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？’’