TheHarvesterledthewaytotheguestchamberoverlookingthelake，andinstalleditsfirstoccupant。ThenhehurriedtotheGirl。Thedoctorwasholdingherheadandonehand，hiswifetheother，andthenurseherfeet。
IttooktheHarvestertenstrenuousminutestomakehistouchandpresenceknownandtoworkquiet。Alloverhebegancrooninghisstoryofrest，joy，andlove。
HebrokeoffwithafewwordstointroduceDoctorHarmontotheCareysandthenurse，andthencalmlycontinuedwhiletheothermenstoodandwatchedhim。
``Seemsrathercutoutforit，’’commentedDoctorHarmon。
``Ineveryethaveseenhimattemptanythingthathedidn’tappearcutoutfor，’’answeredDoctorCarey。
``Willsheknowme？’’inquiredtheyoungman，approachingthebed。
WhentheGirl’seyesfellonhimshegrewrigidandlaystaringathim。Suddenlywithawildcryshestruggledtorise。
``Youhavecome！’’shecried。``OhIknewyouwouldcome！Ifeltyouwouldcome！Icannotpayyounow！
Ohwhydidn’tyoucomesooner？’’
TheyoungdoctorleanedoverandtookoneofthewhitehandsfromtheHarvester，strokingitgently。
``Whyyoudidpay，Ruth！Howdidyoucometoforget？Don’tyourememberthedraftyousentme？
Ididn’tcomeformoney；Icametovisityou，tonurseyou，todoallIcantomakeyouwell。Iamgoingtotakecareofyounowsofinelyyou’llbeoutonthelakeandamongtheflowerssoon。I’vegotsomemedicinethatmakeseveryonewell。It’sgoingtomakeyoustrong，andthere’ssomethingelsethat’sgoingtomakeyouhappy；andme，I’mgoingtobetheproudestmanalive。’’
Hereachedoverandtookpossessionoftheotherhand，strokingthemsoftly，andtheGirllaytenselystaringathimandgraduallyyieldingtohistouchandvoice。
TheHarvesterarose，andpassingaroundthebed，heplacedachairforDoctorHarmonandmotioningforDoctorCareylefttheroom。Hewenttotheshoretohisswimmingpool，wearilydroppedonthebench，andstaredacrossthewater。
``WellthankGoditworked，anyway！’’hemuttered。
``What’sthatpopinjaydoinghere？’’thunderedDoctorCarey。``Gotsomemedicinethatcureseverybody。
Goingtomakeherwell，ishe？Makethecows，andtheducks，andthechickens，andtheshitepokeswell，andhappy——nonameforit！Afterthisweareallgoingtobewellandhappy！Youlookitrightnow，David！WhatunderHeavenhaveyoudone？’’
``Leftmywifewiththemansheloves，andtowhomI
releaseher，mydearfriend，’’saidtheHarvester。``Andit’ssoeasyformethatyouneedn’tgivemakingitalittleharder，anythought。’’
``David，forgiveme！’’criedDoctorCarey。``Idon’tunderstandthis。I’malmostinsane。Willyoutellmewhatitmeans？’’
``MeansthatItookadvantageoftheGirl’sillness，utterloneliness，andfear，andforcedherintomarryingmeforshelterandcare，whenshelovedandwantedanotherman，whowaspreparingtocometoher。HeisherChicagodoctor，andfineineveryfibre，asyoucansee。Thereisonlyonethingonearthformetodo，andthatistogetoutoftheirway，andI’lldoitassoonassheiswell；
butIvowIwon’tleaveherpoor，tiredbodyuntilsheis，notevenforhim。IthoughtsureIcouldteachhertoloveme！Ohbutthisisbitter，Doc！’’
``Youareaconsummatefooltobringhimhere！’’
criedDoctorCarey。``Ifsheistoosicktorealizethesituationnow，shewillbedifferentwhensheisnormalagain。Anysanegirlthatwouldn’tloveyou，David，ain’tfitforanything！’’
``Yes，I’mawhaleofalover！’’saidtheHarvestergrimly。``NicemessI’vemadeofit。Butthereisnorealharmdone。ThankGod，Harmonwasnottheonlywhiteman。’’
``David，whatdoyoumean？’’
``Isitbetweenus，Doc？’’
``Yes。’’
``Foralltime？’’
``Itis。’’
TheHarvestertoldhim。Heended，``Givethefellowhisdues，Doc。Hehadherathismercy，utterlyaloneandunprotected，inabigcity。Therewasnotalivingsoultoholdhimtoaccount。Headdedtohisburdens，borrowedmoremoney，andsentherhere。Hethoughtshewascomingtothecountrywhereshewouldbesafeandwellcaredforuntilhecouldsupporther。Ididtheremainder。NowImustundoit，that’sall！Butyouhavegottogointhereandpractisewithhim。
You’vegottoshowhimeverycourtesyoftheprofession。
Youmustgoalittleovertherules，andteachhimallyoucan。Youwillhavetostifleyourfeelings，andbeasmuchofamanasitisinyoutobe，atyourlevelbest。’’
``I’mnogoodatstiflingmyfeelings！’’
``Thenyou’llhavetolearn，’’saidtheHarvester。
``Ifyou’dlivedthroughmyyearsofrepressioninthewoodsyou’ddothefellowcredit。AsIseeit，hissideofthisisnearlyasfineasyoumakeit。Itellyoushewasutterlystricken，alone，andbeautiful。Shesoughthisassistance。Whentheendcamehethoughtonlyofher。
Won’tyougiveayoungfellowinaplacelikeChicagosomecreditforthat？Can’tyougetthroughyouwhatitmeans？’’
DoctorCareystoodfrowningindeepthought，butthelinesofhisfacegraduallychanged。
``IsupposeI’vegottostomachhim，’’hesaid。
Thenursecamedownthegravelpath。
``Mr。Langston，DoctorHarmonaskedmetocallyou，’’shesaid。
TheHarvesteraroseandwenttothesunshineroom。
``Whatdoeshewant，Molly？’’askedthedoctor。
``Wantstoturnoverhisjob，’’chuckledthenurse。``Hehelditaboutsevenminutesinpeace，andthenshebegantofretandcallfortheHarvester。Hejustsweatbloodtopacifyher，buthecouldn’tmakeit。Hetriedtoholdher，tomakelovetoher，andgoodnessknowswhat，butshestruggledandcried，`David，’untilhehadtogiveitupandsendme。’’
``Molly，’’saidDoctorCarey，``we’veknowntheHarvesteralongtime，andheisourfriend，isn’the？’’
``Ofcourse！’’saidthenurse。
``Weknowthisisthefirstwomanheeverloved，probablyeverwill，asheismade。Nowwedon’tlikethisstrangerbuttinginhere；weresentit，Molly。Weareonthesideofourfriend，andwewanthimtowin。
I’llgrantthatthisfellowisfine，andthathehasdonewell，butwhat’stheuseintearinguparrangementsalreadymade？Andsosuitable！NowMolly，youaremybestnurse，andagoodreliableaidintimeslikethis。
Igaveyouinstructionsanhourago。I’lladdthistothem。YOUAREONTHEHARVESTER’SSIDE。Doyouunderstand？
Inthis，andthedaystocome，you’llhaveathousandchancestoputinalickwithasickwoman。
PuttheminasItellyou。’’
``Yes，DoctorCarey。’’
``AndMolly！Youaresomethingbesidesmybestnurse。You’reasmashingprettygirl，andyouroccupationshouldmakeyouespeciallyattractivetoayoungdoctor。I’msurethisfellowisallright，sowhileyouaredoingyourbestwithyourpatientfortheHarvester，whynothaveatryforyourselfwiththedoctor？Itcouldn’tdoanyharm，anditmightstraightenoutmatters。Anyway，youthinkitover。’’
Thenursestudiedhisfacesilentlyforatime，andthenshebegantolaughsoftly。
``Heisuptheredoinghisbestwithher，’’shesaid。
Thedoctorthrewouthishandsinagestureofdisdain，andthenurselaughedagain；buthercheekswerepinkandhereyesflashingasshereturnedtoduty。
``Randomshot，butitmighthitsomething，younevercantell，’’commentedthedoctor。
TheHarvesterenteredtheGirl’sroomandstoodstill。
Shewasfrettingandraisinghertemperaturerapidly。
Beforehereachedthedoorhisheartgaveonegreatleapatthesoundofhervoicecallinghisname。Heknewwhattodo，buthehesitated。
``Sheseemstohavebecomeaccustomedtoyou，andattimesdoesnotrememberme，’’saidDoctorHarmon。``I
thinkyouhadbettertakeheragainuntilshegrowsquiet。’’
TheHarvestersteppedtothebedandlookedthedoctorintheeye。
``IamafraidIleftoutoneimportantfeatureinourlittletalkonthebridge，’’hesaid。``Ineglectedtotellyouthatinyourfightforthiswoman’slifeandloveyouhavearival。Iamhe。Sheismywife，andwiththelastfibreofmybeingIadoreher。Ifyouwin，andshewantsyoutotakeheraway，Iwillhelpyou；butmyheartgoeswithherforever。IfbyanychanceitshouldoccurthatIhavebeenmistakenormisinterpretedherdeliriumorthatshehasbeendeceivedandfindssheprefersmeandMedicineWoods，toyouandChicago，whenshehashadopportunitytomeasureusmanagainstman，youmustunderstandthatIclaimher。SoIsaytoyoufrankly，takeherifyoucan，butdon’timaginethatIampassive。
I’llhelpyouifIknowshewantsyou，butIfightyoueveryinchoftheway。Onlyithasgottobesquareandopen。Doyouunderstand？’’
``Youarecertainlysufficientlyclear。’’
``Nomanwhoishalfamanseesthelastchanceofhappinessgooutofhislifewithoutputtingupthestiffestbattleheknows，’’saidtheHarvestergrimly。``Ruth-
girl，youareraisingthefeveragain。Youmustbequiet。’’
Withinfinitetendernesshepossessedhimselfofherhandsandbeganstrokingherhair，andinalowandsoothingvoicethestoryofthebirds，flowers，lake，andwoodswenton。TokeepitfromgrowingmonotonoustheHarvesterbranchedoutandputineverythingheknew。
Inthedaysthatfollowedheheldapositionnonecouldtakefromhim。Whilethedoctorsfoughtthefever，heworkedforrestandquiet，andsoothedthetorturedbodyasbesthecould，thatthemedicinesmightact。
Butthefeverwasstubborn，andtheremedieswereslow；andlongbeforethedreadedcomingdaythedoctorsandnursewerequietlysayingtoeachotherthatwhenthecrisiscametheheartwouldfail。Therewasnovitalitytosustainlife。ButtheydidnotdaretelltheHarvester。DayandnighthesatbesidethemaplebedorstretchedsleepingafewminutesonthecouchwhiletheGirlslept；andwithfaithneverfalteringandcourageunequalled，hewarnedthemtohavetheirremediesandappliancesready。
``Idon’tsayit’sgoingtobeeasy，’’hesaid。``Ijustmerelystatethatitmustbedone。AndI’llalsomentionthat，whenthehourcomes，themanwhodiscoversthathecoulddosomethingifhehaddigitalis，oraremedyheshouldhavehadreadyandhasforgotten，thatmanhadbetterkeepoutofmysight。Makeyourpreparationsnow。Talkthecaseover。Fillyourhypodermics。Cleanyourairpumps。Getyourhot-waterbottlesready。
Havesystem。Labelyourstufflargeandsetitconveniently。
Youseewhatiscoming，beprepared！’’
Oneday，whiletheGirllayinahalf-drugged，feverishsleep，theHarvesterwentforaswim。Hedressedalittlesoonerthanwasexpectedandincrossingtheliving-roomheheardDoctorHarmonsaytoDoctorCareyontheveranda，``Whatarewegoingtodowithhimwhentheendcomes？’’
TheHarvestersteppedtothedoor。``Thatwon’tbethequestion，’’hesaidgrimly。``ItwillbewhatwillHEdowithus？’’
Then，withanalmostimperceptiblemovement，hecaughtDoctorHarmonatthewaistline，andliftedanddangledhimasababy，andthenstoodhimonthefloor。
``Didn’thardlyexpectthatmuchmuscle，didyou？’’
heinquiredlightly。``AndI’mnotinwhatyoucouldcallcondition，either。Insteadofwastinganytimeonfoolquestionslikethat，youtwogooveryourstuffandaskeachother，havewegoteverylastapplianceknowntophysicsandsurgery？Havewegotduplicatesonhandincasewebreakdelicateinstrumentslikehypodermicsyringesandthatsortofthing？Engageyourselveswithquestionspertainingtolife；thatisyourbusiness。
Insteadofplanningwhatyou’lldoinfailure，bolsteryoursoulsagainstit。GrannyMorelandbeatsyoutwoputtogetheringripandcourage。’’
TheHarvesterreturnedtohistask，andthefightwenton。Atlastthehourcamewhenthetemperaturefelllowerandlower。Thefeeblepulsesflickeredandgrewindiscernible；agraypallorhoveredovertheGirl，andacoldsweatstoodonhertemples。
``Now！’’saidtheHarvester。``Exerciseyourcalling！
Fightlikemenordevils，butwinyoumust。’’
Theydidwork。Theyadministeredstimulants；appliedheattothechilledbody；fansswepttheroomwithvitalizedair；hypodermicswereused；andeverylastresortknowntosciencewasgivenafulltest，andtheweakheartthrobbedslowerandslower，andliferanoutwitheachbreath。TheHarvesterstoodwaitingwithsetjaws。Hecoulddetectnochangeforthebetter。Atlasthepickedupachilledhandandcoulddiscovernopulse，andthegraynailsandthedarktipstoldastoryofarrestedcirculation。Helaiddownthehandandfacedthemen。
``Thisiswhatyou’dcallthecrisis，Doc？’’heaskedgently。
``Yes。’’
``Areyoustemmingit？Areyoustemmingit？Areyousuresheisholdingherown？’’
DoctorCareylookedathimsilently。
``Haveyoudoneallyoucando？’’askedtheHarvester。
``Yes。’’
``Youbelievehergoingout？’’
``Yes’’
TheHarvesterturnedtoDoctorHarmon。``Doyouconcurinthat？’’
``Yes。’’
Thentothenurse，``Andyou？’’
``Yes。’’
``Then，’’saidtheHarvester，``allofyouareuseless。
Getoutofhere。Idon’twantyouratmosphere。Ifyoucanbelieveonlyindeath，leaveus！Sheismywife，andifthisistheendshebelongstome，andIwilldoasI
choosewithher。Allofyougo！’’
TheHarvestersteppedtothebathroomdoorandcalledGrannyMoreland。``Granny，’’hesaid，``sciencehasturnedtail，andleftmeinextremity。Fillyourhot-
waterbottlesandcomeinherewithyourheartbigwithhopeandhelpmesavemyDreamGirl。SheisbreathingGranny；we’vegottomakeherkeepitup，that’sall——justkeepherbreathing。’’
Hereturnedtothesunshineroom，placedasmalltablebesidethebed，andonitaglassofwater，spoon，andahypodermicsyringe。WhenGrannyMorelandcamehesaid:``Nowyoubeginonherfeetandrubwithlong，sweeping，upwardstrokestodrivethebloodtoherheart。’’
AroundtheGirlhepiledhot-waterbottlesandbreathlesslyhungoverher，rubbingherhands。Hewipedtheperspirationfromherforehead，andthendroppedbyherbedandforasecondlaidhisfaceonhercoldpalm。
``IfIamwrong，Heavenforgiveme，’’heprayed。
``Andyou，oh，mydarlingDreamGirl，forgiveme，butIamforcedtotry——Godhelpingme！Amen。’’
Hearose，tookasmallbottlefromhispocket，filledthespoonwithwater，andmeasuredintoitthreedropsofliquidasyellowasgold。Thenheheldthespoontothebluelips，andwithhisfingersworkedapartthesetteeth，andpouredthemedicinedownherthroat。ThentheyrubbedandmutteredsnatchesofprayerforfifteenminuteswhentheHarvesteradministeredanotherthreedrops。Itmighthavebeenfancy，butitseemedtohimherjawswerenotsostiff。FasterflewhishandsandhesentGrannyMorelandtorefillthehotbottles。WhenhegavetheGirlthethirddoseheinjectedsomeoftheliquidoverherheartandoftheglycerinethedoctorshadleft，intheextremities。Hereleasedmoreairandbeganrubbingagain。
Thesecondhourstartedinthesameway，andendedwithslowlyrelaxingmusclesandfainttingesofcolourinthewhitecheeks。Thefeetwerenotsocold，andwhentheHarvesterheldthespoonheknewthattheGirlmadeanefforttoswallow，andhecouldseehereyelidstremble。ThereuponhepointedthesesignstoGranny，andimploredhertorubandpray，andprayandrub，whileheworkeduntiltheperspirationrolleddownhisgrayface。Attheendofthesecondhourhebegandecreasingthedosesandshorteningthetime，andagainhecommencedinalowrumblehissongoflifeandhealth，toencouragetheGirlasconsciousnessreturned。
OccasionallyDoctorCareyopenedthedoorslightlyandpeepedintoseeifhewerewanted，buthereceivednoinvitationtoenter。ThelasttimeheleftwiththeimpressionthattheHarvesterwasraving，whileheworkedoveralifelessbody。HehadtheGirlwarmlycoveredandbentoverherfaceandhands。AtherfeetcrouchedGrannyMoreland，rubbing，stillrubbing，beneaththecovers，whileinasteadystreamtheHarvesterwaspouringouthissong。Ifhehadlistenedaninstantlongerhewouldhaverecognizedthatthetoneandthewordshadchanged。Nowitwas，``Gently，breathegently，Girl！Slowly，steadily，easily！Deeper，alittledeeper，Ruth！BraveGirl，neveranothersowonderful！That’smyDreamGirlcomingfromtheshadows，comingtolife’ssunshine，comingtohope，comingtolove！Deeper，justalittledeeper！Smoothlyandevenly！Youaremakingit，Girl！Youaremakingit！
Byallthatisholyandglorious！Sticktoit，Ruth，holdtighttome！I’llhelpyou，dear！Youarecoming，comingbacktolifeandlove。Don’tworryyourselftryingtoohard，ifonlyyoucansendeverybreathasdeeplyasthelastone，youcanmakeit。Youbravegirl！
YouwonderfulDreamGirl！Ah，Ruth，thenameofthisisvictory！’’
AnhourbeforeDoctorCareyhadsaidtoDoctorHarmonandthenurse，ashesoftlyclosedthedoor:``ItisoverandtheHarvesterisraving。We’llgivehimalittlemoretimeandseeifhewon’trealizeithimself。
Thatwillbeeasierforhimthanforustotrytotellhim。’’
Nowheopenedthedoor，staredasecond，andcomingtotheoppositesideofthebed，heleanedovertheGirl。
Thenhefeltherfeet。Theywerewarmandslightlydamp。Asurprisedlookcreptoverhisface。HegentlyreachedforahandthattheHarvesteryieldedtohim。
Itwaswarm，thebluetipsbecomingrosy，thewristpulsediscernible。Thenhebentcloser，touchedherface，andsawthetremulouseyelids。Heturnedbackthecover，andheldhisearoverherheart。Whenhestraightened，``AsGodlives，she’sgotachance，David！’’heexultedinanawedwhisper。
TheHarvesterliftedagravenface，downwhichthesweatofagonyrolled，andhislipspartedinatwitchingsmile。``Thenthisiswherelovebeatsthedoctors，Carey！’’hesaid。
``Itiswherelovehasventuredwhatsciencedaresnot。
Lovedidn’tdoallofthis。InthenameoftheAlmighty，whatdidyougiveher，David？’’
``Life！’’criedtheHarvester。``Life！Comeon，Ruth，comeon！Outofthevalleycometome！Youarewellnow，Girl！It’sallover！Thelasttraceoffeverisgone，thelastofthedullache。Canyouswallowjusttwomoredropsofbottledsunshine，Ruth？’’
Theflickeringlidsslowlyopened，andthebigblackeyeslookedstraightintotheHarvester’s。Hemetthemsteadily，smilingencouragement。
``Hangontoeachbreath，dearheart！’’heurged。
``Thefeverisgone。Thepainisover！Longlifeandtheloveyoucraveareforyou。You’veonlytokeepbreathingafewmorehoursandthebattleisyours。
GloriousGirl！Noble！Youaredoingfinely！Ruth，doyouknowme？’’
Herlipsmoved。
``Don’ttrytospeak，’’saidtheHarvester。``Don’twastebreathonaword。Savethegoodoxygentostrengthenyourtiredbody。Butifyoudoknowme，maybeyoucouldsmile，Ruth！’’
Shecouldjustsmile，andthatwasall。Feeble，flickering，transient，butasitcrossedthelivingfacetheHarvesterliftedherhandsandkissedthemoverandover，back，palm，andfingertips。
``Nowjustonemoredrop，honey，andthenalongrest。
Willyoutryitagainforme？’’
Sheassented，andtheHarvestertookthebottlefromhispocket，pouredthedrop，andheldthespoontowillinglips。Thebigeyeswereonhimwithaquestion。
Thentheyfelltothespoon。TheHarvesterunderstood。
``Yes，it’smine！It’sgotsixtyyearsofwonderfullifeinit，everyoneofthemfullofloveandhappinessformydearDreamGirl。Canyoutakeit，Ruth？’’
Herlipsparted，thewineoflifepassedbetween。Shesmiledfaintly，andhereyelidsdroppedshut，butpresentlytheyopenedagain。
``David！’’
``MyDreamGirl！’’
``Harvester？’’
``Yes！’’
``MedicineMan？’’
``Don’t，Ruth！Saveeverybreathtohelpyourheart。’’
``Life？’’
``Lifeitis，Girl！’’exultedtheHarvester。``Longlife！Love！Home！Themanyoulove！Everyhappinessthatevercametoagirl！Nothingshallbedeniedyou！Nothingshallbelacking！It’sallinyourhandsnow，Ruth。We’vealldoneeverythingwecan；youmustdotheremainder。It’syourworktosendeverybreathasdeeplyasyoucan。Doc，releaseanothertankofair。
Areherfeetwarm，Granny？Letthenursetakeyourplacenow。And，honey，gotosleep！I’llkeepwatchforyou。I’llmeasureeachbreathyoudraw。Iftheyshortenorweaken，I’llwakeyouformoremedicine。Youcantrustme！Alwaysyoucantrustme，Ruth。’’
TheGirlsmiledandfellintoalight，evenslumber。
GrannyMorelandstumbledtothecouchandrolledonitsobbingwithnervousexhaustion。DoctorCareycalledthenursetotakeherplace。ThenhecametotheHarvester’ssideandwhispered，``Letme，David！’’
TheHarvesterlookedupwithhisqueergrin，buthemadenomotiontoarise。
``Won’tyoutrustme，David？I’llwatchasifitweremyownwife。’’
``Iwouldn’ttrustanymanonearth，forthecomingthreehours，’’repliedtheHarvester。``IfIkeepthisupthatlong，sheissafe。GoandrestuntilIcallyou。’’
HeagainbentovertheGirl，onehandonherleftwrist，theotheroverherheart，hiseyesonherlips，watchingthedepthandstrengthofhereverybreath。
Regularlyheadministeredthemedicinehewasgivingher。Sometimesshetookithalfasleep；againshegavehimasmilethattotheHarvesterwasthesupremethingofearthorHeaven。Towardtheendofthelongvigil，inexhaustionheslippedtothefloor，andlaidhisheadonthesideofthebed，andforasecondhishandrelaxedandhefellasleep。TheGirlawakenedashistouchloosenedandlookingdownshesawhishuddledbody。AsecondlatertheHarvesterawokewithaguiltystarttofindherfingerstwistedintheshockofhaironthetopofhishead。
``PoorstrandedGirl，’’hemuttered。``She’sclingingtomeforlife，andyoucanstakeallyouareworthshe’sgoingtogetit！’’
Thenhegentlyrelaxedhergrip，gaveherthelastdosehefeltnecessary，yieldedhisplacetoDoctorCareyandstaggeredupthehill。AsthesunpeepedoverMedicineWoodshestretchedhimselfbetweenthetwomoundsundertheoak，andforafewminuteshisbodywasrentwiththeawful，tornsobbingofastrongman。Belshazzarnosedthetwistingfigureandwhinedpitifully。A
chatteringlittlemarshwrentiltedonabushandscolded。
Abluejayperchedaboveandtriedtodecidewhethertherewascauseforanalarmsignal。Asnakecomingfromthewatertohuntbirdsranclosetohim，andchangingitscourse，wentweavingawayamongthemosses。
Graduallythepentforcesspentthemselves，andforhourstheHarvesterlayinthedeepsleepofexhaustion，andstretchedbesidehim，Belshazzarguardedwithanxiousdogeyes。
CHAPTERXVIII
THEBETTERMAN
InthemiddleoftheafternoontheHarvesteraroseandwentintothelake，ateaheartydinner，andthentookuphiswatchagain。Fortwodaysandnightshekepthisplace，untilhehadtheGirloutofdanger，andwherecarefulnursingwasallthatwasrequiredtoinsurelifeandhealth。Ashesatbesideherthelastday，hisphysicalendurancestrainedtothebreakingpoint，shelaidherhandoverhis，andlookedlongandsteadilyintohiseyes。
``TherearesomanythingsIwanttoknow，’’shesaid。
TheHarvester’sfirmfingersclosedoverhers。``Ruth，haveyoueverbeensorrythatyoutrustedme？’’
``Never！’’saidtheGirlinstantly。
``Thensupposeyoukeepitup，’’saidhe。``Whateveritisthatyouwanttoknow，don’tuseaniotaofstrengthtotalkortothinkaboutitnow。Justsaytoyourself，helovesmewellenoughtodowhatisright，andIknowthathewill。Allyouhavetodoistobepatientuntilyougrowstrongerthanyoueverhavebeeninyourlife，andthenyoushallhaveexactlywhatyouwant，Ruth。Sleeplikeababyforaweekortwo。Then，slowlyandgradually，wewillbuildupsuchaconstitutionforyouthatyoushallride，drive，row，swim，dance，play，andhaveallthatyourgirlhoodhasmissedinfunandfrolic，andallthatyourwomanhoodcravesinloveandcompanionship。Happinesshascomeatlast，Ruth。
Takeitfromme。Everythingyoucraveisyours。Theloveyouwant，thehome，andthelife。Assoonasyouarestrongenough，youshallknowallaboutit。Yourbusinessistodrinkstimulantsandsleepnow，dear。’’
``Sotiredofthisbed！’’
``Itwon’tbelonguntilyoucanlieonthecouchandtheverandaswingagain。’’
``Glory！’’saidtheGirl。``David，Imusthavebeenfulloffeverforalongtime。Ican’tremembereverything。’’
``Don’ttry，Itellyou。Lifeiscomingoutrightforyou；that’sallyouneedknownow。’’
``Andforyou，David？’’
``Wheneverthingsarerightforyou，theyareforme，Ruth。’’
``Don’tyoueverthinkofyourself？’’
``NotwhenIamcloseyou。’’
``Ah！ThenIshallhavetogrowstrongverysoonandthinkofyou。’’
TheHarvester’ssmilewaspathetic。Hewasunspeakablytiredagain。
``Nevermindme！’’hesaid。``Onlygetwell。’’
``David，wastherealittlehorse？’’
``Therecertainlywasandis，’’saidtheHarvester。
``Youhadnotnamedhimyet，butinafewdaysIcanleadhimtothewindow。’’
``Wastheresomethingsaidaboutaboat？’’
``Twoofthem。’’
``Two？’’
``Yes。Arowboatforyou，andalaunchthatwilltakeyoualloverthelakewithonlytheexertionofsteeringonyourpart。’’
``David，Iwantmypendantandring。Iamsotiredoflyinghere，Iwanttoplaywiththem。’’
``Wheredoyoukeepthem，Ruth？’’
``Inthewillowteapot。Ithoughtnoonewouldlookthere。’’
TheHarvesterlaughedandbroughtthelittleboxes。
Hehadtoopenthem，buttheGirlputontheringandaskedhimifhewouldnothelpherwiththependant。Heslippedthethreadaroundherneckandclaspedit。Withasighofsatisfactionshetooktheornamentinonehandandclosedhereyes。Hethoughtshewasfallingasleep，butpresentlyshelookedathim。
``Youwon’tallowthemtotakeitfromme？’’
``Indeedno！Thereisnoreasononearthwhyyoushouldnothavethatthreadaroundyourneckifyouwantit。’’
``Iamgoingtosleepnow。Iwanttwothings。MayIhavethem？’’
``Youmay，’’saidtheHarvesterpromptly，``providedtheyarenottoeat。’’
``No，’’saidtheGirl。``I’vesufferedandmadeotherstrouble。Iwon’tbotheryoubyaskingforanythingmorethanisbroughtme。Thisisdifferent。Youarecompletelywornout。Yourfacefrightensme，David，andwhitehairsthatwerenotthereafewdaysagohavecomealongyourtemples。Icanseethem。’’
``Yougavemeamightyseriousscare，Ruth。’’
``Iknow，’’saidtheGirl。``Forgiveme。Ididn’tmeanto。IwantyoutoleavemetoDoctorHarmonandthenurseandgosleepaweek。ThenIwillbereadyfortheswing，andtohearsomemoreaboutthetreesandbirds。’’
``Icankeepitupifyoureallyneedme，butifyoudon’tIamsleepy。So，ifyoufeelsafe，IthinkIwillgo。’’
``OhIamsafeenough，’’saidtheGirl。``Itisn’tthat。
I’msolonely。I’vemadeupmymindnottogrieveformother，butImisshersonow。Ifeelsofriendless。’’
``But，honey，’’saidtheHarvester，``youmustn’tdothat！Don’tyouseehowallofusloveyou？HereisGrannyshuttingupherhouseandlivinghere，justtobewithyou。Thenursewilldoanythingyousay。Hereisthemanyouknowbest，andthinksomuchof，stayinginthecabin，andsohappytogiveyouallhistime，andanythingelseyouwillhave，dear。AndtheCareyscomeeveryday，andwilldotheirbesttocomfortyou，andalwaysIamhereforyoutofallbackon。’’
``Yes，I’mfallingrightnow，’’saidtheGirl。``I
almostwishIhadthefeveragain。Noonehastouchedmefordays。Ifeelasifeveryonewasafraidofme。’’
TheHarvesterwaspuzzled。
``Well，Ruth，I’mdoingthebestIknow，’’hesaid。
``Whatisityouwant？’’
``Nothing！’’answeredtheGirlwithslightlydejectedinflection。``Saygood-byetome，andgosleepyourweek。
I’llbeverygood，andthenyoushalltakemeadriveupthehillwhenyouawaken。Won’tthatbefine？’’
``Saygood-byetome！’’Shefelta``littlelonely！’’
Theyallactedasiftheywere``afraid’’ofher。TheHarvesterindulgedinaflashingmentalreviewandarrivedatadecision。Hekneltbesidethebed，tookbothslender，coolhandsandcoveredthemwithkisses。Thenheslidahandunderthepillowandraisedthetiredhead。
``IfIamtosaygood-bye，Ihavetodoitinmyownway，Ruth，’’hesaid。
Thereuponhebeganatthetumbledmassofhairandkissedfromherforeheadtoherlips，kisseswarmandtender。
``Nowyougotosleep，andgrowstrongenoughbythetimeIcomebacktotellmewhomyoulove，’’hesaid，andwentfromtheroomwithoutwaitingforanyreply。
WithshortintervalsforfoodanddipsinthelaketheHarvesterverynearlyslepttheweek。Whenhefinallyfelthimselfagain，hebathed，shaved，dressedfreshly，andwenttoseetheGirl。Hehadtotouchhertobesureshewasreal。Shewasextremelyweakandtremulous，butherfaceandhandswerefuller，hercolourwasgood，shewasravenouslyhungry。DoctorHarmonsaidshewasalittletryant，andthenursethatshewasplaincross。ThefirstthingtheHarvesternoticedwasthatthedullbluelookinthedepthofthedarkeyeswasgone。Theywereclear，duskywells，withshininglightsatthebottom。
``WellIneverwouldhavebelievedit！’’hecried。
``DoctorHarmon，youareagreatphysician！Youhavemadeherallovernew，andinafewmoredaysshewillbeontheveranda。Thisisgreat！’’
``DoIappearsomuchbettertoyou，Harvester？’’
askedtheGirl。
``Hasnoonethoughttoshowyou，’’criedtheHarvester。``Here，letme！’
Hesteppedtoherdressingtable，pickedupamirror，andhelditbeforehersothatshecouldseeherself。
``SeemstomeIamdreadfullywhiteandthinyet！’’
``IfyouhadseenwhatIsawtendaysago，myGirl，youwouldthinkyouappearlikeapink，rosyangelnow，orawonderfuldream。’’
``Truly，doIintheleastresembleadream，David？’’
``Youareadream。Theloveliestoneamaneverhad。
Withthreemonthsofrightcareandexerciseyou’llbethebeautifulwomannatureintended。I’msoproudofyou。Youarebeingsobrave！Justliethereinpatienceafewmoredays，andoutyoucomeagaintolife；
andlifethatwillthrillyourbeingwithjoy。’’
``Allright，’’saidtheGirl，``Iwill。Davidareyouattendingtoyourherbs？’’
``Notforafewweeks。’’
``Youareverymuchbehind？’’
``No。Nothingimportant。Idon’tmakeenoughtocountonwhatisreadynow。Icansoongatherjimsonleavesandseedtofillorders，thehemlockisaboutrighttotakethefruit，themustardisyetinpod，andthesaffronandwormseedcanbeattendedlater。
Icancatchupintwodays。’’
``Whatabout——aboutthebigbedonthehill？’’
TheHarvesterexperiencedaninwardthrillofdelight。
Shewassoimpressedwiththevalueoftheginsengshewouldnotmentionit，evenbeforethemansheloved——
nomorethanthat——``adored’’——``worshipped！’’
Hesmiledatherinunderstanding。
``I’llhavetotakeapeepatthatandreport，’’hesaid。
``Areyourestednow？’’
``Indeedyes！’’
``Youaredreadfullythin。’’
``Ialwaysam。I’llpickupalittlewhenIgetbacktowork。’’
``David，Iwantyoutogotoworknow。’’
``Canyouspareme？’’
``Haven’twedonewelltheselastfewdays？’’
``Ican’ttellyouhowwell。’’
``Thenpleasegogathereverythingyouneedtofillordersexceptthebigbed，andbythattimemaybeyoucouldtakeanotherweekoff，andIcouldgotothehilltopandonthelake。I’msoanxioustoputmyfeetontheearth。Theyfeelsodead。’’
``Areyourfeetwellrubbedtodrawdownthecirculation？’’
``Theyarerubbedshinyandalmostskinned，David。
Nooneeverhadbettercare，ofthatIamsure。Gogatherwhatyoushouldhave。’’
``Allright，’’saidtheHarvester。
HearoseandashestartedtoleavetheroomhetookonelastlookattheGirltoseeifhecoulddetectanythinghecouldsuggestforhercomfort，andreadamessageinhereyes。Instantlytherewasanansweringflashinhis。
``I’llbebackinaminute，’’hesaid。``Ijustnoticeddiscoreavillosahasthefinestrattleboxesformed。I’vebeenwaitingtoshowyou。Andthehoptreehasitscastanetsallgreenandgold。Inafewmoreweeksitwillbegintoplayforyou。I’llbringyousome。’’
Soonhereturnedwiththequeerseedformations，andashebentaboveher，withhisbacktoDoctorHarmon，hewhispered，``Whatisit？’’
Herlipsbarelyformedtheoneword，``Hurry！’’
TheHarvesterstraightened。
``Allcomfortable，Ruth？’’heaskedcasually。
``Yes。’’
``Youunderstand，ofcourse，thatthereisnottheslightestnecessityformygoingtoworkifyoureallywantmeforanything，evenifit’snothingmorethantohavemewithincallingdistance，incaseyouSHOULD
wantsomething。ThewholelotIcangathernowwon’tamounttotwentydollars。It’smerelyamatterofpridewithmetohavewhatiscalledfor。I’dmuchratherremain，ifyoucanusemeinanywayatall。’’
``Twentydollarsisconsiderable，whenexpensesareasheavyasnow。Andit’sworthmorethananymoneytoyounottofailwhenorderscome。Ihavelearnedthat，andDavid，Idon’twantyoutoeither。Youmustfillalldemandsasusual。Iwouldn’tforgivemyselfthiswinterifyoushouldbeforcedtosendordersonlypartlyfilledbecauseIfellillandhinderedyou。Pleasegoandgatherallyoupossiblywillneedofeverythingyoutakeatthisseason，onlyremember！’’
``Thereisnodangerofmyforgetting。Ifyouaregoingtosendmeawaytowork，youwillallowmetokissyourhandbeforeIgo，fairlady？’’
Hediditfervently。
``Onewordwithyou，Harmon，’’hesaidashelefttheroom。
DoctorHarmonaroseandfollowedhimtothegoldgarden，andtogethertheystoodbesidethemoltenhedgeofsunflowers，coneflowers，elecampane，andjewelflower。
``Imerelywanttomentionthatthisisyourinning，’’
saidtheHarvester。``FindoutifyouareessentialtotheGirl’shappinessassoonasyoucan，andthedayshetellsmeso，Iwillfileherpetitionandtakeatriptothecitytostudysomelittlechemicalquirksthatbotherme。
That’sall。’’
TheHarvesterwenttothedry-houseforbagsandclippingshears，andthedoctorreturnedtothesunshineroom。
``Ruth，’’hesaid，``doyouknowthattheHarvesteristhesquarestmanIevermet？’’
``Ishe？’’askedtheGirl。
``Heis！Hecertainlyis！’’
``YoumustrememberthatIhavelittleacquaintancewithmen，’’saidshe。``YouarethefirstoneIeverknew，andtheonlyoneexcepthim。’’
``WellItrytobesquare，’’saidDoctorHarmon，``butthatiswhereLangstonhasmebeatenamile。I
havetotry。Hedoesn’t。Hewasbornthatway。’’
TheGirlbegantolaugh。
``Hisenvironmentissodifferent，’’shesaid。``Perhapsifhewereinabigcity，hewouldhavetotryalso。’’
``Won’tdo！’’saidthedoctor。``Hechosehislocation。
SodidI。HeisastrongerphysicalmanthanIeverwasoreverwillbe。Thestrugglethatboundhimtothewoodsandtoresearch，thatmadehimthemasterofforcesthatgivebacklife，whenamanlikeCareysaysitistheend，proveshimamaster。Thetumultinhissoulmusthavebeenlikeacycloneinhisforest，whenheturnedhisbackontheworldandstucktothewoods。
Careytoldmeaboutit。Somedayyoumusthear。It’sastoryawomanoughttoknowinordertoarriveatpropervalues。YouneverwillunderstandthemanuntilyouknowthatheiscleanwheremostofusareblackenedwithuglysinswehavenorightonGod’sfootstooltocommitandnotsomuchreasonashe。Everymanshouldbeasheis，butveryfeware。CareysaysLangston’smotherwasawonderfulelementintheformationofhischaracter；butallmothersareanxious，andnoneofthemcanbuildwithnofoundationandnosoultimber。
Shehadmaterialforamantoherhand，orshecouldn’thavemadeone。’’
``Iseewhatyoumean。’’
``Sofarasanyinexperiencedgirleversees，’’saidthedoctor。``Somedayifyoulivetofiftyyouwillknow，butyoucan’tcomprehenditnow。’’
``IfyouthinkIlivedallmylifeinChicago’spovertyspotsanddon’tknowunbridledhumannature！’’
``Ifoundyouandyourmotherunusuallyinnocentwomen。Youmayunderstandsomethings。Ihopeyoudo。Itwillhelpyoutodecidewhoistherealmanamongthemenwhocomeintoyourlife。Therearesomemen，Ruth，whoarefittomatewithawoman，andtoperpetuatethemselvesandtheirmentalandmoralforcesinchildren，whowillbelikethem，andthereareotherswhoarenot。Itisthese`others’whoareresponsibleforthesinoftheworld，thesicknessandsuffering。Anytimeyouaresureyouhaveachanceatamoralman，squareandhonest，incontrolofhisbrainandbody，ifyouareawisewoman，Ruth，sticktohimasthelimpettotherock。’’
``YoumeansticktotheHarvester？’’
``Ifyouareawisewoman！’’
``Whenwasawomaneverwise？’’
``Afewhavebeen。Theyaretheonlycare-free，reallyhappyonesoftheworld，theonlywiveswithoutabig，poison，blue-bottleflyintheirointment。’’
``Idetestflies！’’saidtheGirl。
``SodoI，’’saidthedoctor。``ForthisreasonIsaytoyouchoosetheointmentthatneverhadoneinit。
Takethemanwhois`masterofhisfate，captainofhissoul。’SticktotheHarvester！Heisinfinitelythebetterman！’’
``WellhaveyouseenanythingtoindicatethatI
wasn’tsticking？’’askedtheGirl。
``No。AndforyoursakeIhopeIneverwill。’’
Shelaughedsoftly。
``Youdolovehim，Ruth？’’
``AsIdidmymother，yes。Thereisnotatraceinmyheartofthethinghecallslove。’’
``Youhavebeenstunted，warped，andthefountainsoflifeneverhaveopened。Itwillcomewithrightconditionsofliving。’’
``Doyouthinkso？’’
``Iknowso。Atleastthereisnooneelseyoulove，Ruth？’’
``Nooneexceptyou。’’
``Anddoyoufeelaboutmejustasyoudohim？’’
``No！Itisdifferent。WhatIowehimisformyself。
WhatIoweyouisformymother。Yousaw！Youknow！Youunderstandwhatyoudidforher，andwhatitmeanttome。TheHarvestermustbethefinestmanonearth，butwhenItrytothinkofeitherGodorHeaven，yourfaceintervenes。’’
``That’sallright，Ruth，I’msogladyoutoldme，’’
saidDoctorHarmon。``Icanmakeitallperfectlycleartoyou。Youjustgoonandworshipmeallyouplease。
It’sboundtomakeacleaner，bettermanofme。
WhatyoufeelformewillholdmetoahighermorallevelallmylifethanIeverhaveknownbefore；butneverforgetthatyouarenotgoingtoliveinHeaven。Youwillbehereatleastsixtyyearsyet，sowhenyoucometothinkofselectingapartnerfortherelationsoftheworld，yousticktothefinestmanonearth；see？’’
``Ido！’’saidtheGirl。``IsawyoukissMollyaweekago。Sheislovely，andIhopeyouwillbeperfectlyhappy。Itwon’tinterferewithmyworshippingyou；nottheleastintheworld。Goaheadandbejoyful！’’
Thedoctorsprangtohisfeetincrimsonconfusion。
TheGirllayandlaughedathim。
``Don’t！’’shecried。``It’sallright！Ittakesaweightoffmysoulasheavyasamountain。Idoadoreyou，asIsaid。ButeveryhoursinceIleftChicagoabig，blackcloudhashungoverme。Ididn’tfeelfree。Ididn’tfeelabsolved。IfeltthatmyobligationstoyouweresoheavythatwhenIhadsettledthelastofthemoneydebtIwasinhonourbound——’’
``Don’t，Ruth！Forgetthosedreadfultimes，asItoldyouthen！Thinkonlyofahappyfuture！’’
``Letmefinish，’’saidtheGirl。``Letmegetthisoutofmysystemwiththeotherpoison。FromthedayI
camehere，I’vewhisperedinmyheart，`Iamnotfree！’
Butifyouloveanotherwoman！Ifyouaregoingtotakehertoyourheartandtoyourlips，whythatismyrelease。OhMan，speakthewords！TellmeIamfreeindeed！’’
``Ruth，bequiet，formercysake！You’llraiseatemperature，andtheHarvesterwillpitchmeintothelake。
Youarefree，child，ofcourse！Youalwayshavebeen。
IunderstoodtheawfulpressurethatwasonyouwiththeveryfirstglimpseIhadofyourmother。Whowasshe，Ruth？’’
``Sheneverwouldtellme。’’
``Shethoughtyouwouldappealtoherpeople？’’
``SheknewIwould！Icouldn’thavehelpedit。’’
``Wouldyouliketoknow？’’
``Ineverwantto。Itistoolate。Iinfinitelyprefertoremaininignorance。Talkofsomethingelse。’’
``LetmereadawonderfulbookIfoundontheHarvester’sshelves。’’
``Anythingtherewillcontainwonders，becauseheonlybuyswhatappealstohim，andittakesagreatbooktodothat。Iamgoingtolearn。Hewillteachme，andwhenIcomewithincomprehendingdistanceofhim，thenwearegoingontogether。’’
``Whatanattractiveplacethisis！’’
``Isn’tit？Ionlyhaveseenenoughtounderstandtheplan。Iscarcelycanwaittosetmyfeetonearthandgointodetail。GrannyMorelandsaysthatwhenspringcomesoverthehill，andbringsuptheflowersinthebigwoods，she’dratherwalkthroughthemthantoreadRevelation。ShesaysitgivesheranideaofHeavenshecancomecloserrealizinganditseemsmorestable。
Youknowsheworriesaboutthefoundations。Shecan’tunderstandwhatsupportsHeaven。ButupthereinMedicineWoodstheolddeargetssocloseherGodthatsomedaysheisgoingtorealizethatherideaofHeaventhereisquiteasnearrightasmarblestreetsandgoldpillarsandvastlymoreprobable。ThedayIreachthathilltopagain，Heavenbeginsforme。
DoyouknowthewonderfulthingtheHarvesterdidupthere？’’
``Undertheoak？’’
``Yes。’’
``Careytoldme。Itwasmarvellous。’’
``Notsuchamarvelasanotherthedoctorcouldn’thaveknown。TheHarvestermadepassingoutsonatural，soeasy，soapartofelementalforces，thatIalmosthaveforgottenhertorturedbody。WhenIthinkofhernow，itistowonderifnextsummerIcandistinguishherwhisperamongtheleaves。Beforeyougo，I’lltakeyouupthereandtellyouwhathesays，andshowyouwhathemeans，andyouwillfeelitalso。’’
``WhatifIshouldn’tgo？’’
``Whatdoyoumean？’’
``DoctorCareyhasofferedmeasplendidpositioninhishospital。Therewouldbeworkallday，insteadofwaitingalldayinthehopeofworkinganhour。Therewouldbealivinginitfortwofromthewordgo。Therewouldbebetterair，longerlife，moretobegotoutofit，andifIcanmakegood，Carey’sworktotakeupashegrowsold。’’
``Takeit！Takeitquickly！’’criedtheGirl。``Don’twaitaminute！YoumightwearoutyourheartinChicagofortwentyyearsorforever，andnothaveanopportunitytodoonehalfsomuchgood。Takeitatonce！’’
``IwaswaitingtolearnwhatyouandLangstonwouldsay。’’
``Hewillsaytakeit。’’
``ThenIwillbetoohappyforwords。Ruth，youhavenotonlypaidthedebt，butyouhavebroughtmethegreatestjoyamaneverhad。AndthereisnoneedtowaittheagesIthoughtImust。HecantellinayearifIcandothework，andIknowIcannow；soit’sallsettled，ifLangstonagrees。’’
``Hewill，’’saidtheGirl。``Letmetellhim！’’
``Iwishyouwould，’’saidthedoctor。``Idon’tknowjusthowtogoatit。’’
ThenfortwodaystheHarvesterandBelshazzargatheredherbsandspreadthemonthedryingtrays。
Ontheafternoonofthethird，closethree，thedoctorcametothedoor。
``Langston，’’hesaid，``wehaveacallforyou。Wecan’tkeepRuthquietmuchlonger。Sheistired。Wewanttochangeherbedcompletely。Shewon’talloweitherofustolifther。Shesayswehurther。Willyoucomeandtryit？’’
``You’llhavetogivemetimetodipandruboffandgetintocleanclothing，’’hesaid。``I’vebeenkeepingaway，becauseIwasworkingontime，andIsmelltostrangulationofstramoniumandsaffron。’’
``Can’tgiveyoutenseconds，’’saidthedoctor。``Ourtemperisgettingbrittle。Wearecrossastheproverbialfeverpatient。Ifyoudon’tcomeatoncewewillimagineyoudon’twantto，andrefusetobemovedatall。’’
``Coming！’’criedtheHarvester，asheplungedhishandsinthewashbowlandsousedhisface。Asecondlaterheappearedontheporch。
``Ruth，’’hesaid，``Iamsteepedintheodoursofthedry-house。Can’tyouwaituntilIbatheanddress？’’
``No，Ican’t，’’saidafretfulvoice。``Ican’tendurethisbedanotherminute。’’
``ThenletDoctorHarmonliftyou。Heissofreshandclean。’’
TheHarvesterglancedenviouslyattheshavenfaceandwhitetrousersandshirtofthedoctor。
``Ijusthatefresh，cleanmen。Iwanttosmellherbs。
Iwanttoputmyfeetinthedirtandmyhandsinthewater。’’
TheHarvestercameatarush。Hebroughtabigeasychairfromtheliving-room，straightenedthecover，andbentabovetheGirl。Hepickedheruplightly，gently，andeasinghertohisbodysettledinthechair。Shelaidherfaceonhisshoulder，andheavedadeepsighofcontent。
``Becarefulwithmyback，Man，’’shesaid。``Ithinkmyspineisalmostwornthrough。’’
``Poorgirl，’’saidtheHarvester。``Thatbedshouldbesofter。’’
``Itshouldnot！’’contradictedtheGirl。``Itshouldbemuchharder。I’mtiredofsoftbeds。Iwanttolieontheearth，withmyheadonaroot；andIwishitwouldraindirtonme。Iambathedthreadbare。Iwanttobeallstreaky。’’
``Iunderstand，’’saidtheHarvester。``Harmon，bringmeapadandpencilaminute，ImustwriteanorderforsomethingsIwant。Willyoucalluptownandhavethemsentoutimmediately？’’
Onthepadhewrote:``TelephoneCareytogetthehighestgradecurled-hairmattress，anewpad，andpillow，andbringthemflyinginthecar。CallGrannyandthegirlandemptytheroom。Clean，air，andfumigateitthoroughly。Arrangethefurnituredifferently，andhelpmeintotheliving-roomwithRuth。’’Hehandedthepadtothedoctor。
``Pleaseattendtothat，’’hesaid，andtotheGirl:
``Nowwegoonajourney。Doc，youandMollytakethecornersoftherugweareonandslideusintotheotherroomuntilyougetthisairedandfreshened。’’
Intheliving-roomtheGirltookonelonglookatthesurroundingsandsuddenlyrelaxed。ShecuddledagainsttheHarvesterandliftingatremulouswhitehand，drewitacrosshisunshavencheek。
``Feelssogood，’’shesaid。``I’msickandtiredofimmaculatemen。’’
TheHarvesterlaughed，tuckedherfeetinthecoverandheldhertenderly。TheGirllaywithhercheekagainsttheroughkhaki，palpitantwiththeexcitementofbeingmoved。
``Isn’titgreat？’’shepanted。
Hecaughtthehandthathadtouchedhischeekinatendergrip，andlaughedadeeprumbleofexultationthatcamefromthedepthsofhisheart。
``There’snonameforit，honey，’’hesaid。``Butdon’ttrytotalkuntilyouhavealongrest。Changingpositionsafteryouhavelainsolongmaybemakingunusualworkforyourheart。AmIhurtingyourback？’’
``No，’’saidtheGirl。``ThisisthefirsttimeIhavebeencomfortableinages。AmItiringyou？’’
``Yes，’’laughedtheHarvester。``Youarealmostasheavyasalargesackofleaves，butnotquiteequaltoabridgepillaroralog。Besuretothinkofthat，andworryconsiderably。Youareindangerofstrainingmymusclestothelastdegree，myheartincluded。’’
``Whereisyourheart？’’whisperedtheGirl。
``Rightunderyourcheek，’’answeredtheHarvester。
``ButforHeaven’ssake，don’tintimatethatyouaretakinganyinterestinit，oritwillgotopoundinguntilyourheadwillbounce。It’sonememberofmybodythatIcan’tcontrolwhereyouareconcerned。’’
``Ithoughtyoudidn’tlikemeanymore。’’
``Careful！’’warnedtheHarvester。``YouareyettoocloseHeaventofiblikethat，Ruth。WhathaveI
donetoindicatethatIdon’tloveyoumorethanever？’’
``Stayedawaynearlyeveryminuteforthreeawfuldays，andwouldn’tcomewithoutbeingdragged；andnowyou’rewishingtheywouldhurryandfixthatbed，soyoucanputmedownandgobacktoyourrankoldherbsagain。’’
``Wellofalltheblackprevarications！Iwentwhenyousentme，andcamewhenyoucalled。I’dwillinglygiveupmyhopeofwhatGrannycalls`salvation’toholdyouasIamforanhour，andyouknowit。’’
``It’sgoingtobemuchlongerthanthat，’’saidtheGirlnestlingtohim。``Iaskedforyoubecauseyouneverhurtme，andtheyalwaysdo。Iknewyouweresostrongthatmyweightnowwouldn’tbealoadforoneofyourhands，andIamnotgoingbacktothatbeduntilIamsotiredthatIwillbegladtoliedown。’’
ForalongtimeshewassosilenttheHarvesterthoughthergoingtosleep；andhavinglearnedthatforhimjoywasprobablytransient，hedeliberatelygotallhecould。
Hecloselyheldthehandshehadnotwithdrawn，andoftenliftedittohislips。Sometimeshestrokedtheheavybraid，gentlyranhishandsacrossthetiredshoulders，oreasedherintoadifferentposition。Therewasnotadoubtinhismindofonething。Hewashavingaroyal，goodtime，andhewasthankfulfortheworkhehadsethisassistantsthatkeptthemoutoftheroom。
Theyseemedinnohurry，andfromscuffling，laughing，andasteadystreamoftalk，theywereentertainedatleast。AtlasttheGirlroused。
``ThereissomethingIwanttoaskyou，’’shesaid。
``IpromisedDoctorHarmonIwould。’’
InstantlytheheartoftheHarvestergavealeapthatjarredtheheadrestingonit。
``Youdon’tlikehim？’’questionedtheGirl。
``Ido！’’declaredtheHarvester。``Ilikehimimmensely。
Thereisnotafine，manlygood-lookingfeatureabouthimthatIhavemissed。Idon’tfailtodohimjusticeoneverypoint。’’
``I’msoglad！Thenyouwillwanthimtoremain。’’
``Here？’’askedtheHarvesterwithalight，hotbreath。
``InOnabasha！DoctorCareyhasofferedhimtheplaceofchiefassistantatthehospital。Thereisagoodsalaryandthechanceoftakingupthedoctor’sworkashegrowsolder。Itmeansplentytodoatonce，healthfulatmosphere，congenialsociety——everythingtoayoungman。HeonlyhadacallonceinawhileinChicago，oftenamongpeoplewhoreceivedmorethantheypaid，likeme，andhewasverylonely。Ithinkitwouldbegreatforhim。’’
``Andforyou，Ruth？’’
``Itdoesn’tmaketheleastdifferencetome；butforhissake，becauseIthinksomuchofhim，Iwouldliketoseehimhavetheplace。’’
``Youstillthinksomuchofhim，Ruth？’’
``More，ifpossible，’’saidtheGirl。``AddedtoallI
owedhimbefore，hehascomehereandworkedfordaystosaveme，anditwasn’thisfaultthatittookabiggerman。Nothingaltersthefactthathedidallhecould，mostgraciouslyandgladly。’’
``Whatdoyoumean，Ruth？’’stammeredtheHarvester。
``Ohtheyhavewornthemselvesout！’’criedtheGirlimpatiently。``First，GrannyMorelandtoldmeeveryleastlittledetailofhowIwentout，andyouresurrectedme。Iknewwhatshesaidwastrue，becausesheworkedwithyou。ThenDoctorCareytoldme，andMrs。Carey，andDoctorHarmon，andMolly，andevenGranny’slittleassistanthasleftthekitchentotellmethatI
owemylifetoyou，andallofthemmightaswellhavesavedbreath。IknewallthetimethatifeverIcameoutofthis，andhadachancetobelikeotherwomen，itwouldbeyourwork，andI’mgladitis。I’dhatetobeunderobligationstosomepeopleIknow；butI
feelhonouredtobeindebtedtoyou。’’
``I’mmightysorrytheyworriedyou。Ihadnoidea——’’
``Theydidn’t`worry，’me！IamjusttellingyouthatIknewitallthetime；that’sall！’’
``Forgetthat！’’saidtheHarvester。``Comebacktooursubject。Whatwasityouwanted，dear？’’
``ToknowifyouhaveanyobjectionstoDoctorHarmonremaininginOnabasha？’’
``Certainlynot！Itwillbeafinethingforhim。’’
``Willitmakeanydifferencetoyouinanyway？’’
``Ruth，that’sprobingtoodeep，’’saidtheHarvester。
``Idon’tseewhy！’’
``I’mgladofit！’’
``Why？’’
``I’dleastrathershowmylittlenesstoyouthantoanyoneelseonearth。’’
``Thenyouhavesomefeelingaboutit？’’
``Perhapsatrifle。I’llgetoverit。Givemealittletimetoadjustmyself。DoctorHarmonshallhavetheplace，ofcourse。Don’tworryaboutthat！’’
``Hewillbesohappy！’’
``Andyou，Ruth？’’
``I’llbehappytoo！’’
``Thenit’sallright，’’saidtheHarvester。
Helaiddownherhand，drewthecoveroverit，andslightlyshiftedherpositiontoresther。Thedooropened，andDoctorHarmonannouncedthattheroomwasready。Itwasshiningandfresh。Thebedwasnowturnedwithitsheadtothenorth，sothatfromitonecouldseethebigtreesinMedicineWoods，thesweepofthehillside，thesparkleofmallow-borderedSingingWater，thedrivewayandthegoldflowergarden。Everythingwassochangedthattheroomhadquiteadifferentappearance。TheinstanthelaidheronittheGirlsaid，``Thisbedisnotmine。’’
``Yesitis，’’saidtheHarvester。``Yousee，wewerealittleexcitedsometimes，andwespilledafewquartsofperfectlygoodmedicineonyourmattress。Itwashopelesslysmellyandruined；soIamgoingtocremateitandthisisyoursplinternewoneandafreshpadandpillow。Nowyoutrythemandseeiftheyarenotmuchharderandmorecomfortable。’’
``Thisisjustperfect！’’shesighed，asshesankintothebed。
TheHarvesterbentoverhertostraightenthecover，whensuddenlyshereachedbotharmsaroundhisneck，andgrippedhimwithallherstrength。
``Thankyou！’’shesaid。
``MayIholdyouto-morrow？’’whisperedtheHarvester，emboldenedbythis。
``Pleasedo，’’saidtheGirl。
TheHarvester，withdogtoheel，wenttotheoaktothink。
``Belshazzar，kommenSie！’’saidtheman，droppingontheseatandholdingouthishand。Thedoglaidhismuzzleinthefirmgrip。
``Bel，’’saidtheHarvester，``Iamallatsea。OnedayIthinkmaybeIhavealittlechance，thenext——noneatall。Ihadanhourofsolidcomfortto-day，nowI’minthesweatboxagain。It’salittleselfishstreakinme，Bel，thathatestoseeHarmongointothehospitalandtakemyplacewiththeCareys。Theyaremybestandonlyfriends。Heisyoung，social，handsome，andwillbeeverpresent。InthreemonthshewillbecomesopopularthatImightaswellbeofftheearth。IwishIdidn’tthinkit，butI’msosmallthatIdo。AndthenthereismyDreamGirl，Bel。Thegirlyoufoundforme，oldfellow。Thereneverwasanotherlikeher，andshehasmyheartforalltime。Andhehashers。Thathospitalplanisthebestthingintheworldforher。ItwillkeepherwhereCareycanhaveaneyeonher，wheretheairisbetter，whereshecanhavecompanywithoutthecitycrush，wheresheisclosethecountry，andagoodlivingisassured。Bel，it’sthenicestarrangementyoueversawforeveryoneweknow，exceptus。’’
TheHarvesterlaughedshortly。``Bel，’’hesaid，``tellme！Ifamanlivedahundredyears，couldhehavetheheartachealltheway？SeemslikeI’vehaditalmostthatlongnow。Infact，I’vehaditsuchagesI’dbelonesomewithoutit。Thisissomemoreofmyveryownmedicine，soIshouldn’tmakeawryfaceovertakingit。IknewwhatwouldhappenwhenIsentforhim，andIdidn’thesitate。Imustnotnow。
``OnlyIgottostoponething，Bel。ItoldhimI
wouldplaysquare，andIhave。Buthereitends。
Afterthis，Imuststepbackandbebigbrother。Lotsoffuninthisbrotherbusiness，Bel。ButmaybeIamcutoutforit。Anywayit’swritten！Butifitis，howdidshecometoallowmesuchprivilegesasItookto-
day？Thatwasn’tprofessionalbyanymeans。Itwasjustthestiffestlove-makingIknewhowtodo，Bel，andshedidn’tobjectbythequiverofaneyelash。GodknowsIwaswatchingcloselyenoughforanysignthatI
wasdistasteful。AndImighthavebeenwellenough。
Rough，herb-stainedoldclothes，unshaven，everythingtooffendadaintygirl。ShesaidImightholdheragainto-morrow。And，Bel，whatthenationdidshehugmelikethatfor，ifshe’sgoingtomarryhim？Boy，Iseemywaycleartoanhourmore。WhileI’matit，justtosurprisemyself，IbelieveI’lltakeitlikeothermen。I
thinkI’llgoonalittlebender，andmakewhatprobablywillbethelastdayaplumbgoodone。Somethingworthrememberingisbetterthannothingatall，Bel！
Hehasn’ttoldmethathehaswon。Shedidn’tSAY
shewasgoingtomarryhim，andshedidsayhehurther，andshewantedme。Bel，howaboutthegrimnessofit，ifsheshouldmarryhimandthendiscoverthathehurtsher，andshewantsme。LordGodAlmighty，ifyouhaveanymercyatall，neverputmeupagainstthat，’’prayedtheHarvester，``formyheartiswaterwheresheisconcerned。’’
TheHarvesterarose，andgoingtothelake，hecutanarmloadofbig，pinkmallows，coveredeachmoundwithfreshflowers，whistledtothedog，andwenttohiswork。
Manythingshadaccumulated，andhecleanedthebarn，carriedherbsfromthedry-housetothestore-room，andputeverythingintoshape。ClosenoonthenextdayhewenttoOnabasha，andwasgonethreehours。
Hecamebackbarberedinthelateststyle，andcarryingabigbundle。Whenthehourforarrangingthebedcame，hewasyetinhisroom，buthesentwordhewouldbethereinasecond。
Ashecrossedtheliving-roomhepulledachairtotheverandaandplacedafootstoolbeforeit。Thenhesteppedintothesunshineroom。AquizzicalexpressioncrossedthefaceofDoctorHarmonasheclosedthebookhewasreadingaloudtotheGirlandarose。WhollyunembarrassedtheHarvestersmiled。
``HaveIgotthisrigginganywherenearright？’’heinquired。
``David，whathaveyoudone？’’gaspedtheamazedGirl。
``Ididn’tfeelanywherenearuptothe`markofmyhighcalling’yesterday，’’quotedtheHarvester。``I
don’tknowhowIappear，butI’mcleanasshaving，soapandhotwaterwillmakeme，andmyclothingwillnotsmelloffensively。Nowcomeoutofthatbedforahappyhour。Whereisthatbigcoverlet？Youaregoingontheverandato-day。’’
``Youlookjustlikeeveryoneelse，’’complainedDoctorHarmon。
``Youlookperfectlylovely，’’declaredtheGirl。
``Theswalesendsyouthisinvitationtocomeandseestar-shineatthefootofmulleinhill，’’saidtheHarvester，offeringabouquet。Itwasaloosebunchoflong-
stemmed，delicateflowers，eachaninchacross，andhavingfivepearl-whitepetalslightlystripedwithpalegreen。Fivelonggoldanthersarose，andattheirbasegoldstamensandagreenpistil。Theleaveswereheart-
shapedandfrosty，whitish-green，resemblingfelt。TheHarvesterbenttoofferthem。
``HavesomeGrassofParnassus，mydear，’’hesaid。
TheGirlwavedthemaway。``Gostandovertherebythedoorandslowlyturnaround。Iwanttoseeyou。’’
TheHarvesterobeyed。Hewasfreshlyandcarefullyshaven。Hishairwascloselycroppedatthebaseofthehead，long，heavy，andslightlywavingontop。Heworeawhitesilkshirt，witharollingcollarandtie，whitetrousers，belt，hose，andshoes，andhishandsweremanicuredwithcare。
``HaveImadeamessofit，ordoIappearanythinglikeothermen？’’heasked，eagerly。
TheGirlliftedhereyestoDoctorHarmonandsmiled。
``Doyouobserveanythingmessy？’’sheinquired。
``Youneedn’tfishforcomplimentsquitesoobviously，’’
heanswered。``I’llpaythemwithoutbeingasked。
Idonot。Heisquitecorrect，andinfinitelybetterlookingthantheaverage。Distinguishedisaproperwordforthegentlemaninmyopinion。Butwhy，inHeaven’sname，haveweneverhadthepleasureofseeingyouthusbefore？’’
``Lookhere，Doc，’’saidtheHarvester，``doyoumeanthatyouenjoylookingatmemerelybecauseIamdressedthisway？’’
``Idoindeed，’’saidthedoctor。``Itisgoodtoseeyouwiththegarbofworklaidaside，andthestampofcleanlinessandeaseuponyou。’’
``Bygum，thatisrubbingitinalittletoorough！’’
criedtheHarvester。``Ibatheoftenerthanyoudo。MyclothingisalwayscleanwhenIstartout。Ofcourse，inmyworkIcomehourlyincontactwithmuck，water，andherbjuices。’’
``It’sunderstoodthatisunavoidable，’’saidDoctorHarmon。
``Andifcleanlinessismadeanissue，I’dratherrollinanyofitthanputmyfingertipsintothedailyworkofasurgeon，’’addedtheHarvester，andtheGirlgiggled。
``That’senoughMedicineMan！’’shesaid。``Youdidnotmakea`mess’ofit，oranythingelseyoueverattempted。Asforappearinglikeothermen，thankHeaven，youdonot。Youlookjustawholeworldbiggerandbetterandfiner。Come，carrymeoutquickly。Iamwildtogo。Pleaseputmylovelyflowersinwater，Molly，onlygivemeafewtohold。’’
TheHarvesterarrangedthepinkcoverlet，pickeduptheGirl，andcarriedhertotheliving-room。
``Wewillrestherealittle，’’hesaid，``andthen，ifyoufeelequaltoit，wewilltrytheveranda。Areyoueasynow？’’
Shenestledherfaceagainstthesoftshirtandsmiledathim。Sheliftedherhand，laiditonhissmoothcheekandthenthecrisphair。
``OhMan！’’shecried。``ThankGodyoudidn’tgivemeup，too！Iwantlife！IwantLIFE！’’
TheHarvestertightenedhisgripjustatrifle。``ThenIthankGod，too，’’hesaid。``Canyoutellmehowyouare，dear？Isthereanydifference？’’
``Yes，’’sheanswered。``Igrowtiredlyingsolong，butthereisn’ttheghostofanacheinmybones。Icanjustfeelpure，deliciousbloodrunninginmyveins。Myhandsandfeetarealwayswarm，andmyheadcool。’’
TheHarvester’sfacedrewveryclose。``Howaboutyourheart，honey？’’hewhispered。``Anythingnewthere？’’
``Yes，Iamallovernewinsideandout。Iwanttoshout，run，sing，andswim。OhI’dgiveanythingtohaveyoucarrymedownanddipmeinthelakerightnow。’’
``Soon，Girl！Thatwillcomesoon，’’prophesiedtheHarvester。
``Iscarcelycanwait。Andyoudidsayasaddle，didn’tyou？Won’titbegreattocomegallopingupthelevee，whentheleavesareredandthefrostisintheair。
OhamIgoingfastenough？’’