbreathlessly，astheclingingfeetsuddenlyloosenedandthelunaslowlyflewawayamongthetrees。SheturnedontheHarvester。``Youteachmewonders！’’shecried。``Yougivelifedifferentmeanings。
Youarenotasothermen。’’
``Ifthatbetrue，itisbecauseIamofthewoods。TheAlmightydoesnotevolveallhiswondersinanimal，bird，andflowerform；Hekeepssometoworkoutintheheart，ifhumanityonlywillgotoHisschool，andallowHimtohavedominion。Comenow，youmustgo。I
willcomebackandputawayallthethingsandtomorrowIwillbringyourginsengmoney。Anytimeyoucannotcome，ifyouwanttotellmewhy，orifthereisanythingIcandoforyou，putalineundertheoilcloth。
Iwillcarrythebucket。’’
``Iamsoafraid，’’shesaid。
``Iwillonlygototheedgeofthewoods。Youcanseeifthereisanyoneatthehousefirst。Ifnot，youcansendthechildaway，andthenIwillcarrythebuckettothedoorforyou，anditwillfurnishcomfortforonenight，atleast。’’
TheywenttotheclearedlandandtheGirlpassedonalone。SoonshereappearedandtheHarvestersawthechildgoingdowntheroad。Hetookupthebucketandsetitinsidethedoor。
``IsthereanythingIcandoforyou？’’
``Nothingbutgo，beforeyoumaketrouble。’’
``Willyouhidethatstuffandwalkbackasfarasthewoodswithme？ThereissomethingmoreIwanttosaytoyou。’’
TheGirlstaggeredundertheheavyload，andthemanturnedhisheadandtriedtopretendhedidnotsee。
Presentlyshecameouttohim，andtheyreturnedtothelineofthewoods。Justastheyenteredtheshadetherewasaflashbeforethem，andonatwigafewrodsawayalittlegraybirdalighted，whileinprecipitatepursuitcameaflamingwonderofred，andinaburstofexcitedtrills，brokenwhistles，andimploringgestures，perchedbesideher。
TheHarvesterhastilydrewtheGirlbehindsomebushes。
``Watch！’’hewhispered。``Youaregoingtoseeasightsolovelyandsorareitisvouchsafedtofewmortalsevertobehold。’’
``Whataretheyfightingabout？’’shewhispered。
``Youarewitnessingacardinalbirddeclarehislove，’’
breathedtheHarvester。
``Docardinalslovedifferentbirds？’’
``No。Thefemaleisgray，becauseifsheiscolouredthesameasthetreesandbranchesandhernest，shewillhavemorechancetobringoffheryounginsafety。
Heisbloodred，becauseheisthebravest，gayest，mostardentloverofthewholewoods，’’explainedtheHarvester。
TheGirlleanedforwardbreathlesslywatchingandaslowsurgeofcolourcreptintohercheeks。Theredbirdtwisted，whistled，rocked，tilted，andtrilled，andthegraysatdemurelywatchinghim，asifonlyhalfconvincedhereallymeantit。Thegayloverbeganatthebeginningandsaiditalloveragainwithmoreimpassionedgesturesthanbefore，andthenheedgedintouchandsoftlystrokedherwingwithhisbeak。Sheappearedstartled，butdidnotfly。Soagainthefountainofhalf-whistled，half-trillednotesbubbledwiththeacmeofpleadingintonationandthattimeheleanedandsoftlykissedherasshereachedherbillforthecaress。Thenshefledinheadlongflight，whilethestreakofflamedartedafterher。
TheGirlcaughtherbreathinaswiftspasmofsurpriseandwonder。SheturnedtotheHarvester。
``Whatwasityouwantedtosaytome？’’sheaskedhurriedly。
TheHarvesterwasnotthemantomissthegoodsthegodsprovided。Trulythiswashisluckyday。Unhesitatinglyhetooktheplunge。
``Preciselywhathesaidtoher。Andifyouobservedclosely，younoticedthatshedidn’taskhim`why。’’’
Beforeshecouldopenherlips，hewasgone，hisswiftstridescarryinghimthroughthewoods。
CHAPTERXII
``THEWAYOFAMANWITHAMAID’’
ThenextdaytheHarvesterliftedtheoilcloth，andpickingupafoldednoteheread——
``AuntMollyfoundrestinthenight。ShewasmorecomfortablethanshehadbeensinceIhaveknownher。ClosetheendshewhisperedtometothankyouifIeversawyouagain。Shewillbeburiedto-morrow。
Pastthat，Idarenotthink。’’
TheHarvestersatonthelogandstudiedthelines。
Shewouldnotcomethatdayorthenext。Afteralongtimeheputthenoteinhispocket，wroteananswertellingherhehadbeenthere，andwouldcomeonthefollowingdayonthechanceofherwantinganythinghecoulddo，andthenexthewouldbringtheginsengmoney，soshemustbesuretomeethim。
Thenhewentbacktothewagon，turnedBetsy，anddrovearoundtheJamesonlandwatchingclosely。Therewereseveralvehiclesinthebarnlot，andacoupleofmensittingunderthetreesofthedooryard。Fadedbeddinghungonthelineandwomenmovedthroughtherooms，buthecouldnotseetheGirl。Slowlyhedroveonuntilhecametothefirsthouse，andtherehestoppedandwentin。Hesawthechildofthepreviousday，andasshecameforwardhermotherappearedinthedoorway。
TheHarvesterexplainedwhohewasandthathewasexaminingthewoodsinsearchofsomealmostextinctherbsheneededinhisbusiness。Thenhetoldofhavingbeenattheadjoiningfarmthedaybeforeandmentionedthesickwoman。Headdedthatlatershehaddied。
Hecasuallymentionedthatayoungwomanthereseemedpaleandillandwonderediftheneighbourswouldseeherthrough。Hesuggestedthattheplaceappearedasiftheownerdidnottakemuchinterest，andwhenthewomanfinishedwithHenryJameson，hesaidhowveryimportantitseemedtohimthatsomegood，kind-heartedsoulshouldgoandmotherthepoorgirl，andthewomanthoughtshewastheveryperson。Withoutknowingexactlyhowhedidit，theHarvesterleftwithherpromisetoremainwiththeGirlthecomingtwonights。Thewomanhadherhandsfullofstrangeanddeliciousfruitwithoutunderstandingwhyithadbeengivenher，orwhyshehadmadethosepromises。ShethoughttheHarvesteraremarkablyfineyoungmantotakesuchinterestinstrangersandshetoldhimhewaswelcometoanythinghecouldfindonherplacethatwouldhelpwithhismedicines。
TheHarvesterjusthappenedtobecomingfromthewoodsasthewomanfreshlydressedleftthehouse，sohetookherinthewagonanddrovebacktotheJamesonplace，becausehewasgoingthatway。ThenhereturnedtoMedicineWoodsandworkedwithallhismight。
Firsthepolishedfloors，cleanedwindows，andarrangedtheroomsasbesthecouldinsidethecabin；thenhegaveafinishingtouchtoeverythingoutside。Hecouldnothavetoldwhyhedidit，buthethoughtitwasbecausetherewashopethatnowtheGirlwouldcometoOnabasha。Ifhefoundopportunitytobringhertothecity，hehopedthatpossiblyhemightdrivehomewithherandshowMedicineWoods，soeverythingmustbeinorder。Thenheworkedwithflyingfingersinthedry-house，puttingupherginsengformarket，andneverwasweightsoliberal。
ThenextmorninghedroveearlytoOnabashaandcamehomewithaloadedwagon，thecontentsofwhichhescatteredthroughthecabinwhereitseemedmostsuitable，butthegreaterpartofitwasforher。Heglancedatthebarefloorsandwallsoftheotherrooms，andthoughtoftryingtoimprovethem，buthewasafraidofnotgettingtherightthings。
``Idon’tknowmuchaboutwhatisneededhere，’’
hesaid，``butIamperfectlysafeinbuyinganythingagirleverused。’’
Thenhereturnedtothecity，explainedthesituationtothedoctor，andselectedtheroomhewantedincasetheGirlcouldbepersuadedtocometothehospital。
Afterthathewenttoseethedoctor’swife，andmadearrangementsforhertobereadyforaguest，becausetherewasapossibilityhemightwanttocallforhelp。
Hehadanotherjugoffruitjuiceandallthedelicacieshecouldthinkof，alsoabigcakeofice，whenhereachedthewoods。Therewereonlyafewwordsforhim。
``Iwillcometo-morrowattwo，ifatallpossible；ifnot，keepthemoneyuntilIcan。’’
Therewasnothingtodoexcepttoplacehisofferingundertheoilclothandwait，buthesimplywascompelledtoaddalinetosayhewouldbethere，andtoexpressthehopethatshewascomfortableaspossibleandthinkingofthesunshineroom。ThenhereturnedtoMedicineWoodstowait，andfoundthatpossibleonlybyworkingtoexhaustion。Thereweremanythingshecoulddo，andoneafteranotherhefinishedthem，untilcompletelywornout；andthenhesleptthedeepsleepofweariness。
Atnoonthenextdayhebathed，shaved，anddressedinfresh，cleanclothing。HestoppedinOnabashaformorefruit，anddrovetotheJamesonwoods。HewaswaitingandwatchingtheusualpaththeGirlfollowed，whenherstepsoundedontheotherside。TheHarvesteraroseandturned。Herpallorwasalarming。Shesteppedontherughehadspread，andsankalmostbreathlesstothechair。
``Whydoyoucomeanewwaythatfillsyouwithfear？’’
askedtheHarvester。
``ItseemsasifUncleHenryiswatchingmeeveryminute，andIdidn’tdarecomewherehecouldsee。I
mustnotremainasecond。Youmusttakethesethingsawayandgoatonce。Heisdreadful。’’
``SoamI，’’saidtheHarvester，``whenaffairsgotooeverlastinglywrong。Iamnotafraidofanymanliving。
Whatareyouplanningtodo？’’
``Iwanttoaskyou，areyousureaboutthepricesofmydrawingandtheginseng？’’
``Absolutely，’’saidtheHarvester。``Asfortheginsengitwentinfreshandearly，bestwildroots，anditbroughteightapound。TherewereeightpoundswhenImadeupweightandhereisyourmoney。’’
Hehandedheralongenvelopeaddressedtoher。
``Whatistheamount？’’sheasked。
``Sixty-fourdollars。’’
``Ican’tbelieveit。’’
``Youhaveitinyourfingers。’’
``YouknowthatIwouldliketothankyouproperly，ifIhadwordstoexpressmyself。’’
``Nevermindthat，’’saidtheHarvester。``Tellmewhatyouareplanning。Saythatyouwillcometothehospitalforthelong，perfectrestnow。’’
``Itisabsolutelyimpossible。Don’twearymebymentioningit。Icannot。’’
``Willyoutellmewhatyouintenddoing？’’
`Imust，’’shesaid，``foritdependsentirelyonyourword。IamgoingtogetUncleHenry’ssupper，andthengoandremainthenightwiththeneighbourwhohasbeenhelpingme。Inthemorning，whenheleaves，sheiscomingwithherwagonformytrunk，andsheisgoingtodrivewithmetoOnabashaandfindmeacheaproomandloanmeafewthings，untilIcanbuywhatIneed。
IamgoingtousefourteendollarsofthisandmydrawingmoneyforwhatIamforcedtobuy，andpayfiftyonmydebt。ThenIwillsendyoumyaddressandbereadyforwork。’’
Sheclutchedtheenvelopeandforthefirsttimelookedathim。
``Verywell，’’saidtheHarvester。``Icouldtakeyoutothewifeofmybestfriend，thechiefsurgeonofthecityhospital，andeverythingwouldbeeaseandrestuntilyouarestrong；shewouldlovetohaveyou。’’
TheGirldroppedherhandswearily。
``Don’ttiremewithit！’’shecried。``IamalmostfallingdespitethestimulusoffoodanddrinkIcantouch。Inevercanthankyouproperlyforthat。I
won’tbeabletoworkhardenoughtoshowyouhowmuchIappreciatewhatyouhavedoneforme。Butyoudon’tunderstand。Awoman，evenapoverty-poorwoman，ifshebedelicatelybornandreared，cannotgotoanotherwomanonaman’swhim，andwhenshelackseventhebarestnecessities。Idon’trefusetomeetyourfriends。Ishallloveto，whenIcanbesodressedthatIwillnotshameyou。Untilthattimescomes，ifyouarethegentlemanyouappeartobe，youwillwaitwithouturgingmefurther。’’
``Imustbeaman，inordertobeagentleman，’’saidtheHarvester。``Anditisbecausethemaninmeisinhotrebellionagainstmoreloneliness，pain，andsufferingforyou，thattheconventionsbecomechainsIdonotcarehowsoonorhowroughlyIbreak。Ifonlyyoucouldbeinducedtosaytheword，ItellyouIcouldbringoneofGod’sgentlestwomentoyou。’’
``Andprobablyshewouldcomeinadaintygown，inhercarriageormotor，andbedisgusted，astonished，andsecretlysorryforyou。Asforme，Idonotrequireherpity。Iwillbegladtoknowthebeautiful，refined，andgentlewomanyouaresocertainof，butnotuntilIambetterdressedandmoreattractiveinappearancethannow。Ifyouwillgivemeyouraddress，IwillwriteyouwhenIamreadyforwork。’’
SilentlytheHarvesterwroteit。``Willyougivemepermissiontotakethesethingstoyourneighbourforyou？’’heasked。``Theywouldserveuntilyoucandobetter，andIhavenoearthlyuseforthem。’’
Shehesitated。Thenshelaughedshortly。
``Whatatravestymyeffortsatpridearewithyou！’’
shecried。``Ibeginbytryingtopreservesomeproperdignity，andendbyconfessingabjectpoverty。Iyethavethetenyoupaidmetheotherday，buttwenty-fourdollarsarenotmuchtosetuphousekeepingon，andIwouldbemoregladthanIcansayfortheseverythings。’’
``Thankyou，’’saidtheHarvester。``IwilltakethemwhenIgo。Isthereanythingelse？’’
``Ithinknot。’’
``Willyouhaveadrink？’’
``Yes，ifyouhavemorewithyou。Ibelieveitisreallycoolingmyblood。’’
``Areyoutakingthemedicine？’’
``Yes，’’shesaid，``andIamstronger。TrulyIam。
IknowIappearghastlytoyou，butit’slossofsleep，andtryingtolayawaypoorAuntMollydecently，and——’’
``AndfearofUncleHenry，’’addedtheHarvester。
``Yes，’’saidtheGirl。``Thatmostofall！HethinksIamgoingtostayhereandtakeherplace。Ican’ttellhimIamnot，andhowIamtohidefromhimwhenIamgone，Idon’tknow。Iamafraidofhim。’’
``Hasheanyclaimonyou？’’
``Shelterforthepastthreemonths。’’
``Areyouofage？’’
``Iamalmosttwenty-four，’’shesaid。
``ThensupposeyouleaveUncleHenrytome，’’
suggestedtheHarvester。
``Why？’’
``Carefulnow！Theredbirdtoldyouwhy！’’saidtheman。``Iwillnoturgeituponyounow，butkeepitsteadilyinthebackofyourheadthatthereisasunshineroomallreadyandwaitingforyou，andIamgoingtotakeyoutoitverysoon。Asthingsare，Ithinkyoumightallowmetotellyou——’’
Shewasonherfeetininstantpanic。``Imustgo，’’
shesaid。``UncleHenryisdoggingmetopromisetoremain，andIwillnot，andheiswatchingme。Imustgo——’’
``Canyougivemeyourwordofhonourthatyouwillgototheneighbourwomanto-night；thatyoufeelperfectlysafe？’’
Shehesitated。``Yes，I——Ithinkso。Yes，ifhedoesn’tfindoutandgrowangry。Yes，Iwillbesafe。’’
``Howsoonwillyouwriteme？’’
``JustassoonasIamsettledandrestalittle。’’
``Doyoumeanseveraldays？’’
``Yes，severaldays。’’
``Aneternity！’’criedtheHarvesterwithwhitelips。
``Icannotletyougo。Supposeyoufallillandfailtowriteme，andIdonotknowwhereyouare，andthereisnoonetocareforyou。’’
``Butcan’tyouseethatIdon’tknowwhereIwillbe？Ifitwillsatisfyyou，Iwillwriteyoualineto-
morrownightandtellyouwhereIam，andyoucancomelater。’’
``Isthatapromise？’’askedtheHarvester。
``Itis，’’saidtheGirl。
``ThenIwilltakethesethingstoyourneighbourandwaituntilto-morrownight。Youwon’tfailme？’’
``Ineverinallmylifesawamansowildoverdesigns，’’
saidtheGirl，asshestartedtowardthehouse。
``Don’tforgetthatthedesignI’mcraziestaboutisthesameastheredbird’s，’’theHarvesterflungafterher，butshehurriedonandmadenoreply。
Hefoldedthetableandchair，rolledtherug，andshoulderingthempickedupthebucketandstarteddowntheriverbank。
``David！’’
SuchafaintlittlecallheneverwouldhavebeensureheheardanythingifBelshazzarhadnotstoppedsuddenly。
Thehaironthebackofhisneckaroseandheturnedwithagrowlinhisthroat。TheHarvesterdroppedhisloadwithacrashandraninleapingbounds，butthedogwasbeforehim。Halfwaytothehouse，RuthJamesonswayedinthegripofheruncle。Onehandclutchedhiscoatfrontinaspasmodicgrasp，andwiththeothershecoveredherface。
TheroartheHarvestersentupstayedthebig，liftedfist，andthedogleapedforathroathold，andcompelledthemantodefendhimself。TheHarvesterneverknewhowhecoveredthespaceuntilhestoodbetweenthem，andsawtheGirldrawbackandsnatchtogetherthefrontofherdress。
``Hetookitfromme！’’shepanted。``Makehim，ohmakehimgivebackmymoney！’’
Thenforafewsecondsthingshappenedtoorapidlytorecord。OncetheHarvestertossedatornenvelopeexposingmoneytotheGirl，andagainarevolver，andthenbothmenpantinganddishevelledwereontheirfeet。
``Countyourmoney，Ruth？’’saidtheHarvesterinavoiceofdeadlyquiet。
``Itisallhere，’’saidshe。
``Hermoney？’’criedHenryJameson。``Mymoney！
Shehasbeenstealingthepriceofmycattlefrommypockets。IthoughtIwasshortseveraltimeslately。’’
``Youarelying，’’saidtheHarvesterdeliberately。
``Itishermoney。Ijustpaidittoher。Youweretryingtotakeitfromher，nottheotherway。’’
``Oh，sheisinyourpay？’’leeredtheman。
``IfyousayaninsultingwordIthinkveryprobablyIwillfinishyou，’’saidtheHarvester。``Ican，withmynakedhands，andallyourneighbourswillsayitisaagoodjob。Youhavefeltmygrip！Iwarnyou！’’
``Howdoesmyniececometobetakingmoneyfromyou！’’
``Youhaveforfeitedallrighttoknow。Ruth，youcannotremainhere。Youmustcomewithme。IwilltakeyoutoOnabashaandfindyouaroom。’’
Ahorriblelaughbrokefromtheman。
``Sothatistheendofmysaintlyniece！’’hesaid。
``Remember！’’criedtheHarvesteradvancingastep。
``Ruth，willyougototherestIsuggestedforyou？’’
``Icannot。’’
``WillyougotoDoctorCarey’swife？’’
``Impossible！’’
``Willyoumarrymeandgototheshelterofmyhomewithme？’’
Wild-eyedshestaredathim。
``Why？’’
``BecauseIloveyou，andwantlifemadeeasierforyou，aboveanythingelseonearth。’’
``ButyourDreamGirl！’’
``YOUARETHEDREAMGIRL！Ithoughttheredbirdtoldyouforme！Ididn’tknowitwouldbeashock。I
believedIhadmadeyouunderstand。’’
Bythattimeshewasshakingwithanervouschill，andthesightunmannedtheHarvester。
``Comewithme！’’heurged。``Wewilldecidewhatyouwanttodoontheway。Onlycome，Ibegyou。’’
``Firstitwasmarry，nowit’sdecidelater，’’brokeinHenryJameson，crazedwithanger。``MoveastepandI’llstrikeyoudown。I’dbetterthanseeyoudisgraced——’’
TheHarvesteradvancedandJamesonsteppedback。
``Ruth，’’saidtheHarvester，``Iknowhowimpossiblethisseems。Itisgivingyounochanceatall。Ihadintended，whenIfoundyou，tocourtyoutenderlyasgirleverwaswooedbefore。Comewithme，andI’lldoityet。Thenewhomewasbuiltforyou。Thesunshineroomisreadyandwaitingforyou。Thereispureair，freshwater，nothingbutrestandcomfort。
I’llnurseyoubacktohealthandstrength，andyoushallbecourteduntilyoucometomeofyourownaccord。’’
``Impossible！’’criedthegirl。
``Onlyifyoumakeitso。Ifyouwillcomenow，wecanbemarriedinafewhours，andyoucanbesafeinyourownhome。Irealizenowthatthisisunexpectedandshockingtoyou，butifyouwillcomewithmeandallowmetorestoreyoutohealthandstrength，andif，say，inayear，youareconvincedthatyoudonotloveme，I
willsetyoufree。Ifyouwillcome，Isweartoyouthatyoushallbemywifefirst，andmyhonouredguestafterward，untilsuchtimeasyoueithertellmeyoulovemeorthatyounevercan。Willyoucomeonthoseterms，Ruth？’’
``Icannot！’’
``Itwillendfear，uncertainty，andwork，untilyouarestrongandwell。Itwillgiveyouhome，rest，andlove，thatyouwillfindisworthyourconsideration。I
willkeepmyword；ofthatyoumaybesure。’’
``No，’’shecried。``No！Buttakebackthismoney！
KeepituntilItellyoutowhomtopayit。’’
Shestartedtowardhimholdingouttheenvelope。
HenryJameson，withadreadfuloath，sprangforit，hiscontortedfaceadrawnsnarl。TheHarvestercaughthiminairandsenthimreeling。HesnatchedtherevolverfromtheGirlandputthemoneyinhispocket。
``Ruth，Ican’tleaveyouhere，’’hesaid。``OhmyDreamGirl！Areyouafraidofmeyet？Won’tyoutrustme？Won’tyoucome？’’
``No。’’
``Youarerightaboutthat，mylady；youwillcomebacktothehouse，that’swhatyou’lldo，’’saidHenryJameson，startingtowardher。
``No！’’criedtheGirlretreating。``OhHeavenhelpme！WhatamItodo？’’
``Ruth，youmustcomewithme，’’saidtheHarvester。
``Idon’tdareleaveyouhere。’’
ShestoodbetweenthemandgaveHenryJamesononelong，searchinglook。ThensheturnedtotheHarvester。
``Iamfarlessafraidofyou。Iwillacceptyouroffer，’’
shesaid。
``Thankyou！’’saidtheHarvester。``Iwillkeepmywordandyoushallhavenoregrets。Isthereanythinghereyouwishtotakewithyou？’’
``Iwantalittletrunkofmymother’s。Itcontainssomethingsofhers。’’
``Willyoushowmewhereitis？’’
Shestartedtowardthehouse；hefollowed，andHenryJamesonfellinline。TheHarvesterturnedonhim。
``Youremainwhereyouare，’’hesaid。``Iwilltakenothingbutthetrunk。Iknowwhatyouarethinking，butyouwillnotgetyourgunjustnow。Iwillreturnthisrevolverto-morrow。’’
``AndthefirstthingIdowithitwillbetouseitonyou，’’saidHenryJameson。
``I’llreportthatthreattothepolice，sothattheycanseeyouproperlyhangedifyoudo，’’retortedtheHarvester，ashefollowedthegirl。
``Whereishisgun？’’heaskedasheovertookher。
Whenhereachedthehousehetoldhertowatchthedoor。Hewentinside，brokethelockfromtheguninthecorner，foundthetrunk，andswingingittohisshoulder，passedHenryJamesonandwentbackthroughthewoods。TheHarvestersetthetrunkinthewagon，helpedtheGirlin，andreturnedfortheloadhehaddroppedathercall。ThenhetookthelinesandstartedforOnabasha。
TheGirlbesidehimwasalmostfainting。Hestoppedtogiveheradrinkandtriedtoencourageher。
``Braceupthebestyoucan，Ruth，’’hesaid。``Youmustgowithmeforalicense；thatisthelaw。Afterward，I’llmakeitjustaseasyforyouaspossible。I
willdoeverything，andinafewhoursyouwillbecomfortableinyourroom。Youbravegirl！Thismustcomeoutright！Youhavesufferedmorethanyourshare。Iwillhavepeaceforyoutheremainderoftheway。’’
Sheliftedshakinghandsandtriedtoarrangeherhairanddress。Astheynearedthecityshespoke。
``Whatwilltheyaskme？’’
``Idon’tknow。ButIamsurethelawrequiresyoutoappearinpersonnow。Icantakeyousomewhereandfindoutfirst。’’
``Thatwilltaketime。Iwanttoreachmyroom。
Whatwouldyouthink？’’
``Ifyouareofage，whereyouwereborn，ifyouareanativeofthiscountry，whatyourfatherandmotherdiedof，howoldtheywere，andsuchquestionsasthat。
I’llhelpyouallIcan。Youknowthosethings。don’tyou？’’
``Yes。ButImusttellyou——’’
``Idon’twanttobetoldanything，’’saidtheHarvester。
``Saveyourstrength。AllIwanttoknowisanywayinwhichIcanmakethiseasierforyou。Nothingelsematters。IwilltellyouwhatIthink；ifyouhaveanyobjections，makethem。Iwilldrivetothebankandgetadraftforwhatyouowe，andhavethatoffyourmind。
Thenwewillgetthelicense。AfterthatI’lltakeyoutothesidedoor，slipyouintheelevatorandtothefittingroomofastorewhereIknowthemanager，andyoushallhavesomeprettyclothingwhileIarrangeforaminister，andI’llcomeforyouwithacarriage。Thatisn’tthekindofweddingyouoranyothergirlshouldhave，buttherearetimeswhenamanonlycandohisbest。Youwillhelpmeasmuchasyoucan，won’tyou？’’
``Anythingyouchoose。Itdoesn’tmatter——onlybequickaspossible。’’
``ThereareafewdetailstowhichImustattend，’’
saidtheHarvester，``andthetimewillgofastertryingondressesthanwaitingalone。Whenyouareproperlyclothedyouwillfeelbetter。Whatdidyousaytheamountyouoweis？’’
``Youmaygetadraftforfiftydollars。IwillpaytheremainderwhenIearnit。’’
``Ruth，won’tyougivemethepleasureoftakingyouhomefreefromtheworryofthatdebt？’’
``Iamnotgoingto`worry。’Iamgoingtoworkandpayit。’’
``Verywell，’’saidtheHarvester。``Thisisthebank。
Wewillstophere。’’
Theywentinandhehandedheraslipofpaper。
``Writethenameandaddressonthat？’’hesaid。
Astheslipwasreturnedtohim，withoutaglancehefoldeditandsliditunderawicket。``Writeadraftforfiftydollarspayabletothatparty，andsendtothataddress，fromMissRuthJameson，’’hesaid。
Thenheturnedtoher。
``Thatisover。Seehoweasyitis！Nowwewillgotothecourthouse。Itisveryclose。Trynottothink。
Justmoveandspeak。’’
``Hello，Langston！’’saidtheclerk。``Whatcanwedoforyouhere？’’
``Showthisgirleveryconsideration，’’whisperedtheHarvester，asheadvanced。``Iwantamarriagelicenseinyourbesttime。Iwillanswerfirst。’’
Withthedocumentinhispossession，theywenttothestorehedesignated，wherehefoundtheGirlachairinthefittingroom，whilehewenttoseethemanager。
``Iwantoneofyourmostsensibleandaccommodatingclerks，’’saidtheHarvester，``andIwouldlikeafewwordswithher。’’
Whenshewaspresentedhescrutinizedhercarefullyanddecidedshewoulddo。
``Ihavemanythanksandsomethingmoresubstantialforawomanwhowillhelpmetocarrythroughaslightlyunusualprojectwithsympathyandability，’’hesaid，``andthemanagerhasselectedyou。Areyouwilling？’’
``IfIcan，’’saidtheclerk。
``Shehasputupyourotherorders，’’interposedthemanager；``weretheysatisfactory？’’
``Idon’tknow，’’saidtheHarvester。``Theyhavenotyetreachedtheoneforwhomtheywereintended。WhatIwantyoutodo，’’hesaidtotheclerk，``istogotothefittingroomanddressthegirlyoufindthereforherwedding。Shehadotherplans，butdeathdisarrangedthem，andshehasonlyanhourinwhichtomeettheeventmostgirlslovetolingeroverformonths。Shehasbeenill，andiswornwithwatching；butsometimeshemaylookbacktoherweddingdaywithjoy，andifonlyyouwouldhelpmetomakethebestofitforher，Iwouldbe，asIsaid，undermoreobligationsthanIcanexpress。’’
``Iwilldoanything，’’saidtheclerk。
``Verywell，’’saidtheHarvester。``Shehascomefromthecountryentirelyunprepared。Sheisdelicateandrefined。Saveheralltheembarrassmentyoucan。Dressherbeautifullyinwhite。Keepamemorandumslipofwhatyouspendformyaccount。’’
``Whatisthelimit？’’askedtheclerk。
``Thereisnone，’’saidtheHarvester。``Puttheprettiestthingsonheryouhaveintherightsizes，andifyouareawomanwithaheart，begentle！’’
``Issheready？’’inquiredthemanageratthedooranhourlater。
``Iam，’’saidtheGirlsteppingthrough。
TheastoundedHarvesterstoodandstared，utterlyobliviousofthecuriouspeople。
``Here，here，here！’’suddenlyhewhistledit，intheredbird’smostentreatingtones。
TheGirllaughedandthecolourinherfacedeepened。
``Letusgo，’’shesaid。
``Butwhataboutyou？’’askedthemanageroftheHarvester。
``Thunder！’’criedthemanaghast。``Iwassobusygettingeverythingelseready，Iforgotallaboutmyself。
Ican’tstandbeforeaministerbesideher，canI？’’
``WellIshouldsaynot，’’saidthemanager。
``Indeedyes，’’saidtheGirl。``Ineversawyouinanyotherclothing。YouwouldbeastrangerofwhomI’dbeafraid。’’
``Thatsettlesit！’’saidtheHarvestercalmly。``Thankallofyoumorethanwordscanexpress。Iwillcomeinthefirstoftheweekandtellyouhowwegetalong。’’
Thentheywenttothecarriageandstartedfortheresidenceofaminister。
``Ruth，youaremyDreamGirltothetipsofyoureyelashes，’’saidtheHarvester。``Ialmostwishyouwerenot。Itwouldn’tkeepmethinkingsomuchoftheremainderofthatdream。YouaretheloveliestsightIeversaw。’’
``DoIreallyappearwell？’’askedtheGirl，hungryforappreciation。
``Indeedyoudo！’’saidtheHarvester。``Inevercouldhaveguessedthatsuchamiraclecouldbewrought。Andyoudon’tseemsotired。Weretheygoodtoyou？’’
``Wonderfully！Ididnotknowtherewaskindnesslikethatinalltheworldforastranger。Ididnotfeellostorembarrassed，exceptthefirstfewsecondswhenIdidn’tknowwhattodo。OhIthankyouforthis！
Youwereright。WhatevercomesinlifeIalwaysshalllovetorememberthatIwasdaintilydressedandappearedaswellasIcouldwhenIwasmarried。ButImusttellyouIamnotreal。Theydideverythingonearthtome，threeofthemworkingatatime。Ifeelanincreaseinself-respectinsomeway。David，Idoappearbetter？’’
Whenshesaid``David，’’theHarvesterlookedoutofthewindowandgulpeddownhisdelight。Heleanedtowardher。
``Shutyoureyesandimagineyouseetheredbird，’’
hesaid。``Inmysoul，Iamsayingtoyouagainandagainjustwhathesang。Youarewonderfullybeautiful，Ruth，andmorethanwonderfullysweet。Willyouanswermeaquestion？’’
``IfIcan。’’
``Iloveyouwithallmyheart。Willyoumarryme？’’
``IsaidIwould。’’
``Thenweareengaged，aren’twe？’’
``Yes。’’
``Pleaseremovetheglovefromyourlefthand。Iwanttoputonyourring。Thiswillhavetobeaveryshortengagement，butnoonesaveourselvesneedknow。’’
``David，thatisn’tnecessary。’’
``Ihaveithere，andbelieveme，Ruth，itwillhelpinafewminutes；andallyourlifeyouwillbeglad。Itisaprecioussymbolthathasameaning。Thisweddingwon’tbehurtbyputtingallthesacrednessintoitwecan。
Please，Ruth！’’
``Ononecondition。’’
``Whatisit？’’
``Thatyouwillacceptandwearmymother’sweddingringinexchange，’’shesaid。``ItisallIhave。’’
``Ruth，doyoureallywishthat？’’
``Ido。’’
``IammorepleasedthanIcantellyou。MayIhaveitnow？’’
ShetookoffhergloveandtheHarvesterheldherhandcloselyasecond，thenliftedittohislips，passionatelykisseditandslippedonaring，thesettingabig，lustrouspearl。
``Ilookedatsomeothers，’’hesaid，``butnothinggotasecondglancesavethis。Theyknewyouwerecomingdowntheages，andsotheygotthepearlsready。
Howbeautifulitisonyourhand！Putonthegloveandwearthatringasifyouhadowneditforthelong，happyyearofbetrothaleverygirlshouldhave。Youcanstartyoursto-day，andifbythistimenextyearI
havenotwonyoutomyheartandarms，I’mnomanandnotworthyofyou。Ruth，youwilltryjustalittletoloveme，won’tyou？’’
``Iwilltrywithallmyheart，’’shesaidinstantly。
``Thankyou！Iamperfectlyhappywiththat。I
neverexpectedtomarryyoubeforeayear，anyway。
Allthedifferencewillbetheblessedfactthatinsteadofcomingtoseeyousomewhereelse，Inowcanhaveyouinmycare，andcourtyoueveryminute。Youmightaswellmakeupyourmindtocapitulatesoon。
It’sonthebooksthatyoudo。’’
``IfaninstantevercomeswhenIrealizethatIloveyou，Iwillcomestraightandtellyou；believeme，I
will。’’
``Thankyou！’’saidtheHarvester。``Thisisgoingtobequiteaproperweddingafterall。Hereistheplace。Itwillbeoversoonandyouonthehomeway。
Lord，Ruth——！’’
TheGirlsmiledathimasheopenedthecarriagedoor，helpedherupthestepsandrangthebell。
``Bebravenow！’’hewhispered。``Don’tloseyourlovelycolour。Thesepeoplewillbeaskindastheywereatthestore。’’
Theministerwasgentleandwastednotime。Hiswifeanddaughter，whoappearedforwitnesses，kissedRuth，andcongratulatedher。SheandtheHarvesterstood，tookthevows，exchangedrings，andreturnedtothecarriage，amanandhiswifebythelawsofman。
``DrivetoSeaton’scafe’，’’theHarvestersaid。
``OhDavid，letusgohome！’’
``ThisissogoodIhatetostopitforsomethingyoumaynotlikesowell。Iorderedlunchandifwedon’teatitIwillhavetopayforitanyway。Youwouldn’twantmetobeextravagant，wouldyou？’’
``No，’’saidtheGirl，``andbesides，sinceyoumentionit，IbelieveIamhungry。’’
``Good！’’criedtheHarvester。``Ihopedso！Ruth，youwouldn’tallowmetoholdyourhandjustuntilwereachthecafe’？Itmightsavemefromburstingwithjoy。’’
``Yes，’’shesaid。``ButImusttakeoffmylovelyglovesfirst。Iwanttokeepthemforever。’’
``I’dhatetheglovebeingremoveddreadfully，’’saidtheHarvester，hiseyesdancingandsnapping。
``I’msorryIamsothinandshaky，’’saidtheGirl。
``Iwillbesteadyandplumpsoon，won’tI？’’
``Onyourlifeyouwill，’’saidtheHarvester，takingthehandgently。
Nowthereareanumberofthingsamandeeplyinlovecanthinkoftodowithawoman’swhitehand。
Hecanstrokeit，pressittenderly，andlayitagainsthislipsandhisheart。TheHarvesterlackedexperienceinthesearts，andyetbysomewonderfulinstinctallofthesethingsoccurredtohim。TherewasrealcolourintheGirl’scheeksbythetimehehelpedherintothecafe’。Theywereguidedtoasmallroom，coolandrestful，closeawindow，besidewhichgrewatreecoveredwithtalkingleaves。Awaitingattendant，whoseemedperfectlyadept，broughtinsteamingbouillon，fragranttea，broiledchicken，properlycookedvegetables，awonderfulsalad，andthendeliciousicesandcoldfruit。ThehappyHarvesterleanedbackandwatchedtheGirldaintilymanagealmostasmuchfoodashewantedtoseehereat。
Whentheyhadfinished，``Nowwearegoinghome，’’
hesaid。``Willyoutrytolikeit，Ruth？’’
``IndeedIwill，’’shepromised。``AssoonasIgrowaccustomedtothedreadfulstillness，andlearnwhatthingswillnotbiteme，I’llbebetter。’’
``I’llhavetoaskyoutowaitaminute，’’hesaid。
``OnethingIforgot。ImusthireamantotakeBetsyhome。’’
``Aren’tyougoingtodriveheryourself？’’
``Noma’am！Wearegoinginacarriageoramotor，’’
saidtheHarvester。
``Indeedwearenot！’’contradictedtheGirl。``Youhavehadthisallyourwaysofar。IamgoinghomebehindBetsy，withBelshazzaratmyknee。’’
``Butyourdress！PeoplewillthinkIamcrazytoputalovelywomanlikeyouinaspringwagon。’’
``Letthem！’’saidtheGirlplacidly。``Whyshouldwebotheraboutotherpeople？IamgoingwithBetsyandBelshazzar。’’
TheHarvesterhadbeenthinkingthatheadoredher，thatitwasimpossibletolovehermore，buteveryminutewasprovingtohimthathewascapableoffeelingsoprofounditstartledhim。TocarrytheGirl，hisbride，throughthevalleyandupthehillinthelittlespringwagondrawnbyBetsy——thatwouldhavebeenhisidealway。Buthehadsupposedthatshewouldbeafraidofsoilingherdress，andembarrassedtorideinsuchaconveyance。Insteaditwasherchoice。Yes，hecouldlovehermore。Hourlyshewasprovingthat。
``Comethiswayafewsteps，’’hesaid。``Betsyishere。’’
TheGirllaidherfaceagainstthenoseofthefaithfuloldanimal，andstrokedherheadandneck。ThensheheldherskirtsandtheHarvesterhelpedherintothewagon。Shetooktheseat，andthedogwentwildwithjoy。
``Comeon，Bel，’’shesoftlycommanded。
Thedoghesitated，andlookedattheHarvesterforpermission。
``Youmaycomehereandputyourheadonmyknee，’’
saidtheGirl。
``Belshazzar，youluckydog，youareprivilegedtositthereandlayyourheadonthelady’slap，’’saidtheHarvester，andthedogquiveredwithjoy。
Thenthemanpickedupthelines，gaveabackwardglancetothebedofthewagon，highpiledwithlargebundles，andturnedBetsytowardMedicineWoods。
Throughthecrowdedstreetsandtowardthecountrytheydrove，whenabigredcarpassed，amancalledtothem，thenreversedandslowlybeganbackingbesidethewagon。TheHarvesterstopped。
``Thatismybestfriend，DoctorCarey，ofthehospital，Ruth，’’hesaidhastily。``MayItellhim，andwillyoushakehandswithhim？’’
``Certainly！’’saidtheGirl。
``Isitreallyyou，David？’’thedoctorpeeredwithgleamingeyesfromunderthecartop。
``Really！’’criedtheHarvester，asmangreetsmanwithafullheartwhenheissureofsympathy。``Come，giveusyourbestsend-off，Doc！Weweremarriedanhourago。WeareheadedforMedicineWoods。DoctorCarey，thisisMrs。Langston。’’
``Mightygladtoknowyou！’’criedthedoctor，reachingahappyhand。
TheGirlmetitcordially，whileshesmiledonhim。
``Howdidthishappen？’’demandedthedoctor。``Whydidn’tyouletusknow？Thisishardlyfairofyou，David。YoumighthaveletmeandtheMissussharewithyou。’’
``Thatistobeexplained，’’saidtheHarvester。``Itwasdecidedonverysuddenly，andrathersadly，onaccountofthedeathofMrs。Jameson。IforcedRuthtomarrymeandcomewithme。IgrowratherfrightenedwhenIthinkofit，butitwastheonlywayIknew。Sheabsolutelyrefusedmyotherplans。Youseebeforeyouawildmancarryingawayawomantohiscave。’’
``Don’tbelievehim，Doctor！’’laughedtheGirl。``Ifyouknowhim，youwillunderstandthattoofferallhehadwaslikehim，whenhesawmynecessity。Youwillcometoseeussoon？’’
``I’llcomerightnow，’’saidthedoctor。``I’llbringmywifeandarrivebythetimeyoudo。’’
``Ohnoyouwon’t！’’saidtheHarvester。``Doyouobservethebedofthiswagon？Thishappenedall`unbeknownst’tous。Wehavetosetuphousekeepingafterwereachhome。Wewillnotifyyouwhenwearereadyforvisitors。Justyousubsideandwaituntilyouaresentfor。’’
``WhyDavid！’’criedtheastonishedGirl。
``That’sthelaw！’’saidtheHarvestertersely。``Good-
bye，Doc；we’llbereadyforyouinadayortwo。’’
Heleaneddownandheldouthishand。Thegripthatcaughtitsaidallanywordscouldconvey；andthenBetsystartedupthehill。
CHAPTERXIII
WHENTHEDREAMCAMETRUE
Atfirsttheroadlaybetweenfertilefarmsdottedwithshockedwheat，coveredwithundulantseasofripeningoats，andforestsofgrowingcorn。Thelarksweretrailingmelodyabovetheshornandgrowingfields，thequailwereingatheringbesidethefences，andfromtheforestsongracefulwingsslippedthenighthawksandsailedandsoared，droppingsolowthatthehalfmoonsformedbywhitespotsontheirspreadwingsshowedplainly。
``Whyisthiscountrysodifferentfromtheothersideofthecity？’’askedtheGirl。
``Itisolder，’’repliedtheHarvester，``anditlieshigher。
Thiswassettledandwellcultivatedwhenthatwasaswamp。Butasafarmingproposition，themoneyisinthelowlandlikeyouruncle’s。Thecropsraisedthereareenormouscomparedwiththeyieldofthesefields。’’
``Isee，’’saidshe。``Butthisismuchbettertolookatandtheairisdifferent。Itlacksasoggy，depressingquality。’’
``Idon’tallowanyairtosurpassthatofMedicineWoods，’’saidtheHarvester，``byespecialarrangementwiththepowersthatbe。’’
Thentheydippedintoalittledepressionandarosetocrosstherailroadandthenfollowedalongervalleythatwasraggedandunkemptcomparedwiththeroadbetweencultivatedfields。TheHarvesterwasbusytryingtoplanwhattodofirst，andhowtodoitmosteffectively，andworkinghisbraintothinkifhehadeverythingtheGirlwouldrequireforhercomfort；sohedrovesilentlythroughthedeepeningshadows。Sheshudderedandawokehimsuddenly。Heglancedatherfromthecornerofhiseye。
Herthoughtshadgoneonajourney，also，andthewayhadbeenrough，forherfaceworeastrainedappearance。Thehandslyingbareinherlapweretightlygripped，sothatthenailsandknucklesappearedblue。
TheHarvesterhastilycastaroundseekingforthecauseofthetransformation。Afewminutesagoshehadseemedateaseandcomfortable，nowshewascloseopenpanic。Nothinghadbeensaidthatwoulddisturbher。
Withbrainalerthesearchedforthereason。Thenitbegantocometohim。Theunaccustomedsilenceanddepressionofthecountrymighthavebeenthebeginning。
Comingfromthecityandcrowdsofpeopletothegloomyvalleywithamanalmostastranger，goingsheknewnotwhere，toconditionssheknewnotwhat，withtheexperiencesofthedayvividbeforeher。Theblackvalleyroadwasnotprepossessing，withitsborderofgreenpools，throughwhichgrewswampbushesandstragglingvines。TheHarvesterlookedcarefullyattheroad，andceasedtomarvelattheGirl。Buthedislikedtoletherknowheunderstood，sohegaveonelastglanceatthosegrippedhandsandcasuallyheldoutthelines。
``Willyoutakethesejustasecond？’’heasked。
``Don’tletthemtouchyourdress。Wemustnotloseofourload，becauseit’smostlythingsthatwillmakeyoumorecomfortable。’’
Hearose，andturning，pretendedtoseethateverythingwasallright。Thenheresumedhisseatanddroveon。
``Iamalittleashamedofthisstretchthroughhere，’’
hesaidapologetically。``Icouldhavemanagedtohaveitclearedandinbettershapelongago，butinawayityieldsasnugprofit，andsofarI’vepreferredthemoney。Thelandisnotmine，butIcouldgruboutthisgrowthentirely，insteadoftakingonlywhatIneed。’’
``Istherestuffhereyouuse？’’theGirlarousedherselftoask，andtheHarvestersawthelookofreliefthatcrossedherfaceatthesoundofhisvoice。
``WellIshouldsayyes，’’helaughed。``Thosebushes，numerouseverywhere，withthehangingyellow-greenballs，those，inbarkandroot，gointofevermedicines。
Theyarenotsomuchusednow，butsometimesIhaveacall，andwhenIdo，Ipassthebedsonmy——onourland，andcomedownhereandgetwhatisneeded。
Thatbush，’’heindicatedwiththewhip，``bloomsexquisitelyinthespring。Itisarelativeoffloweringdogwood，andtheoneofitsmanynamesIlikebestissilkycornel。Isn’tthatpretty？’’
``Yes，’’shesaid，``itisbeautiful。’’
``I’veplantedsomeforyouinahedgealongthedrivewaysonextspringyoucangatherallyouwant。I
thinkyou’llliketheodour。Thebarkbringsmorethantruedogwood。IfIgetacallfromsomehousethatusesit，Isavemineandcomedownhere。Aroundtheedgearehoptrees，andIrealizesomethingfromthem，andalsothefalseandtruebitter-sweetthatrunriothere。
Bothofthemhaveprettyleaves，whiletheberriesofthetruehangallwinterandthecolourisgorgeous。I’vesetyourhedgecloselywiththem。Whenithasgrownafewmonthsit’sgoingtofurnishflowersinthespring，amilliondifferent，wonderfulleavesandberriesinthesummer，manyfruitsthebirdsloveinthefall，andbrightberries，queerseedpods，andnutsallwinter。’’
``Youplanteditforme？’’
``Yes。Ithinkitwillbebeautifulinaseasonortwo；
itisn’tsobadnow。Ihopeitwillcallmyriadsofbirdstokeepyoucompany。Whenyoucrossthisstretchofroadhereafter，don’tseefetidwaterandstragglingbushesandvines；justsaytoyourself，thishelpstofillorders！’’
``Iamperfectlytolerantofitnow，’’shesaid。``Youmakeeverythingdifferent。Iwillcomewithyouandhelpcollecttherootsandbarksyouwant。Whichbushdidyousayrelievedthepoorsoulsscorchingwithfever？’’
TheHarvesterdrewonthelines，Betsyswervedtotheedgeoftheroad，andheleanedandbrokeabranch。
``Thisone，’’heanswered。``Buttonbush，becausethoseballsresembleroundbuttons。Aren’ttheypeculiar？Seehowwaxyandgracefullycutandsettheleavesare。Goon，Betsy，getushomebeforenight。
Weappearourbestearlyinthemorning，whenthesuntopsMedicineWoodsandbeginstolightusup，andintheevening，justwhenshedropsbehindOnabashabackthere，andstrikesuswithafewlevelrays。WillyoutakethelinesuntilIopenthisgate？’’
Shelaidthetwiginherlaponthewhiteglovesandtookthelines。Asthegateswungwide，Betsywalkedthroughandstoppedattheusualplace。
``Nowmygirl，’’saidtheHarvester，``crossyourself，leanback，andtakeyourease。Thissidethatgateyouareathome。Fromhereonbelongstous。’’
``Toyou，youmean，’’saidtheGirl。
``Tous，Imean，’’declaredtheHarvester。``Don’tyouknowthatthe`worldlygoodsbestowal’clauseinamarriageceremonyisapartialreality。Itdoesn’tgiveyou`allmyworldlygoods，’butitgivesyouonethird。
Whichwillyoutake，thehill，lake，marsh，orapartofallofthem。’’
``Oh，istherewater？’’
``DidIforgettomentionthatIwasformerlysoleownerandproprietorofthelakeofLostLoons，alsoabrookofSingingWater，andmanycoldsprings。Thelakecoversaboutonethirdofourland，andmyneighbourswouldallowmeditchoutlettotheriver，buttheysayI’mtoolazytotakeit。’’
``Lazy！Dotheymeandrainyourlakeintotheriver？’’
``Theydo，’’saidtheHarvester，``andmakethebedintoacornfield。’’
``Butyouwouldn’t？’’