``MuchfasterthanIexpected，’’saidtheHarvester。
``Youaresurprisingallofus，memostofany。Ruth，youalmostmakemehopethatyouregardthisashome。
Honey，youarethinkingalittleofmethesedays？’’
Thehandthathadfallenfromhishairlayonhisshoulder。Nowitslidaroundhisneck，andgrippedhimwithallitsstrength。
``Heapsandheaps！’’shesaid。``AllIgetachanceto，forbeingbotheredandfussedover，andeverlastinglyreadmushystuffthat’sintendedforsomeoneelse。
Pleasetakemetotheverandanow；Iwanttotellyousomething。’’
Hisheadswam，buttheHarvestersethisfeetfirmly，arose，andcarriedhisDreamGirlbacktooutdoorlife。
Whenhereachedthechair，shebeggedhimtogoafewstepsfarthertothebenchonthelakeshore。
``Iamafraid，’’saidtheman。
``It’ssowarm。Therecan’tbeanydifferenceintheair。Justaminute。’’
TheHarvesterpushedopenthescreen，wenttothebench，andseatinghimself，drewthecovercloselyaroundher。
``Don’tspeakawordforalongtime，’’hesaid。``Justrest。IfItireyoutoomuchandspoileverything，I
willbedesperate。’’
Heclaspedhertohim，laidhischeekagainstherhair，andhislipsonherforehead。Heheldherhandandkisseditoverandover，andagainhewatchedandcouldfindnoresentment。Thecool，pungentbreezesweptfromthelake，andthevoicesofwildlifechatteredattheirfeet。Sometimesthewaterfolkssplashed，whileabigblackandgoldbutterflymistooktheGirl’sdarkhairforaperchingplaceandsettledonit，slowlyopeningitswonderfulwings。
``Liequietly，Girl，’’whisperedtheHarvester。``Youarewearingalivingjewel，anornamentaboveprice，onyourhair。Maybeyoucanseeitwhenitgoes。There！’’
``OhIdid！’’shecried。``HowIloveithere！BeforelongmayIlieinthedining-roomwindowawhilesoI
canseethewater。Ilikethehill，butIlovethelakemore。’’
``Nowifyoujustwouldloveme，’’saidtheHarvester，``youwouldhaveallMedicineWoodsinyourheart。’’
``Don’thurrymeso！’’saidtheGirl。``Yougavemeayear；andit’sonlyafewweeks，andI’venotbeenmyself，andI’mnotnow。Imustn’tmakeanymistake，andallIknowforsureisthatIwantyoumost，andIcanrestbestwithyou，andImissyoueveryminuteyouaregone。Ithinkthatshouldsatisfyyou。’’
``Thatwouldbeenoughforanyreasonableman，’’
saidtheHarvesterangrily。``Forgiveme，Ruth，Ihavebeencruel。Iforgothowfrailandweakyouare。ItishavingHarmonherethatmakesmeunnatural。Italmostdrivesmetofrenzytoknowthathemaytakeyoufromme。’’
``Thensendhimaway！’’
``SENDHIMAWAY？’’
``Yes，sendhimaway！Iamtiredtodeathofhispoetry，andseeinghimspoonaround。Sendbothofthemawayquickly！’’
TheHarvestergulped，blinked，andsurreptitiouslyfeltforherpulse。
``Oh，I’venotdevelopedfeveragain，’’shesaid。``I’mallright。Butitmustbeafearfulexpensetohavebothofthemherebytheweek，andI’msotiredofthem，Grannysaysshecantakecareofmejustaswell，andthegirlwhohelpshercancook。Noonebutyoushallliftme，ifIdon’tgetmynoseOutuntilIcanwalkaloneBothofthemareperfectlyuseless，andI’dmuchratheryou’dsendthemaway。’’
``There，there！Ofcourse！’’saidtheHarvestersoothingly。``I’lldoitassoonasIpossiblydare。Youdon’tunderstand，honey。Youareyetdelicatebeyondmeasure，internally。Thefeverburnedsolong。Everymorselyoueatismeasuredandcookedinsterilizedvessels，andI’dbescaredofmylifetohavethegirlundertakeit。’’
``Whysheisdoingitstraightalongnow！SheandGranny！Mollyisn’toutofDoctorHarmon’ssightlongenoughtocookanything。Grannysaysthereis`alotofbuncombeaboutwhattheydo，andsheisgoingtotellthemsorighttotheirteethsomeofthesedays，iftheybadgerhermuchmore，’andIwishshewould，andyou，too。’’
TheHarvestergatheredtheGirltohiminonecrushingbearhug。
``FortheloveofHeaven，Ruth，youdrivemecrazy！
Answermejustonequestion。Whenyoutoldmethatyou`adoredandworshipped’DoctorHarmon，didyoumeanit，orwasthatthedeliriumoffever？’’
``Idon’tknowWHATItoldyou！IfIsaidI`adored’
him，itwasthetruth。Idid！Ido！Ialwayswill！
SodoIadoretheAlmighty，butthat’snosignIwanthimtoreadpoetrytome，andbearoundallthetimewhenIamwildforaminutewithyou。IcanworshipDoctorHarmoninChicagoorOnabashaquiteaswell。
Firehim！Ifyoudon’t，Iwill！’’
``GoodLord！’’criedtheHarvester，helplessuntiltheGirlhadtoclingtohimtopreventrollingfromhisnervelessarms。``Ruth，Ruth，willyoufeelmypulse？’’
``No，Iwon’t！Butyouaregoingtodropme。Takemestraightbacktomybeautifulnewbed，andsendthemaway。’’
``Aminute！Givemeaminute！’’gaspedtheHarvester。``Icouldn’tliftababyjustnow。Ruth，dear，I
thoughtyouLOVEDtheman。’’
``Whatmadeyouthinkso？’’
``Youdid！’’
``Ididn’teither！IneversaidIlovedhim。IsaidIwasunderobligationstohim；buttheyareaswellrepaidastheyevercanbe。IsaidIadoredhim，andI
tellyouIdo！Givehimwhatweowehim，bothofus，inmoney，andsendthemaway。Ifyou’dseenasmuchofthemasIhave，you’dbetiredofthem，too。Please，please，David！’’
``Yes，’’saidtheHarvester，arisinginasuddentideofeffulgentjoy。``Yes，Girl，justasquicklyasIcanwithdecency。I——I’llsendthemonthelake，andI’lltakecareofyou。’’
``Youwon’treadpoetrytome？’’
``Iwillnot。’’
``Youwon’tmoonatme？’’
``No！’’
``Thenhurry！Buthavethemtakeyourboat。Iamgoingtohavethefirstrideinmine。’’
``Indeedyouare，andsoon，too！’’saidtheHarvester，marchingupthehillasifhewereleadinghoststobattle。
HelaidtheGirlonthebedandcoveredher，andcalledGrannyMorelandtositbesideherafewminutes。Hewentintothegoldgardenandproposedthatthedoctorandthenursegorowinguntilsuppertime，andtheywentwithalacrity。WhentheystartedhereturnedtotheGirland，sittingbesideher，hetoldGrannytotakeanap。Thenhebegantotalksoftlyallaboutwildmusic，andhowitwasmade，andwhatthedifferentodourssweepingdownthehillwere，andwhentheredleaveswouldcome，andthenutsrattledown，andthefrostfairiesenamelthewindows，andsoonshewassoundasleep。
Grannycameback，andtheHarvesterwalkedaroundthelakeshoretobealoneawhileandthinkquietly，forhewasalmosttoodazedandbewilderedforfullrealization。
Ashesoftlyfollowedthefootpathheheardvoices，andlookingdown，hesawtheboatlyingintheshadeandbeneathabigtreeonthebanksatthedoctorandthenurse。Hisarmwasaroundher，andherheadwasonhisshoulder；andshesaidverydistinctly，``Howlongwillitbeuntilwecangowithoutoffendinghim？’’
CHAPTERXIX
AVERTICALSPINE
BymiddleSeptemberthelasttraceofillnesshadbeenremovedfromthepremises，anditwasrapidlydisappearingfromthefaceandformoftheGirl。Shewasshowingabeautifulroundness，therewaslovelycolouronhercheeksandlips，andinherdarkeyessparkledatouchofmischief。Rigidlyshefollowedtheruleslaiddownfordietandexercise，andasstrengthflowedthroughherbody，andnotraceofpaintormentedher，shebeganrevellinginnewanddelightfulsensations。Shelovedtopullherboatasshewilled，driveoverthewoodroad，studythebooks，cookthenewdishes，rearrangefurniture，andgowiththeHarvestereverywhere。
Butthatwasgreatlythemanagementoftheman。
HewassoafraidthatsomethingmighthappentoundoallthewondersaccomplishedintheGirl，andagainwhitenherfacewithpain，thathescarcelyallowedheroutofhissight。Heremainedinthecabin，helpingwhensheworked，andthendrovewithherandabigblankettothewoods，arrangedherchairandtable，foundsomeattractivesubject，andwhilethewindravelledherhairandflushedhercheeks，herfingersdrewdesigns。Atnoontheywenttothecabintolunch，andtheGirltookanap，whiletheHarvesterspreadhismorning’sreapingontheshelvestodry。Theyreturnedtothewoodsuntilfiveo’clock；thenhomeagainandtheGirldressedandpreparedsupper，whiletheHarvesterspreadhisstoresandfedthestock。Thenheputonwhiteclothingfortheevening。TheGirlrestedwhilehewashedthedishes，andtheyexploredthelakeinthelittlemotorboat，ordrovetothecityforsupplies，ortoseetheirfriends。
``Areyouevenwithyourusualworkatthistimeoftheyear？’’sheaskedastheysatatbreakfast。
``Iam，’’saidtheHarvester。``Theonlythingsthathavebeencrowdedoutarethecandlesticks。Theywillhavetoremainontheshelfuntiltheherbsandrootsareallin，andthelongwintereveningscome。ThenI’llusethelunapatternandfinishyoursfirstofall。’’
``Whatareyougoingtodoto-day？’’
``Startonaregularfallcampaign。Someofitforthesakeofhavingit，andsomebecausethereisgoodmoneyinit。Willyoucome？’’
``Indeedyes。MayIhelp，orshallItakemydrawingalong？’’
``Bringyourdrawing。Nextfallyoumayhelp，butasyetyouaretooclosesufferingformetoseeyoudoanythingthatmightbeevenaslightrisk。Ican’tendureit。’’
``Baby！’’shejeered。
``Christenmeanythingyouplease，’’laughedtheHarvester。``I’mshortonnamesanyway。’’
HewenttoharnessBetsy，andtheGirlwashedthedishes，straightenedtherooms，andcollectedherdrawingmaterial。Thenshewalkedupthehill，wearingashirtandshortskirtofkhaki，stoutshoes，andastrawhatthatshadedherface。Sheclimbedintothewagon，laidthedrawingboxontheseat，andcaughtthelinesastheHarvesterflungthemtoher。Hewentswingingahead，Belshazzartoheel，theGirldrivingafter。Thewhitepigeonscircledabove，andeverydayAjaxallowedhiscuriositytoovercomehistemper，andfollowedalittlefarther。
``Whoa，Betsy！’’TheGirltuggedatthelines；butBetsytookthebitbetweenherteeth，andploddedaftertheHarvester。Shepulledwithallhermight，butherstrengthwasnotnearlysufficienttostopthestubbornanimal。
``Whoa，David！’’criedtheGirl。
``Whatisit？’’theHarvesterturned。
``Won’tyoupleasewaituntilIcantakeoffmyhat？
Ilovetoridebareheadedthroughthewoods，andBetsywon’tstopuntilyoudo，nomatterhowhardIpull。’’
``Betsy，you’renolady！’’saidtheHarvester。``Whydon’tyoustopwhenyou’retold？’’
``Ishan’twasteanymorestrengthonher，’’saidtheGirl。``HereafterIshallsay，`Gee，David，’`Haw，David，’
`Whoa，David，’andthenshewilldoexactlyasyou。’’
TheHarvesterstoppedhalfwayupthehill，andbesidealarge，shadedbedspreadtherug，andsetupthelittletableandchairfortheGirl。
``Wantaplanttodraw？’’heasked。``Thisisveryimportanttous。Ithasastringofnamesaslongasaprincess，butIcallitgoldenseal，becausetherootsareyellow。Thechemistsaskforhydrastis。Thatsoundsformidable，butit’sacousinofbuttercups。ThewoodsofOhioandIndianaproducethefinestthatevergrew，butitissonearlyextinctnowthatthetradecanbesuppliedbycultivationonly。IsuspectI’mresponsibleforitsdisappearancearoundhere。Iusedtogetadollarfiftyapound，andmostofmyclothesandbookswhenaboyIowetoit。NowIgettwoformyfinestgrade；
thataccountsforthesizeofthesebeds。’’
``It’spretty！’’saidtheGirl，studyingaplantaveragingafootinheight。Onaslender，round，purplishstemaroseonebig，roughleaf，heavilyveined，andhavingfromfivetoninelobes。Oppositewasasimilarleaf，butverysmall，andaheadofscarletberriesresemblingabigraspberryinshape。TheHarvestershooktheblackwoodssoilfromtheyellowroots，andhelduptheplant。
``Youwon’tenjoytheodour，’’hesaid。
``WellIliketheleaves。IknowIcanusethemsomeway。Theyaresounusual。Whatwonderfulcolourintheroots！’’
``OneofitsnamesisIndianpaint，’’explainedtheHarvester。``Probablyitfurnishedthesquawsofthesewoodswithcolouringmatter。Nowlet’sseewhatwecangetoutofit。YoudrawtheplantandI’lldigtheroots。’’
ForatimetheGirlbentoverherworkandtheHarvesterwasbusy。Belshazzarrangedthewoodschasingchipmunks。Thebirdscameaskingquestions。Whenthedrawingwascompleted，othersubjectswerefoundateveryturn，andtheGirltalkedalmostconstantly，herfacealivewithinterest。TheMay-applebedslayclose，andshedrewfromthem。Shelearnedtheusesandpricesoftheplant，andalsomadedrawingsofcohosh，moonseedandbloodroot。Thatwassowonderfulinitsrootcolour，theHarvesterfilledthelittlecupwithwaterandshebegantopaint。Intenselyabsorbedshebentabovethebig，notched，silveryleavesandtheblood-redroots，testingandtryingtomatchthemexactly。EveryfewminutestheHarvesterleanedoverhershouldertoseehowshewasprogressingandtooffersuggestions。Whenshefinishedshepickedupatrailingvineofmoonseed。
``Youhavethisontheporch，’’shesaid。``Ithinkitislovely。Thereisnoendtothebeautifulcombinationsofleaves，andthesearesuchprettylittlegrape-likeclusters；butifyoutouchthemtheslightestyousoilthewonderfulsurface。’’
``Andthatmakesthefairiesverysad，’’saidtheHarvester。``Theylovethatvinebestofany，becausetheypaintitsfruitwiththemostcare。`Bloom’thescientistscallit。Youseeitoncultivatedplums，grapes，andapples，butneverinanysuchperfectionasonmoonseedandblackhawsinthewoods。Youshouldbeabletodesignanumberofprettythingsfromthecohoshleavesandberries，too。Youscarcelycangetastartthisfall，butearlyinthespringyoucanbegin，andfollowtheseason。Ifyourworkcomesoutwellthiswinter，I’llsendsomeofittothebigpublishinghouses，andyoucanmakebookandmagazinecoversanddecorations，ifyouwouldlike。’’
```IfIwouldlike！’Howmodest！YouknowperfectlywellthatifIcouldmakeadesignthatwouldbeaccepted，andusedonabookormagazine，Iwouldalmostfly。OhdoyousupposeIcould？’’
``Idon’t`suppose’anythingaboutit，Iknow，’’saidtheHarvester。``Itisnotpossiblethatthepubliccanbeanymoretiredofwildroses，golden-rod，andswallowsthanthepoorarteditorswhoacceptthembecausetheycan’thelpthemselves。Danglesomethingfreshandnewundertheirnosesandseethemsnap。ThenexttimeIgotoOnabashaI’llgetyousomepopularmagazines，andyoucancomparewhatisbeingusedwithwhatyouseehere，andjudgeforyourselfhowgladtheywouldbeforachange。Andpotteries，artsandcraftsshops，andwallpaperfactories，they’dbecrazyforthedesignsIcouldfurnishthem。Asformoney，there’smoreinitthantheherbs，ifIonlycoulddraw。’’
``Icandothat，’’saidtheGirl。``Trailthevineandgivemeanideahowtoscaleit。I’lljustmakestudiesnow，andthiswinterI’llconventionalizethemandworkthemintopatterns。Won’tthatbefun？’’
``That’smorethanfun，Ruth，’’saidtheHarvestersolemnly。``Thatiscreation。ThattouchestheprovincesoftheAlmighty。ThatistakingHisunknownwondersandmakingthemintopleasureandbenefitforthousands，nottomentionfillingyourfacewithawedivine，andlightingyoureyeswithinterestandambition。
Thatislife，Ruth。Youarebeginningtoliverightnow。’’
``Isee，’’saidtheGirl。``Iunderstand！Iam！’’
``Yougetyoursubjectsnow。WhentheharvestisoverI’llshowyouwhatIhaveinmyhead，andbeforeChristmasthefunwillbegin。’’
``Whatnext？’’
``Sketchasarsaparillaplantandthisyamvine。Itgrowsonyourverandatoo——therattlebox，youremember。Theleavesandseedingarrangementsarewonderful。Youcandoanynumberofthingswiththem，andallwillbenew。’’
Hecalledherattentiontoandbroughthersamplesofgingerleaves，Indianhemp，queen-of-the-meadow，cone-flower，burdock，baneberry，andIndianturnip，asheharvestedtheminturn。WhentheycametothelargebedsoforangepleurisyroottheGirlcriedoutwithpleasure。
``Wewilltakeitsprosaicfeaturesfirst，’’saidtheHarvester。``Itisgoodmedicineandworthhandling。
Forgetthat！TheBirdWomancallsitbutterflyflower。
That’sbetter。Nowtrytoanalyzeasinglebloomofthisgaudymass，andyouwillseewhythere’spoetrycoming。’’
HekneltbesidetheGirl，separatingthebloomsandpointingouttheirmarvellouscolourandconstruction。
Sheleanedagainsthisshoulder，andwatchedwithbreathlessinterest。Ashisbareheadbroughtitsmopofdampwind-rumpledhairclose，sheranherfingersthroughit，andwithherhandkerchiefwipedhisforehead。
``SometimesIalmostwishyou’dgetsick，’’shesaidirrelevantly。
``Inthenameofcommonsense，why？’’demandedtheHarvester。
``Ohitmustbebornintheheartofawomantowanttomothersomething，’’answeredtheGirl。``IfeelsometimesasifIwouldliketotakecareofyou，asifyouwerealittlefellow。David，Iknowwhyyourmotherfoughttomakeyouthemanshedesired。Youmusthavebeencharmingwhensmall。Icanshutmyeyesandjustseetheboyyouwere，andIshouldhavelovedyouasshedid。’’
``HowaboutthemanIam？’’inquiredtheHarvesterpromptly。``Anyleaningstowardhimyet，Ruth？’’
``It’sgettingworserandworsereverydayandhour，’’
saidtheGirl。``Idon’tunderstanditatall。Iwouldn’ttrytolivewithoutyou。Idon’twantyoutoleavemysight。EverythingyoudoisthewayIwouldhaveit。
Nothingyoueversayshocksoroffendsme。I’dlovetorenderyouanypersonalservice。Iwanttotakeyouinmyarmsandhugyoutighthalfadozentimesadayasarewardforthekindandlovelythingsyoudoforme。’’
AdullredflameduptheneckandoverthefaceoftheHarvester。Onearmliftedtothechairback，theotherdroppedacrossthetablesothattheGirlwasalmostencircled。
``Fortheloveofmercy，Ruth，whyhaven’tIhadahintofthisbefore？’’hecried。
``Yousaidyou’dhateme。Yousaidyou’ddropmeintothedeepestpartofthelakeifIdeceivedyou；andifIhavetotellthetruth，why，thatisallofit。Ithinkitisnonsenseaboutsomewonderfulfeelingthatisgoingtotakepossessionofyourheartwhenyouloveanyone。
IloveyousomuchI’dgladlysuffertosaveyoupainorsorrow。Buttherearenothrills；it’sjuststeady，sober，commonsensethatIshouldloveyou，andIdo。Whycan’tyoubesatisfiedwithwhatIcangive，David？’’
``Becauseit’shusksandashes，’’saidtheHarvestergrimly。``Youdrivemetodesperation，Ruth。Iamalmostwildforyourlove，butwhatyouoffermeisplain，straightaffection，nothingmore。Thereisn’tatraceofthefeelingthatshouldexistbetweenmanandwifeinit。
Somemenmightbesatisfiedtobeyourhusband，andberegardedasafatherorbrother。Iamnot。Theredbirddidn’twantasister，Ruth，hewasaskingforamate。
SoamI。That’sasplainasIknowhowtoputit。
Thereissomewaytoawakenyouintoaliving，lovingwoman，and，pleaseGod，I’llfindityet，butI’mslowaboutit；there’snoquestionofthat。Neveryoumind！
Don’tworry！SomeofthesedaysIhavefaithtobelieveitwillsweepyouasatidesweepstheshore，andthenI
hopeGodwillbegoodenoughtoletmebewhereyouwilllandinmyarms。’’
TheGirlsatlookingathimbetweennarrowedlids。
Suddenlyshetookhisheadbetweenherhands，drewhisfacetohersanddeliberatelykissedhim。Thenshedrewawayandsearchedhiseyes。
``There！’’shechallenged。``Whatisthematterwiththat？’’
TheHarvester’scolourslowlyfadedtoasicklywhite。
``Ruth，youtrymealmostbeyondhumanendurance，’’
hesaid。```What’sthematterwiththat？’’’Hearose，steppedback，foldedhisarms，andstaredather。```What’sthematterwiththat？’’’herepeated。``NeverwasIsosorelytemptedinallmylifeasIamnowtolietoyou，andsaythereisnothing，andtakeyouinmyarmsandtrytoawakenyoutowhatImeanbylove。ButsupposeIdo——andfail！Thencomestheagonyofslowenduranceforme，andthepossibilitythatanydayyoumaymeetthemanwhocanarouseinyouthefeelingsI
cannot。Thatwouldmeanmyoathbroken，andmyheartaswell；whilesoonyouwoulddislikemebeyondtolerance，even。Idarenotriskit！Thematteris，thatwasthelovingcaressofaten-year-oldgirltoabigbrothersheadmired。That’sall！Notmuch，butamightybigdefectwhenitisofferedastrongmanasfuelonwhichtofeedconsumingpassion。’’
``Consumingpassion，’’repeatedtheGirl。``Davidyouneverlie，andyouneverexaggerate。Doyouhonestlymeanthatthereissomething——oh，thereis！
Icanseeit！Youarereallysuffering，andifIcometoyou，andtrymybesttocomfortyou，you’llonlycallitbabyaffectionthatyoudon’twant。David，whatamIgoingtodo？’’
``Youaregoingtothecabin，’’saidtheHarvester，``andcookusabigsupper。Iamdreadfullyhungry。I’llbealongpresently。Don’tworry，Ruth，youareallright！Thatkisswaslovely。Tellmethatyouarenotangrywithme。’’
Hereyeswerewetasshesmiledathim。
``Ifthereisabiggerbrutethanamananywhereonthefootstool，Ishouldliketomeetit，’’saidtheHarvester，``andseewhatitappearslike。Goalong，honey；I’llbethereassoonasIload。’’
Hedrovetothedry-house，washedandspreadhisreapingonthebigtrays，fedthestock，dressedinthewhiteclothingandenteredthekitchen。ThattheGirlhadbeencryingwasobvious，butheoverlookedit，helpedwiththework，andthentheytookaboatride。
Whentheyreturnedheproposedthatsheshouldselectherfavouritelikenessofhermother，andthenexttimehewenttothecityhewouldtakeitwithhis，andordertheenlargementshehadplanned。Tosavecarryingalightedlampintotheclosethebroughtherlittletrunktotheliving-room，wheresheopeneditandhuntedthepictures。Therewereseveral，andallofthemwereofayoung，elegantlydressedwomanofgreatbeauty。TheHarvesterstudiedthemlong。
``Whowasshe，Ruth？’’heaskedatlast。
``Idon’tknow，andIhavenodesiretolearn。’’
``CanyouexplainhowthegirlhererepresentedcametomarryabrotherofHenryJameson？’’
``Yes。Iwaspasttwelvewhenmyfathercamethelasttime，andIrememberhimdistinctly。IfUncleHenrywereproperlyclothed，heisnotabadmaninappearance，unlessheisveryangry。Hecanuseproperlanguage，ifhechooses。Myfatherwasthebestinhim，refinedandintensified。Hewasmuchtaller，verygoodlooking，andhedressedandspokewell。TheywerebornandgrewtomanhoodintheEast，andcameouthereatthesametime。WhereUncleHenryisatricksterandatraderinstock，myfatherwentastephigher，andtrickedandtradedinmen——andwomen！Mothertoldmethismuchonce。Hesawhersomewhereandadmiredher。Helearnedwhoshewas，wenttoherfather’slawofficeandpretendedhewasrepresentingsomegreatbusinessintheWest，untilhewaswelcomedasapromisingclient。Hehungaroundandwhenshecameinonedayherfatherwasforcedtointroducethem。
Theremainderisthesameworld-oldstory——agoodlooking，glib-tonguedman，plyingeveryartknowntoanexpert，onaninnocentgirl。’’
``Ishedead，Ruth？’’
``Wethoughtso。Wehopedso。’’
``Yourmotherdidnotfeelthatherpeoplemightbesufferingforherasshewasforthem？’’
``Notaftersheappealedtothemtwiceandreceivednoreply。’’
``Perhapstheytriedtofindher。Maybeshehasafatherormotherwhoislongingforwordfromhernow。
Areyouverysureyouarerightinnotwantingtoknow？’’
``ShenevergavemeahintfromwhichIcouldtellwhoorwheretheywere。Insogentleawomanasmymotherthatonlycouldmeanshedidnotwantthemtoknowofher。NeitherdoI。ThisisthephotographIprefer；pleaseuseit。’’
``I’llputbackthetrunkinthemorning，whenIcanseebetter，’’saidtheHarvester。
TheGirlclosedit，andsoonwenttobed。Buttherewasnosleepfortheman。Hewentintothenight，andforhourshepacedthedrivewayinrackingthought。
ThenhesatonthestepandlookedatBelshazzarbeforehim。
``Life’sgrowingeasiereveryminute，Bel，’’saidtheHarvester。``Here’smyDreamGirl，lovelyasthemostgoldeninstantofthatwonderfuldream，offeringme——
offeringme，Bel——inmypresentpass，thelipsandtheloveofmylittlesisterwhoneverwasborn。AndI’vehurtRuth’sfeelings，andsenthertobedwithaheartache，tryingtomakeherseethatitwon’tdo。Itwon’t，Bel！IfIcan’thavegenuinelove，Idon’twantanything。
ItoldhersoasplainlyasIcouldfindwords，andsethercrying，andmadeherunhappytoendawonderfulday。
Butinsomewayshehasgottolearnthatpropinquity，tolerance，approval，affection，even——isnotlove。I
can’ttaketherisk，afteralltheseyearsofwaitingfortherealthing。IfIdid，andlovenevercame，Iwouldend——well，IknowhowIwouldend——andthatwouldspoilherlife。Isimplyhavegottobraceup，Bel，andkeepontrying。Shethinksitisnonsenseaboutthrills，andsomewonderfulfeelingthattakespossessionofyou。Lord，Bel！Thereisn’tmuchnonsenseaboutthethingthatragesinmybrain，heart，soul，andbody。Itstrikesmeasthegravestrealitythateverovertookaman。
``Sheisgrowingwonderfullyattachedtome。`Couldn’tlivewithoutme，’Bel，thatiswhatshesaid。MaybeitwouldbeaschemetobringGrannyheretostaywithher，andtakeafewmonthsinsomecitythiswinteronthosechemicalpointsthattroubleme。Thereisanoldsayingabout`absencemakingtheheartgrowfonder。’
Maybeseparationisthethingtoworkthetrick。I’vetriedabouteverythingelseIknow。
``ButI’mintoomuchofahurry！Whatafoolamanis！Afewweeksago，Bel，IsaidtomyselfthatifHarmonwereawayandhadnopartinherlifeI’dbethehappiestmanalive。Happiestmanalive！Bel，takealookatmenow！Happy！Well，whyshouldn’tIbehappy？Sheishere。Sheisgrowinginstrengthandbeautyeveryhour。Shecaresmoreformedaybyday。
FromanoutsideviewpointitseemsasifIhadalmostallamancouldaskinreason。Butwhenwasastrongmaninthegripofloveeverreasonable？IthinktheAlmightytookaprettygraveresponsibilitywhenHemademenasHedid。IfIhadbeenHe，andunderstoodtheforcesIwashandling，Iwouldhavebeentoobigacowardtodoit。Thereisnothingforme，Bel，buttomoveondoingmylevelbest；andifshedoesn’tawakensoon，Iwilltrytheabsenttreatment。Assureasyouarethemostfaithfuldogamaneverowned，Bel，I’lltrytheabsenttreatment。’’
TheHarvesteraroseandenteredthecabin，steppingsoftly，foritwasdarkintheGirl’sroom，andhecouldnothearasoundthere。Heturnedupthelightsintheliving-room。Ashedidsothefirstthinghesawwasthelittletrunk。Helookedatitintently，thenpickedupabook。Everypageheturnedheglancedagainatthetrunk。Atlasthelaiddownthebookandsatstaring，hisbrainworkingrapidly。Heendedbycarryingthetrunktohisroom。Hedarkenedtheliving-room，lightedhisown，drewtherainscreens，andpiecebypiececarefullyexaminedthecontents。Therewerethepictures，butthenameofthephotographerhadbeenremoved。Therewasnotawordthatwouldhelpinidentification。Heemptiedittothebottom，andashepickedupthelastpiecehisfingersstruckinapeculiarwaythatdidnotgivetheimpressionoftouchingasolidsurface。Hefeltoveritcarefully，andwhenheexaminedwithacandleheplainlycouldseewheretheclothlininghadbeencutandlifted。
Foralongtimehekneltstaringatit，thenhedeliberatelyinsertedhisknifebladeandraisedit。Theclothhadbeengluedtoaheavysheetofpasteboardtheexactsizeofthetrunkbottom。Beneathitlayhalfadozenyellowletters，andfacedowntwotissue-wrappedphotographs。TheHarvesterexaminedthemfirst。Theywereofamancloseforty，havingastrong，aggressiveface，onwhichprideanddominantwillpowerwereprominentlyindicated。Theotherwasareproductionofadaintyanddelicatewoman，withexquisitelytenderandgentlefeatures。LongtheHarvesterstudiedthem。
Thenamesofthephotographerandthecityweremissing。
Therewasnothingexceptthefaces。HecoulddetecttracesofthemaninthepoiseoftheGirlandthecarriageofherhead，andsuggestionsofthewomanintherefinedsweetnessofherexpression。Eachpicturerepresentedwealthindressandtasteinpose。Finallyhelaidthemtogetheronthetable，pickeduponeoftheletters，andreadit。Thenhereadallofthem。
Beforehefinished，tearswererunningdownhischeeks，andhisresolutionwasformed。Theseweretheappealsofanadoringmother，crazedwithfearforthesafetyofanonlychild，whounfortunatelyhadfallenundertheinfluenceofamanthemotherdreadedandfeared，becauseofherknowledgeoflifeandmenofhischaracter。Theywereonelong，impassionedpleaforthedaughternottotrustastranger，nottobelievethatvowsofpassioncouldbetruewhenallelseinlifewasfalse，nottotrustheruntriedjudgmentofmenandtheworldagainsttheexperienceofherparents。Butwhetherthetearsthatstainedthosesheetshadfallenfromtheeyesofthesufferingmotherorthestarvedanddeserteddaughter，therewasnowayfortheHarvestertoknow。Onethingwasclear:Itwasnotpossibleforhimtorestuntilheknewifthatwomanyetlivedandboresuchsuffering。Buteverytraceofaddresshadbeentornaway，andtherewasnothingtoindicatewhereorinwhatcircumstancestheselettershadbeenwritten。
AlongtimetheHarvestersatindeepthought。Thenhereturnedalltheletterssaveone。Thiswiththepictureshemadeintoapacketthathelockedinhisdesk。Thetrunkhereplacedandthenwenttobed。
EarlythenextmorninghedrovetoOnabashaandpostedtheparcel。Theaddressitborewasthatofthelargestdetectiveagencyinthecountry。Thenheboughtaninterestingbook，aboxoffruit，andhurriedbacktotheGirl。Hefoundherontheveranda，Belshazzarstretchedclosewithoneeyeshutandtheotheronhischarge，whosecheekswereflushedwithlovelycolourasshebentoverherdrawingmaterial。TheHarvesterwenttoherwitharush，andslippinghisfingersunderherchin，tiltedbackherheadagainsthim。
``Gotakissforme，honey？’’heinquired。
``Nosir，’’answeredtheGirlemphatically。``Igaveyouaperfectlylovelyoneyesterday，andyousaiditwasnotright。Iamgoingtotryjustoncemore，andifyousayagainthatitwon’tdo，I’mgoingbacktoChicagoortomydearUncleHenry，Ihaven’tdecidedwhich。’’
Herlipsweresmiling，buthereyeswerefulloftears。
``Whythankyou，Ruth！Ithinkthatiswonderful，’’
saidtheHarvester。``I’llriskthenextone。Inthemeantime，excusemeifIgiveyouademonstrationoftherealthing，justtofurnishyouanideaofhowitshouldbe。’’
TheHarvesterdeliveredthesample，andwentstridingtothemarsh。ThedazedGirlsatstaringatherwork，tryingtorealizewhathadhappened；forthatwasthefirsttimetheHarvesterhadkissedheronthelips，anditwasthematerialexpressionastrongmangivesthewomanheloveswhenhisheartissurgingathightide。
TheGirlsatmotionless，gazingatherstudy。
InthemarshsheknewtheHarvesterwasreapingqueen-of-the-meadow，andaroundthehighborders，elecampaneandburdock。Shecouldhearhisvoiceinsnatchesofsongorcheerywhistle；notesthatshedivinedwereintendedtokeepherfromworrying。Intermingledwiththemcamethedog’sbarkofdefianceashediggedforanescapingchipmunk，hisnoteofpleadingwhenhewantedarootcutwiththemattock，hiscryofdiscoverywhenhethoughthehadfoundsomethingtheHarvesterwouldlike，orhisyelpofwarningwhenhescenteddanger。TheGirllookeddownthedrivetothelakeandacrossatthehedge。Everywhereshesawglowingcolour，withintermittentblueskyandgreenleaves，allofitacompletepicture，fromwhichnothingcouldbespared。Sheturnedslowlyandlookedtowardthemarsh，tryingtohearthewordsofthesongabovetherippleofSingingWater，andtoseetheformoftheman。Slowlysheliftedherhandkerchiefandpresseditagainstherlips，asshewhisperedinanawedvoice，``MygraciousHeaven，isTHATthekindofakissheisexpectingmetogiveHIM？Why，Icouldn’t——nottosavemylife。’’
Sheplacedherbrushesinwater，setthecolourboxonthepaper，andwenttothekitchentopreparethenoonlunch。Assheworkedthesoftcolourdeepenedinhercheeks，anewlightglowedinhereyes，andshehummedoverthetunethatfloatedacrossthemarsh。
ShewasverybusywhentheHarvestercame，buthespokecasuallyofhismorning’swork，ateheartily，andorderedhertotakeanapwhilehewashedrootsandfilledthetrays，andthentheywenttothewoodstogetherfortheafternoon。
Intheeveningtheycamehometothecabinandfinishedtheday’swork。Asthenightwaschilly，theHarvesterheapedsomebarkintheliving-roomfireplace，andlayontherugbeforeit，whiletheGirlsatinaneasychairandwatchedhimashetalked。Hewastellingheraboutsomewonderfulcombinationshewasgoingtocompoundfordifferentailmentsandhelaughinglyaskedherifshewantedtobeamillionaire’swifeandliveinapalace。
``OfcourseIcouldifIwantedto！’’shesuggested。
``Youcould！’’criedtheHarvester。``Allthatisnecessaryistocombineafewproperdrugsinonegreatremedyandfloatit。Thatiseasy！Thepeoplewilldotheremainder。’’
``Youtalkasifyoubelievethat，’’marvelledtheGirl。
``Wantitproven？’’challengedtheHarvester。
``No！’’shecriedinswiftalarm。``Whatdowewantwithmorethanwehave？Whatistherenecessarytohappinessthatisnotoursnow？Maybeitistruethatthe`loveofmoneyistherootofallevil。’Don’tyouevergetalotjusttofindout。YousaidthenightIcameherethatyoudidn’twantmorethanyouhadandnowIdon’t。Iwon’thaveit！Itmightbringrestlessnessanddiscontent。I’veseenitmakeotherpeopleunhappyandseparatethem。Idon’twantmoney，Iwantwork。Youmakeyourremediesandofferthemtosufferinghumanityforjustalivingprofit，andI’llkeephouseanddrawdesigns。Iamperfectlyhappy，free，andunspeakablycontent。Ineverdreamedthatitwaspossibleformetobesoglad，andsofilledwiththejoyoflife。ThereisonlyonethingonearthIwant。
IfIonlycould——’’
``Couldwhat，Ruth？’’
``Couldgetthatkissright——’’
TheHarvesterlaughed。
``Forgetit，Itellyou！’’hecommanded。``Justsolongasyouworryandfret，solongI’vegottowait。Ifyouquitthinkingaboutit，all`unbeknownst’toyourselfyou’llawakesomemorningwithitonyourlips。I
canseetracesofitgrowingstrongereveryday。Verysoonnowit’sgoingtomaterialize，andthengetoutofmyway，forI’llbeawhirling，irresponsiblelunatic，withthewildjoyofit。OhI’vegotfaithinthatkissofyours，Ruth！It’sontheway。Thefateshavebookedit。Thereisn’tareasononearthwhyIshouldbeservedsoscurvyatrickastomissit，andIneverwillbelievethatIshall——’’
``David，’’interruptedtheGirl，``goontalkinganddon’tmoveamuscle，justreachoverpresentlyandfixthefireorsomething，andthenturnnaturallyandlookatthewindowbesideyourdoor。’’
``Shallmissit，’’saidtheHarvestersteadily。
``Thatwouldbetoounmerciful。Whatdoyousee，Ruth？’’
``Aface。IfIamnotgreatlymistaken，itismyUncleHenryandheappearslikeaperfectfiend。OhDavid，Iamafraid！’’
``Bequietanddon’tlook，’’saidtheHarvester。
Heturnedandtossedapieceofbarkonthefire。
Thenhereachedforthepoker，pusheditdownandstirredthecoals。Hearoseasheworked。
``Riseslowlyandquietlyandgotoyourroom。StaythereuntilIcallyou。’’
WiththeGirloutoftheway，theHarvesterpotteredoverthefire，andwhentheflameleapedheliftedastickofwood，hesitatedasifitweretoosmall，andlayingitdown，startedtobringalargerone。Inthedining-
roomhecaughtasmallstickfromthewoodbox，softlysteppedfromthedoor，andranaroundthehouse。ButheawakenedBelshazzaronthekitchenfloor，andthedogbarkedandranafterhim。BythetimetheHarvesterreachedthecornerofhisroomthemanleapeduponahorseandwentracingdownthedrive。TheHarvesterflungthestickofwood，butmissedthemanandhitthehorse。ThedogsprangpasttheHarvesterandvanished。Therewasthesoundandflashofarevolver，andtherattleofthebridgeasthehorsecrossedit。Thedogcamebackunharmed。TheHarvesterrantothetelephone，calledtheOnabashapolice，andaskedthemtosendamountedmantomeettheintruderbeforehecouldreachacrossroad；buttheyweretooslowandmissedhim。However，theGirlwascertainshehadrecognizedheruncle，andwasextremelynervous；buttheHarvesteronlylaughedandtoldheritwasatripmadeoutofcuriosity。Herunclewantedtoseeifhecouldlearnifshewerewellandhappy，andhefinallyconvincedherthatthiswasthecase，althoughhewasnotverysanguinehimself。
ForthenextthreedaystheHarvesterworkedinthewoodsandhekepttheGirlwithhimeveryminute。
Bytheendofthattimehereallyhadpersuadedhimselfthatitwasmerelycuriosity。Sothroughthecoolingfalldaystheyworkedtogether。Theywereveryhappy。
BeforeherwonderingeyestheHarvesterhungqueerbranches，burs，nuts，berries，andtrailingvineswithcuriousseedpods。Thereweremassesofbrilliantflowers，mostofthemstrangetotheGirl，manytothegreataverageofhumanity。Whileshesatbendingoverthem，besidehertheHarvesterdelvedintheblackearthofthewoods，ortheclayandsandoftheopenhillside，orthemuckofthelakeshore，andliftedlargebagfulsofrootsthathelaterdrenchedonthefloatingraftonthelake，andwhentheyhaddrainedhedriedthem。
Someofthemhedidnotwet，butscrapedandwipedcleananddry。Oftenaftershewassleeping，andlongbeforesheawokeinthemorning，hewasatworkcarry-
ingheapedtraysfromtheevaporatortothestore-
room，andtyingtheroots，leaves，bark，andseedsintopackages。
WhilehegatheredtrilliumrootstheGirlmadedrawingsoftheplantandlearneditscommercialvalue。
Shedrewlady’sslipperandSolomon’sseal，andlearnedtheirusesandprices；andcarefullytracedwildgingerleaveswhilenibblingthearomaticroot。Itwasdifficulttokeepfromprotestingwhentheworkcarriedthemaroundthelakeshoreandtothepokeberrybeds，forthecolourofthesesheloved。Itrequiredcarefulexplanationastothevalueoftherootsandseedsasbloodpurifier，andtheargumentthatinafewmoredaysthefrostwouldlevelthebed，toinducehertoconsenttoitsharvesting。Butwhenthecasewasproperlypresented，sheputasideherdrawingandstainedherslenderfingersgatheringtheseeds，andlovedthework。
Thesunwasgoldenonthelake，thebirdsoftheuplandwereclusteringoverreedsandrushes，forthesakeofplentifulseedandconvenientwater。Manyofthemsangfitfully，thenotesofalmostallofthemweremelodious，andthedaywasalong，happydream。Therewasbutlittlelefttogatheruntilginsengtime。ForthattheHarvesterhadengagedseveralboystohelphim，forthetaskofdiggingtheroots，washinganddryingthem，buryingpartoftheseedsandpreparingtheremainderformarketseemedendlessforonemantoattempt。AfterafulldaytheHarvesterlaybeforethefire，andhisheadwassoclosetheGirl’skneethatherfingerswereinreachofhishair。Everytimehemendedthefirehemovedalittle，untilhecouldfeelthetouchofhergarmentsagainsthim。Thenhebegantoplanforthewinter；howtheywouldstorefoodforthelong，colddays，howmuchfuelwouldberequired，whentheywouldgotothecityfortheirwinterclothing，whattheywouldread，andhowtheywouldworktogetheratthedrawings。
``Iamalmosttooanxioustowaitlongertogetbacktomycarving，’’hesaid。``Whoeverwouldhavethoughtthisspringthatfallwouldcomeandfindthebirdstalkingofgoing，thecaterpillarsspinningwinterquarters，theanimalsholingup，megettingreadyforthecold，andyourcandlesticksnotfinished。Winteriswhenyoureallyneedthem。Thenthereissolidcheerinnumbersofcandlesandaroaringwoodfire。Thefurnaceisgoingtobeagoodthingtokeepthefloorsandthebathroomwarm，butanopenfireofdry，cracklingwoodistheonlyrationalsourceofheatinahome。Youmustwatchforthefairydancesonthebackwall，Ruth，andlearntotracegoblinfacesinthecoals。Sometimesthereisapanoramaoftemplesandtrees，andyouwillfindexquisitecolourinthesmoke。Drymaplemakesalovelylavender，softandfineasafloatingveil，anddampelmmakesablue，andhickoryredandyellow。Ialmostcantellwhichwoodisburningafterthebarkisgone，bythesmokeandflamecolour。Whenthelittleredfirefairiescomeoutanddanceonthebackwallitisfuntofigurewhattheyarecelebrating。Bytheway，Ruth，Ihavebeenalambfordays。Ihopeyouhaveobserved！
ButIwouldsleepalittlesounderto-nightifyouonlycouldgivemeahintwhetherthatkissiscomingonatall。’’
Hetippedbackhisheadtoseeherface，anditwasgloriousintheredfirelight；thebigeyesneverappearedsodeepanddark。Thetiltedheadstruckherhand，andherfingersranthroughhishair。
``Yousaidtoforgetit，’’sheremindedhim，``andthenitwouldcomesooner。’’
``Whichsametranslatedmeansthatitisnothereyet。
Well，Ididn’texpectit，soIamnotdisappointed；butbegorry，IdowishitwouldmaterializebyChristmas。
IthinkIwillworkforthat。Wouldn’titmakeadayworthwhile，though？Bytheway，whatdoyouwantforChristmas，Ruth？’’
``Adoll，’’sheanswered。
TheHarvesterlaughed。Hetippedhisheadagaintoseeherfaceandsuddenlygrewquiet，foritwasveryserious。
``Iamquiteinearnest，’’shesaid。``Ithinkthebigdollsinthestoresarebeautiful，andIneverownedonlyateenylittleone。AllmylifeI’vewantedabigdollasbadlyasIeverlongedforanythingthatwasnotabsolutelynecessarytokeepmealive。Infact，adollisessentialtoahappychildhood。Themotherinstinctissoingrainedinagirlthatifshedoesn’thavedollstolove，evenasababy，sheisdeprivedofapartofhernaturalrights。It’sapitifulthingtohavebeenthelittlegirlinthepicturewhostandsoutsidethewindowandgazeswithlongingsoulatthedollsheisanxioustoownandcan’teverhave。Harvester，Iwasalwaysthatlittlegirl。Iamquiteinearnest。Iwantabig，beautifuldollmorethananythingelse。’’
AsshetalkedtheGirl’sfingerswereidlythreadingtheHarvester’shair。Hisheadlightlytouchedherknee，andsheshiftedherpositiontoaffordhimacomfortablerestingplace。Withathrillofdelightthatshookhim，themanlaidhisheadinherlapandlookedintothefire，hisfaceglowingasahappyboy’s。
``Youshallhavetheloveliestdollthatmoneycanbuy，Ruth，’’hepromised。``Whatelsedoyouwant？’’
``Aroastedgoose，plumpudding，andallthosehorridindigestiblethingsthatChristmasstoriesalwaystellabout；andpopcornballs，andcandy，andeverythingI’vealwayswantedandneverhad，andalongbeautifuldaywithyou。That’sall！’’
``Ruth，I’msohappyIalmostwishIcouldgotoHeavenrightnowbeforeanythingoccurstospoilthis，’’
saidtheHarvester。
Thewheelsofacarrattledacrossthebridge。Hewhirledtohisknees，andputhisarmsaroundtheGirl。
``Ruth，’’hesaidhuskily。``I’llwagerathousanddollarsIknowwhatiscoming。Hugmetight，quick！
andgivemethebestkissyoucan——anyoldkindofaone，soyoutouchmylipswithyoursbeforeI’vegottoopenthatdoorandletintrouble。’’
TheGirlthrewherarmsaroundhisneckandwiththeimprintofherlipswarmonhistheHarvestercrossedtheroom，andhisheartdroppedfromtheheightswithathud。Hesteppedout，closingthedoorbehindhim，andcrossingtheveranda，passeddownthewalk。HerecognizedthecarasbelongingtoagarageinOnabasha，andinitsattwomen，oneofwhomspoke。
``AreyouDavidLangston？’’
``Yes，’’saidtheHarvester。
``DidyousendacoupleofphotographstoaNewYorkdetectiveagencyafewdaysagowithinquiriesconcerningsomepartiesyouwantedlocated？’’
``Idid，’’saidtheHarvester。``ButIwasnotexpectinganysuchimmediatereturns。’’
``Yourquestionstouchedonacasethatlonghasbeeninthehandsoftheagency，andtheytelegraphedtheparties。Thefollowingdaythepeoplehadaletter，givingthemtheinformationtheyrequired，fromanothersource。’’
``ThatiswhereUncleHenryshowedhisfineSpencerianhand，’’commentedtheHarvester。``ItalwayswillbeagreatsatisfactionthatIgotmyfistinfirst。’’
``IsMissJamesonhere？’’
``No，’’saidtheHarvester。``Mywifeisathome。HersurnamewasRuthJameson，butwehavebeenmarriedsinceJune。DidyouwishtospeakwithMrs。Langston？’’
``Icameforthatpurpose。MynameisKennedy。
Iamthelawpartnerandtheclosestfriendoftheyounglady’sgrandfather。Newsofherlocationhasprostratedhergrandmothersothathecouldnotleaveher，andI
wassenttobringtheyoungwoman。’’
``Oh！’’saidtheHarvester。``Wellyouwillhavetointerviewheraboutthat。Onewordfirst。ShedoesnotknowthatIsentthosepicturesandmadethatinquiry。Oneotherword。Sheisjustrecoveringfromacaseoffever，inducedbywrongconditionsoflifebeforeImether。Sheisnotsostrongassheappears。
Understandyouarenottobeabrupt。Goverygently！
Herfeelingsandhealthmustbeguardedwithextremecare。’’
TheHarvesteropenedthedoor，andasshesawthestranger，theGirl’seyeswidened，andshearoseandstoodwaiting。
``Ruth，’’saidtheHarvester，``thisisamanwhohasbeenmakingquiteasearchforyou，andatlasthehasyoulocated。’’
TheHarvesterwenttotheGirl’sside，andputareinforcingarmaroundher。
``Perhapshebringsyousomenewsthatwillmakelifemostinterestingandverylovelyforyou。WillyoushakehandswithMr。Kennedy？’’
TheGirlsuddenlystraightenedtounusualheight。
``Iwillhearwhyhehasbeenmaking`quiteasearchforme，’andonwhoseauthorityhehasme`located，’
first，’’shesaid。
AdiabolicalgrincrossedthefaceoftheHarvester，andhetookheart。
``Thenpleasebeseated，Mr。Kennedy，’’hesaid，``andwewilltalkoverthematter。AsIunderstand，youarearepresentativeofmywife’speople。’’
TheGirlstaredattheHarvester。
``Takeyourchair，Ruth，andmeetthisasamatterofcourse，’’headvisedcasually。``Youalwayshaveknownthatsomedayitmustcome。Youcouldn’tlookinthefaceofthosephotographsofyourmotherinheryouthandnotrealizethatsomewhereheartswereachingandbreaking，andbrainswerebusyinasearchforher。’’
TheGirlstoodrigid。
``Iwantitdistinctlyunderstood，’’shesaid，``thatI
havenouseonearthformymother’speople。Theycometoolate。Iabsolutelyrefusetoseeortoholdanycommunicationwiththem。’’
``Butyounglady，thatisveryarbitrary！’’criedMr。
Kennedy。``Youdon’tunderstand！Theyareacoupleofoldpeople，andtheyareslowlydyingofbrokenhearts！’’
``Notsobadlybrokenortheywouldn’tdieslowly，’’
commentedtheGirlgrimly。``Theheartthatwasreallybrokenwasmymother’s。Thetortureofastarved，overworkedbodyandhopelessbrainwashers。Therewasnothingslowaboutherdeath，forshewentoutwithonlyhalfalifespent，andmuchofthatinacuteagony，becauseoftheirnegligence。David，youoftenhavesaidthatthisismyhome。Ichoosetotakeyouatyourword。Willyoukindlytellthismanthatheisnotwelcomeinthishouse，andIwishhimtoleaveitatonce？’’
TheHarvestersteppedback，andhisfacegrewverywhite。
``Ican’t，Ruth，’’hesaidgently。
``Whynot？’’
``BecauseIbroughthimhere。’’
``Youbroughthimhere！You！David，areyoucrazy？You！’’
``Itisthroughmethathecame。’’
TheGirlcaughtthemantelforsupport。
``ThenIstandaloneagain，’’shesaid。``Harvester，Ihadthoughtyouwereonmyside。’’
``Iamatyourfeet，’’saidthemaninabrokenvoice。
``Ruthdear，willyouletmeexplain？’’
``Thereisonlyoneexplanation，andwithwhatyouhavedoneformefreshinmymind，Ican’tputitintowords。’’
``Ruth，hearme！’’
``Imust！Youforceme！Butbeforeyouspeakunderstandthis:Notnow，orthroughalleternity，doIforgivetheinexcusableneglectthatdrovemymothertowhatIwitnessedandwashelplesstoavert。’’
``Mydear！Mydear！’’saidtheHarvester，``Ihadhopedthewoodshaddoneamoreperfectworkinyourheart。Yourmotherislyinginstatenow，Girl，safefromfurthersufferingofanykind；andifIreadaright，hertiredfaceandshrivelledframewereeloquentofforgiveness。Ruthdear，ifshesolovedthemthatherheartwasbrokenandshediedforthem，thinkwhattheyaresuffering！Havesomemercyonthem。’’
``Getthisveryclear，David，’’saidtheGirl。``Shediedofhungerforfood。Herheartwasnotsobrokenthatshecouldn’thavelivedalifetime，andgotmuchcomfortoutofit，ifherbodyhadnotlackedsustenance。
OhIwassohappyaminuteago。David，whydidyoudothisthing？’’
TheHarvesterpickeduptheGirl，placedherinachair，andkneltbesideherwithhisarmsaroundher。
``BecauseofthePAININTHEWORLD，Ruth，’’hesaidsimply。``Yourmotherissleepingsweetlyinthelongsleepthatknowsneitherangernorresentment；andsoIwasforcedtothinkofagentle-faced，littleoldmotherwhoseheartisdailyonelongache，whoseeyesaredimwithtears，andaproud，brokenoldmanwhospendshistimetryingtocomforther，whenhislifeisasdesolateashers。’’
``Howdoyouknowsowonderfullymuchabouttheirachesandbrokenhearts？’’
``BecauseIhaveseentheirfaceswhentheywerehappy，Ruth，andsoIknowwhatsufferingwoulddotothem。
Therewerepicturesofthemandlettersinthebottomofthatoldtrunk。Isearchedittheothernightandfoundthem；andbywhatlifehasdonetoyourmotherandtoyou，Icanjudgewhatitisnowbringingthem。
Nevercanyoubetrulyhappy，Ruth，untilyouhaveforgiventhem，anddonewhatyoucantocomforttheremainderoftheirlives。Ididitbecauseofthepainintheworld，mygirl。’’
``Whataboutmypain？’’
``Theonlywayonearthtocureitisthroughforgiveness。That，andthatonly，willeaseitallaway，andleaveyouhappyandfreeforlifeandlove。Solongasyouletthisrancoureatinyourheart，Ruth，youarenot，andnevercanbe，normal。Youmustforgivethem，dear，hearwhattheyhavetosay，andgivethemthecomfortofseeingwhattheycandiscoverofherinyou。
Thenyourheartwillbeatrestatlast，yoursoulfree，youcantakeyourrightfulplaceinlife，andtheloveyoucravewillawakeninyourheart。Ruth，dearyouaretheacmeofgentlenessandjustice。Bejustandgentlenow！Givethemtheirchance！Myheartaches，andalwayswillacheforthepainyouhaveknown，butnursingandbroodingoveritwillnotcureit。Itisgoingtotakeaheroicoperationtocutitout，andI
chosetobethesurgeon。YouhavesaidthatIoncesavedyourbodyfrompainRuth，trustmenowtofreeyoursoul。’’
``Whatdoyouwant？’’
``Iwantyoutospeakkindlytothisman，whothroughmyacthascomehere，andallowhimtotellyouwhyhecame。ThenIwantyoutodothekindandwomanlythingyourdutysuggeststhatyoushould。’’
``David，Idontunderstandyou！’’
``Thatisnodifference，’’saidtheHarvester。``Thepointis，doyouTRUSTme？’’
TheGirlhesitated。``OfcourseIdo，’’shesaidatlast。
``Thenhearwhatyourgrandfather’sfriendhascometosayforhim，andforgetyourselfindoingtoothersasyouwouldhavethem——really，Ruth，thatisallofreligionoroflifeworthwhile。Goon，Mr。Kennedy。’’
TheHarvesterdrewupachair，seatedhimselfbesidetheGirl，andtakingoneofherhands，hehelditcloselyandwaited。
``Iwassentherebymylawpartnerandmyclosestfriend，Mr。AlexanderHerron，ofPhiladelphia，’’saidthestranger。``BothheandMrs。Herronwerebitterlyopposedtoyourmother’smarriage，becausetheyknewlifeandhumannature，andthereneverisbutoneendtomensuchasshemarried。’’
``Youmayomitthat，’’saidtheGirlcoldly。``Simplystatewhyyouarehere。’’
``InresponsetoaninquiryfromyourhusbandconcerningtheoriginalsofsomephotographshesenttoadetectiveagencyinNewYork。Theyhavehadthecaseforyears，andrecognizingthepicturesasaclue，theytelegraphedMr。Herron。TheprospectofnewsafteryearsoffruitlesssearchingsoprostratedMrs。
Herronthathedarednotleaveher，andhesentme。’’
``Kindlytellmethis，’’saidtheGirl。``Whereweremymother’sfatherandmotherforthefouryearsimmediatelyfollowinghermarriage？’’
``TheywenttoEuropetoavoidthehumiliationofmeetingtheirfriends。There，inItaly，Mrs。Herrondevelopedafever，anditwasseveralyearsbeforeshecouldbebroughthome。Sheretiredfromsociety，andhasbeenconfinedtoherroomeversince。Whentheycouldreturn，asearchwasinstitutedatoncefortheirdaughter，buttheyneverhavebeenabletofindatrace。
Theyhavehuntedthrougheveryeasterncitytheythoughtmightcontainher。’’
``AndoverlookedalittleinsignificantplacelikeChicago，ofcourse。’’
``Imyselfconductedapersonalsearchthere，andvisitedthehomeofeveryJamesoninthedirectoryorwhohadmailattheofficeorofwhomIcouldgetaclueofanysort。’’
``Idon’tsupposetwowomeninalittlegarretroomwouldbeinthedirectory，andthereneverwasanymail。’’
``Didyourmothereverappealtoherparents？’’
``Shedid，’’saidtheGirl。``Sheadmittedthatshehadbeenwrong，askedtheirforgiveness，andbeggedtogohome。Thatwasinthesecondyearofhermarriage，andshewasinCleveland。AfterwardshewenttoChicago，fromthereshewroteagain。’’
``HerfatherandmotherwereinItalyfightingforthemother’slife，twoyearsafterthat。Itisveryeasytobecomelostinalargecity。Criminalsdoiteverydayandareneverfound，evenwiththebestdetectivesontheirtrail。Iamverysorryaboutthis。Myfriendswillbebroken-hearted。Atanytimetheywouldhavebeenmorethandelightedtohavehadtheirdaughterreturn。Aletteronthedayfollowingthemessagefromtheagencybroughtnewsthatshewasdead，andnowtheironlyhopeforanysmallhappinessatthecloseofyearsofsufferinglieswithyou。Iwassenttopleadwithyoutoreturnwithmeatonceandmakethemavisit。Ofcourse，theirhomeisyours。Youaretheironlyheir，andtheywouldbeveryhappyifyouwerefree，andwouldremainpermanentlywiththem。’’
``HowdotheyknowIwillnotbelikethefathertheysodetested？’’
``Theyhadsufficientcausetodislikehim。Theyhaveeveryreasontoloveandwelcomeyou。Theyareconsumedwithanxiety。Willyoucome？’’
``No。Thisisformetodecide。Idonotcareforthemortheirproperty。Alwaystheyhavefailedmewhenmydistresswasunspeakable。NowthereisonlyonethingIaskoflife，morethanmyhusbandhasgivenme，andifthatlayinhispowerIwouldhaveit。YoumaygobackandtellthemthatIamperfectlyhappy。
IhaveeverythingIneed。TheycangivemenothingIwant，noteventheirlove。Perhaps，sometime，Iwillgotoseethemforafewdays，ifDavidwillgowithme。’’
``Youngwoman，doyourealizethatyouareissuingadeathsentence？’’askedthelawyergently。
``Itisajustone。’’
``Idonotbelieveyourhusbandagreeswithyou。
IknowIdonot。Mrs。Herronisatinyoldlady，withafeeblesparkofvitalityleft；andwithallherstrengthsheisclingingtolife，andpleadingwithittogiveherwordofheronlychildbeforeshegoesoutunsatisfied。
Sheknowsthatherdaughterisgone，andnowherhopesarefastenedonyou。Ifforonlyafewdays，youcertainlymustgowithme。’’
``Iwillnot！’’
ThelawyerturnedtotheHarvester。
``Shewillbereadytostartwithyouto-morrowmorning，onthefirsttrainnorth，’’saidtheHarvester。``Wewillmeetyouatthestationateight。’’
``I——IamafraidIforgottotellmydrivertowait。’’
``YoumeanyourinstructionswerenottolettheGirloutofyoursight，’’saidtheHarvester。``Verywell！
Wehavecomfortablerooms。Iwillshowyoutoone。
Pleasecomethisway。’’
TheHarvesterledtheguesttothelakeroomandarrangedforthenight。Thenhewenttothetelephoneandsentamessagetoanaddresshehadbeenfurnished，askingforanimmediatereply。ItwenttoPhiladelphiaandcontainedadescriptionofthelawyer，andaskedifhehadbeensentbyMr。Herrontoescorthisgrand-
daughtertohishome。WhentheHarvesterreturnedtotheliving-roomtheGirl，whiteanddefiant，waitedbeforethefire。Hekneltbesideherandputhisarmsaroundher，butsherepulsedhim；sohesatontherugandlookedather。
``Nowonderyoufeltsureyouknewwhatthatwas！’’
shecriedbitterly。
``Ruth，ifyouwillallowmetoliftthebottomofthatoldtrunk，andifyouwillreadanyoneofthehalfdozenlettersIread，youwillforgiveme，andbeginmakingpreparationstogo。’’
``It’sawonderyoudon’tholdthembeforemeandforcemetoreadthem，’’shesaid。
``Don’tsayanythingyouwillbesorryforafteryouaregone，dear。’’
``I’mnotgoing！’’
``Ohyesyouare！’’
``Why？’’
``Becauseitisrightthatyoushould，andrightisinexorable。Also，becauseIverymuchwishyouto；
youwilldoitforme。’’
``Whydoyouwantmetogo？’’
``Ihavethreestrongreasons:First，asItoldyou，itistheonlythingthatwillcleanseyourheartofbitternessandleaveitfreeforthetenantingofagreatandholylove。Next，Ithinktheyhonestlymadeeveryefforttofindyourmother，andarenowgrowingoldindespairyoucanlighten，andyouoweittothemandyourselftodoit。Lastly，formysake。I’vetriedeverythingIknow，Ruth，andIcan’tmakeyouloveme，orbringyoutoarealizingsenseofitifyoudo。SobeforeIsawthatchestIhadplannedtoharvestmybigcrop，andtrywithallmyheartwhileIdidit，andiflovehadn’tcomethen，Imeanttogetsomeonetostaywithyou，andIwasgoingawaytogiveyouafreeperspectiveforatime。ImeanttopleadthatIneededafewweekswithafamouschemistIknowtopreparemebetterformywork。Myrealmotivewastoleaveyou，andletyouseeifabsencecoulddoanythingformeinyourheart。You’vebeenverynearlythecreatureofmyhandsformonths，mygirl；whateveranyoneelsemaydo，you’reboundtomissmemightily，andIfiguredthatwithmeaway，perhapsyoucouldsolvetheproblemaloneIseemtofailinhelpingyouwith。Thisisonlyaslightchangeofplans。Youaregoinginmystead。
Iwillharvesttheginsengandcureit，andthen，ifyouarenotathome，andthelonelinessgrowsunbearable，Iwilltakethechemistrycourse，untilyoudecidewhenyouwillcome，ifever。’’
```Ifever？’’’
``Yes，’’saidtheHarvester。``Iamgrowingaccustomedtofacingbigpropositions——Iwillnotdodgethis。ThefacesofthethreeofyourpeopleIhaveseenproverefinement。Theirclothingindicateswealth。Theselong，lonelyyearsmeanthattheywillshoweryouwitheveryoutpouringofloving，hungryhearts。Theywillkeepyouiftheycan，mydear。Idonotblamethem。
ThelifeIproposeforyouisoneofwork，mostlyforothers，andthereward，ingreatpart，consistsofthejoyinthesoulofthecreatorofthingsthathelpintheworld。
Irealizethatyouwillfindwealth，luxury，andlavishlove。IknowthatImayloseyouforever，andifitisrightandbestforyou，IhopeIwill。IknowexactlywhatIamrisking，butIyetsay，go。’’
``Idon’tseehowyoucan，andlovemeasyouproveyoudo。’’
``Thatisalittlestreakoftheinevitablenessofnaturethattheforesthasgroundintomysoul。I’drathercutoffmyrighthandthantakeyourswithit，inthepartingthatwillcomeinthemorning；butyouaregoing，andIamsendingyou。SolongasIamshapedlikeahumanbeing，itisinmetodignifythepossessionofaverticalspinebyactingasnearlylikeamanasI
knowhow。Iinsistthatyouaremywife，becauseitcrucifiesmetothinkotherwise。Itellyouto-night，Ruth，youarenotandneverhavebeen。Youarefreeasair。Youmarriedmewithoutanyloveformeinyourheart，andyoupretendednone。Itwasallmydoing。IfIfindthatIwaswrong，Iwillfreeyouwithoutathoughtofresultstome。Iamasecondaryproposition。
Ithoughtthenthatyouwerealoneandhelpless，andbeforetheAlmighty，IdidthebestIcould。ButI
knownowthatyouareentitledtotheloveofrelatives，wealth，andhighsocialposition，nodoubt。IfIallowedthepassioninmyhearttotriumphoverthereasonofmybrain，andworkedonyourfeelingsandtiedyoutothewoods，withoutknowingbutthatyoumightgreatlypreferthatotherlifeyoudonotknow，buttowhichyouareentitled，IwouldgooutandsinkmyselfinLoonLake。’’
``David，Iloveyou。Idonotwanttogo。Please，pleaseletmeremainwithyou。’’
``Notifyoucouldsaythatrealizingwhatitmeans，andgivemethekissrightnowIwouldstakemysoultowin！Notbyanybribeyoucanthinkoforanyallurementyoucanoffer。Itisrightthatyougotothosesufferingoldpeople。Itisrightyouknowwhatyouarerefusingforme，beforeyourenounceit。Itisrightyoutakethepositiontowhichyouareentitled，untilyouunderstandthoroughlywhetherthissuitsyoubetter。Whenyouknowthatlifeaswellasthis，thepeopleyouwillmeetasintimatelyasme，thenyoucandecideforalltime，andIcanlookyouinthefacewithhonest，unwaveringeye；andifbyanychanceyourheartisinthewoods，andyouprefermeandthecabintowhattheyhavetooffer——toalleternityyourplacehereisvacant，Ruth。Myloveiswaitingforyou；
andifyoucomeunderthoseconditions，Inevercanhaveanyregret。Aclearconscienceisworthrestrainingpassionafewmonthstogain，andbesides，Ialwayshavegotthefacttofacethatwhenyousay`Ilove，’andwhenIsay`Ilove，’itmeanstwoentirelydifferentthings。
Whenyourealizethattheloveofmanforwoman，andwomanforman，isathingthatfloodstheheart，brain，soul，andbodywithawonderfulandall-pervadingecstasy，andifIhappentobethemanwhomakesyourealizeit，thencometellme，andwewillshowGodandHisholyangelswhatearthmeansbytheHeaveninspiredword，`radiance。’’’
``David，thereneverwillbeanyothermanlikeyou。’’
``Theexigenciesoflifemustdevelopmanyafinerandbetter。’’
``Youstillrefuseme？YouyetbelieveIdonotloveyou？’’
``NotwiththeloveIask，mygirl。ButifIdidnotbelieveitwasgerminatinginyourheart，andthatitwouldcomepouringovermeinatorrentsomegladday，I
doubtifIcouldallowyoutogo，Ruth！Iamlikeanyothermaninselfishnessandinthepassionsofthebody。’’
``Selfishness！Youhaven’tanideawhatitmeans，’’
saidtheGirl。``Andwhatyoucalllove——thereI
haven’t。ButIknowhowtoappreciateyou，andyoumaybepositivelysurethatitwillbeonlyafewdaysuntilIwillcomebacktoyou。’’
``ButIdon’twantyouuntilyoucanbringtheloveIcrave。Iamsendingyoutoremainuntilthattime，Ruth。’’
``Butitmaybemonths，Man！’’
``Thenstaymonths。’’
``Butitmaybe——’’
``Itmaybenever！Thenremainforever。Thatwillbeproofpositivethatyourhappinessdoesnotlieinmyhands。’’
``WhyshouldInotconsideryouasyoudome？’’
``BecauseIloveyou，andyoudonotloveme。’’
``Youarecrueltoyourselfandtome。Youtalkaboutthepainintheworld。Whataboutthepaininmyheartrightnow？AndifIknowyouintheleast，onedegreemorewouldmakeyoucryaloudformercy。OhDavid，areweofnoconsiderationatall？’’
ThemusclesoftheHarvester’sfacetwistedaninstant。
``Thisiswherewelopoffthesmallbranchestogrowperfectfruitlater。Thisiswherewedoevilthatgoodmayresult。Thisiswherewesufferto-nightinorderwemayappreciatefullythejoyoflove’sdawning。IfI
amcausingyoupain，forgiveme，dearheart。Iwouldgivemylifetopreventit，butIampowerless。Itisright！Wecannotavoiddoingit，ifweeverwouldbehappy。’’
HepickeduptheGirl，andheldhercrushedinhisarmsalongtime。Thenhesetherinsideherdoorandsaid，``LayoutwhatyouwanttotakeandIwillhelpyoupack，sothatyoucangetsomesleep。Wemustbereadyearlyinthemorning。’’
Whentheclothingtobewornwasselected，thenewtrunkpacked，andallarrangementsmade，theGirlsatinhisarmsbeforethefireashehadheldherwhenshewasill，andthenhesenthertobedandwenttothelakeshoretofightitoutalone。OnlyGodandthestarsandthefaithfulBelshazzarsawtheagonyofastrongmaninhisextremity。
Neardawnheheardthetinkleofthebellandwenttoreceivehismessageandorderacarformorning。
Thenhereturnedtothemercifuldarknessofnight，andpacedthedrivewayuntillightcamepeepingoverthetreetops。HepreparedbreakfastandanhourlaterputtheGirlonthetrain，andstoodwatchingituntilthelastriftofsmokecurledabovethespiresofthecity。
CHAPTERXX
THEMANINTHEBACKGROUND
ThentheHarvesterreturnedtoMedicineWoodstofighthisbattlealone。Atfirstthepainseemedunendurable，butworkalwayshadbeenhispanacea，itwashissalvationnow。Hewentthroughthecabin，foldingbeddingandstoringitinclosets，rollingrugssprinkledwithpowderedalum，packingcushions，andtakingwindowseatsfromthelight。
``Oursleepingroomandthekitchenwillserveforus，Bel，’’hesaid。``Wewillputalltheseotherthingsawaycarefully，sotheywillbeasgoodasnewwhentheGirlcomeshome。’’
Theeveningoftheseconddayhewascalledtothetelephone。
``Thereisatelegramforyou，’’saidavoice。``A
messagefromPhiladelphia。Itreads:`Arrivedsafely。
Thankyouformakingmecome。Dearoldpeople。Willwritesoon。Withlove，Ruth。’
``Haveyougotit？’’
``No，’’liedtheHarvester，grinningrapturously。``Repeatitagainslowly，andgivemetimeaftereachsentencetowriteit。Now！Goon！’’
Hecarriedthemessagetothebackstepsandsatreadingitagainandagain。
``IsupposedI’dhavetowaitatleastfourdays，’’hesaidtoAjaxasthebirdcircledbeforehim。``ThisisfromtheGirl，oldman，andsheisnotforgettingustobeginwith，anyway。Sheisthereallsafe，sheseesthattheyneedher，theyarelovableoldpeople，sheisgoingtowriteusallaboutitsoon，andshelovesusallsheknowshowtoloveanyone。Thatshouldbeenoughtokeepussaneandsensibleuntilherlettercomes。Thereisnousetoborrowtrouble，sowewillsayeverythingintheworldisrightwithus，andbeashappyaswecanonthatuntilwefindsomethingwecannotavoidworryingover。Inthemeantime，wewillhavefaithtobelievethatwehavesufferedourshare，andtheendwillbehappyforallofus。IammightygladtheGirlhasahome，andtherightkindofpeopletocareforher。Now，whenshecomesbacktome，Ineedn’tfeelthatshewasforced，whethershewantedtoornot，becauseshehadnowheretogo。Thiswillletmeoutwithacleanconscience，andthatistheonlythingonearththatallowsamantoliveinpeacewithhimself。NowI’llgofinisheverythingelse，andthenI’llbegintheginsengharvest。’’
SotheHarvesterhitchedBetsyandwithBelshazzarathisfeethedrovethroughthewoodstothesarsaparillabeds。Henoticedthebeautifullobedleaves，atwhichtherabbitshadbeennibbling，andtheheadsoflustrouspurple-blackberriesashebegandiggingtherootsthathesoldforstimulants。
``Imighthaveneededadoseofyounowmyself，’’
theHarvesteraddressedaheapofuprootedplants，``iftheelectricwireshadn’tbroughtmeabetter。Greatinventionthat！Neverbeforerealizeditfully！I
thoughtto-daywouldbeblackasnight，butthatmessagechangesthecomplexionofaffairsmightily。SoI’lldigyouforpeoplewhoreallyareinneedofsomethingtobracethemup。’’
Afterthesarsaparillawasonthetrays，heattackedthebedsofIndianhemp，withitslonggracefulpods，andtookhisusualsupply。Thenheworkeddiligentlyonthewarmhillsideoverthedandelion。Whenthesewerefinishedhebroughthalfadozenyoungmenfromthecityanddrilledthemonhandlingginseng。Hewaswarm，dirty，andtiredwhenhecamefromthebedstheeveningofthefourthday。Hefinishedhisworkatthebarn，preparedandatehissupper，slippedintocleanclothing，andwalkedtothecountryroadwhereitcrossedthelane。Thereheopenedhismailbox。TheletterheexpectedwiththePhiladelphiapostmarkwasinside。Hecarriedittothebridge，andsittinginherfavouriteplace，withthelakebreezethreadinghishair，openedhisfirstletterfromtheGirl。
``MydearFriend，Lover，Husband，’’itbegan。
TheHarvesterturnedthesheetsfacedownacrosshisknee，laidhishandonthem，andstaredmeditativelyatthelake。```Friend，’’’hecommented。``Well，that’sallright！Iamherfriend，aswellasIknowhowtobe。
`Lover。’Icomeinthere，fullforce。Ididmylevelbestonthatscore，thoughIcan’tboastmyselfahowlingsuccess；amancan’tdomorethanheknows，andifI
hadbeenfamiliarwithallthewilesofexpert，professionallove-makers，theywouldn’thaveavailedmeintheGirl’scondition。Ihadamightypeculiarcasetohandleinher，andnotaparticleoftraining。Butifshesays`Lover，’Imusthavemadesomekindofashowingonthejob。`Husband。’’’Aslowflushcreptupthebrawnyneckandtingedthebronzedface。``That’sagoodword，’’saidtheHarvester，``anditmustmeanawonderfulthing——tosomemen。`Whobideshistime。’Well，I’m`biding，’andifmytimeevercomestobemyDreamGirl’shusband，I’llwagerallI’mworthononething。I’llstudythejobfromeverypointofthecompass，andI’llseewhatshowingIcanmakeonbeingthekindofahusbandthatawomanclingstoandlovesateighty。’’
TakingadeepbreaththeHarvesterliftedtheletter，andlayingonehandonBelshazzar’shead，heproceeded——``ImightaswelladmitinthebeginningthatIcriedmostofthewayhere。SomeofitwasbecauseIwasnervousanddreadedthepeopleIwouldmeet，andmoreonaccountofwhatIfelttowardthem，butmostofitwasbecauseIdidnotwanttoleaveyou。Ihavebeenspoileddreadfully！Youhavetaughtmesotodependonyou——andforonceIfeelthatIreallycanclaimtohavebeenanaptpupil——thatitwaslikehavingthehearttornoutofmetocome。Iwantyoutoknowthis，becauseitwillteachyouthatIhavealittlebitofappreciationofhowgoodyouaretome，andtoalltheworldaswell。IamgladthatIalmostcriedmyselfsickoverleavingyou。IwishnowIjusthadstoodupinthecar，androaredlikeaburnedbaby。
``ButallthetearsIshedinfearofgrandfatherandgrandmotherwerewasted。Theyareacoupleofdearoldpeople，anditwouldhavebeenacrimetoallowthemtosuffermorethantheymustofnecessity。Itallseemssodifferentwhentheytalk；andwhenIseethehome，luxuries，andfriendsmymotherhad，itappearsutterlyincomprehensiblethatshedaredleavethemforastranger。Probablythereasonshedidwasbecauseshewasgrandfather’sdaughter。Heisgentleandtendersomeofthetime，butwhenanythingirritateshim，andsomethingdoeseveryfewminutes，hebreaksloose，andsuchanotherexplosionyouneverheard。
Itdoesnotmeanathing，anditseemstolowerhistensionenoughtokeephimfromburstingwithpalpitationoftheheartorsomething，butitisastrainforothers。Atfirstitfrightenedmedreadfully。Grandmotherissotinyandfrail，sowhiteinherbigbed，andwhenheistheveryworst，andsheonlysmilesathim，whyIknowhedoesnotmeanitatall。But，David，Ihopeyouneverwillgetanideathatthiswouldbeapleasantwayforyoutoact，becauseitwouldnot，andIneverwouldhavethecouragetoofferyoutheloveIhavecometofindifyouslammedacaneandyelled，`demnation，’atme。Grandmothersaysshedoesnotmindatall，butIwonderifshedidnotacquirethehabitoflyinginbedbecauseitiseasiertoendureinaprostrateposition。
