``ThehouseissobigIgetlost，andIdonotknowyetwhichareservantsandwhichfriends；andthereisasteadystreamofseamstressesandmillinersmakingthingsforme。GrandmotherandfatherboththinkIwillbequitepassableinappearancewhenIamwhattheycall`modishlydressed。’Ithinkgrandmotherwillforgetherselfsomedayandleaveherbedbeforesheknowsit，inhereagernesstoseehowsomethingappears。I
couldnotbegintotellyouaboutallthelovelythingstowear，foreveryoccasionunderthesun，andtheysaytheseareonlytemporary，untilsomecanbemadeespeciallyforme。
``Theydividethetimeinsections，andthereisanhourtodrive，Iamtohaveahorseandridelater，andatimetoshop，solongtovisitgrandmother，andsethourstosleep，dress，tobefitted，takentoseethings，musiclessons，andadancingteacher。Ithinkalongerdaywillhavetobeprovided。
``Idonotcareanythingaboutdancing。Iknowwhatwouldmakemedancenicelyenoughforanything，butIamgoingtotrythemusic，andseeifIcanlearnjustafewlittlesongsandsomeoldmelodiesforevening，whentheworkisdone，thefireburnslow，andyouarerestingontherug。Thereisenoughroomforapianobetweenyourdoorandthesouthwallandthatcornerseemsvacantanyway。Youwouldlikeit，David，Iknow，ifIcouldplayandsingjustenoughtoputyoutosleepnicely。ItisinthebackofmyheadthatIwilltrytodoeverysinglething，justastheywantmeto，andthatwillmakethemhappy，butneverforgetthattheinstantIfeelinmysoulthatyourkissisrightonmylips，Iamcomingtoyoubylightningexpress；andI
toldthemsothefirstthing，andthatIonlycamebecauseyoumademe。
``Theydidnotraiseanobjection，butIamnotsodullthatIcannotseetheyaretryingtobindmetothemfromtheveryfirstwithchainstoostrongtobreak。Wehadjustonelittleclash。GrandfatherwasmightilypleasedoverwhatyoutoldMr。Kennedyaboutmyneverhavingbeenyourwife，andthatIwasreallyfree。Thereseemstobeaman，thesonofhispartner，whomgrandfatherdearlyloves，andhewantsmetobefriendswithhisfriend。Onecanseeatoncewhatheisplanning，becausehesaidhewasgoingtointroducemeasMissJameson。Itoldhimthatwouldbecreatingafalseimpression，becauseIwasamarriedwoman；butheonlylaughedatmeandwentstraighttodoingit。
``Ofcourse，Iknowwhy，butheissoterriblysetI
cannotstophim，soIshallhavetotellpeoplemyselfthatIamastaid，oldmarriedlady。Afterall，IsupposeImightaswelllethimgo，ifitpleaseshim。Ishallknowhowtoprotectmyselfandanyoneelse，fromanymistakesconcerningme；andinmyheartIknowwhatIknow，andwhatIcannotmakeyoubelieve，butI
willsomeday。
``Isuspectyou’reharvestingtheginsengnow。Theroarandrushofthecityseemstrange，asifIneverhadhearditbefore，andIfeelsocrowded。Iscarcelycansleepatnightfortheclamourofthecars，cabs，andthrobbinglife。Grandfatherwillnothearaword，andhejustsputtersandsays`demnation’whenItrytotellhimaboutyou；butgrandmotherwilllisten，andI
talktoherofyouandMedicineWoodsbythehour。
Shesaysshethinksyoumustbeawonderfullyniceperson。
Ihaven’tdaredtellheryetthethingthatwillwinher。Sheissolittleandfrail，andshehashearttroublesobadly；butsomedayIshalltellherallaboutChicagothatIcan，andthenofUncleHenry，andthenaboutyouandtheoak，andthatwillmakeherloveyouasIdo。
Therearesomanythingstodo；theyhavesentformethreetimes。Ishalltellthemtheymustputyouontheschedule，andgivemesomuchtimetowriteorIwillupsetthewholeprogramme。
``IthinkyouwillliketoknowthatMr。Kennedytoldgrandfatherallyousaidtohimaboutmyillness，foralmostassoonasIcamehebroughtaverywonderfulmantomyroom，andheaskedmanyquestionsandItoldhimallaboutit，andwhatIhadbeendoing。Hemadeoutalistofthingstoeatandexercises。Iambeingtakencareofjustasyoudid，soIwillgoongrowingwellandstrong。Thetroubleistheyaretoogoodtome。Iwouldjustlovetoshufflemyfeetindeadleaves，andlieonthegrassthismorning。Inevergotmyswiminthelake。Iwillhavetosavethatuntilnextsummer。
HealsotoldgrandfatherwhatyousaidaboutUncleHenry，andIthinkhewaspleasedthatyoutriedtofindhimassoonasyouknew。HeletmeseetheletterUncleHenrywrote，anditwasavilething——justsuchashewouldwrite。Itaskedhowmuchhewouldbewillingtopayforinformationconcerninghisheir。Itoldgrandfatherallaboutit，andIsawtheanswerhewrote。
Itoldhimsomethingstosay，andoneofthemwasthatthehonestyofamanwithoutapricepreventedthenecessityofanythingbeingpaidtofindme。Theotherwasthatyoulocatedmypeopleyourself，andatoncesentmetothemagainstmywishes。Iwasdeterminedheshouldknowthat。SoUncleHenrymissedhisrevengeonyou。
Heevidentlythoughthenotonlywouldhurtyoubybreakingupyourhomeandseparatingus，butalsohewouldgetarewardforhiswork。Hewrotesomeuntruethingsaboutyou，andIwishhehadn’t，forgrandfathercanthinkofenoughhimself。ButIwillsoonchangethat。Please，pleasetakegoodcareofallmythings，myflowersandvines，andmostofalltellBelshazzartoprotectyouwithhislife。Andyoubeverygoodtomydear，dearlover。Iwillwriteagainsoon，Ruth。’’
WhentheHarvesterhadstudiedtheletteruntilhecouldrepeatitbackward，hewenttothecabinandansweredit。ThenhesentsubscriptionsfortwoofPhiladelphia’sbigdailies，andharvestedginsengfromdawnuntilblackdarkness。NeverwassuchacropgrowninAmerica。Thebedshadbeenmadeintheoriginalhomeoftheplant，sothatitthroveunderperfectlynaturalconditionsintheforest，buthereandtherebrancheshadbeenthinnedabove，andnaturehelpedbysciencebelow。
Thisresultedinthick，pulpyrootsofastonishingsizeandweight。AstheHarvesterliftedthemhebentthetopsandburiedpartoftheseedforanothercrop。Forweeksheworkedoverthebed。Thenthelastloadwentdownthehilltothedry-houseandthehelperswerepaid。
Nextthefallworkwasfinished。Fuelandfoodwerestoredforwinter，whilethecoldcreptfromthelake，sweptdownthehillandsurroundedthecabin。
TheHarvesterfinishedlongdaysinthedry-houseandstore-room，andaftersupperhesatbythefirereadingovertheGirl’sletters，carvingonhercandlesticks，orintheworkroom，bendingabovetheboardshewasshavingandpolishingforagifthehadplannedforherChristmas。TheCareyshadhimintheirhomeforThanksgiving。HetoldthemallaboutsendingtheGirlawayhimself，readthemsomeofherletters，andtheytalkedwithperfectconfidenceofhowsoonshewouldcomehome。TheHarvestertriedtothinkconfidently，butasthedayswentbythelettersbecamefewer，alwayswiththeexcusethattherewasnotimetowrite，butwithlovingassurancethatshewasthinkingofhimandwoulddobettersoon。
Howevertheycameoftenenoughthathehadsomethingnewtotellhisfriendssothattheydidnotsuspectthatwaitingwasatrialtohim。AfewdaysafterThanksgivingthegiftthathehadplannedwasfinished。Itwasabig，burl-maplebox，designedafterthehopecheststhathesawadvertisedinmagazines。Thewoodwasrare，cutinheavyslabs，polishedinsideandout，dove-
tailedcornerswithornatebrassbindings，hingesandlock，andhand-carvedfeet。Ontheinsideofthelidcutonabrassplatewastheinscription，``RuthLangston，ChristmasofNineteenHundredandTen。David。’’
Thenhebeganpackingthechest。Heputinthefinishedcandlesticksandaboxofcandleberrydipshehadmadeofdelightfullyspicedwax，colouredpalegreen。HeorderedthedollweeksbeforefromthelargeststoreinOnabasha，andthedealerbroughtonseveralthathemightmakeaselection。Hechosealargebabydollalmostlifesize，andsentittothedress-makingdepartmenttobecompletelyandexquisitelyclothed。Longbeforethedayhewaspickingkernelstoglazefromnuts，dryingcorntopop，andplanningcandiestobemadeofmaplesugar。Whenhefigureditwastimetostartthe，box，heworkedcarefully，fillingspaceswithchestnutandhazelburs，andfinishingthetopsofboxeswithgaudyredandyellowleaveshehadkeptintheiroriginalbrightnessbypackingtheminsand。Heputinscarletberriesofmountainashandlongtwiningspraysofyellowandredbitter-sweetberries，forherroom。Thenhecarefullycoveredthechestwithcloth，packeditinanoutsidebox，andsentittotheGirlbyexpress。Ashecamefromthetrainshed，wherehehadhelpedwithloading，hemetHenryJameson。InstantlythelongarmoftheHarvestershotout，andinagripthatcouldnotbebrokenhecaughtthemanbythebackoftheneckandproceededtodanglehim。Ashedidsoheroaredwithlaughter。
``DearUncleHenry！’’hecried。``HowdidyoufeelwhenyougotyourletterfromPhiladelphia？Wasn’titacrimethatanhonestman，whichsamereferstome，beatyou？Didn’tyougnashyourteethwhenyoulearnedthatinsteadofseparatingmefrommywifeIhadfoundherpeopleandsenthertothemmyself？Didn’titrendyoursoultomissyourlittlerevengeandfailtogetthegood，fatrewardyouconfidentlyexpected？Ho！
Ho！Thusareloftysoulsdowncast。Ipityyou，HenryJameson，butnotsomuchthatIwon’tbreakyourbackifyoumeddleinmyaffairsagain，andIamtakingthisopportunitytotellyouso。Hereyougooutofmylife，forifyouappearinitoncemoreIwillfinishyoulikeacopperhead。Understand？’’
WithalastshaketheHarvesterdroppedhim，andwentintotheexpressoffice，whereseveralmenhadwatchedtheproceedings。
``Beendippinginyouraffairs，hashe？’’askedtheexpressman。
``Tryingit，’’laughedtheHarvester。
``WellheisjustmovingtoIdaho，andyouprobablywon’tbebotheredwithhimanymore。’’
``Goodnews！’’saidtheHarvester。HefeltmuchrelievedashewentbacktoBetsyanddrovetoMedicineWoods。
TheCareyshadinvitedhim，buthechosetospendChristmasalone。Hehadfinishedbreakfastwhenthetelephonebellrang，andtheexpressmantoldhimtherewasapackageforhimfromPhiladelphia。TheHarvestermountedBetsyandrodetothecityatonce。
Thepackagewassoverysmallheslippeditintohispocket，andwenttothedoctor’stosayMerryChristmas！
ToMrs。Careyhegaveaprettylavendersilkdress，andtothedoctoranewwatchchain。Thenhewenttothehospital，whereheleftwithMollyasetofchinadishesfromtheGirl，andafur-linedgreatcoat，hisgifttoDoctorHarmon。HerodehomeandstabledBetsy，givingheranextraquartofoats，andgoingintothehousehesatbythekitchenfireandopenedthepackage。
Inanestofcottonlayatissue-wrappedvelvetbox，andinsidethat，inaleatherpocketcase，anivoryminiatureoftheGirlbyanartistwhoknewhowtoreproducelife。Itwasanexquisitepicture，andafaceofwonderfulbeauty。
Helookedatitforalongtime，andthencalledBelshazzarandcarrieditouttoshowAjax。Thenheputitintohisbreastpocketsquarelyoverhisheart，butheworethecaseshinythefirstdaytakingitout。BeforenoonhewenttothemailboxandfoundalongletterfromtheGirl，fulloflife，health，happiness，andwithsteadyassurancesofloveforhim，buttherewasnomentionmadeofcominghome。
Sheseemedengrossedinthemusiclessons，riding，dancing，prettyclothing，splendidballs，receptions，andpartiesofallkinds。TheHarvesteranswereditwithhisheartfullofloveforher，andthenwaited。Itwasalongweekbeforethereplycame，andthenitwasshortonaccountofsomanythingsthatmustbedone，butsheinsistedthatshewaswell，happy，andhavingafinetime。
Afterthatthelettersbecamelessfrequentandshorter。
Attimestherewouldbestretchesofalmosttwoweekswithnotaline，andthenonlyshortnotestoexplainthatshewastoobusytowrite。
Throughthedreary，colddaysofJanuaryandFebruarytheHarvesterinventedworkinthestore-room，intheworkshop，atthecandlesticks，satlongovergreatbooks，andspenthoursinthelittlelaboratorypreparingandcompoundingdrugs。Intheeveningshecarvedandread。Firstofallhescannedthesocietycolumnsofthepapershewastaking，andalmosteverydayhefoundthenameofMissRuthJameson，oftenaparagraphdescribingherdressandherbeautyoffaceandcharmofmanner；andconstantlythenameofMr。HerbertKennedyappearedasherescort。AtfirsttheHarvesterignoredthis，andsaidtohimselfthathewasgladshecouldhaveenjoyabletimesandcongenialfriends，andhewas。
Butasthelettersbecamefewer，paperparagraphsmorefrequent，andapproachingspringworkeditsoldinsanityintheblood，graduallyanachecreptintohisheartagain，andthereweredayswhenhecouldnotworkitout。
Everylettershewroteheansweredjustaswarmlyashefeltthathedared，butwhentheyweresolongcomingandhisheartwasoverflowing，hepickedupapenonenightandwrotewhathefelt。Hetoldherallabouttheice-boundlake，thelonelycrowsinthebigwoods，thesapsuckers’cry，andthegaycardinals’whistle。Hetoldheraboutthecocoonsdanglingonbushesorrockingontwigsthathewascuttingforher。Hewarnedherthatspringwascoming，andsoonshewouldbegintomisswondersforherpencil。Thenhetoldheraboutthesilentcabin，theemptyrooms，andalonelyman。Hebeggedhernottoforgetthekissshehadgonetofindforhim。Hepouredouthisheartunrestrainedly，andthenfoldedtheletter，sealedandaddressedittoher，incareofthefirefairies，andpitcheditintotheashesoftheliving-roomfireplace。Butexpressionmadehimfeelbetter。
Therewasanotherlongerwaitforthenextletter，buthehadwrittenhersomanyinthemeantimethatalittleheapofthemhadaccumulatedashepassedthroughtheliving-roomonhiswaytobed。HehadsupposedshewouldbegoneuntilafterChristmaswhensheleft，butheneverhadthoughtofharvestingsassafrasandopeningthesugarcampalone。Inthosedayshisfaceappearedweary，andwhitehairscameagainonhistemples。CareymethimonthestreetandtoldhimthathewasgoingtotheNationalConventionofSurgeonsatNewYorkinMarch，andwantedhimtogoalongandpresenthisnewmedicineforconsideration。
``Allright，’’saidtheHarvesterinstantly，``Iwillgo。’’
HewentandinterviewedMrs。Carey，andthenvisitedthedoctor’stailor，andashoestore，andboughteverythingrequiredtoputhiminconditionfortravellingingoodstyle，andforthebanquethewouldbeaskedtoattend。ThenhegotMrs。Careytocoachhimonspoonsandforks，anddeclaredhewasready。WhenthedoctorsawthattheHarvesterreallywouldgo，hesatdownandwrotethepresidentoftheassociation，tellinghiminbriefoutlineofMedicineWoodsandthemanwhohadachievedawonderfulworkthere，andofthecompoundingofthenewremedy。
Asheexpected，returnmailbroughtaninvitationfortheHarvestertoaddresstheassociationanddescribehisworkandmethodsandpresenthismedicine。Thedoctorwentoutinthecaroversloppyroadswiththatletter，andlocatedtheHarvesterinthesugarcamp。
Heexplainedthesituationandtohissurprisefoundhismanintenselyinterested。Heaskedmanyquestionsastothelengthoftime，andamountofdetailrequiredinaproperpaper，andthedoctortoldhim。
``Butifyouwanttomakeacleansweep，David，’’hesaid，``writeyourpapersimply，andpractiseuntilitcomeseasybeforeyouspeak。’’
ThatnighttheHarvesterleftworklongenoughtogetanotebook，andbythelightofthecampfire，andincompanywiththeowlsandcoons，hewrotehisoutline。
Onedivisiondescribedhisgeographicallocation，anothertracedhisancestryandeducationinwoodlore。Onewasatributetothemotherwhomouldedhischaracterandgroundintohimstabilityforhiswork。Theremainderdescribedhismethodsingrowingdrugs，dryingandpackingthem，andtheendwasapresentationfortheirexaminationoftheremedythathadgivenlifewhereagreatsurgeonhadconcededdeath。Thenhebeganamplification。
WhenthesugarmakingwasovertheHarvestercommencedhisregularspringwork，buthismindwassobusyoverhispaperthathedidnothavemuchtimetorealizejusthowbadlyhisheartwasbeginningtoache。
Neitherdidheconsignsomanyletterstothefirefairies，fornowhewaswritingofthebestwaytodryhydrastisandpreserveginsengseed。ThedaybeforetimetostarthedrovetoOnabashatotryonhisclothingandhaveMrs。
Careyseeifhehadbeenrightinhisselections。
Whilehewasgone，GrannyMoreland，wearingacleancalicodressandcarryingajuicyapplepie，cametothestretchoffloodedmarshland，andfindingthepathunderwater，followedtheroadandcrossingafieldreachedtheleveeandcametothebridgeofSingingWaterwhereitenteredthelake。Sherestedafewminutesthere，andthenwenttothecabinshiningbetweenbarebranches。
Sheopenedthefrontdoor，entered，andstoodstaringaroundher。
``Whythingsisalltoreuphere，’’shesaid。``Nowain’tthatsensibleofDavidtoputeverythingawayandsaveitniceandcarefuluntilhiswomangetsback。Seemsasifshe’sgoodandplentylongcoming；seemsasifherfolksneedshermightybad，orshe’shavingabettertimethantheboyisorsomething。’’
Shesetthepieonthetable，wentthroughthecabinandupthehillalittledistance，callingtheHarvester。
WhenshepassedthebarnshemissedBetsyandthewagon，andthensheknewhewasintown。Shereturnedtotheliving-roomandsatlookingatthepieassherested。
``I’dbestputyouonthekitchentable，’’shemused。
``Likelyhewillseeyoutherefirstandeatyouwhileyouarefresh。I’dhatemortalbadforhimtooverlookyou，andletyougetstale，afterallthecareI’vetookwithyourcrust，andallthesugar，cinnamon，andbutterthat’sunderyourlid。You’reamightynicepie，andyouorttobeethot。Nowwhyunderthesunisallthemcleanletterspitchedinthefireplace？’’
Grannykneltandselectingone，sheblewofftheashes，wipeditwithherapronandread:``ToRuth，incareofthefirefairies。’’
``WhattheSamHillistheidiotwritin’hiswomanlikethatfor？’’criedGranny，bristlinginstantly。``Andwhyisheputtin’pagesandpagesofgoodreadinglikethismusthaveinitincareofthefirefairies？Toomuchalone，Iguess！He’sgoingwronginhishead。
Nobodyatthemselveswoulddosechafooltrickasthis。
IbelieveIhadbetterdosomething。OfcourseIhad！
TheseiswrittoRuth；sheorttohavethem。Wish’tIknowedhowshegetshermail，I’dsendhersome。
Mebbythree！I’dsendafatandalean，andamiddlin’
so’sthatshe’dhaveasampleofallthekindstheyis。
It’snowaytowritelettersandpitchthemintheashes。
Itmeansthepoorboyishonin’tosaythingshedassentandsohe’swritin’themoutandneversendin’thematall。What’sthelittlehuzzygonesolongfor，anyway？I’llfixher！’’
Grannyselectedthreeletters，blewawaytheashes，andtuckedtheenvelopesinsideherdress。
``IfIonlyknowedhowtogetather，’’shemuttered。
Shestaredatthepie。``Iguessyougottogoback，’’
shesaid，``andbeetbyme。LikeasnotI’llstallmyself，forIgotonea-ready。ButifDavidhasgotthesefoolthingscountedandmissesany，andthenfindsthatpiehere，he’lls’picionme。Yes，Igottotakeyouback，andhurrymystumpsatthat。’’
Grannyarosewiththepie，castalingeringandcovetousglanceatthefireplace，stoopedandtookanotherletter，andthenstarteddownthedrive。JustasshereachedthebridgeshelookedaheadandsawtheHarvestercomingupthelevee。Instantlysheshotthepieovertherailingandwithagroanwatcheditstrikethewateranddisappear。
``Lordoflove！’’shegasped，sinkingtotheseat，``thatwasoneofgrandmother’swillerplatesthatIpromisedRuth。’Tain’tlikelyI’lleverseehidenerhairofitagain。
Buttheywa’antnoplacetoputit，andIdassentlethimknowI’dbeenuptothecabin。MebbyIcanfetchaboysomedayandhirehimtodiveforit。Howlongcanaplatebeinwaterandnotgetspiledanyway？
Nowwhat’llIdo？Myhead’sallinawhirl！I’llbetmybosomisastickingoutwithhisletters’tilhe’llnoticeandtakethemfromme。’’
ShegrippedherhandsacrossherchestandsatstaringattheHarvesterashestoppedonthebridge，andseeingherattitudeanddistressedface，hesprangfromthewagon。
``WhyGranny，areyousick？’’hecriedanxiously。
``Yes！’’gaspedGrannyMoreland。``Yes，David，I
am！I’mamiserablewoman。Ineverwasinsechashapeinallmydays。’’
``Letmehelpyoutothecabin，andI’llseewhatI
candoforyou，’’offeredtheHarvester。
``No。Thisisjestoutofyourreach，’’saidtheoldlady。``Iwant——IwanttoseeDoctorCareybad。’’
``AreyoustrongenoughtorideinorshallIbringhim？’’
``Icango！Icangoaswellasnot，David，ifyou’lltakeme。’’
``LetmerunBetsytothebarnandgettheGirl’sphaeton。Thewagonistooroughforyou。Arethepainsinyourchestdreadful？’’
``Idon’tknowhowtodescribethem，’’saidGrannywithperfecttruth。
TheHarvesterleapedintothewagonandcaughtupthelines。AshedisappearedaroundthecurveofthedrivewayGrannysnatchedthelettersfromherdressfrontandthrustthemdeepintooneofherstockings。
``Now，dratyou！’’shecried。``Stickoutallyouplease。
Nobodywillseeyouthere。’’
InafewminutestheHarvesterhelpedherintothecarriageanddroverapidlytowardthecity。
``Youneedn’tstrainyourcritter，’’saidGranny。``It’snotsobadasthat，David。’’
``Isyourchestanybetter？’’
``Asightbetter，’’saidGranny。``Shakin’upalittle’pearstodomegood。’’
``Younevershouldhavetriedtowalk。SupposeI
hadn’tbeenhere。Andyoucamethelongway，too！
I’llhaveatelephoneruntoyourhousesoyoucancallmeafterthis。’’
Grannysatverystraightsuddenly。
``My！wouldn’tthatgetawaywithsomeofmyfoxyneighbours，’’shesaid。``Metohavea’phoneliketheydo，an’beconversin’atallhoursofthedaywithmyson’sfolksandeverybody。I’dbetickledtopieces，David。’’
``ThenI’llneverdaredoit，’’saidtheHarvester，``becauseIcan’tkeephousewithoutyou。’’
``Where’syourownwoman？’’promptlyinquiredGranny。
``Shecan’tleaveherpeople。Hergrandmotherissick。’’
``Grandmotheryourfoot！’’criedtheoldwoman。
``I’vebeenhearingthatsonganddancefromtheneighbours，butyougottofoolyoungerpeoplethanmeonit，David。Whendidanygrandmothereverpartapairofyoungstersjestmarried，formonthsataclip？
I’dliketocastmyeyesonthatgrandmother。She’sanewbreed！Iwasasgoodamotheras’twasinmyskintobe，andI’dliketoseeachildofminedoitforme；andasformygrandchildren，ithustlessomeofthemtore-cog-nizemepassingonthebigroad，’speciallyifit’sPeter’sgirlwithatownbeau。’’
TheHarvesterlaughed。Theoldladyleanedtowardhimwithamistinhereyesandaquaverinhervoice，andaskedsoftly，``Gotaryfriendthatcouldhelpyou，David？’’
Themanlookedstraightaheadinsilence。
``Bamfoozlealltherestofthemasmuchasyouplease，lad，butIstandtoyouintheplaceofyourma，andsoIastyouplainly——gotaryfriendthatcouldhelp？’’
``Icanthinkofnowayinwhichanyonepossiblycouldhelpme，dear，’’saidtheHarvestergently。``ItisamatterIcan’texplain，butIknowofnothingthatanyonecoulddo。’’
``Youmeanyou’retight-mouthed！YouCOULDtellmejustlikeyouwouldyourma，ifshewasupandcomin’；
butyoucan’tquiteputmeinherplace，andspititoutplain。NowmebbyIcanhelpyou！Isitherfaultoryourn？’’
``Mine！Mineentirely！’’
``Hum！Whatafoolquestion！Imightaknowedit！
Ineversawalovinger，sweetergirlintheseparts。I
jestworshipthegroundshetreadson；andyou，ladyouhain’thadaheartinyourbodysencefirstyousawherface。IfIhadthestren’th，I’dhaulyououtofthiskeeridgeandI’dhammeryoumeller，DavidLangston。
Whatinthenameofsensehaveyougoneanddonetothepurty，lovin’child？’’
TheHarvester’sfaceflushed，butalinearoundhismouthwhitened。
``Loosenup！’’commandedGranny。``Igotsomerightsinthiscasethatmebbyyoudon’tremember。Youaskedmetohelpyougetreadyforher，andIdonewhatyouwanted。Youinvitedmetovisither，andIjestlovedhersweet，purtyways。Youwantedmetoshetupmyhouseandcomeoverforweekstohelptakekeerofher，andIdoneitgladly，forherpainandyoursufferin’cutmeasif’twasmylivin’fleshandblood；soyoucan’tshetmeoutnow。I’minwithyouandhertotheend。
Whatablamefoolthinghaveyougoneanddonetodriveawayformonthsagirlthatfairworshippedyou？’’
``That’sexactlythetrouble，Granny，’’saidtheHarvester。``Shedidn’t！Shemerelyrespectedandwasgratefultome，andshelovedmeasafriend；butIneverwasanynearerherhusbandthanIamyours。’’
``I’vealwaysknowedtheywasascrewloosesomewhere，’’commentedGranny。``Andsoyou’vesentherofftoherworldlyfolksinabig，wickedcitytogetweanedawayfromyoucomplete？’’
``Isenthertoletherseeifabsencewouldteachheranything。Ihadmonthswithherhere，andIlayawakeatnightsthinkingupnewplanstowinher。IworkedforherloveasIneverworkedforbread，butIcouldn’tmakeit。SoIlethergotoseeifseparationwouldteachheranything。’’
``Mercyme！Whyyoucrazycritter！Thechilddidloveyou！Shelovedyou’noughan’plenty！Shelovedyoufaithfulandtrue！Youwasjestthelightofhereyes。
Idon’tseehowagirlcouldthinkmoreofaman。Whatinthenameofsenseareyouexpectingmonthsofseparationtoteachher，buttoforgetyou，andmebbyturnhertosomeoneelse？’’
``IhopeditwouldteachherwhatIcalllove，means，’’
explainedtheHarvester。
``Whyyoudrattedpopinjay！IfeverinallmyborndaysIwantedtotakeamanandjestlit’rallymopuptheairthwithhim，it’srighthereandnow。`Absenceteachherwhatyoucalllove。’Idiot！That’syourjob！’’
``But，Granny，Icouldn’t！’’
``Wouldn’t，youmean，nodoubt！Ihain’tnomannerofanotioninmyheadbutthatchild，dependingonyou，andgratefulasshewas，andtenderandloving，andallsechasthatIhain’tadoubtbutshecometoyouplainandtoldyoushelovedyouwithallherheart。
Whatmorecouldyouast？’’
``ThatsheunderstandwhatlovemeansbeforeIcanacceptwhatsheoffers。’’
``Youpuddin’head！Youblunderbuss！’’criedGranny。
``Understandwhatyoumeanbylove。Ifyou’regoingtobarawomanfrombeingawife’tilsheknowswhatyoumeanbylove，you’llstopaboutninetenthsoftheweddingsintheworld，andt’othertenthwillbewomenthatnodecent-mindedmanwouldjinewith。’’
``Granny，areyousure？’’
``Welllivin’throughit，andup’ardofseventyyearswithotherwomen，orttoteachmesomething。TheGirlofferedyouallanymanneedstoastorgit。Herfoundationswaslaidinfaithandtrust。Heraffectionswascaughtbyeveryloving，tender，thoughtfulthingyoudidforher；andeverybodyknowsyoudida-plenty，David。Ineverseesechamasterhandatcourtin’asyoube。Youhadherlovin’youallanygoodwomanknowshowtoloveaman。Allyouneededtoa-donewastotakeherinyourarms，andmakeheryourwife，andshe’d’a’wakeduptowhatyoumeantbylove。’’
``Butsupposesheneverawakened？’’
``Aw，bosh！S’posewaterwon’twet！S’posefirewon’tburn！S’posethesunwon’tshine！That’sthelawofnature，man！IfyouthinkIhain’tgotnosenseatallIjestdareyoutoaskDoctorCarey。’Twouldn’ttakehimlongtocombthekinksoutofyou。’’
``Idon’tthinkyouhaveleftany，Granny，’’saidtheHarvester。``Iseewhatyoumean，andinallprobabilityyouareright，butIcan’tsendfortheGirl。’’
``Nameo’goodnesswhy？’’
``BecauseIsentherawayagainstherwill，andnowsheisremainingsolongthatthereiseveryprobabilitysheprefersthelifesheislivingandthefriendsshehasmadethere，toMedicineWoodsandtome。TheonlythingIcandonowistoawaitherdecision。’’
``Oh，goodLord！’’groanedGranny。``Youmakemesickenoughtokill。TouchupyournagandhustlemetoDoc。Youcan’tgetmetherequickenoughtosuitme。’’
AtthehospitalshefacedDoctorCarey。``Ithinklikelysomeofmyinnardshasgottobecutoutandmended，’’shesaid。``I’lljesttakeafewminutesofyourtimetoexaminationme，andseewhatyoucando。’’
Intheprivateofficesheheldtheletterstowardthedoctor。``Theyhain’tnomannerofsicknessailin’me，Doc。Theboyoutthereisindeepwater，andIknowedhowmuchyouthoughtofhim，andIhopedyou’dgivemealift。Iwentovertohisplacethismornin’totakehimapie，andIfoundhissettin’roomfireplaceheapin’
withlettershe’dwrittoRuthaboutthingshisheartwasjestsobustin’fullofiteasedhimtowritethemdown，andthenhehadn’tthehorsesenseandtrustinherjedgmenttosendthemontoher。Ipickedtwofats，alean，andamiddlin’forsamples，andIthoughtI’dsendthemsomeway，andIstruckforhomewiththeman’heketchedmeplumbonthebridge。Ihadtothrowmypieoverboard，willerplateandall，andasGodismywitness，IwassoflusteredtheboyhadgoodreasontothinkIwassicka-plenty；andsoonashenoticedit，Ithoughtofyouspangoff，andIknowedyou’dknowherwhereabouts，andImadehimfetchmetoyou。OnthewayIjestdraggeditfromhimthathe’dsentherawayhisfoolself，becauseshedidn’tsensewhathemeantbylove，andshewa’antbeholdentohimsamedegreeandmannerhewastoher。Greatday，Doc！Didyoueverhearapieceoffoolishnesstocomeupwiththat？I
toldhimtoastyou！Itoldhimyou’dtellhimthatnoclean，sweet-mindedgirleverhadknownnoreverwouldknowwhatlovemeanstoaman’tilhemarriesherandteachesher。Ain’titso，Doc？’’
``Itcertainlyis。’’
``Thenwillyougrinditintohim，cleantothemarrer，andwillyousendtheselettersontoRuthie？’’
``MostcertainlyIwill，’’saidthedoctoremphatically。
Grannyopenedthedoorandwalkedout``I’msorelieved，David，’’shesaid。``Hethinkstheywon’tbenomannero’needtoknifeme。Likelyhecanfixupafewpillsandsendthemoutbymailso’sthatI’llbeasgoodasnewagain。Nowwemustgetrightoutofhereandnottakevaluabletime。WhatdoIoweyou，Doc？’’
``Notacent，’’saidDoctorCarey。``Thankyouverymuchforcomingtome。You’llsoonbeallrightagain。’’
``Iwassomeworried。MuchobligedIamsure。Comeon！’’
``Oneminute，’’saidthedoctor。``David，IammakingupalistoffriendstowhomIamgoingtosendprogrammesofthemedicalmeeting，andIthoughtyourwifemightliketoseeyouamongthespeakers，andyoursubject。Whatisheraddress？’’
AslowredflushedtheHarvester’scheeks。Heopenedhislipsandhesitated。Atlasthesaid，``Ithinkperhapsherpeoplepreferthatshereceivemailunderhermaidennamewhilewiththem。MissRuthJameson，careofAlexanderHerron，5770ChestnutStreet，Philadelphia，willreachher。’’
Thedoctorwrotetheaddress，asifitwerethemostusualthingintheworld，andaskedtheHarvesterifhewasreadytomakethetripeast。
``Ithinkwehadbeststartto-night，’’hesaid。``Wewantadaytogrowaccustomedtoourclothesandnewsurroundingsbeforewerunupsquarelyagainstseriousbusiness。’’
``Iwillbeready，’’promisedtheHarvester。
HetookGrannyhome，sethishouseinorder，installedthemanhewasleavingincharge，touchedamatchtotheheapinthefireplace，anddonningthenewtravellingsuit，hewenttoDoctorCarey’s。
Mrs。Careyaddedafewtouches，warnedhimtorememberabouttheforksandspoons，andnottoforgettoshaveoften，andsawthemoff。AtthestationCareysaidtohim，``Youknow，David，wecanchangeatWayneandgothroughBuffalo，orwecantakethePittsburgandgoandcomethroughPhiladelphia。’’
``IamcontemplatingatriptoPhiladelphia，’’saidtheHarvester，``butIbelieveIwillnotbereadyfor，sayamonthyet。Ihaveatheoryanditdieshard。Ifitdoesnotworkoutthecomingmonth，Iwillgo，perhaps，butnotnow。LetusseehowmanykindsofafoolI
makeofmyselfinNewYorkbeforeIattempttheQuakers。’’
Almosttothecity，thedoctorsmiledattheHarvester。
``David，wheredidyougetyourinfernalassurance？’’
heasked。
``Inthewoods，’’answeredtheHarvesterplacidly。
``Indoingcleanwork。Withmyfingersinthemuck，andlifeliterallyteemingandboilinginsoundandaction，around，above，andbeneathme，arightestimateofmyplaceandprovinceinlifecomesnaturallyindailyhandlingstoresonwhichhumanitydepends，Igoevendeeperthanyousurgeonsandphysicians。YouarepowerlessunlessIreinforceyourworkwithdrugsonwhichyoucanrely。Idoclean，honestwork。Iknowitsproperplaceandvaluetotheworld。ThatiswhyI
calledwhatIhavetosay，`TheManintheBackground。’
ThereisnoreasonwhyIshouldshiverandshrinkatmeetingandexplainingmyworktomyfellows。Everymanhashisvocation，andsomeofyouinthelimelightwouldcutasorryfigureifthemaninthebackgroundshouldfailyouatthecriticalmoment。Don’tworryaboutme，Doc。Iamallserene。Youwon’tfindI
possesseithernervesorfear。`Besureyouareright，andthengoahead，’ismylaw。’’
``WellI’llbeconfounded！’’saidthedoctor。
Inalargehall，peopledwiththousandsofmedicalmen，thenameoftheHarvesterwascalledthefollowingdayandhissubjectwasannounced。Hearoseinhisplaceandbegantotalk。
``Taketheplatform，’’cameinaroarfromahundredthroats。
TheHarvesterhesitated。
``Youmust，David，’’whisperedCarey。
TheHarvestermadehiswayforwardandwasguidedthroughasidedoor，andasecondlatercalmlywalkeddownthebigstagetothefront，andstoodateaselookingoverhisaudience，asiftogaugeitssizeandthepitchtowhichheshouldraisehisvoice。Hisleanframeloomedeveryinchofhissixfeet，hisbroadshouldersweresquare，hiscleanshavenfacealertandafire。Heworeaspringsuitoflightgrayofgoodqualityandcut，andhewasperfectastodetails。
``Thisscarcelyseemscompatiblewithmysubject，’’heremarkedcasually。``Icertainlyappearverymuchintheforegroundjustatpresent，butperhapsthatisquiteaswell。ItmaybetimethatIassertmyself。Idoubtifthereisamanamongyouwhohasnothandledmyproductsmoreorless；youmayenjoylearningwhereandhowtheyareprepared，andunderstandingthemannerinwhichmyworkmergeswithyours。IthinkperhapsthefirstthingistopaintyouasgoodawordpictureasIcanofmygeographicallocation。’’
ThentheHarvesternamedlatitudeandlongitudeanddegreesoftemperature。Hedescribedthelake，themarsh，thewoodedhill，theswale，andopensunnyfields。Hespokeofwater，soil，shade，andgeographicalconditions。``HereIwasborn，’’hesaid，``onlandownedbymyfatherandgrandfatherbeforeme，andprevioustothem，bytheIndians。Mymaleancestors，sofarasI
cantracethem，weremenofthewoods，hunters，trappers，herbgatherers。Mymotherwasfromthecountry，educatedforateacher。ShehadthemostinexorablewillpowerofanywomanIeverhaveknown。FrommyfatherIinheritedmyloveformuckonmyboots，resininmynostrils，thelongtrail，thecampfire，forestsoundsandsilencesinmysoul。FrommymotherIlearnedtoreadgoodbooks，tostudysubjectsthatpuzzledme，totellthetruth，tokeepmysoulandbodyclean，andtopursuewithcouragethethingtowhichIsetmyhand。
``Therewasnotmoneyenoughtoeducatemeasshewould；togetherwelearnedtofinditintheforest。Inearlydayswesoldfernsandwildflowerstocitypeople，harvestedthesapofthemaplesinspring，andthenutcropofthefall。Later，aswewantedmore，wetrappedforskins，andcollectedherbsforthedrugstores。ThisopenedtomeafieldIwaspeculiarlyfittedtoenter。I
knewwoodcraftinstinctively，Ihadthelocationofeveryherb，root，bark，andseedthatwillenduremyclimate；
Ihadthedeterminationtosticktomyjob，therightbookstoassistme，andmymother’sinvinciblewillpowertoupholdmewhereIwavered。
``AsIlookintoyourfaces，men，Iamstruckwiththeastoundingthoughtthatsomewomanborethecoldsweatandpainoflabourtogivelifetoeachofyou。
IhopefewofyouprolongedthatagonyasIdid。Itwasintheheartofmymothertomakemephysicallyclean，andtothatendshesentmedailyintothelake，solongasitwasnoticecovered，andputmeatexercisesintendedtobringfullstrengthtoeverysinewandfibreofmybody。Itwasinherhearttomakememorallyclean，soshetookmetonatureanddrilledmeinitsforcesanditsmethodsofreproducinglifeaccordingtothelaw。Herworkwasgoodtoapointthatallmenwillrecognize。Fromthereon，forafewyears，sheheldme，notbecauseIwasmanenoughtostand，butbecauseshewaswomanenoughtosupportme。WithouthernodoubtIwouldhavebrokentheoathItook；withherIwonthevictoryandreachedyearsofmanhoodandself-controlasshewouldhavehadme。Thestruggleworeheroutathalfalifetime，butasatributetohermemoryIcannotfaceabodyofmenhavingyouropportunitieswithouttellingyouthatwhatwaspossibletoherandtomeispossibletoallmothersandmen。
IfsheisaboveandhearsmeperhapsitwillrecompensesomeofhershortenedyearsifsheknowsIampleadingwithyou，asmenhavingthegreatestinfluenceofanyliving，totellandtoteachtheyoungthatacleanlifeispossibletothem。Thenexttimeanyofyouarecalledupontoaddressabodyofmentellthemtolearnforthemselvesandtoteachtheirsons，andtoholdthematthecriticalhour，evenbysweatandblood，toacleanlife；forinthiswayonlycanfeeble-mindedhomes，almshouses，andthescarletwomanbeabolished。Inthiswayonlycanmenarisetofullphysicalandmentalforce，andbecomethefathersofaracetowhomthestruggleforcleanmanhoodwillnotbethebattleitiswithus。
``Bythedistortedfaces，bythemisshapenbodies，bymarksofdegeneracy，recognizabletoyourpractisedeyeseverywhereonthestreets，bytheagonyofthemotherwhoboreyou，andlaterweptoveryou，Iconjureyoumentoliveuptoyourhighandholyprivilege，andtellallmenthattheycanbeclean，iftheywill。Thisinmemoryofthemotherwhoshortenedherdaystomakemeamoralman。Andifanyamongyouisthecraventopleadimmoralityasasafeguardtohealth，Iask，whataboutthehealthofthewomenyousacrificetoshieldyourpreciousbodies，andIoffermyownasthebestpossiblerefutationofthatcowardlylie。Ineverhavebeenillamomentinallmylife，andstrengthneverhasfailedmeforworktowhichIsetmyhand。
``Therapidlydecreasingsupplyofdrugsandtheadulteratedimportationsearlytaughtmethatthedaywascomingwhenitwouldbeanabsolutenecessitytoraiseourhomesupplies。So，whileyetinmyteens，Ibegancollectingfromthefieldsandwoodsformilesaroundsuchmedicinalstuffasgrewinmyfather’sfields，marsh，andwoods，andplantingmorewhereverI
foundanythinggrowingnaturallyinitsprime。Imerelyenlargednature’sbedsandpreservedtheirnaturalcondition。Astheplantsspreadandtheharvestincreased，Ibuiltadry-houseonscientificprinciples，alargestore-
room，andlateralaboratoryinwhichIhavebeenlearningtopreparesomeofmycrudematerialforthemarket，combiningideasofmyowninremedies，andatlastproducingoneyourpresidentjusthasindicatedthatIcometosubmittoyouasafinalresortincertainconditions。
``Myoperationsnowhavespreadtoclosesixhundredacresofalmostsolidmedicinalgrowth，includingalittlelake，aroundtheshoresofwhichflourishaquadruplesettingofwater-lovingherbs。’’
Occasionallyheshiftedhispositionoreasilywalkedacrosstheplatformandfacedhisaudiencefromadifferentdirection。Hisvoicewasstrong，deep，andrangclearlyandearnestly。Hisaudiencesatonthefrontedgeoftheirchairs，andlistenedtosomethingnew，withmouthshalfagape。AfewtimesCareyturnedfromthespeakertofacetheaudience。Heagonizedinhisheartthatitwasaclosedsession，andthathiswifewasnottheretohear，andthattheGirlwasmissingit。
Bythebentbacksandflyingfingersofthereportersattheirtableinfronthecouldseethatto-morrowtheworldwouldreadtheHarvester’sspeech；andifitweretruethatthelittlemotherhadshortenedherdaystoproducehim，shehaddoneearthaserviceforwhichmanygenerationswouldcallherblessed。Forthedoctorcouldlookahead，andheknewthatthismanwouldnotescape。
Thecallforhimandhisunimpeachabletruthwouldcomefromeverywhere，andhisutteranceswouldcarryasfarasnewspapersandmagazineswerecirculated。Thegoodhewoulddowouldbepastestimation。
TheHarvestercontinued。Hewasdescribingthemostdelicateanddifficultofherbstosecure。Hewastellinghowtheycouldberaised，prepared，kept，andcompounded。
Hewasdiscussingdiseasesthatdidnotreadilyyieldtotreatment，pointingoutwhatdrugswerecustomarilyemployedandoffering，ifanyofthemhadsuchcases，andwouldsendtohim，toforwardsamplesofunadulteratedstuffsufficientforatestcomparisonwithwhattheywereusing。Hewaswalkingserenelyandsurelyintotheheartofeverymanbeforehim。
Justatthepointwhereitwasthepsychologicaltimetoclose，hestoppedandstoodalonginstantfacingthem，andthenheaskedsoftly，``Didanymanamongyoueverseethewomantowhomhehadgivenastrongman’sfirstpassionoflove，slowlydyingbeforehim？’’
Onebreathlessinstanthewaitedandthencontinued，``Gentlemen，Irecentlysawthisinmyowncase。Fordaysitwascoming，soatnightIshutmyselfinmylaboratory，andfromtheveryessenceofthepurestofmyself-compoundeddrugsIdistilledastimulantintowhichIputatouchofheartremedy，abraceforweakeningnerves，avitalizationofsluggishblood。AsIworked，Ithoughtinthatthoughtwhichembodiedtheessenceofprayer，andwhenmydayandmyhourcame，andamanwhohasbeenthepresidentofyourhonourablebody，andisknowntoallofyou，saiditwasdeath，I
tookthiscombinationthatInowpresenttoyou，andwiththehelpoftheAlmightyandawomanabovethepriceofrubies，IkeptbreathinthegirlIlove，andto-daysheisatfulltideofwomanhood。Asathankoffering，theformulaisyours。Testitasyouwill。Useitifyoufinditgood。Gentlemen，Ithankyou！’’
CareysankinhischairandwatchedtheHarvestercrossthestage。Ashedisappearedthetumultbegan，anditlasteduntilthepresidentaroseandbroughthimbacktomakeanotherbow，andthentheyrioteduntiltheyworethemselvesout。InanimmaculatedresssuittheHarvestersatthatnightontherightofthegray-
hairedpresidentandrespondedtothetoast，``TheHarvesteroftheWoods。’’Thenthereporterscarriedhimawaytobephotographed，andtoshowhimthegaysightsofNewYork。
Inthetrainthenextday，steadilyspeedingwest，hesaidtoDoctorCarey:``IfeelastheoldwomanofMotherGoosewhosaid，`Lawk-a-mercyonus，canthisbereallyI？’’’
``Youjustbetitis！’’criedthedoctor。``Andyouhavecutoutworkforyourselfingoodshape。’’
``Whatdoyoumean？’’
``Imeanthatthisisabeginning。Youwillbecalledupontospeakagainandagain。’’
``Thepointis，doyouhonestlythinkIhelpedany？’’
``Youdidinestimablegood。Itonlycanhelpmentohearplaintruththatispersonalexperience。Asforthatdopeofyours，itwillcomecloserraisingthedeadthananythingIeversaw。NextcaseIseeslipping，afterI’vedonemybest，I’mgoingtotryitoutformyself。’’
``Allright！’PhonemeandI’llbringsomefreshandhelpyou。’’
AtBuffalothedoctorleftthecarandboughtapaper。
AshehadexpectedtheportraitandspeechoftheHarvesterwerefeatured。Thereportershadbeengracious。
Theyhaddoneallthatwasjusttoagreatevent，andallowedthemselvessomelatitude。HeimmediatelymailedthepapertotheGirl，andatClevelandboughtanotherforhimself。WhenheshowedittotheHarvester，asheglancedatitheobserved，``DoIappearlikethat？’’Thenhewentontalkingwithamanhehadmetwhointerestedhim。
CHAPTERXXI
THECOMINGOFTHEBLUEBIRD
TheHarvesterstoppedatthemailboxonhiswayhomeandamongthemassofmatteritcontainedwassomethingfromtheGirl。Itwasascrapaslongashisleastfingerandthreetimesaswide，andbythepostmarkithadlainfourdaysinthebox。Onopeningit，hefoundonlyhercardwithalinewrittenacrossit，butthemanwentupthehillandintothecabinasifacycloneweredrivinghim，forheread，``Hasyourbluebirdcome？’’
Hethrewhistravellingbagonthefloor，rantothetelephone，andcalledthestation。``Takethismessage，’’hesaid。``Mrs。DavidLangston，careofAlexanderHerron，5770ChestnutStreet，Philadelphia。Foundnoteafterfourdays’absence。Bluebirdlongpastdue。Thefairieshavetolditthatmyfatehereafterliesinyourhands。
Asalways。David。’’
TheHarvesterturnedfromtheinstrumentandbenttoembraceBelshazzar，leapinginecstasybesidehim。
``Understandthat，Bel？’’heasked。``Idon’tknowbutitmeanssomething。Maybeitdoesn’t——notathing！
Andagain，thereisachance——onlythemerestpossibility——thatitdoes。We’llriskit，Bel，andtobeginonIhavenaileditashardasIknewhow。Next，wewillcleanthehouse——untilitshines，andthenwewillfillthecupboard，andifanythingdoeshappenwewon’tbecaughtnapping。Yes，boy，wewilltakethechance！
Wecan’tbeanyworsedisappointedthanwehavebeenbeforeandsurvivedit。Comealong！’’
Hepickedupthebagandarrangeditscontents，carefullybrushedandfoldedonhisshelvesandinhiscloset。Thenheremovedthetravellingsuit，donnedtheoldbrownclothesandwenttothebarntoseethathiscreatureshadbeencaredforproperly。Earlythenextmorningheawokeandafterfeedingandbreakfastinginsteadofgoingtoharvestspicebrushandalderhestretchedalineandhungthebeddingfromroomafterroomtoairandsun。Heswept，dusted，andwashedwindows，madebeds，andlastlypolishedthefloorsthroughoutthecabin。Heseteverythinginorder，andasafinishingtouch，filledvases，pitchers，andbowlswiththebloomofredbudandsilkywillowcatkins。
Hesearchedthesouthbank，buttherewasnotaviolet，eveninthemostexposedplaces。Bynighthewastiredandalittleofthekeenedgeofhisardourwasdulled。
Thenextdayheworkedscrubbingtheporches，straighteningthelawnandhedges，evensweepingthedrivewaytothebridgeclearofwind-whirledleavesandstraw。
Hescoutedaroundthedry-houseandlaboratory，andspentseveralextrahoursonthebarnsothatwheneveningcameeverythingwasinperfectorder。Thenhedressed，atehissupperanddrovetothecity。
Hestoppedatthemailbox，buttherewasnothingfromtheGirl。TheHarvesterdidnotknowwhetherhewassorryorglad。Alettermighthavesaidthesamething。Nothingmeantadelightfulpossibility，andbetweenthetwohepreferredthelatter。HewhistledandsangashedrovetoOnabasha，andBelshazzarlookedathimwithmystifiedeyes，forthiswasnotthemasterhehadknownoflate。Hedidnotrecognizethedressorthemanner，buthisdogheartwassympathetictotheman’severymood，andherememberedtimeswhenadrivedowntheleveealwayshadbeenlikethis，forto-
nighttheHarvester’stonguewasloosenedandhetalkedintheoldway。
``Justfourwords，Bel’’hesaid。``And，asI
remarkedbefore，theymaymeanthemostwonderfulthingonearth，andpossiblynothingatall。Butitisintheheartofmantohope，Bel，andsowearegoingtoliveroyallyforaweekortwo，justonhope，oldboy。Ifanythingshouldhappen，weareready，roomsshining，bedsfresh，fireplacesfilledandwaitingamatch，icechestcool，andwhenwegetbackitwillbestored。Alsoasecret，Bel；wearegoingtoafloristandafruitstore。
Whileweareatit，wewilldothethingright；butwewillstayawayfromDoc，untilwearesureofsomething。
Hemeanswell，butwedon’tliketobepitied，dowe，Bel？Ourfriendsdon’tmanagetheireyesandvoicesverywellthesedays。Nevermind！Ourtimewillcomeyet。Thebluebirdwillnotfailus，butneverbeforehasitbeensolate。’’
Onhisreturnhefilledthepantryshelveswithpackages，storedtheicechest，andsetabasketofdeliciousfruitonthediningtable。Twoboxesremained。Heopenedthelargeroneandtookfromitanarmloadofwhiteliliesthathecarriedupthehillanddividedbetweenthemoundsundertheoak。Thenheuncoveredhishead，andstandingatthefootofthemhelookedamongtheboughsofthebigtreeandlistenedintently。Afteratimeasoft，warmwind，catkin-scented，creptfromthelake，andbeganamurmuramongtheclustersofbrownleavesclingingtothebranches。
``Mother，’’saidtheHarvester，``wereyouwithme？
DidIdoitright？DidItellthemwhatyouwouldhavehadmesayfortheboys？Areyougladnowyouheldmetothenarrowway？DoyouwantmetogobeforemenifIamasked，asDocsaysIwillbe，andtellthemthattheonlywaytoabolishpainisforthemtobeginatthefoundationbylivingcleanlives？Idon’tknowifIdidanygood，buttheylistenedtome。Anyway，IdidthebestIknew。Butthatisn’tstrange；yougrounditintometodothateveryday，untilitisalmostaninstinct。Mother，dear，canyoutellmeaboutthebluebird？
Isthatsoftestlittlerustleofallyourvoice？
anddoesitsay`hope’？Ithinkso，andIthankyoufortheword。’’
Theman’seyesdroppedtoearth。
``Andyouothermother，’’hesaid，``haveyouanymessageforme？Upwhereyouarecanyousweeptheworldwithunderstandingeyesandtellmewhymybluebirddoesnotcome？Doesitknowthatthisyearyourchildandnotchancemustsettlemyfate？Canyoulookacrossspaceandseeifsheiseventhinkingofme？ButIknowthat！Shehadtobethinkingofmewhenshewrotethatline。Rathercanyoutellme——
willshecome？DoyouthinkIammanenoughtobetrustedwithherfuture，ifshedoes？OnethingIpromiseyou:ifsuchjoyevercomestome，Iwillknowhowtomeetitgently，thankfully，tenderly，pleaseGod。Goodnight，littlewomen。Ihopeyouaresleepingwell——’’
Heturnedandwentdownthehill，enteredthecabinandtookfromtheotherboxamassofParmaviolets。
HeputtheseinthepinkbowlandplaceditonthetablebesidetheGirl’sbed。Hestoodforatime，andthenbeganpullingsingleflowersfromthebowlanddroppingthemoverthepillowandsnowyspread。
``God，howIloveher！’’hewhisperedsoftly。
Atlasthewentoutandclosedthedoor。Hewastiredandsoonfellasleepwiththenightbreezestirringhishair，andtheglamourofmoonlightfloodingthelaketouchedhisface。Clearlyitetchedthestrong，manlyfeatures，thefinebrowandchin，andpaintedinunusualtendernessthesoftlinesaroundthemouth。Thelittleowlwavereditslovestory，afewfrogswerepiping，andtheHarvesterlaybreathingtheperfumedspringairdeeplyandevenly。NearmidnightBelshazzarawakenedhimbyarisingfromthebedsideandwalkingtothedoor。
``Whatisit，Bel？’’inquiredtheHarvester。
Thedogwhinedsoftly。Themanturnedhisheadtowardthelake。Arayofredlighttouchedtheoppositeembankmentandcamewaveringacrossthesurface。
TheHarvestersatup。Twobig，flamingeyeswerecreepingupthelevee。
``That，’’saidtheHarvester，``mightbeDoccomingformetohelphimtryoutmybottledsunshine，oritmightbemybluebird。’’
Hetossedbackthecover，swunghisfeettothefloor，settingeachinaslipperbesidethebed，andarose，dressingashestartedforthedoor。Asheopenedthescreenandsteppedontheverandaapassengercarfromthecitystopped，andtheHarvesterwentdownthewalktomeetit。Hisheartturnedoverwhenhesawawoman’shandonthedoor。
``Permitme，’’hesaid，takingthehandleandbringingitbackwithasweep。Atallformarose，bentforward，anddescendedtothestep。ThefullflareofmoonlightfellontheglowingfaceoftheGirl。
``Harvester，isityou？’’sheasked。
``Yes，’’gaspedtheman。
Twohandscameflutteringout，andhejusthadpresenceofmindtostepinrangesothattheyrestedonhisshoulders。
``Hasthebluebirdcome？’’
``Notyet！’’
``ThenIamnottoolate？’’
``Nevertoolatetocometome，Ruth。’’
``Iamwelcome？’’
``Ihavenowordstotellyouhowwelcome。’’
SheswayedforwardandtheHarvestertriedtoreachherlips，buttheybrushedhischeekandtouchedhisear。
``IhavebroughtonemorekissIwanttotry，’’shewhispered。
TheHarvestercrushedherinhisarmsuntilhefrightenedhimselfforfearhehadhurther，andmurmuredanecstasyofindistinctlovewordstoher。Presentlyherfeettouchedthegroundandshedrewawayfromhim。
``Harvester，’’shewhispered，``Icouldn’twaitanylonger；indeedIcouldnot:andIcouldn’tleavegrandfatherandgrandmother，andIdidn’tknowwhatintheworldtodo，soIjustbroughtthemalong。Aretheywelcome？’’
``Asidefromyou，Iwouldratherhavethemthananypeopleonearth，’’saidtheHarvester。
Thereweretwosoundsinthecar；onewasanapprovingmurmur，andtheotheranundeniablesnort。
TheHarvesterfeltthereassuringpressureoftheGirl’shand。
``Please，Ruth，’’hesaid，``goturnonthelightsothatIcanseetohelpgrandmother。’’
Afootstampedbeforethefrontseat。``MadamHerron，ifyouplease！’’criedanacridvoice。
```MadamHerron，’’’saidtheHarvestergently，ashesetafootonthestep，reachedinandbodilypickedupalittleoldladyandstartedupthewalkwithherinhisarms。
``Carefulthere，sir！’’roaredavoiceafterhim。
TheHarvestercouldfeelthequakeofthelaughingwomanandhesmiledbroadlyasheenteredthecabin，andplacedherinalargechairbeforethefire。Thenhewheeledandranbacktothecar，reachingitasthemanwasmakinganefforttodescend。Itcouldbeseenthathehadbeentall，beforetimeandsorrowhadbenthim，andkeeneyesgleamedbelowshaggywhitebrowsfromunderhishatbrim。Hehadawhitemoustache，andhishairwassnowy。
``Allowme，’’saidtheHarvesterreachingahand。
``IfyoutouchmeIwillcaneyou，’’saidMr。AlexanderHerron。
Therewasnothingtodobutstepback。Thecane，wheel，andalongcoatskirtinterfering，theoldmanfellheadlong，andonlyquickhandssavedhimaseverejoltandbruises。Hestoodglaringinthemoonlightwhilehishatwasrestored。
``Ifyourunyourcartothecurveyoucanbacktowardthesouthandturneasily，’’saidtheHarvestertothedriver。Astheautomobilepassedthemheofferedhisarm。``MayIshowyoutothefire？Thesespringnightsarechilly。’’
```Chilly！’Demnitioncoldiswhattheyare！I’mfrozentothebone！Thiswillbetheendofusboth！
Draggingpeopleofouragearoundatthishourofnight。
Ofalltheaccursedstubbornness！’’
``Therearethreelowsteps，’’saidtheHarvester，``nowastraightstretchofwalk，nowtwosteps；thereyouareonthelevel。Hereisaneasychair。Itwouldbebettertoleaveonyourcoat，untilIlightthefire。’’
Hekneltandscratchedamatch，andalmostinstantlyaflamesprangfromtheheapofdrykindling，andbegantowraparoundthebiglogs。
``Howpretty！’’exclaimedasoftvoice。
``Kindofahuntinglodgeinthewilds，isit？’’growledaroughone。``Marcella，youwilltakeyourdeathhere！’’
``I’msureIfeelnoexposure。Really，Alexander，ifIhadpassedawayeverytimeyouhaveprophesiedthatIwouldinthepasttwentyyearsyou’dhavethelargestprivatecemeteryinexistence。IfyouwouldnotbesopessimisticIcouldquiteenjoythetrip。It’ssolongsinceI’veriddeninthecars。’’
``Ofalltheabandonedplaces！Andforyoutobehere，afteryouryearsinbed！’’
``ButI’mnotnearlysotiredasIamathome，Alexander，truly。’’
``Letmehelpyou，grandfather，’’offeredtheGirl。
Shewenttohimandtookhishatandstick。
``Leavememycane，’’hecried。``Anyinstantthatbeastmayattacksomeofus。’’
TheGirllaughedmerrily。
``Whygrandfather！’’shechided，``Belisthefinestdogyoueverknew，heismybestfriendhere。Bythehourhehasprotectedme，andheisgentleasakitten。
He’scrazyovermycominghome。’’
Shekneltonthefloor，putherarmsaroundthedog’sneck，andthedelightedbrutequiveredwiththejoyofhercaressandthesoundofherlovedvoice。
``Ruthie！’’cautionedthegentlelady。
``Putthatcuroutofdoors，whereanimalsbelong，’’
roaredtheoldman，liftinghisstick。
``Careful！’’warnedthegravevoiceoftheHarvester。
``Ithoughtyousaidhewasgentleasakitten！’’
``Grandfather，Isaidthat，’’criedtheGirl。
``Wellwasn’titthetruth？’’
``Youcanseehowhelovesme。Didn’tIevertellyouthatBelmadethefirstfriendlyovertureIeverreceivedinthispartofthecountry？He’swatchedmebytheday，evenwhileIslept。’’
``Thenwhat’sallthisinfernalfussabout？’’
``Trystrikinghimifyouwanttofindout，’’explainedtheHarvestergently。``Yousee，BelshazzarandIareaccustomedtolivingherealoneandveryquietly。HeisexcitedovertheGirl’sreturn，becausesheishisfriend，andhehasnotforgottenher。Thenthisisthefirsttimeinhislifeheeverheardanirritablevoicefromavisitororsawacane，anditangershim。Heisperfectlysafetoguardababy，ifheisgentlytreated，butheisasurethroatholdtoastrangerwhobespeakshimroughlyorattemptstostrike。HewouldbeofnouseasaguardtovaluablepropertywhileIsleepifhewereotherwise。
Bel，comehere！Liestill。’’
ThedogsanktothefloorbesidetheHarvester，buthissharpeyesfollowedtheGirl，andthehairaroseonhisneckateveryraspingnoteoftheoldman’svoice。
``Iwouldn’tgivesuchacreaturehouseroomforaminute，’’insistedtheguest。
``Waituntilyouseehimworkandbecomeacquaintedwithhim，andyouwillchangethatverdict，’’prophesiedtheHarvester。
``Ineverwasknowntochangeanopinion。Never，sir！Never！’’criedthetestyvoice。
``Howunfortunate！’’remarkedtheHarvestersuavely。
``Explainyourself！Explainyourself，sir！’’
``Thereneverhasbeen，thereneverwillbe，amanonthisearth，’’saidtheHarvester，``whollyfreefrommistakes。Areyouwarmnow？’’Heturnedtothelittlelady，cuttingoffareplywithhisquestion。
``Niceandwarmandquitesleepy，’’shesaid。
``WhatmayIbringyouforalightlunchbeforeyougotobed？’’
``Oh，couldIhaveabiteofsomething？’’
``IfonlyIamfortunateenoughtohaveanythingyouwillcarefor。Whataboutabowlofhotmilkandasliceoftoast？’’
``WhyIthinkthatwouldbejustthething！’’
``Excuseme，’’saidtheHarvesterrising。
Hewenttothekitchenandtheycouldhearhimmovingaround。
``Iwishthebigbrutewouldtakehisbeastalong，’’
growledMr。AlexanderHerron。
``Come，Bel，’’orderedtheGirl。``Let’sgotothekitchen。’’
Thedoginstantlyaroseandfollowedher。
``WhatcanIdotohelp？’’sheaskedastheyreachedthedoor。
``Remainwhereyouwon’tdazzlemyeyes，’’saidtheHarvester，``untilIhelpthegentleladyandthegentlemantobed。’’
Presentlyhecamewithawhitecloth，twospoons，andaplateofbread。Hespreadtheclothonthetable，laidthespoonsonit，andopeningthelittlecupboard，tookoutalongtoastingfork，andstickingitintoasliceofbread，hehelditoverthecoals。Whenitgrewgoldenbrownheliftedthetablebesidethechair，andbroughtabowlofscaldedmilk。
``Marcella，thatstuffwillbetoosmokyforyou！
Yourstomachwillrebelatit。’’
``Grandfather，therewillnotbeasuspicionofodour，’’
saidtheGirl。``Ihavehaditthatwayoften。’’
``Thennowonderyoucamefromthisplacelookinglikeapickedcrane，ifthatisasampleofwhatyouwerefedon！’’
ThefaceoftheHarvestergrewredderthantheheatofthefirenecessitated，butattheringinglaughoftheGirlhesethisteethandwentontoastingbread。Grandmothercrumbledsomeinthemilkandpickingupthespoontestedthecombination。Shewasveryhungry，anditwasgood。Shebeganeatingwithrelish。
``Alexander，youwillbetheloserifyoudon’thavesomeofthis，’’shesaid。``It’sjustdelicious！’’
``Maybesmokedspoonvictualsareproperforinvalidwomen，’’heretorted，``buttheyaremightythindietforahardyman。’’
``Whataboutacoupleofeggsandsomebeefextract？’’
suggestedthecook。
``Soundsmoresensiblebyalongshot。’’
``Ruth，youmakethistoast，’’saidtheHarvesteranddisappeared。
Presentlyheplacedbeforehisguestacoupleofeggspoachedinmilk，asteamingbowlofbeefjuice，andaplateoftoast。ForoneinstanttheHarvesterthoughtthiswasgoingintothefire，thenextaslicewaspickedupandsmelledtestily。TheGirlsatonhergrandfather’schairarm，andbreakingamorseloftoastdippeditintothebrothandtastedit。
``Ohbutthatisgood！’’shecried。``Whyhaven’tIsomealso？AmIsupposedtohaveno`tummy’？’’
``Yourturnnext，’’saidtheHarvester，asheagaingavehertheforkandwenttothekitchen。
WhenhereturnedandservedtheGirlhefoundhergrandfathereatingheartily。
``WhyIthinkthisisfun，’’saidthegentlelady。``I
haven’thadsuchafinetimeinages。Ilovetheheatoftheflameonmybodyandthingstastesogood。Icouldgotosleepwithoutanynarcotic，rightnow。’’
CloseherkneetheHarvesterkneltonthehearthwithhistoastingfork。Sheleanedforwardandranherfingersthroughhishair。
``You’reabrawladdie，’’shesaid。``NowIseewhyRuthieWOULDcome。’’
TheHarvestertookthefrailhandandkissedit。
``Thankyou！’’hereturned。
``Mush！’’explodedthegrizzledmanintherear。
WhennoonewantedmorefoodtheHarvesterstackedandcarriedawaythedishes，sweptthehearth，andreplacedthetoaster。
``RuthandIoftenlunchedthiswaylastfall，’’hesaid。
``Welikeditforachange。’’
``Alexander，haveyounoticed？’’askedthelittlewomanassheliftedweteyestoabeautifulportraitofherdaughterbesidethechimney。
``D’yethinkI’mblind？SawitasIenteredthedoor。
Poortaste！Very！Brownmaymatchtherugandwood-work，butit’sawretchedcolourforayounggirlinhergaytime。Shouldbepinkandwhitewithagoldframe。’’
``Thatwouldbebeautiful，’’agreedtheHarvester。
``Wemusthaveonethatway。Thisisnotanexpensivepicture。Itisonlyanenlargementfromanoldphotograph。’’
``Wehaveanumberofveryhandsomelikenesses。
WhichonecanyouspareRuth，Marcella？’’
``Theoneshelikesbest，’’saidtheladypromptly。
``Andtheotherisyourmother，nodoubt。Whatagirlish，beautifulface！’’
``Wonderfullyfine！’’growledagruffoldvoicetincturedwithtears，andtheHarvesterbegantoseelight。
Theoldmanarose。``Ruthie，helpyourgrandmothertobed，’’hesaid。``Andyou，sir，havethegoodnesstowalkafewstepswithme。’’
TheHarvestersprangupandbroughtMr。Herronhiscoatandhatandheldthedoor。TheGirlbrushedpasthim。
``Totheoak，’’shewhispered。
Theywentintothenight，andwithoutawordtheHarvestertookhisguest’sarmandguidedhimupthehill。Whentheyreachedthetwomoundsthemoonshiningbetweenthebranchestouchedthelilyfaceswithwithholywhiteness。
``Shesleepsthere，’’saidtheHarvester，indicatingtheplace。
Thenheturnedandwentdownthepathalittledistanceandwaiteduntilhefearedthenightairwouldchillthebrokenoldman。
``Youcanseebetterto-morrow，’’hesaidashetouchedtheshakingfigureandassistedittoarise。
``Yourwork？’’Mr。AlexanderHerrontouchedthelilieswithhiswalkingstick。
TheHarvesterassented。
``DoyoumindifIcarryonetoMarcella？’’
TheHarvestertrembledashestoopedtoselectthelargestandwhitest，andwithsuddenillumination，hefullyunderstood。Hehelpedthetotteringoldmantothecabin，wherehesatsilentlybeforethefireplacesoftlytouchingthelilyfacewithhislips。
``Ihaveputgrandmotherinmybed，tuckedherinwarmly，andshesaysitissoftandfine，’’laughedtheGirl，comingtothem。``Nowyougobeforeshefallsasleep，andIhopeyouwillrestwell。’’
Shebentandkissedhim。
TheHarvesterheldthedoor。
``CanIbeofanyservice？’’heinquired。
``No，I’mnohelplesschild。’’
``Thentomybestwishesforsoundsleeptheremainderofthenight，Iwilladdthis，’’saidtheHarvester——
``Youmayrestinpeaceconcerningyourdeargirl。I
sympathizewithyouranxiety。Goodnight！’’
AlexanderHerronthrewouthishandsinprotest。
``Iwouldn’tmindadmittingthatyouareagentlemaninamonthortwo，’’hesaid，``butit’sademnationhumiliationtohaveitliterallywrungfrommeto-night！’’
HebangedthedoorinthefaceoftheamazedHarvester，whoturnedtotheGirlassheleanedagainstthemantel。Hestoodabsorbingtheglowingpictureofbeautyandhealththatshemade。Shehadremovedhertravellingdressandshoes，andwasdrapedinafleecywhitewoolkimonoandwearingnightslippers。Herhairhungintwobigbraidsasithadduringherillness。Shewashissickgirlagainincostume，butradianthealthglowedonherlovelyface。TheHarvestertouchedamatchtoafewcandlesandturnedouttheacetylenelights。Thenhestoodbeforeher。
``Now，bluebird，’’hesaidgently。``Ruth，youalwaysknowwheretofindme，ifyouwilllookatyourfeet。
IthoughtIlovedyouallinmypowerwhenyouwent，butabsencehastaughtitslessons。OneisthatIcangrowtoloveyoumoreeverydayIlive，andtheotherthatIprobablytrifledwiththehighestgiftyouhadtooffer，whenIsentyouaway。Imayhavebeenright；
GrannyandDocthinkIwaswrong。Youknowtheanswer。Yousaidtherewasanotherkissforme。Ruth，isitthesameoradifferentone？’’
``Itisdifferent。Quite，quitedifferent！’’
``Andwhen？’’TheHarvesterstretchedoutlongingarms。TheGirlsteppedback。
``Idon’tknow，’’shesaid。``IhaditwhenIstarted，butIlostitontheway。’’
TheHarvesterstaggeredunderthedisappointment。
``Ruth，thishasgonefarenoughthatyouwouldn’tplaywithme，merelyforthesakeofseeingmesuffer，wouldyou？’’
``No！’’criedtheGirl。``No！Imeanit！IknewjustwhatIwantedtosaywhenIstarted；butwehadtotakegrandmotheroutofbed。Shewouldn’tallowmetoleaveher，andIwouldn’tstayawayfromyouanylonger。Shefaintedwhenweputheronthecarandgrandfatherwentwild。Healmostkilledtheporters，andheravedatme。Hesaidmymotherhadruinedtheirlives，andnowIwouldbetheirdeath。IgotsofrightenedIhadanervouschillandI’msoafraidshewillgrowworse——’’
``Youpoorchild！’’shudderedtheHarvester。``I
see！Iunderstand！Whatyouneedisquietandagoodrest。’’
Heplacedherinabigeasychairandsittingonthehearthrugheleanedagainstherkneeandsaid，``Nowtellme，unlessyouaresotiredthatyoushouldgotobed。’’
``Icouldn’tpossiblysleepuntilIhavetoldyou，’’
saidtheGirl。
``Ifyou’remerciful，cutitshort！’’imploredtheHarvester。
``Ithinkitbegins，’’shesaidslowly，``whenIwentbecauseyousentmeandIdidn’twanttogo。Ofcourse，assoonasIsawgrandfatherandgrandmother，heardthemtalk，andunderstoodwhattheirliveshadbeen，andwhatmighthavebeen，whytherewasonlyonethingtodo，asIcouldseeit，andthatwastocompensatetheiragonythebestIcould。IthinkIhave，David。IreallythinkIhavemadethemalmosthappy。ButItoldthemallanyonecouldtellaboutyouinthestart，andfromthefirstgrandmotherwouldhavebeenonyourside；butyouseehowgrandfatheris，andhewasabsolutelydeterminedthatIshouldlivewiththem，intheirhome，alltheirlives。Hethoughtthebestwaytoaccomplishthatwouldbetoseparatemefromyouandmarrymetothesonofhispartner。
``Thereareroomspackedwiththelovelythingstheyboughtme，David，andeverythingwasasIwroteyou。
Someofthepeoplewhocamewerewonderful，sograciousandbeautiful，Ilovedalmostallofthem。Theytookmeplaceswheretherewerepictures，plays，andlovelyparties，andIstudiedhardtolearnsomemusic，todance，rideandallthethingstheywantedmetodo，andtoreadgoodbooks，andtolearntomeetpeoplewithgraciousnesstoequaltheirs，andallofit。EverydayIgrewstrongerandmetmorepeople，andthereweredifferentplacestogo，andalways，whenanythingwastobedone，uppoppedMr。HerbertKennedyandsaidanddidexactlytherightthing，andhecouldbeextremelynice，David。’’
``Ihaven’tadoubt！’’saidtheHarvester，layingholdofherkimono。
``AndhepoppedupsomuchthatatlastIsawhewaseitherpretendingorelsehereallywasgrowingveryfondofme，soonedaywhenwewerealoneItoldhimallaboutyou，tomakehimseethathemustnot。Helaughedatme，andsaidexactlywhatyoudid，thatI
didn’tloveyouatall，thatitwasgratitude，thatitwastheaffectionofachild。Hetalkedforhoursabouthowgrandfatherandgrandmotherhadsuffered，howitwasmydutytolivewiththemandgiveyouup，evenifIcaredgreatlyforyou；buthesaidwhatIfeltwasnotloveatall。
Thenhetriedtotellmewhathethoughtlovewas，andI
couldseeveryclearlythatifitwaslikethat，Ididn’tloveyou，butIcameawholeworldcloseritthanlovinghim，andItoldhimso。HelaughedagainandsaidIwasmistaken，andthathewasgoingtoteachmewhatreallovewas，andthenIcouldnotbedrivenbacktoyou。Afterthat，everybodyandeverythingjustpushedmetowardhimwithbothhands，exceptoneperson。ShewasayoungmarriedwomanandImetherattheveryfirst。ShewastheonlyrealfriendIeverhad，andatlast，thelatterpartofFebruary，whenthingsweretheveryworst，Itoldher。Itoldhereverysinglething。Shewasonyourside。ShesaidyouweretwicethemanHerbertKennedywas，andassoonasI
foundIcouldtalktoheraboutyou，IbegangoingthereandstayingaslongasIcould，justtotalkandtoplaywithherbaby。
``Herhusbandwasasplendidyoungfellow，andI
grewveryfondofhim。Iknewshehadtoldhim，becausehesuddenlybegantalkingtomeinthekindestway，andeverythinghesaidseemedtobewhatImostwantedtohear。Igotalongfairlywelluntilhintsofspringbegantocome，andthenIwouldwonderaboutmyhedge，andmygoldgarden，andiftheicewasoffthelake，andaboutmyboatandhorse，andIwantedmyroom，andoh，David，mostofallIwantedyou！Justyou！Notbecauseyoucouldgivemeanythingtocompareinrichnesswithwhattheycould，notbecausethishomewasthebestI’deverknownexcepttheirs，notforanyreasonatallonlyjustthatIwantedtoseeyourface，hearyourvoice，andhaveyoupickmeupandtakemeinyourarmswhenIwastired。ThatwaswhenIalmostquitwriting。
Icouldn’tsaywhatIwantedto，andIwouldn’twritetrivialthings，soIwentondayafterdayjustgroping。’’
``Andyoukilledmealive，’’saidtheHarvester。
``Iwasafraidofthat，butIcouldn’twrite。Ijustcouldn’t！ItwastendaysagothatIthoughtofthebluebird’scomingthisyearandwhatitwouldmeantoyou，andTHATkilledme，Man！Itjusthurtmyheartuntilitached，toknowthatyouwereoutherealone；
andthatnightIcouldn’tsleep，becauseIwasthinkingofyou，anditcametomethatifIhadyourlipsthenI
couldgiveyouamuch，muchbetterkissthanthelast，andwhenitwaslightIwrotethatline。
``NearlyaweeklaterIgotyouranswerearlyinthemorning，anditalmostdrovemewild。ItookitandwentforthedaywithMay，andItoldher。Shetookmeupstairs，andwetalkeditover，andbeforeIleftshemademepromisethatIwouldwriteyouandexplainhowI
felt，andaskyouwhatyouthought。Shewantedyoutocomethereandseeifyoucouldn’tmakethematleastrespectyou。IknowIwascrying，andshewasbathingthebaby。Shewenttobringsomethingshehadforgotten，andshegavehimtometohold，justhislittlenakedbody。Hestoodonmylapandmauledmyface，andpulledmyhair，andhuggedmewithhisstoutlittlearmsandkissedmebig，soft，wetkisses，andsomethingsprangtolifeinmyheartthatneverbeforehadbeenthere。Ijustcriedalloverhimandheldhimfast，andIcouldn’tgivehimupwhenshecameback。IsawwhyI’dwantedabigdollallmylife，rightthen；andoh，dear！thedollyousentwasbeautiful，but，David，didyoueverholdalittle，livingchildinyourarmslikethat？’’
``Ineverdid，’’saidtheHarvesterhuskily。
Helookedatherfaceandsawthetearsrolling，buthecouldsaynomore，soheleanedhisheadagainstherknee，andfindingoneofherhandshedrewittohislips。
``Itiswonderful，’’saidtheGirlsoftly。``Itawakenssomethinginyourheartthatmakesitallsoftandtender，andyoufeelanawfulresponsibility，too。Grandmotherhadthemtelephoneatlast，andMayhelpedmebathemyfaceandfixmyhat。WhenwewenttothecarriageMr。Kennedywastheretotakemehome。Wewentpastgrandmother’sfloristtogethersomeviolets——
David，sheissleepingunderyours，withjustafewtouchingherlips。Ohitwaslovelyofyoutogetthem；yourfairiesmusthavetoldyou！Shehasthemeveryday，andoneoftheobjectionsshemadetocomingherewasthatshecouldn’tdowithouttheminwinter，andshefoundsomeonherpillowtheveryfirstthing。David，youarewonderful！Andgrandfatherwithhislily！
Iknowwherehefoundthat！Iknewinstantly。Ah，therearefairieswhotellyou，becauseyoudeservetoknow。’’
TheGirlbentandslippingherarmaroundhisneckhuggedhimtightaninstant，andthenshecontinuedunsteadily:``Whilehewasintheshop——Harvester，thisislikeyourwildestdream，butit’struesttruth——aboycamedownthewalkcryingpapers，andasIlive，hecalledyourname。Iknewithadtobeyoubecausehesaid，``FirstdrugfarminAmerica！Wonderfulmedicinecontributedtothecauseofscience！DavidLangstonhonouredbyNationalMedicalAssociation！’’
Ijuststoodinthecarriageandscreamed，`Boy！Boy！’
untilthecoachmanthoughtIhadlostmysenses。Hewhistledandgotmethepaper。IwasshakingsoI
askedhimhowtofindanythingyouwantedquickly，andhepointedthecolumnwhereeventsarelisted；
andwhenIfoundthethirdpagetherewasyourfacesosplendidlyreproduced，andyouseemedsofineandnobletomeIforgotaboutthedresssuitandthebadgeinyourbuttonhole，ortowonderwhenorhoworwhyitcouldhavehappened。Ijustsatthereshoutinginmysoul，`David！David！MedicineMan！HarvesterMan！’
againandagain。
``Idon’tknowwhatIsaidtoMr。KennedyorhowI
gottomyroom。Iscanneditbythecolumn，atlastIgottoparagraphs，andfinallyIreadallthesentences。
David，Ikissedthatnewspaperfaceahundredtimes，andifyoucouldhavehadthose，Man，Ithinkyouwouldhavesaidtheywereright。David，thereisnothingtocryover！’’
``I’mnot！’’saidtheHarvester，wipingthesplashesfromherhand。``But，Ruth，forgetwhatIsaidaboutbeingbrief。Ididn’trealizewhatwascoming。Ishouldhavesaid，ifyou’veanymercyatall，goslowly！Thisisthegreatestthingthateverhappenedoreverwillhappentome。Seethatyoudon’tleaveoutonewordofit。’’
``ItoldyouIhadtotellyoufirst，’’saidtheGirl。
``Iunderstandnow，’’saidtheHarvester，hisheadagainstherkneewhilehepressedherhandtohislips。
``Isee！Yourcomingcouldn’tbeperfectwithoutknowingthisfirst。Goon，dearheart，andslowly！Youowemeeveryword。’’
``WhenIhaditallabsorbed，Icarriedthepapertothelibraryandsaid，`Grandfather，suchawonderfulthinghashappened。Amanhashadanewidea，andhehasdoneauniqueworkthatthewholeworldisgoingtorecognize。Hehasstoodbeforemenandmadeaspeechthatfew，ohsofew，couldmakehonestly，andhehasadvocatedrightliving，ohsonobly，andhehasgivenawonderfulgifttosciencewithoutprice，becausethroughithefirstsavedthelifehelovedbest。Isn’tthatmarvellous，grandfather？’Andhesaid，`Verymarvellous，Ruth。Won’tyousitdownandreadtomeaboutit？’
AndIsaid，`Ican’t，deargrandfather，becauseIhavebeenawayfromgrandmotherallday，andsheisfrettingforme，andto-nightisagreatball，andshehasspentmillionsonmydress，Ithink，andthereisanespecialreasonwhyImustgo，andsoIhavetoseehernow；butIwanttoshowyoutheman’sface，andthenyoucanreadthestory。’
``Yousee，IknewifIstartedtoreadithewouldstopme；butifIlefthimalonewithithewouldbesocurioushewouldfinish。SoIturnedyournameunderandheldthepaperandsaid，`Whatdoyouthinkofthatface，grandfather？Studyitcarefully，’and，Man，onlyguesswhathesaid！Hesaid，`Ithinkitisthefaceofoneofnature’snoblemen。’IjustkissedhimtimeandagainandthenIsaid，`Soitisgrandfather，soitis；foritisthefaceofthemanwhotwicesavedmylife，andliftedmymotherfromalmostapaupergraveandlaidhertorestinstate，andthemanwhofoundyou，andsentmetoyouwhenIwasdeterminednottocome。’AndI
juststoodandkissedthatpaperbeforehimandcried，againandagain，`Heisoneofnature’snoblemen，andheismyhusband，mydear，dearhusbandandto-morrowI
amgoinghometohim。’ThenIlaidthepaperonhislapandranaway。Iwenttograndmotheranddideverythingshewanted，thenIdressedfortheball。Iwenttosaygood-byetoherandshowmydressandgrandfatherwasthere，andhefollowedmeoutandsaid，`Ruth，youdidn’tmeanit？’Isaid，`Didyoureadthepaper，grandfather？’andhesaid’Yes’；andIsaid，`ThenI
shouldthinkyouwouldknowImeanit，andgloryinmywonderfulluck。Thinkofamanlikethat，grandfather！’
``Iwenttotheball，andIdancedandhadalovelytimewitheveryone，becauseIknewitwasgoingtobetheverylast，andto-morrowImuststarttoyou。
``OnthewayhomeItoldMr。Kennedywhatpapertogetandtoreadit。Isaidgood-byetohim，andI
reallythinkhecared，butIwastoohappytobeverysorry。WhenIreachedmyroomtherewasapacketformeand，Man，likeDavidofold，youareawonderfulpoet！OhHarvester！whydidn’tyousendthemtomeinsteadofthecold，hardthingsyouwrote？’’
``Whatdoyoumean，Ruth？’’
``Thoseletters！Thosewonderfuloutpouringsofloveandpassionandpoetryandsongandbroken-heartedness。
OhMan，howcouldyouwritesuchthingsandthrowtheminthefire？GrannyMorelandfoundthemwhenshecametobringyouapie，andshecarriedthemtoDoctorCarey，andhesentthemtome，and，David，theyfinishedme。Everythingcameinaheap。Iwouldhavecomewithoutthem，butnever，neverwithquitetheunderstanding，forasIreadthemthedeepsopenedup，andthefloodbroke，andtheredidawarmtidegothroughallmybeing，likeyousaiditwould；andnow，David，Iknowwhatyoumeanbylove。Icalledthemaidsandtheypackedmytrunkandgrandmother’s，andIhadgrandfather’svaletpackhis，andgoandsecureberthsandtickets，andlearnabouttrains，andIgoteverythingready，eventotheambulanceanddoctor；
butIwaiteduntilmorningtotellthem。Iknewtheywouldnotletmecomealone，soIbroughtthemalong。
David，whatintheworldarewegoingtodowiththem？’’
TheHarvesterdrewadeepbreathandlookedattheflushedfaceoftheGirl。
``Withnotimetomatureaplan，Iwouldsaythatwearegoingtolovethem，careforthem，graduallyteachthemourwork，andinteresttheminourplanshere；
andsosoonastheybecomereconciledwewillbuildthemsuchahouseastheywantonthehillfacingus，justacrossSingingWater，andtheretheymayhaveeveryluxurytheycanprovideforthemselves，orwecanoffer，andthepleasureofyourpresence，andbothofthemcangrowstrongandhappy。I’llhavegrandmotheronherfeetintendays，andtheedgeoffgrandfather’stongueinthree。
Thatblusterofhisistodrowntears，Ruth；Isawitto-
night。Andwhentheypassoverwewillcarrythemupandlaythembesideherundertheoak，andwecantakethehousewebuildforthem，ifyoulikeitbetter，andusethisforastore-room。’’
``Never！’’saidtheGirl。``Never！MysunshineroomandgoldgardensolongasIlive。NeveragainwillIleavethem。Ifthiscabingrowstoosmall，wewillbuildalloverthehillside；butmyroomandgardenandthisandthedining-roomandyourdentheremustremainastheyarenow。’’
TheHarvesteraroseanddrewthedavenportbeforethefireplace，andheapedpillows。``Youaresotiredyouaretrembling，andyourvoiceisquivering，’’hesaid。HeliftedtheGirl，laidherdownandarrangedthecoverlet。
``Gotosleep！’’heorderedgently。``YouhavemademesowildlyhappythatIcouldrunandshoutlikeamadman。Trytorest，andmaybethefairieswhoaidmewillputmykissbackonyourlips。IamgoingtothehilltoptotellmotherandmyGod。’’
Hekneltandgatheredherinhisarmsasecond，thencalledBelshazzartoguard，andwentintothesweetspringnight，tojubilatewiththatwildsurgeofpassionthatsweepstheheartofastrongmanwhenheismostnearlyprimal。Heclimbedthehillatarush，andstandingbeneaththeoakonthesummit，hefacedthelake，andstretchinghisarmswidely，hewavedthem，merelytosatisfythedemandforaction。Whenurgencyforexpressioncameuponhim，helaughedadeeprumbleofexultation。
Thenightwindsweptthelakeandliftedhishair，theodourofspringwasintoxicatinginhisnostrils，smallcreaturesofearthstirredaroundhim，hereandthereabird，restlessinthedeliriumofmatingfever，lifteditsheadandpipedafewnotesonthemoon-whitenedair。Thefrogssanguninterruptedlyatthewater’sedge。TheHarvesterstoodrejoicing。BeatingonhisbraincamearushoflovewordsutteredintheGirl’sdearvoice。``Iwantedyou！Justyou！Heismyhusband！
Mydear，dearhusband！To-morrowIamgoinghome！Now，David，Iknowwhatyoumeanbylove！’’
TheHarvesterlaughedagainandsoundsaroundhimceasedforasecond，thenswelledinfullervolumethanbefore。Headdedhisvoice。``ThankGod！Oh，thankGod！’’hecried。``AndmaytheAuthoroftheUniverse，thespiritsofthelittlemotherswholovedus，andallthegoodfairieswhoguideus，unitetobringunboundedjoytomyDreamGirlandtoguardhersafely。’’
ThecocksofMedicineWoodsbegantheirsecondsalutetodawn。Atthissoundandwiththementionofhername，theHarvesterturneddownthehill，andstridingforcefullyapproachedthecabin。AshepassedtheGirl’sroomhesteppedsoftly，smilingashewonderedifitsunexpectedoccupantswereresting。HefollowedSingingWater，andstoodlookingatthehillside，studyingtheexactlocationmostsuitableforahomefortheoldpeoplehewassodelightedtowelcome。Thattheywouldremainheneverdoubted。HisfaithinthecallofthewildhadbeenverifiedintheGirl；itwouldreachthemalso。Thehilltopwouldbindthem。TheirlovefortheGirlwouldcompelthem。Theywouldbecompanyforherandanewinterestinlife。
``Couldn’tbebetter，notpossibly！’’commentedthedelightedHarvester。
HefollowedthepathdownSingingWateruntilhereachedthebridgewhereitturnedintothemarsh。
Therehepaused，lookingstraightahead。
``WonderifIwouldfrightenher？’’hemused。``I
believeI’llriskit。’’
Hewalkedonrapidly，vaultedthefenceenclosinghisland，crossedtheroad，andunlatchedthegate。Ashedidso，thedooropened，andGrannyMorelandstoodonthesill，waitingwithkeeneyes。
``WellIdon’tneedneitherspecsnornoondaysuntoseethatyou’resteppin’liketheblueribboncoltattheCountyFair，andlookin’likeyouownedKingdomCome，’’shesaid。``What’sup，David？’’
``Youareright，dear，’’saidtheHarvester。``Ihaveenteredmykingdom。TheGirlhascomeandcrownedmewithherlove。Shehaddecidedtoreturn，butthelettersyousentmadeherhappieraboutit。Iwantedyoutoknow。’’
Grannyleanedagainstthecasing，andbegantosobunrestrainedly。
TheHarvestersupportedhertenderly。
``Whydon’tdothat，dear。Don’tcry，’’hebegged。
``TheGirlishomeforalways，Granny，andI’msohappyIamoutto-nighttryingtokeepfromlosingmymindwithjoy。Shewillcometoyouto-morrow，Iknow。’’
Grannytremulouslydriedhereyes。
``Whatanoldsap-headIam！’’shecommented。``I
stoleyourlettersfromyourfireplace，pitchedawillerplateintothelake——yougottofishthatout，comeday，David——fooledyouintothattriptoDocCareytogethimtomailthemtoRuth，andneverturnedahair。
ButafterIgothomeIcommencedthinkin’’twasaprettyticklishjobtostickyournoseintootherpeople’sbusiness，an’everyhouritgotworse，untilIain’thadafairlydecentsleepsince。Ifyouhadn’tcomesoon，boy，I’d’a’beensicka-bed。Oh，David！Areyousureshe’soverthere，andlovesyoutosuityounow？’’
``Yesdear，Iamabsolutelycertain，’’saidtheHarvester。``Shewassodeterminedtocomethatshebroughttheinvalidgrandmothershecouldn’tleaveandhergrandfather。Theyarrivedatmidnight。Weareallgoingtolivetogethernow。’’
``Wellblessmystars！Fetchedyouafamily！David，Idohopetoallthat’speacefulIhain’tputmyfootinit。
ThemoonisthedeceivingestthingonearthIknow，butdoesherfamily’peartobeana-gre’-ablefamily，byitslight？’’
TheHarvester’slaughboomedahalfmiledowntheroad。
``Finestpeopleonearth，nexttoyou，dear。I’mmightygladtohavethem。I’mgoingtobuildthemahouseonmybestlocation，andweareallgoingtobehappyfromnowon。Gotobed！Thisnightairmaychillyou。Ican’tsleep。Iwantedyoutoknowfirst——
soIcameover。Inmother’sstead，willyoukissme，andwishmehappiness，dearfriend？’’
GrannyMorelandlaidaneager，witheredhandoneachshoulder，andbenttotheradiantyoungface。
``Godblessyou，lad，andgrantyouasgreathappinessaslifeorttofetcheveryclean，honestman，’’sheprayedfervently，withclosedeyesandherlinedoldfaceturnedskyward。``And，OGod，blessRuth，andhelpherasYouneverhelpedmortalwomanbeforetoknowherownmindwithout`variableness，neithershadowofturnin’。’’’
TheHarvesterwasonSingingWaterbridgebeforehegaveway。Therehelaughedasneverbeforeinhislife。
Finallyhecontrolledhimselfandstartedtowardthecabin；buthewaschucklingashepassedthedriveway，andwalkeddownthebroadcementfloorleadingtohisbathingpool，wherethemoonlightbridgedthelake，andfellasabenedictionallaroundhim。
Hestoodalongtime，whenherecognizedthefamiliarcrashofabreakingbacklogfallingtogether，andheardthecustomaryleapofthefrighteneddog。Hewalkedtohisdoorandlistenedintently，buttherewasnosound；
sohedecidedtheGirlhadnotbeenawakened。InthemidstofawhiteningsheetofgoldtheHarvesterdroppedtohisstoopandleanedhisheadagainstthebroadcasing。
Hebrokeatwigfromahawthornbushbesidehim，andsattwistingitinhisfingersashestareddownthelineofthegoldbridge。Neverhaditseemedsomaterial，solikeapaththatmightbetroddenbymortalfeetandleadthemstraighttoHeaven。Asonthehilltop，nightagainsurroundedhimandtheHarvester’ssouldrankdeepwilddraughtsofanewjoy。Sleepwasoutofthequestion。Hewastoointenselyalivetoknowthatheeveragaincouldbeweary。Hesatthereinthemoonlight，andwithunbridledheartgloriedinthejoythathadcometohim。
HeturnedhisfacefromthebridgeasheheardtheclickofBelshazzar’snailsonthefloorofthebathingpool。Thenhisheartandbreathstoppedaninstant。
BesidethedogwalkedtheGirl，onehandonhisheadtheotherholdingtheflowingwhiterobearoundherandgraspingoneoftheHarvester’slilies。Hisfirstthoughtwassheeramazementthatshewasnotafraid，foritwasevidentnowthatthebackloghadawakenedher，andshehadtakenthedogandgonetohermother。Thenshehadfollowedthepathleadingdownthehill，aroundthecabin，andintothesheetofmoonlightgildingtheshore。Shestoodtheregazingoverthelake，oblivioustoallthingssavetheentrancingallurementofaperfectspringnightbesideundulantwater。ScreenedfromherwithbushesandtreestheHarvesterscarcelybreathedlesthestartleher。Thenhisheadswam，andhisstillheartleapedwildly。Shewascomingtowardhim。Onherleftlaythepathtothehilltop。Afewstepsfarthershecouldturntotherightandfollowthedrivewaytothefrontofthecabin。Heleanedforwardwatchinginanagonyofsuspense。Herbeautifulfacewastransfiguredwithjoy，aflamewithlove，radiantwithsmiles，andhertallfigurefleecywhite，rimmedingold。Uptheshiningpathoflightshesteadilyadvancedtowardhisdoor。ThentheHarvesterunderstood，andfromhisexultantheartburstthewordlesspetition:
``LORDGODALMIGHTY，HELPMETOBEAMAN！’’
Withoutstretchedarmshearosetomeether。
``MyDreamGirl！’’hecriedhoarsely。``MyDreamGirl！’’
``Coming，Harvester！’’sheansweredintonesofjoy，asshedroppedthewhiteflowerandliftedherhandstodrawhisfacetowardher。
``Isthatthekissyouwanted？’’shequestioned。
``Yes，Ruth，’’breathedtheHarvester。
``ThenIamreadytobeyourwife，’’shesaid。``MayIsharealltheremainderoflife’sjoysandsorrowswithyou？’’
TheHarvestergatheredherinhisarmsandcarriedhertothebenchonthelakeshore。Hewrappedthewhiterobearoundherandclaspedhertenderlyasbehoovedalover，yetwitharmsthatsheknewcouldhavecrushedherhadtheywilled。Theminutesslippedaway，andstillheheldhertohisheart，therealityfarsurpassinghisdream；forheknewthathewasawake，andherealizedthisasthesupremehourthatcomestothestrongmanwhoknowshisloverequited。
WhenthefirstbannerofredlightaroseaboveMedicineWoodsandSingingWaterthecocksonthehillsideannouncedthedawn。Asthegoldfadedtogray，aburstofbubblingnotesswelledfromabranchalmostovertheirheadswherestoodabark-enclosedlittlehouse。
``Ruth，doyouhearthat？’’askedtheHarvestersoftly。
``Yes，’’sheanswered，``andIseeit。Awonderfulbird，withHeaven’sdeepestblueonitsbackandabreastlikearussetautumnleaf，camestraightupthelakefromthesouth，andbeforeittouchedthelimbthatsongseemedtogushfromitsthroat。’’
``Andforthatreason，thegreatestnatureloverwhoeverlivedsaysthatit`deservespreeminence。’Italwayssettlesfromitslongvoyagethroughtheairinanecstasyofmelody。Doyouknowwhatitis，Ruth？’’
TheGirllaidahandonhischeekandturnedhiseyesfromthebirdtoherfaceassheanswered，``Yes，Harvester-
man，Iknow。Itisyourfirstbluebird——butitisfartoolate，andBelshazzarhaslosthighoffice。
Ihaveusurpedboththeirpositions。Youremaininthewoodsandreaptheirharvest，youenterthelaboratoryandmakewonderful，life-givingmedicines，youfacetheworldandtellmenofthehighandholylifetheymayliveiftheywill，andthen——alwaysandforever，youcomebacktoMedicineWoodsandtome，Harvester。’’
THEEND
