第9章

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？’’