HalfwaytotheoaktheHarvesterrememberedtherevolver，butbeingunaccustomedtoweapons，hehadforgottenitwhenheneededitmost。Hereplacedtheearthinthesackanddraggeditaway，thenplungedintothelake，andafterwardwenttobed，wherehesleptsoundlyuntildawn。First，heslippedintotheliving-
roomandwroteanotetotheGirl。ThenhefedBelshazzarandateaheartybreakfast。Hestationedthedogatherdoor，gavehimthenote，andwenttotheoak。
Therehearrangedeverythingneatlyandashedesired，andthenhitchingBetsyhequietlyguidedherdownthedriveandovertheroadtoOnabasha。Hewenttoanundertakingestablishment，madeallhisarrangements，andthencalledupandtalkedwiththeministerwhohadperformedthemarriageceremonythepreviousday。
ThesunshininginherfaceawokeRuthandshelayrevellinginthelight。``Maybeitwillcolourmefasterthanthepowder，’’shethought。``Howpeculiarforhimtosaywhathedid！Ialwaysthoughtmendetestedit。
Butheisnotlikeanyoneelse。``ShelaylookingaroundthebeautifulroomandwonderingwheretheHarvesterwas。Shecouldnothearhim。Then，slowlyandpainfully，shedraggedherachinglimbsfromthebedandwenttothedoor。Thedogwasgonefromtheporchandshecouldnotseethemanatthestable。Sheselectedafrockandputtingitonopenedthedoor。
Belshazzararoseandofferedthisletter:
DEARRUTH:
Ihavegonetokeepmypromise。YouarelockedinwithBel。Pleaseobeymeanddonotstepoutsidethedooruntilfouro’clock。Thenputonaprettywhitedress，andwiththedog，cometothebridgetomeetme。
Ihopeyouwillnotsufferandfret。Putawayyourclothing，arrangetheroomstokeepbusy，orbetteryet，lieintheswingandrest。Thereisfoodintheicechest，pantry，andcellar。Forgivemeforleavingyouto-day，butIthoughtyouwouldfeeleasiertohavethisover。Iamsogladtobringyourmotherhere。Ihopeitwillmakeyouhappyenoughtomeetuswithasmile。
Donotforgetthepinkboxuntiltherealitycomes。
Withlove，DAVID。
TheGirlwenttothekitchenandfoundfood。SheofferedtosharewithBelshazzar，butshecouldseefromhisindifferencehewasnothungry。Thenshereturnedtotheroomfloodedwithlight，andfilledwithtreasures，andtriedtodecidehowshewouldarrangeherclothing。
Shespenthoursopeningboxesandputtingdainty，prettygarmentsinthedrawers，hangingthedresses，andplacingthetoiletarticles。Oftenshewearilydroppedtothechairsandcouches，orgazedfromdoorandwindowsatthepicturestheyframed。``Iwonderwhyhedoesn’twantmetogooutside，’’shethought。``Iwouldn’tbeafraidintheleast，withBel。I’djustlovetogoacrosstothatwonderfullittleriverofSingingWaterandsitintheshade；butIwon’topenthedooruntilfouro’clock，justashewrote。’’
Whenshethoughtofwherehehadgone，andwhy，theswifttearsfilledhereyes，butsheforcedthembackandresolutelywenttoinvestigatethedining-room。Thenfortwohoursshewasahomebuilder，withatouchofthathominginstinctfoundintheheartofeverygoodwoman。First，shelookedwheretheHarvesterhadsaidthedisheswere，andsuddenlysatonthefloorexulting。
Therewasaquantityofoldchippedandcrackedwhitewareandsomegorgeousbakingpowderprizes；buttherewerealsobigblue，green，andpinkbowls，severallargelustreplates，andacompleteteasetwithoutchiporblemish，twobeautifulpitchers，andanumberofwillowpieces。Shesetthegreenbowlonthediningtable，theblueontheliving-room，andtookthepinkherself，whileabeautifulyellowonesheplacedinthedining-
roomwindowseat。
``Oh，ifIonlydaredfillthemwiththoselovelyflowers！’’
Shestoodinthewindowandgazedlonginglytowardthelake。``IknowwhatcolourI’dliketoputineachofthem，’’shesaid，``butIpromisednottotouchanything，andtheonesIwantmostIneversawbefore，andI’mnottogooutanyway。Ican’tseethesenseinthat，whenI’mnotatallafraid，butifhedoesthiswonderfulthingformeImustdowhatheasks。Ohmother，mother！Areyoureallycomingtothisbeautifulplaceandtorestatlast？’’
Shesanktothewindowseatandlaytrembling，butshebravelyrestrainedthetears。Afteratimesherememberedtheupstairsandwenttoseethecoverlets。
Shefoundahalfdozenbeautifulones，andsmiledassheexaminedthestifflyconventionalizedbirdsfacingeachotherintheborderdesigns，andinonecornerofeachblanketsheread，woveninthecloth——
PeterandJohnHartmanWoosterOhio1837
Shetookablueandagreenone，severalfineskinsfromthefurboxtheHarvesterhadtoldherabout，andwentdownstairs。Itrequiredallherstrengthtopushtheheavytablesbeforethefireplaces。Shespreadpapersonthemtostandon，andtackedaskinaboveeachmantel。Shesetallofthecandlesticks，exceptthoseshewantedtouse，inthelowerpartofanemptybookcase。
Apairofblackwalnutsheplacedontheliving-
roommantel，togetherwithabigblueplate，ayellowone，andanoldbrasscandlestick。Sheadmiredtheeffectverymuch。Shespreadthebluecoverletonthecouch，andarrangedthebluebowlandsomebooksonthetable。Hereandthereshehungaskinacrossachairback，orspreaditinawidewindowseat。Havingexhaustedallherresources，shereturnedtothedining-
room，spreadaskinbeforethehearthandineachwindowseat，setapinkandgreenlustreplateonthemantel，andapairofoakcandlesticks，andarrangedthelustreteasetonthesidetable。Thepinkcoverletshetookforherself，andafterrestingatimeshewassurprisedongoingbacktotheroomstoseehowhomeliketheyappeared。
Atthreeo’clockshedressedandatalmostfourunlockedthescreen，calledBelshazzartoherside，andslowlywentdownthedrivetothebridge。Shehadusedthepinkpowder，putonabeautifulwhitedress，carefullyarrangedherhair，andsheworethepearlornament。
Onceherfingersstrayedtothependantandshesaidsoftly，``Ithinkbothheandmotherwouldlikemetowearit。’’
Atthefootofthehillshestoppedatabenchandsatintheshadewaiting。Belshazzarstretchedbesideher，andgazedatherwithquestioning，friendlydogeyes。
TheGirllookedfromSingingWatertothelake，andupthehilltomakesureitwasreal。Shetriedtoquietherquiveringmusclesandnerves。Hehadaskedhertomeethimwithasmile。Howcouldshe？Hecouldnothaveunderstoodwhatitmeantwhenhemadetherequest。Thereneverwouldbeanywaytomakehimrealize；indeed，whyshouldhe？Thesmilemustbeready。Hehadlovedhismotherdeeply，andyethehadsaidhedidnotgrievetolayhertorest。Earthhadnotbeenkind。Thenwhyshouldshesorrowforhermother？Againlifehadbeennotonlyunkind，butbitterlycruel。
Belshazzararoseandwatcheddownthedrive。TheGirllookedalso。Throughthegateanduptheleveecameastrangeprocession。FirstwalkedtheHarvesteralone，withbaredhead，andhecarriedanarmloadofwhitelilies。Acarriagecontainingamanandseveralwomenfollowed。Thencameawhitehearsewithsnowyplumes，andbehindthatanothercarriagefilledwithpeople，andBetsyfolloweddrawingmeninthespringwagon。TheGirlaroseandasshesteppedtothedrivesheswayeduncertainlyaninstant。
``GraciousHeaven！’’shegasped。``Heisbringingherinwhite，andwithflowersandsong！’’
Thensheliftedherhead，andwithasmileonherlipsshewenttomeethim。Asshereachedhisside，hetenderlyputanarmaroundher，andcameonsteadily。
``CourageGirl！’’hewhispered。``Beasbraveasshewas！’’
Aroundthedrivewayandupthehillhehalfcarriedher，toaseathehadplacedundertheoak。Beforeherlaythewhite-linedgrave，andtheHarvesterarrangedhisliliesaroundit。Theteamsstoppedatthebarnandmencameupthehillbearingawhiteburden。Behindthemfollowedtheministerwhoyesterdayhadperformedtheirmarriageceremony，andafterhimachoiroftrainedsingerssoftlychanting:
``BlessedarethedeadwhodieintheLord，Fortheyshallceasefromtheirlabours。’’
``ButDavid，’’pantedtheGirl，``Itwasmeanandpoor。Thatisnotshe！’’
``Sush！’’saidtheHarvester。``Itisyourmother。
Thelocationwashighanddry，andithasbeenonlyashorttime。Wewrappedherinwhitesilk，laidheronasoftcushionandpillow，andhousedhersecurely。
Shecansleepwellnow，Ruth。Listen！’’
Coveredwithwhitelilies，slowlythecasketsankintoearth。Atitsheadstoodtheministerandasitbegantodisappear，thewhitedoves，frightenedbythestrangeconveyancesatthestable，camecirclingabove。Theministerlookedup。Heliftedacleartenor，andsoftlyandpurelyhesang，whileatawaveofhishandthechoirjoinedhim:
``Oh，comeangelband！Oh，come，andaroundmestand！
Oh，bearmeawayonyoursnowywingstomyimmortalhome！’’
Heutteredalowbenediction，andsinging，thepeopleturnedandwentdownhill。TheHarvestergatheredtheGirlinhisarmsandcarriedhertothelake。Helaidherinhisboatandtakingtheoarssentitalongthebankintheshade，andthroughcool，greenplaces。
``Nowcryallyouchoose！’’hesaid。
TheoverstrainedGirlcoveredherfaceandsobbedwildly。Afteratimehebegantotalktohergently，andbeforesherealizedit，shewaslistening。
``Deathhasbeenkindertoherthanlife，Ruth，’’hesaid。``Sheislyingasyousawherlast，Ithink。Weliftedherverytenderly，wrappedhercarefully，andbroughthergentlyaswecould。Nowtheyshallresttogether，thoselittlemothersofours，towhommenwerenotkind；andinthelongsleepwemustforget，astheyhaveforgotten，andforgive，asnodoubttheyhaveforgiven。Don’tyouwanttotakesomeliliestothembeforewegotothecabin？Rightthereonyourleftareunusuallylargeones。’’
TheGirlsatup，driedhereyesandgatheredthewhiteflowers。Whenthelastvehiclecrossedthebridge，theHarvestertiedtheboatandhelpedherupthehill。Theoldoakstretcheditswidearmsabovetwolittlemounds，bothmosscoveredandscatteredwithflowers。TheGirladdedherstoreandthenwenttotheHarvester，andsankathisfeet。
``Ruth，youshallnot！’’criedtheman。``Isimplywillnothavethat。Comenow，Iwillbringyoubackthisevening。’’
Hehelpedhertotheverandaandlaidherintheswing。
Hesatbesideherwhilesherested，andthentheywentintothecabinforsupper。Soonhehadhertellingwhatshehadfound，andhewasmakingnotesofwhatwasyetrequiredtotransformthecabinintoahome。
TheHarvesterleftittohertodecidewhetherheshouldroofthebridgethenextdayormakeatripforfurnishings。
Shesaidhehadbetterbuywhattheyneededandthenshecouldmakethecabinhomelikewhileheworkedonthebridge。
CHAPTERXV
THEHARVESTERINTERPRETSLIFE
Theywentthroughtheroomstogether，andtheGirlsuggestedthefurnishingsshethoughtnecessary，whiletheHarvesterwrotethelist。Thefollowingmorninghewaseagertohavehercompany，butshewasverytiredandbeggedtobeallowedtowaitintheswing，soagainhedroveawayandleftherwithBelshazzaronguard。Whenhehadgone，shewentthroughthecabinarrangingthefurniturethebestshecould，thendressedandwenttotheswingingcouch。Itwassowideandheavyalightwindrockeditgently，andfromitshefacedthefernandlilycarpetedhillside，themajestyofbigtreesofathousandyears，andheardthemusicofSingingWaterasitsparkleddiamond-likewherethesunraysstruckitsflow。AcrossthedriveanddownthevalleytothebrilliantbitofmarshithurriedonitswaytoLoonLake。
Thereweresquirrelsbarkingandracinginthebigtreesandovertheground。Theycrossedthesoddedspaceoflawnandcametothetopstepfornuts，eatingthemfromcunningpaws。Theywerelivinglifeaccordingtothelawsoftheirnature。Sheknewthattheirsharp，startlingbarkwasnottofrightenher，buttowarnstrayingintrudersofotherspeciesoftheirkindredfromanest，becausetheHarvesterhadtoldherso。Hehadsaidtheirracinghereandthereinwildscramblewasagameoftagandshefounditmostinterestingtoobserve。
Birdsofbrilliantcolourflashedeverywhere，singinginwildjoy，andtiltedontherisinghedgebeforeher，huntingberriesandseeds。Theirbubbling，spontaneoussongwasaninstinctiveoutpouringoftheirjoyovermatingtime，nests，young，muchfood，andrunningwater。
Theirsocial，inquiring，shortcrywastolocateamate，andcallhertogoodfeeding。Thesharpwildscreamofanotewaswhenahawkpassedover，aweasellurkedinthethicket，orablacksnakesunnedonthebushes。Sherememberedthesethings，andlaylisteningintently，tryingtointerpreteverysoundastheHarvesterdid。
Birdsofwidewinghungasifnailedtothesky，orwheeledandsailedingrandeur。Theyweresearchingthelandscapebelowtolocateahareorsnakeinthewavinggrassorcarrioninthefields。Thewonderfulexhibitionsofwingpowerweretheirexpressionofexultationinlife，justasthesongsparrowthreatenedtorupturehisthroatasheswungonthehedge，andtheredbirdsomewhereinthethicketwhistledsoforcefullyitsoundedasifthenotesmighthurthim。
Onthelakebasssplashedinagamewitheachother。
Grebeschattered，becausetheywereverysocial。Ducksdivedandgobbledforrootsandwormsofthelakeshore，andcongratulatedeachotherwhentheywerelucky。
Killdeercriedforslaughter，inplaintivetones，astheirwhitebreastsgleamedsilver-likeacrossthesky。Theyinsistedonthedeathoftheirancientenemies，becausethedeerhadtramplednestsaroundtheshore，roiledthewater，spoiledthefoodhunting，andhadbeenwhollyunmindfulofthelawsoffeatheredfolkfromthebeginning。
Behindthebarnimperialcockscrowedchallengesofdefiancetoeachotherandalltheworld，becausetheyoncehadwornroyalturbansontheirheads，andruledtheforests，eventheelephantsandlions。Happyhenscackledwhentheydepositedanegg，andwanderedthroughtheirparksingingthespringeggsongunceasingly。
UponthebarnAjaxspreadandexultedinglitteringplumage，andscreamedviciously。HewassendingawirelesspleatotheforestsofCeylonforagraymatetocomeandsharetheridgepolewithhim，andhelphimwageredwaronthesickeninglovemakingofthewhitedoveshehated。
Everythingwasbeautiful，someofitwasamusing，allinstructive，andintenselyinteresting。TheGirlwantedtoknowaboutthebrown，yellow，andblackbutterfliessailingfromflowertoflower。Shewatchedbigblackandgoldbeescomefromtheforestforpollenandlistenedtotheirmonotonousbumbling。Herfirsthummingbirdpoisedinair，andsippednectarbeforeherastonishedeyes。Itwasmarvellous，butmorewonderfultotheGirlthananythingshesaworheardwasthefactthatbecauseoftheHarvester’steachingsshenowcouldtracethroughallofittheordainedprocessesoftheevolutionoflife。Everythingwasrightinitsway，allnecessarytohumanwelfare，andsotherewasnothingtofear，butmarvelstolearnandpicturestoappreciate。
ShewouldhavetakenBelshazzarandgoneout，buttheHarvesterhadexactedapromisethatshewouldnot。
Thefactwas，hecouldseethatshewascominggraduallytoasaneandnaturalviewoflifeandlivingthings，andhedidnotwantsomesoundorcreaturetofrightenher，andspoilwhathehadaccomplished。Sosheswayedintheswingandwatched，andtriedtointerpretsightsandsoundsashedid。
Beforeanhoursherealizedthatshewascomingspeedilyintosympathywiththewildlifearoundher；for，insteadofshiveringandshrinkingatunaccustomedsounds，shewaslisteningespeciallyforthem，andtryingtoarriveatasaneversion。Insteadofthesenselessroarofcommerce，manufacture，andlifeofacity，shewasbeginningtoappreciatesoundsthatvariedandcarriedtheSongofLifeinunceasingmeasureandabsorbingmeaning，whileshewasmorethanthankfulforthefresh，pureair，andtheblessed，God-givenlight。
ItseemedtotheGirlthattherewasenoughsunshineatMedicineWoodstofurnishraysofgoldforthewholeworld。
``Bel，’’shesaidtothedogstandingbesideher，``it’sashametoseparateyoufromtheMedicineManandpenyouherewithme。It’sawonderyoudon’tbiteoffmyheadandrunawaytofindhim。He’sgonetobringmorethingstomakelifebeautiful。Iwantedtogowithhim，butohBel，there’ssomethingdreadfullywrongwithme。IwasafraidI’dfallonthestreetsandfrightenandshamehim。I’msoweak，Iscarcelycanwalkstraightacrossoneofthesebig，coolroomsthathehasbuiltforme。Hecanmakeeverythingbeautiful，Bel，ahome，rooms，clothing，grounds，andlife——aboveeverythingelsehecanmakelifebeautiful。He’ssosplendidandwonderful，withhiswideunderstandingandsaneinterpretationandGod-likesympathyandpatience。WhyBelshazzar，hecandothegreatestthinginalltheworld！
Hecanmakeyouforgetthatthegraveannihilatesyourdearonesbyhideousprocesses，andsetyoutothinkinginsteadthattheycomebacktoyouinwhisperingleavesandflowerperfumes。IfIdidn’towehimsomuchthatIoughttopay，ifthiswasn’tsoalluringlybeautiful，I’dliketogototheoakandliebesidethosedearwomenrestingthere，andgivemytiredbodytofurnishsapforstrengthandleavesformusic。Hecantakeitsbittereststing——fromdeath，Bel——andthat’sthemostwonderfulthing——inlife，Bel——’’
Hervoicebecamesilent，hereyesclosed；thedogstretchedhimselfbesideheronguard，anditwassotheHarvesterfoundthemwhenhedrovehomefromthecity。Heheapedhisloadinthedining-room，stabledBetsy，carriedthethingshehadbroughtwherehethoughttheybelonged，andpreparedfood。Whensheawakenedshecametohim。
``Howisitgoing，Girl？’’askedtheHarvester。
``Ican’ttellyouhowlovelyithasbeen！’’
``Doyoureallymeanthatyourheartiswarmingalittletothingshere？’’
``IndeedIdo！Ican’ttellyouwhatamorningI’vehad。
Therehavebeensuchmyriadthingstoseeandhear。Oh，Harvester，canyoueverteachmewhatallofitmeans？’’
``Icanrightnow，’’saidtheHarvesterpromptly。
``Itmeanstwothings，sosimpleanylittlechildcanunderstand——theloveofGodandtheevolutionoflife。
IamnotpreciselyclearastowhatImeanwhenIsayGod。Idon’tknowwhetheritisspirit，matter，orforce；
itisthatbigthingthatbringsforthworlds，establishestheirorbits，andgivesusheat，light，food，andwater。Tome，thatisGodandHislove。Justthatwearegivenbirth，sheltered，provisioned，andendowedforourwork。
Evolutionisthenaturalconsequenceofthis。Itistheplansteadilyunfolding。IfIwereyou，Iwouldn’tbothermyheadoverthesequestions，theyneverhavebeenscientificallyexplainedtothebeginning；Idoubtiftheyeverwillbe，becausetheystartwiththeoriginofmatterandthatistoofarbeyondmanforhimtopenetrate。Justenjoytothedepthsofyoursoul——that’sworship。Bethankfulforeverything——that’spraisingGodasthebirdspraisehim。And`dountoothers’
that’sallthereisofloveandreligioncombinedinonefellswoop。’’
``Youshouldgobeforetheworldandtelleveryonethat！’’
``No！Itisn’tmyvocation，’’saidtheHarvester。
``Myworkistoprovidepain-killer。Idon’tbelieve，Ruth，thatthereisanyoneonthefootstoolwhoisdoingabetterjobalongthatline。Iamboastfullyproudofit——justofsendinginthepackagesthatkillfever，refreshpoorblood，andstrengthenweakhearts；
unadulterated，honestweight，fresh，andscrupulouslyclean。
Myneighbourshaveadifferentnameforit；Icallitaman’swork。’’
``Everyonewhounderstandsmust，’’saidtheGirl。
``IwishIcouldhelpatthat。IfeelasifitwoulddomoretowipeoutthepainI’vesufferedandseenherendurethananythingelse。Man，whenIgrowstrongenoughIwanttohelpyou。IbelievethatIamgoingtoloveithere。’’
``Don’teversuppressyourfeelings，Ruth！’’hastilycriedtheHarvester。``Itwillbeverybadforyou。Youwillbecomewroughtup，and`hetup，’asGrannyMorelandsays，anditwillmakeyouveryill。Whenwedrivethefeverfromyourblood，theachefromyourbones，thepoisonofwrongconditionsfromyoursoul，andgood，healthy，redcorpusclesbeginpumpingthroughyourlittleheartlikeawindmill，youcanstakeyourlifeyou’regoingtoloveithere。Andthelocationandworkarenotallyou’regoingtocareforeither，honey。Nowjustwait！Thatwasnot`nominatedinthebond。’I’mallowedtotalk。IneveragreednottoSAYthings。WhatIpromisedwasnottoDOthem。SoasIsaid，honey，sitatthistable，andeatthefoodI’vecooked；andbythattimethefurniturevanwillbehere，andthemenwillunload，andyoushallreignonathroneandtellmewhereandhow。’’
``OhifIwereonlystronger，David！’’
``Youare！’’saidtheHarvester。``Youaremuchbetterthanyouwereyesterday。Youcantalk，andthat’sallthat’snecessary。Theroomsarereadyforfurniture。
Themenwillcarryitwhereyouwantit。Adecoratoriscomingtohangthecurtains。Bynightwewillbesettled；youcanlieintheswingwhileIreadtoyouastorysowonderfulthatthewildestfairytaleyoueverheardnevertouchedit。’’
``Whatwillitbe，David？’’
``Eatalltheredraspberriesandcream，breadandbutter，anddrinkallthemilkyoucan。There’sblood，beefsteak，andbonesinit。AsIwassaying，youhavecomehereastrangertoastrangeland。Thefirstthingisforyoutounderstandandlovethewoods。Beforeyoucandothatyoushouldmasterthehistoryofonetree；justthesameasyoumustlearntoknowandlovemebeforeyourchildliketrustinallmankindreturnsagain。Understand？Well，thefatesknewyouwereontheway，comingtremblingdownthebrink，Ruth，sotheyputitintotheheartofagreatmantowritelargelyofawonderfultree，especiallyforyourbenefit。Afterithadfallenhetookitapart，splititinsections，andyearbyyearspreadouthistoryforalltheworldtoread。Itmadeaclassicstoryfilledwithunsurpassedwonders。
Itwasapineofathousandyears，closetheageofourmothertree，Ruth，andwhenwehavelearnedfromEnosMillshowtowrestsecretsfromtheheartsofcenturies，wewillclimbthehillandmeasureouroak，andthenI
willestimate，andyouwillwrite，andwewillmakearecordforourtree。’’
``Oh，I’dlikethat！’’
``SowouldI，’’saidtheHarvester。``AndamillionotherthingsIcanthinkofthatwecanlearntogether。
Itwon’trequirelongformetoteachyouallIknow，andbythattimeyourhandwillbeclaspedinmine，andour`heartswillbeatasone，’andyouwillgivemeakisseverynightandmorning，andafewduringthedayforinterest，andwewillgooninlifetogetherandlearnsongs，miracles，andwondersuntiltheoldoakcallsus。Thenwewillascendthehillgladlyandliedownandofferupourbodies，andourchildrenwilllayflowersoverourhearts，andgathertheherbsandpaintthepictures？Amen。
Ihearavanonthebridge。JustyougotoyourroomandliedownuntilIgetthingsunloadedandwheretheybelong。Thenyouandthedecoratorcanmakeushome-
like，andto-morrowwewillbegintolive。Won’tthatbegreat，Ruth？’’
``Withyou，yes，Ithinkitwill。’’
``Thatwilldoforthistime，’’saidtheHarvester，asheopenedthedoortoherroom。``LieandrestuntilIsayready。’’
Ashewenttomeetthemen，shecouldhearhimsinginglustily，``PraiseGodfromwhomallblessingsflow。’’
``Whatachildheis！’’shesaid。``Andwhataman！’’
Foranhourheavyfeetsoundedthroughthecabincarryingfurnituretodifferentrooms。Thenwithafloorbrushinonehand，andapolishingclothintheother，theHarvestertappedatherdoorandhelpedtheGirlupstairs。Hehaddividedthespaceintothreelarge，squaresleepingchambers。Ineachhehadsetupawhiteironbed，adressingtable，andwashstand，andplacedtwostraight-backedandonerockingchair，allwhite。Thewallsweretintedlightlywithgreenaddedtotheplaster。
Therewasamattressandastackofbeddingoneachbed，andalargerugandseveralsmallonesonthefloors。Heledhertotherockingchairinthemiddleroom，whereshecouldseethroughtheopendoorsoftheothertwo。
``Now，’’saidtheHarvester，``Ididn’tknowwhethertheroomwithtwowindowstowardthelakeandoneonthemarsh，ortwofacingthewoodsandonefront，wastheguestchamber。Itseemedaboutaneventhrowwhetheravisitorwouldpreferwoodsorwater，soImadethembothguestchambers，andgotthingsalikeforthem。
Nowifweareentertainingtwo，onecan’tfeelmorehighlyhonouredthantheother。Wasthatascheme？’’
``Fine！’’saidtheGirl。``Idon’tseehowitcouldbesurpassed。’’
```Besureyouareright，thengoahead，’’’quotedtheHarvester。``NowI’llmakethebedsandMr。Rogerscanhangthecurtains。Iswhitecorrectforsleepingrooms？Won’tthatwashbestandalwaysbefresh？’’
``Itwill，’’saidtheGirl。``Whitewashcurtainsaremuchthenicest。’’
``MakethemshortMr。Rogers；keepthemoffthefloor，’’advisedtheHarvester。``Andsimple——don’tarrangeanythingelaboratethatwilltireawomantokeepinorder。Whackthemofftherightlengthandpinthemtothepoles。’’
``Howaboutthat，Mrs。Langston？’’askedthedecorator。
``Iamquitesurethatistheverybestthingtodo，’’
saidtheGirl；andthecurtainswerehungwhilethemattresswasplaced。
``Nowaboutthis？’’inquiredtheHarvester。``DoI
putonsheetsandfixthesebedsreadytouse？’’
``Iwouldnot，’’saidtheGirl。``Iwouldspreadthepadandthecounterpaneandlaythesheetsandpillowsintheclosetuntiltheyarewanted。Theycanbesunnedandthebedmadedelightfullyfresh。’’
``Ofcourse，’’saidtheHarvester。
Whenhehadfinished，hespreadacoveronthedressingtableandlaidoutwhitetoiletarticlesandgroupedawhitewashsetwithgreendecorationsonthestand。
Thenhebrushedthefloor，spreadabiggreenruginthemiddleandsmallonesbeforethebed，stand，andtable，andcomingoutclosedthedoor。
``Guestchamberwithlakeviewisnowreadyforcompany，’’announcedtheHarvester。``Repeattheoperationonthewoodsroom，finishedalso。Whydosomepeoplemakeworkofthingsandstringthemouteternallyandfusssomuch？Isn’tthissimpleandeasy，Ruth？’’
``Yes，ifyoucanaffordit，’’saidtheGirl。
``Forbear！’’criedtheHarvester。``Wehavethegoods，thedealerhasmycheck。Excusemetenminutes，untilIfurnishanotherroom。’’
ThelaughingGirlcouldcatchglimpsesofhimbusyoverbedsanddresser，floorandrugs；thenhecamewhereshesat。
``Woodsguestchamberready，’’hesaid。``Nowwecometotheinteriorapartment，thatfromitsviewmightbecalledthemarshroom。Asidefrombeingtwowindowsshort，itisexactlysimilartotheothers。Itoccurredtomethat，inordertomakeupforthelossofthosewindows，andalsobecauseImaybecompelledtoasksomeobligingwomantooccupyitincaseyourhealthisprecariousatanytime，andinviewofthefurtherfactthatifanysuchwomancouldbefound，andwouldkindlyandwillinglycareforus，mygratitudewouldbeinexpressible；onaccountofallthesethings，IgotashadetheBESTfurnishingsforthisroom。’’
TheGirlstaredathimwithblankface。
``Yousee，’’saidtheHarvester，``thisisaquestionofethics。Nowwhatisaguest？Athingofaday！A
personwhodisturbsyourroutineandinterfereswithimportantconcerns。Whyshouldanyonebegratefulforcompany？Whyshouldtimeandmoneybelavishedonvisitors？Theycome。Youoverworkyourself。
Theygo。Youaregladofit。Youreturnthevisit，becauseit’stheonlywaytohavebackatthem；butwhypamperthemunnecessarily？Nowagoodhousekeeper，thatmeansmorethanwordscanexpress。Comfort，kindness，sanitaryliving，careinillness！Here’stotheprospectivehousekeeperofMedicineWoods！Rogers，hangthoseruffledembroideredcurtains。Observethatwhereasmereguestbedsareplainwhite，thishasatouchofbrass。Whereguestrugsarefloorcoverings，thisisaworkofart。Whereguestbrushesarecelluloid，theseareenamelled，andthedressercoverishandembroidered。Letmealsocallyourattentiontothechairstouchedwithgold，cushionedforease，andadecoratedpitcherandbowl。Watchthebounceofthesespringsandthethicknessofthismattressandpad，andnoticethatwhereguests，howeverwelcome，getadowncoverofsateen，theladyofthehousehassilkaline。
Won’tsheprepareusabreakfastafteranightinthisroom？’’
``David，areyouinearnest？’’gaspedtheGirl。
``Don’tthesethingsproveit？’’askedtheHarvester。
``Nowomancanentermyhome，whenmynecessitiesaresogreatIhavetohirehertocome，andtaketheWORSTinthehouse。Aftermywife，shegetsthebest，everytime。WheneverIneedhelp，thewomanwhowillcomeandservemeiswhatI’dcalltherealguestofthehouse。Friend？Whereareyourfriendswhentroublecomes？Italwaysbringsacrowdonaccountoftheexcitement，andthereisnoiseandracing；butifyoursoulissavedalive，itisbyasteady，trainedhandyoupaytohelpyou。Friendscomeandgo，butagoodhousekeeperremainsandisabusinessproposition——onethatifconductedrightlyforbothpartiesandonastrictlycommon-sensebasis，givesyoulivingcomfort。Nowthatwehavedisposedofthegueststhatgoandtheonethatremains，wewillproceeddownwardandarrangeforourselves。’’
``David，didyoueverknowanyonewhotreatedahousekeeperasyousayyouwould？’’
``No。AndIneverknewanyonewhoraisedmedicinalstuffforaliving，butI’mmakingagilt-edgedsuccessofit，andIwouldofahousekeeper，too。’’
``Itdoesn’tseem——’’
``That’sthebedrockofallthetroubleontheearth，’’
interruptedtheHarvester。``Weareanationandapartofaworldthatspendsourtimeon`seeming。’Ourwholeoutercrustis`seeming。’WhenwegetbeneaththesurfaceandstriketheBEING，thenweliveasweareprivilegedbytheAlmighty。Idon’tthinkIgiveatinkerhowanythingSEEMS。WhatconcernsmeishowitIS。Itdoesn’t`seem’possibletoyoutohireawomantocomeintoyourhomeandtakechargeofitscleanlinessandthefoodyoueat——theveryfoundationoflife——andtreatherasanhonouredguest，andgiveherthebestcomfortyouhavetooffer。Thecoldroom，theoldcovers，thebarefloor，andthecastofffurnitureareforher。Nowonder，asarule，shegiveswhatshegets。Shedignifiesherlabourinthesameratiothatyoudo。Waituntilweneedahousekeeper，andthengazewithaweontheoneIwillraisetoyourhand。’’
``Iwonder——’’
``Don’t！It’swearing！Cometellmehowtomakeourliving-roomlessbarethanitappearsatpresent。’’
Theywentdownstairstogether，followedbythedecorator，andbeganworkontheroom。TheGirlwasplacedonacouchandmadecomfortableandthentheHarvesterlookedaround。
``Thatbundlethere，Rogers，isthecurtainsweboughtforthisroom。Ifyouandmywifethinktheyarenotright，wewillnothangthem。’’
Thedecoratoropenedthepackageandtookoutcurtainsoftan-colouredgoodswithaborderofblueandbrown。
``Thosearenotexpensive，’’saidtheHarvester，``buttomeawindowappearsbarewithonlyashade，soI
thoughtwe’dtrythese，andwhentheybecomesoiledwe’llburnthemandbuysomefreshones。’’
``Goodidea！’’laughedtheGirl。``AsahousedecoratoryousurpassyourselfasaMedicineMan。’’
``Fixtheseasyoudidthoseupstairs，’’orderedtheHarvester。``Wedon’twantanyfol-de-rols。Putthebottomevenwiththesillandshearthemoffatthetop。’’
``No，Iamgoingtoarrangethese，’’saidthedecorator，``yougoonwithyourpart。’’
``Allright！’’agreedtheHarvester。``First，I’lllaythebigrug。’’
Heclearedthefloor，spreadalargerugwitharichbrowncentreandawideblueborder。Smalleronesofsimilardesignandcolourwereplacedbeforeeachofthedoorsleadingfromtheroom。
``Nowforthehearth，’’saidtheHarvester，``Igotthistangoatskin。Doesn’tthatlookfairlywell？’’
Itcertainlydid；andtheGirlandthedecoratorhastenedtosayso。TheHarvesterreplacedthetableandchairs，andthensatonthecouchattheGirl’sfeet。
``Icallthisalmostfinished，’’heremarked。``Allweneednowisabouquetandsomethingonthewalls，andthatisseriousbusiness。Whatgoesonthemusuallyremainsforalongtime，andsoitshouldbeselectedwithcare。Ruth，haveyouapictureofyourmother？’’
``Nonesinceshewasmymother。Ihavesomelovelygirlphotographs。’’
``Good！’’criedtheHarvester。``Exactlythething！
Ihaveapictureofmymotherwhenshewasaprettygirl。Wewillselectthebestofyoursandhavethemenlargedinthosebeautifulbrownprintstheymakeinthesedays，andwe’llframeoneforeachsideofthemantel。Afterthatyoucandecoratetheotherwallsasyouseethingsyouwant。Fifteenminutesgone；wearereadytotakeupthelineofmarchtothedining-room。
OhIforgotmypillows！Hereareahalfdozentan，brown，andblueforthisroom。Ruth，youarrangethem。’’
TheGirlheapedfouronthecouch，stoodonebesidethehearth，andlaidanotherinabigchair。
``NowIdon’tknowwhatyouwillthinkofthis，’’
saidtheHarvester。``Ifounditinamagazineatthelibrary。Icopiedthiswholeroom。Theplanwastohavethefloor，furniture，andcasingsofgoldenoakandthewallspalegreen。Thenitsaidgetyellowcurtainsborderedwithgreenandagreenrugwithyellowfigures，soIgotthem。Ihadgreenleathercushionsmadeforthewindowseats，andthesepillowsgoonthem。Hangthesaffroncurtains，Rogers，andwewillfinishingoodshapefordinnerbysix。Bytheway，Ruth，whenwillyouselectyourdishes？Itwilltakeabigsettofillalltheseshelvesandyoushallhaveexactlywhatyouwant。’’
``Icanusethoseyouhaveverywell。’’
``Ohnoyoucan’t！’’criedtheHarvester。``Imayliveandworkinthewoods，butIamnotsobenightedthatIdon’townandreadthebestbooksandmagazines，andsubscribeforafewpapers。Ipatronizethelibraryandseewhatisinthestores。Mymoneywillbuyjustasmuchasanyman’s，ifIdowearkhakitrousers。Kindlynoticetheword。SaveindeferencetoyourladyshipI
probablywouldhavesaidpants。YouseehowELITE
IcanbeifItry。Anditnotonlyextendstomywardrobe，toa`yaller’andgreendining-room，butittakesinthe`chany’aswell。Ihavelookedupthat，too。Youwantchina，cutglass，silvercutlery，andlinen。Ye！
Ye！Youneedn’tthinkIdon’tknowanythingbuthowtodiginthedirt。Ihavebeenstudyingthisespecially，andIknowexactlywhattoget。’’
``Comehere，’’saidtheGirl，makingaplaceforhimbesideher。``NowletmetellyouwhatIthink。Wearegoingtoliveinthewoods，andourhomeisalogcabin——’’
``Withacetylenelights，afurnace，baths，andhotandcoldwater——’’interpolatedtheHarvester。
TheGirlandthedecoratorlaughed。
``Anyway，’’saidshe，``ifyouaregoingtoletmehavewhatIwouldlike，I’dpreferasetoftulipyellowdisheswiththeDutchlittlefiguresonthem。Idon’tknowwhattheycost，butcertainlytheyarenotsoexpensiveascutglassandchina。’’
``IsthatearnestorisitbecauseyouthinkIamspendingtoomuchmoney？’’
``ItiswhatIwant。Everythingelseisdifferent；whyshouldwehavedisheslikecityfolk？I’ddearlylovetohavetheDutchones，andawhiteclothwithayellowborder，glasswhereitisnecessary，andsilverknives，forks，andspoons。’’
``Thatwouldbegreat，allright！’’endorsedthedecorator。
``Andyouhavegotapricelessoldlustreteasetthere，andyourwillowwareisasfineasIeversaw。IfIwereyou，Iwouldn’tbuyadishwithwhatyouhave，excepttheyellowset。’’
``Greatday！’’ejaculatedtheHarvester。``Willyoutellmewhymygreatgrandmother’soldpinkandgreenteapotispriceless？’’
TheGirlexplainedpinklustre。``ThatsetintheshopIknewinChicagowouldsellforfromthreetofivehundreddollars。Trulyitwould！I’veseenonelittlepinkandgreenpitcherlikeyoursbringninedollarsthere。
Andyou’venotonlygotthefullteaset，butwateranddippitchers，twobowls，andtwobreadplates。Theyarepriceless，becausethesecretofmakingthemislost；
theytakeonbeautywithage，andtheywereyourgreat-
grandmother’s。’’
TheHarvesterreachedoverandenergeticallyshookhands。
``Ruth，I’msogladyou’vegotthem！’’hebubbled。
``Nowelucidateonmywillowware。Whatisit？Whereisit？WhyhaveIwillowwareandamnotinformed。
Whoisresponsibleforthis？Didmyancestorsbuybetterthantheyknew，orworse？IswillowwareacrimeforwhichImusthidemyhead，orisitfurtherrichesthrustuponme？IthoughtIhadinvestigatedthesubjectofproperdishesquitethoroughly；butIamverycertainIsawnomentionoflustreorwillow。I
thought，inmyignorance，thatlustrewasadress，andwillowatree。HaveIbeendeceived？Whyisablueplateorpitcherwillowware？’’
``Bringthatplatterfromthemantel，’’orderedtheGirl，``andIwillshowyou。’’
TheHarvesterobeyedandfollowedthefingerthattracedthedesign。
``That’sahealthywillowtree！’’hecommented。``IfLoonLakecouldn’tgoaheadofthatitshouldbedrained。
AndwillyoupleasetellmewhythispreciousplatterfromwhichIhaveeatenmuchstewedchicken，friedham，andinyouthfuldayssoppedthegravy——willyoutellmewhythisrelicofmyancestorsiscalledawillowplate，whenthereareamajorityoforangetreessoextremelyfruitfultheyhaveneglectedtogrowaleaf？
Whyisitnotanorangeplate？Lookatthatboat！
Andinplainsightofit，twopagodas，asummerhouse，awater-sweep，andapairofcorpulentswallows；youwouldhavemebelievethatacoupleareelopinginbroaddaylight。’’
``Perhapsit’snight！Andthosebirdsaredoves。’’
``Never！’’criedtheHarvester。``Thereisatotalabsenceofshadows。Thereisnomoon。Eachorangetreeisconvenientlysplitinhalves，soyoucanseetocountthefruitaccurately；thebirdsareinflight。Onlyaswalloworastorkcanflyindecorations，eitherbydayorbynight。Andforanysakelookatthatelopment！
Hegoesaheadcarryingacane，shecomesbehindluggingthebaggage，anothermanwithacanebringsuptherear。Theyarenotrunningaway。Theyhavebeenmarriedtenyearsatleast。Inaproperelopement，theyforgettherearesuchthingsasjewelsandtheyalwayscarryeachother。I’veoftenlookedupthestatisticsandit’stheonlyauthorizedversion。AsIregardthistreasure，IgrowfaintwhenIrememberwithwhatunnecessaryforcemyfatherboredownwhenhecarvedtheham。I’llbetacookyhesplitthoseorangetrees。
Nowme——I’llneverdaretouchknifetoitagain。I’llalwayscarvethemeatonthebroiler，andgentlyliftittothisplatterwithafork。OramInottobeallowedtodinefrommyancestraltreasureagain？’’
``Notinagreenandyellowroom，’’laughedtheGirl。
``I’lltellyouwhatIthink。IfIhadateatabletomatchtheliving-roomfurniture，anditsatbesidethehearth，andonitachafingdishtocookin，andthewillowwaretoeatfrom，wecouldhavelittleteapartiesinthere，whenwearen’tveryhungryortotreatavisitor。Itwouldhelpmakethatroom`homey，’andit’swonderfulhowtheyharmonizewiththeotherthings。’’
``HowmuchwillowwarehaveIgotto`bestow’onyou？’’inquiredtheHarvester。``Supposeyoushowmeallofit。Aguiltyfeelingarisesinmybreast，andIfearmeIhavecommittedhighcrimes！’’
``OhMan！Youdidn’tbreakorloseanyofthosedishes，didyou？’’
``Showme！’’insistedtheHarvester。
TheGirlaroseandgoingtothecupboardhehaddesignedforherchinasheopenedit，andsetbeforehimateapot，creampitcher，twoplates，abowl，apitcher，themeatplatter，andasugarbowl。``Iftherewereallofthecups，saucers，andplates，Iknowwheretheywouldbringfivehundreddollars，’’shesaid。
``Ruth，areyougettingevenwithmeforpokingfunatthem，orareyouinearnest？’’askedtheHarvester。
``Imeaneverywordofit。’’
``Youreallywantasmall，blackwalnuttablemadeespeciallyforthoseolddishes？’’
``Notifyouaretoobusy。Icoulduseitwithbeautifuleffectandmuchpleasure，andIcan’ttellyouhowproudI’dbeofthem。’’
TheHarvester’sfaceflushed。``Excuseme，’’hesaidrising。``Ihavenowfinishedfurnishingahouse；Iwillgoandtakeapeepattheengine。’’HewentintothekitchenandhearingtherattleofdishestheGirlfollowed。
Shesteppedinjustintimetoseehimhastilyslidesomethingintohispocket。Hepickedupahalfdozenoldwhiteplatesandsaucersandseveralcupsandstartedtowardtheevaporator。Heheardhercoming。
``Lookhere，honey，’’hesaidturning，``youdon’twanttoseethedry-housejustnow。Ihaveterrificheattodosomerapidwork。Iwon’tbegonebutafewminutes。
Youbetterbossthedecorator。
``I’mafraidthatwasn’tverydiplomatic，’’hemuttered。
``Itsavouredalittleofbeingsentback。Butifwhatshesaysisright，andsheshouldknowiftheyhandlesuchstuffatthatartstore，shewillfeelconsiderablybetternottoseethis。’’
Hesethisloadatthedoor，drewanoldbluesaucerfromhispocketandmadeacarefulexamination。Hepulledsomeleavesfromabushandpushedagreasyclothoutofthesaucer，wipeditthebesthecould，andheldittolight。
``Thatisacrime！’’hecommented。``Saucerfromyourmaternalancestors’teasetusedforagreasedish。IamafraidI’dbettersinkitinthelake。She’dfeelworsetoseeitthannevertoknow。WishIcouldcleanoffthegrease！Icoulddobetterifitwashot。Icansetitontheengine。’’
TheHarvesterplacedthesaucerontheengine，enteredthedry-house，andclosedthedoor。Inthestiflingairhebeganpouringseedfrombeautiful，bigwillowplatestotheoldwhiteones。
``AboutthetimeIhaveruinedyou，’’hesaidtoawhiteplate，``someonewillpopupanddiscoverthattheartofmakingyouislostandyouarepriceless，andI’llhavebeenguiltyofanotherblunder。Nowtherearethedishesmothergotwithbakingpowder。Shethoughttheyweregrand。Iknowplentywellsheprizedthemmorethantheseblueonesorshewouldn’thavesavedthemandusedtheseforeveryday。Theretheyset，allsocarefullytakencareof，andtheGirldoesn’tevenlookatthem。ThankHeaven，therearethefourremainingplatesallright，anyway！NowI’vegotseedinsomeofthesaucers；oneisthere；whereonearthisthelastone？
Andwhere，ohunkindfates！arethecups？’’
Hefoundmoresaucersandsetthemwiththeplates。
Ashepassedtheenginehenoticedthesauceronitwasbubblinggrease，literallyexudingitfromtheparticlesofclay。
``Hooray！’’criedtheHarvester。Hetookitup，butitwassohothedroppedit。Withadeftsweephecaughtitinair，andshoveditonatray。Thenhedancedandblewonhisburnedhand。Snatchingouthishandkerchiefherubbedoffallthegrease，andimaginedthesaucerwasbrighter。
``If`alittleisgood，moreisbetter，’’’quotedtheHarvester。
Waddingthehandkerchiefhereturnedthesaucertotheengine。Thenheslippedout，drippingperspiration，glancedtowardthecabin，andranintotheworkroom。
Thefirstobjecthesawwasawillowcuphalffullofredpaint，stuckanddriedasiftoremainforever。Hetookhisknifeandtriedtowhittleitoff，butnoticingthathewasscratchingthecuphefilleditwithturpentine，setitunderaworkbench，turnedatinpanoverit，andcovereditwithshavings。Afewstepsfartherbroughtoneinsight，filledwithcarpettacks。Hesearchedeverywhere，butcouldfindnomore，sohewenttothelaboratory。
Besidehiswashbowlatthedoorstoodthelastwillowsaucer。Hehaduseditforyearsasasoapdish。
Hescrapedthecontentsonthebenchandfilledthedishwithwater。Fourcupsheldmedicinalseedsandwereingoodcondition。Helackedone，althoughhecouldnotrememberofeverhavingbrokenit。Gatheringhiscollection，hereturnedtothedry-housetoseehowthesaucerwascomingon。Againitwasbubbling，andhepolishedoffthegreaseandsetbackthedish。Itcertainlywasgrowingbetter。Hecarriedhistreasuresintotheworkroom，andwenttothebarntofeed。Ashewasleavingthestableheutteredajoyousexclamationandsnatchedfromawindowsillawillowcup，gummedandsmearedwithharnessoil。
``Thefullset，byhokey！’’marvelledtheHarvester。
``Say，Betsy，theonlynameforthisisluck！NowifIonlycancleanthem，I’llbereadytomakeherteatable，whateverthatis。MyIhopeshewillstayawayuntilIgettheseinbettershape！’’
Hefilledthelastcupwithturpentine，setitwiththeotherundertheworkbench，stackedtheremainingpieces，polishedthesaucerhewasbaking，andwenttobringadishpanandtowel。Hedrewsomewaterfromthepipesoftheevaporator，putinthesoap，andcarriedittotheworkroom。Therehecarefullywashedandwipedallthepieces，savetwocupsandonesaucer。Hedidnotknowhowlongitwouldrequiretobakethegreasefromthat，buthewassureitwasimproving。Hethoughthecouldcleanthepaintcup，butheimaginedtheharnessoilonewouldrequirebakingalso。
Ashestoodbusilyworkingoverthedishes，withlightsteptheGirlcametothedoor。Shetookonelonglookandunderstood。Sheturnedandswiftlywentbacktothecabin，buthershoulderswereshaking。PresentlytheHarvestercameinandexplainedthatafterfinishinginthedry-househehadgonetodothefeeding。Thenhesuggestedthatbeforeitgrewdarktheyshouldgothroughtheroomsandseehowtheyappeared，andgathertheflowerstheGirlwanted。Sotogethertheydecidedeverythingwasclean，comfortable，andharmonized。
Thentheywenttothehillsideslopingtothelake。Forthedining-room，theGirlwantedyellowwaterlilies，sotheHarvesterbroughthisoldboatandgatheredenoughtofillthegreenbowl。Fortheliving-room，sheusedwildraggedrobinsinthebluebowl，andononeendofthemantelsetapitcherofsaffronandontheotherarrowheadlilies。Forherroom，sheselectedbig，blushymallowsthatgrewallalongSingingWaterandaroundthelake。
``Isn’tthatslightlypeculiar？’’questionedtheHarvester。
``Takeapeep，’’saidtheGirl，openingherdoor。
Shehadspreadthepinkcoverletonhercouch，andwhenshesetthebigpinkbowlfilledwithmallowsonthetabletheeffectwasexquisite。
``Ithinkperhapsthat’salittleFrenchy，’’shesaid，``andyoumayhavetobeeducatedtoit；butsalmonpinkandbuttercupyellowarecoloursIloveincombination。’’
Sheclosedthedoorandwenttofindsomethingtoeat，andthentotheswing，whereshelikedtorest，look，andlisten。TheHarvestersuggestedreadingtoher，butsheshookherhead。
``Waituntilwinter，’’shesaid，``whenthedaysarelongerandcold，andthesnowburieseverything，andthenread。Nowtellmeaboutmyhedgeandthethingsyouhaveplantedinit。’’
TheHarvesterwentoutandcollectedabunchoftwigs。
Hehandedherabig，evenlyproportionedleafofovateshape，andexplained:``Thisisburningbush，socalledbecauseithaspinkberriesthathangfromlong，gracefulstemsallwinter，andwhenfullyopentheyexposeaflame-redseedpod。ItwasforthiscolourongrayandwhitedaysthatIplantedit。InthewoodsIgrowitinthickets。Therootbarkbringstwentycentsapound，attheveryleast。Itisgoodfevermedicine。’’
``Isitpoison？’’
``No。Ididn’tsetanythingacutelypoisonousinyourhedge。Iwantedittobeamassofbloomyouwerefreetocutforthecabinallspring，anattractiontobirdsinsummer，andbrightwithcolourinwinter。Todrawthefeatheredtribe，Iplantedalder，wildcherry，andgrape-vines。Thisischerry。Thebarkisalmostasbeautifulasbirch。Iraiseitfortonicsandthebirdslovethecherries。Thisfern-likeleafisfrommountainash，andwhenitattainsafewyears’growthitwillflamewithcolourallwinterinbigclustersofscarletberries。
ThatIgrowinthewoodsisapictureinsnowtime，andthebarkisoneofmystandardarticles。’’
TheGirlraisedonherelbowandlookedatthehedge。
``Iseeit，’’shesaid。``Theberriesaregreennow。I
supposetheychangecolourastheyripen。’’
``Yes，’’saidtheHarvester。``Andyoumustnotconfusethemwithsumac。Theleavesaresomewhatsimilar，buttheheadsdifferincolourandshape。Thesumacandbuckeyeyoumustnottouch，untilwelearnwhattheywilldotoyou。Tosometheyareslightlypoisonous，toothersnot。Icouldn’thelpputtinginafewbuckeyesonaccountofthebigbudsinearlyspring。Youwilllikethecolourifyouarefondofpinkandyellowincombination，andthered-brownnutsingrayish-yellow，pricklyhulls，andtheleafclustersarebeautiful，butyoumustusecare。Iputinwitchhazelforvariety，andI
likeitsappearance；it’smightygoodmedicine，too；soisspicebrush，andithasleavesthatcolourbrightly，andredberries。Theseselectionswereallmadeforapurpose。
Nowhereiswaferash；itisformusicaswellasmedicine。
Ihaveinvokedallgoodfairiestocomeanddwellinthishedge，andsoIhadtoprovideanorchestrafortheirdances。Thistreegrowsahundredtinycastanetsinabunch，andwhentheyripenandbecomedrythewindshakesfinemusicfromthem。Yes，theyaremedicine；
thatis，thebarkoftherootsis。Almostwithoutexceptioneverythingherehasmedicinalproperties。Thetulippoplarwillbearyoutheloveliestflowersofall，anditsrootbark，takeninwinter，makesagoodfeverremedy。’’
``Howwoulditdotoeatsomeoftheleavesandseeiftheywouldn’ttakethefeverishnessfromme？’’
``Itwouldn’tdoatall，’’saidtheHarvester。``WearewellenoughfixedtoallowDoctocomenow，andheistheonetoallaythefever。’’
``Ohno！’’shecried。``No！Idon’twanttoseeadoctor。Iwillbeallrightverysoon。YousaidIwasbetter。’’
``Youare，’’saidtheHarvester。``Muchbetter！Wewillhaveyoustrongandwellsoon。Youshouldhavecomeintimeforadoseofsassafras。Yourhedgeisfilledwiththat，becauseofitspeculiarleavesandodour。
Iputindogwoodforthewhitedisplayaroundthelittlegreenbloom，lotsofalderforbloomandberries，hawsforblossomsandfruitforthesquirrels，wildcrabapplesfortheexquisitebloomandperfume，buttonbushforthebuttons，afewpokeberryplantsforthecolour，andI
triedsomemallows，butIdoubtifit’swetenoughforthem。Isetpecksofvineroots，thatarecomingnicely，andfernsalongthefrontedge。Giveittwoyearsandthathedgewillmakeapicturethatwilldoyoureyesgood。’’
``Canyouthinkofanythingatallyouforgot？’’
``Yesindeed！’’saidtheHarvester。``ThewoodsarefulloftreesIhavenotused；somebecauseIoverlookedthem，someIdidn’twant。Ahedgelikethis，inperfection，istheworkofyears。Somespeciesmustbecutback，someencouraged，butsoonitwillbelovely，anditscolourandfruitattracteverybirdoftheheavensandbutterfliesandinsectsofallvarieties。Isetseveralcommoncherrytreesfortherobinsandsomeblackberryandraspberryvinesfortheorioles。Thebloomisprettyandthebirdsyou’llhavewillbeatreattoseeandhear，ifwekeepawaycats，don’tfireguns，scatterfood，andmovequietlyamongthem。Withourwaterattractionsadded，thereisnothingimpossibleinthewayofmakingfriendswithfeatheredfolk。’’
``ThereisonethingIdon’tunderstand，’’saidtheGirl。
``Youwouldn’triskbreakingthewingofamothbykeepingitwhenyouwantedadrawingverymuch；youdon’tseemtokillbirdsandanimalsthatotherpeopledo。Youalmostworshipatree；nowhowcanyoutakeaknifeandpeelthebarktosellordigupbeautifulbushesbytheroot。’’
``PerhapsI’vetalkedtoomuchaboutthewoods，’’
saidtheHarvestergently。``I’velongedinexpressiblyforsympatheticcompanyhere，becauseIfeelrootedforlife，soIammorethananxiousthatyoushouldcareforit。Imayhavemadeyoufeelthatmygreatestinterestisinthewoods，andthatIamnotconsistentwhenI
callonmytreesandplantstoyieldoftheirstoreformypurposes。Aboveeverythingelse，thehumanpropositioncomesfirst，Ruth。Idolovemytrees，bushes，andflowers，becausetheykeepmeatthefountainoflife，andteachmelessonsnobookeverhintsat；butaboveeverythingcomemyfellowmen。AllIdoisforthem。
Myheartisfilledwithfeelingforthethingsyouseearoundyouhere，butitwouldbejoytometouprootthemostbeautifulplantIhaveifbysodoingIcouldsaveyoupain。Othermenhavewivestheyloveaswell，littlechildrentheyhavefathered，bigbodiesusefultotheworld，thataresometimescrippledwithdisease。
ThereisnothingIwouldnotgivetoallaythepainofhumanity。Itisnotinconsistenttoofferanygrowingthingyousooncanreplace，tocuresuffering。Getthatideaoutofyourhead！Yousaidyoucouldworshipattheshrineofthepokeberrybed，youfeelholierbeforethearrowheadlilies，yourfacetakesonanappearanceofreverencewhenyouseepinkmallowblooms。Whichofthemwouldyouhavehesitatedasecondinuprootingifyoucouldhaveofferedittosubduefeverorpaininthebodyofthelittlemotheryouloved？’’
``OhIsee！’’criedtheGirl。``Likeeverythingelseyoumakethisdifferent。Youworshipallthisbeautyandgrace，wroughtbyyourhands，butyoucarryyourtreasuretothemarketplaceforthegoodofsufferinghumanity。OhMan！Ilovetheworkyoudo！’’
``Good！’’criedtheHarvester。``Good！AndRuth-
girl，whileyouareaboutit，seeifyoucan’tcombinethemanandhisoccupationalittle。’’
CHAPTERXVI
GRANNYMORELAND’SVISIT
ThefollowingmorningtheGirlwasawakenedbywheelsonthegraveloutsideherwindow，andliftedherheadtoseeBetsypassingwithaloadoflumber。Shortlyafterwardthesoundofhammerandsawcametoher，andsheknewthatSingingWaterbridgewasbeingroofedtoprovideshadeforher。Shedressedandwenttothekitchentofindadaintybreakfastwaiting，sosheatewhatshecould，andthenwashedthedishesandswept。Bythattimeshewassotiredshedroppedonadining-roomwindowseat，andlaylookingtowardthebridge。ShecouldcatchglimpsesoftheHarvesterasheworked。Shewatchedhisdefteaseinhandlingheavytimbers，andtheassurancewithwhichhebuilded。Sometimeshestoodandwithtiltedheadstudiedhisworkaminute，thenswiftlyproceeded。Heplacedthreetreetrunksoneachsideforpillars，laidjoistsacross，formedhisangle，andnailedboardsasafoundationforshingling。Occasionallyheglancedtowardthecabin，andfinallycameswingingupthedrive。Heenteredthekitchensoftly，butwhenhesawtheGirlinthewindowhesatatherfeet。
``Ohbutthisisamorning，Ruth！’’hesaid。
Shelookedathimclosely。Heradiatedhealthandgoodcheer。Histannedcheekswereflushedredwithexercise，andthehaironhistempleswasdamp。
``Youhavebeenbreakingtherules，’’hesaid。``ItisthelawthatIamtodotheworkuntilyouarewellandstrongagain。Whydidyoutireyourself？’’
``Iamsoperfectlyuseless！IseesomanythingsthatIwouldenjoydoing。Ohyoucandoeverythingelse，makemewell！Makemestrong！’’
``HowcanI，whenyouwon’tdoasItellyou？’’
``Iwill！IndeedIwill！’’
``Thennomoreattemptstostandoverdishesandcleanbigfloors。Youmustn’toverworkyourselfatanything。Theinstantyoufeelintheleasttiredyoumustliedownandrest。’’
``ButMan！I’mtiredeveryminute，withadead，dullache，andIdon’tfeelasifIeverwouldberestedagaininalltheworld。’’
TheHarvestertookoneofherhands，feltitsfeveredpalm，flutteringwristpulse，andnoticedthatthebrilliantredofherlipshadextendedtospotsonhercheeks。Heformedhisresolution。
``Can’tworkonthatbridgeanymoreuntilIdriveinforsomebignails，’’hesaid。``Doyoumindbeingleftaloneforanhour？’’
``Notatall，ifBelwillstaywithme。I’lllieintheswing。’’
``Allright！’’answeredtheHarvester。``I’llhelpyououtandtogetsettled。Isthereanythingyouwantfromtown？’’
``No，notathing！’’
``Ohbutyouaremodest！’’criedtheHarvester。``I
cansithereandnamefiftythingsIwantforyou。’’
``Ohbutyouareextravagant！’’imitatedtheGirl。
``Please，please，Man，don’t！Can’tyouseeIhavesomuchnowIdon’tknowwhattodowithit？SometimesIalmostforgettheache，justlyingandlookingatallthewonderfulrichesthathavecometomesosuddenly。
Ican’tbelievetheywon’tvanishastheycame。BythehourinthenightIlookatmylovelyroom，andI
justfightmyeyestokeepthemfromclosingforfearthey’llopeninthatstiflinggarrettotheheatofdayandworkIhavenotstrengthtodo。Iknowyetallthiswillprovetobeadreamandawilderonethanyours。’’
ThefaceoftheHarvesterwasveryanxious。
``Pleasetoremembermydreamcametrue，’’hesaid，``andmuchsoonerthanIhadtheleasthopethatitwould。
I’mwideawakeorIcouldn’tbebuildingbridges；andyouarereal，ifIknowfleshandbloodwhenItouchit。’’
``IfIwerewell，strong，andattractive，Icouldunderstand，’’shesaid。``ThenIcouldworkinthehouse，atthedrawings，helpwiththeherbs，andI’dfeelasifI
hadsomerighttobehere。’’
``Allthatiscoming，’’saidtheHarvester。``Takealittlemoretime。Youcan’texpecttosinsteadilyagainstthelawsofhealthforyears，andrecoverinaday。Youwillbeallrightmuchsoonerthanyouthinkpossible。’’
``OhIhopeso！’’saidtheGirl。``ButsometimesI
doubtit。HowIcouldcomehereandputsuchaburdenonastranger，Ican’tsee。Iscarcelycanrememberwhatawfulstressdroveme。Ihadnocourage。Ishouldhavefinishedinmygarretasmymotherdid。Imusthavesomeofmyfather’scowardbloodinme。Sheneverwouldhavecome。Inevershould！’’
``Ifitdidn’tmakeanyrealdifferencetoyou，andmeantalltheworldtome，Idon’tseewhyyoushouldn’thumourme。Ican’tbegintotellyouhowhappyIamtohaveyouhere。Icouldshoutandsingallday。’’
``Itrequiresverylittletomakesomepeoplehappy。’’
``Youarenotmuch，butyouaregoingtobemoresoon，’’laughedtheHarvester，ashegentlypickeduptheGirlandcarriedhertotheswing，wherehecoveredher，kissedherhothand，andwhistledforBelshazzar。
Hepulledthetablecloseandsetapitcheroficedfruitjuiceonit。Thenheleftherandshecouldheartherattleofwheelsashecrossedthebridgeanddroveaway。
``Betsy，thisismightyseriousbusiness，’’saidtheHarvester。``TheGirlisscorchingorIdon’tknowfever。
Iwonder——well，onethingissure——sheisboundtobebetteroffinpure，coolairandwitheverythingIcandotobekind，thaninHenryJameson’satticwitheverythinghecoulddotobemean。PleasantmenthoseJamesons！WonderiftheGirl’sfatherwasmuchlikeherUncleHenry？Ithinknotorherrefinedandlovelymotherneverwouldhavemarriedhim。Cometothinkofit，that’snolaw，Betsy。I’veseenbeautifulanddelicatewomenfallundersomemysteriousspell，andyoketheirliveswithrankdegenerates。Whateverhewas，theyhavepaidtheprice。Maybethewifedeservedit，andboreitinsilencebecausesheknewshedid，butit’sbitterhardonRuth。Girlsshouldbetaughttothinkatleastonegenerationaheadwhentheymarry。I
wonderwhatDocwillsay，Betsy？Hewillhavetocomeandseeforhimself。Idon’tknowhowshewillfeelaboutthat。IhadhopedIcouldpullherthroughwithcare，food，andtonics，butIdon’tdaregoanyfartheralone。
Betsy，that’sathin，hot，littlehandtoholdaman’sonlychanceforhappiness。’’
``Well，bridegroom！I’vebeencountingthedays！’’
saidDoctorCarey。``TheMissusandImadeitupthismorningthatwehadwaitedaslongaswewould。Wearecomingto-night。David’’
``It’sallright，Doc，’’saidtheHarvester。``Don’tyoudarethinkanythingiswrongorthatIamnottheproudest，happiestmaninthisworld，becauseIappearanxious。Iamnottryingtoconcealitfromyou。YouknowwebothagreedatfirstthatRuthshouldbeinthehospital，Doc。Well，sheshould！Sheiswhatwouldbealovelywomanifshewerenotfullofthepoisonofwrongfoodandair，overwork，andsocialconditionsthathavewarpedher。SheisallIdreamedofandmore，butI’vecomeforyou。Sheistoosickforme。Ihopedshewouldbegintogainstrengthatonceonchangedconditions。AsyetIcan’tseeanydifference。Sheneedsadoctor，butIhateforhertoknowit。Couldyoucomeoutthisafternoon，andpretendasifitwereavisit？
BringMrs。CareyandwatchtheGirl。Ifyouneedanexamination，Ithinkshewillobeyme。Ifyoucanavoidit，fixwhatsheshouldhaveandsenditbacktomebyamessenger。Idon’tliketoleaveherwhensheissoill。’’
``I’llcomeatonce，David。’’
``ThenshewillknowthatIcameforyou，andthatwillfrightenher。Youcandomoregoodtowaituntilafternoon，andpretendyouaremakingasocialcall。
Imustgonow。I’dhavebroughtherin，butIhavenoproperconveyanceyet。I’mpromisedsomethingsoon，perhapsitisreadynow。Good-bye！Besuretocome！’’
TheHarvesterdrovetoaliverybarnandexaminedalittlehorse，ashiningblackcreaturethatseemedgentleandspirited。Hethoughtfavourablyofit。Afewdaysbeforehehadselectedasmartcarriage，andwiththisoutfittiedbehindthewagonhereturnedtoMedicineWoods。Heleftthehorseatthebridge，stabledBetsy，andthenreturnedforthenewconveyance，drivingittothehitchingpost。AtthesoundofunexpectedwheelstheGirlliftedherheadandstaredattheturnout。
``Comeon！’’criedtheHarvesteropeningthescreen。
``Wearegoingtothewoodstoinitiateyourcarriage。’’
Shewentwithlittlecriesofsurprisedwonder。
``ThisishowyoutraveltoOnabashatodoyourshopping，tocallonMrs。Careyandthefriendsyouwillmake，andvisitthelibrary。WhenI’vetriedoutMr。
Horseenoughtoprovehimreliableasguaranteed，heisyours，foryourpurposesonly，andwhenyougrowwonderfullywellandstrong，we’llsellhimandbuyyouareallivehorseandastanhope，suchascityladieshave；
andtheremustbeasaddlesothatyoucanride。’’
``OhI’dlovethat！’’criedtheGirl。``Ialwayswantedtoride！Wherearewegoing？’’
``ToshowyouMedicineWoods，’’saidtheHarvester。
``I’vebeenwaitingforthis。Youseethereareseveralhundredacresoftrees，thickets，shrubs，andherbbedsupthere，andifthewagonroadthatwindsbetweenthemwerestretchedstraightitwouldbemanymilesinlength，sowehaveacool，shaded，perfumeddrivewayallourown。Letmegetyouadrinkbeforeyoustartandthelittleshawl。It’schillytherecomparedwithhere。Nowareyoucomfortableandready？’’
``Yes，’’saidtheGirl。``Hurry！I’vejustlongedtogo，butIdidn’tliketoask。’’
``Iamsorry，’’saidtheHarvester。``Livinghereforyearsaloneandneverhavinghadasister，howamI
goingtoknowwhatagirlwouldlikeifyoudon’ttellme？Iknewitwouldbetootiresomeforyoutowalk，andIwaswaitingtofindareliablehorseandasuitablecarriage。’’
``Youwon’tscratchorspoilitupthere？’’
``I’lllowerthetop。Itisnotaswideasthewagon，sonothingwilltouchit。’’
``Thisisjustsolovely，andsuchawonderfultreat，doyouobservethatI’mnotsayingawordaboutextravagance？’’
askedtheGirl，assheleanedbackinthecarriageandinhaledtheinvigoratingwoodair。
Thehorseclimbedthehill，andtheHarvesterguidedhimdownlong，dimroadsthroughdeepforest，whileheexplainedwhatlargethicketsofbusheswere，whyhegrewthem，howhecollectedtherootsorbark，forwhateachwasusedanditsvalue。Onandontheywent，thewayaheadalwaysappearingasifitweretoonarrowtopass，yetprovingamplywidewhenreached。Excitedredbirdsdartedamongthebushes，andtheHarvesteransweredtheircry。Blackbirdsprotestedagainsttheunusualintrusionofstrangeobjects，andabrownthrushslippedfromalatenestclosetheroadwailinginanxiety。
OneafteranothertheHarvesterintroducedtheGirltothebesttrees，speculatedontheirage，previoushistory，andpointedoutwhichbroughtlargepricesforlumberandwhichhadmedicinalbarkandroots。Onandontheyslowlydrovethroughthewoods，pastthebigbedsofcranesbill，violets，andlilies。Heshowedherwherethemushroomsweremostnumerous，andforthefirsttimetoldthestoryofhowhehadsoldthemandthevioletsfromdoortodoorinOnabashainhissearchforher，andtheamazedGirlsatstaringathim。HetoldofDoctorCareyhavingseenheronce，andinquiredastheypassedthebediftheyellowvioletshadrevived。
Hestoppedtosearchandfoundafewlateones，deepamongtheleaves。
``OhifIonlyhadknownthat！’’criedtheGirl，``Iwouldhavekeptthemforever。’’
``Noneed，’’saidtheHarvester。``HereandnowI
presentyouwiththesoleownershipoftheentirewhiteandyellowvioletbeds。Nextspringyoushallfillyourroom。Won’tthatbeatreat？’’
``Onemoneynevercouldbuy！’’criedtheGirl。
``Seemstobemystrongpoint，’’commentedtheHarvester。``ThemostIhavetoofferworthwhileissomethingyoucan’tbuy。Thereisafinefairyplatform。
Theycanspareyouone。I’llgetit。’’
TheHarvesterbrokefromatreealargefan-shapedfungus，thesurfacesatinfine，thebasemossy，andexplainedtotheGirlthattheseweretheballroomsofthewoods，thefloorsonwhichthelittlepeopledanceinthemoonlightattheirgreatcelebrations。Thenheaddedapieceofwoollydogmoss，andshowedherhoweachseparatespinewaslikeaperfectlittleevergreentree。
``ThatiswherethefairiesgettheirChristmaspines，’’
heexplained。
``Doyouhonestlybelieveinfairies？’’
``Surely！’’exclaimedtheHarvester。``Whowouldtellmewhenthemaplesaredrippingsap，andthemushroomsspringingup，ifthefairiesdidn’twhisperinthenight？Whopaintstheflowerfaces，colourstheleaves，enamelstheripeningfruitwithbloom，andfroststhewindowpanetoletmeknowthatitistimetoprepareforwinter？Ofcourse！Theyaremyfriendsandeverydayhelpers。Andthewindsaregoodtome。
Theycarrydownnewswhentreebloomisout，whenthepollensiftsgoldfromthebushes，andit’stimetocollectspringroots。Thefirstbluebirdalwaysbringsmeamessage。SometimeshecomesbythemiddleofFebruary，againnotuntillateMarch。Alwaysonhisday，Belshazzardecidesmyfateforayear。Sixyearswe’veplayedthatgame；nowitisendedinblessedreality。
InthewoodsandatmyworkIremainuntilIdie，withafewoutsidetriesatmedicinemaking。IamputtingupsomecompoundsinwhichIreallyhavefaith。Ofcoursetheyhavegottoawaittheirtimetobetested，butIbelieveinthem。Ihavegrownstuffsocarefully，gathereditaccordingtorules，washeditdecently，anddriedandmixeditwithsuchscrupulouscare。NightafternightI’vesatoverthebooksuntilmidnightandlater，studyingcombinations；anddayafterdayI’vestoodinthelaboratorytestingandtrying，andtwoorthreewillproveeffective，orI’veadisappointmentcoming。’’
``Youhaven’twastedtime！I’dmuchrathertakemedicinesyoumakethananyatthepharmacies。SeveraltimesI’vethoughtI’daskyouifyouwouldn’tgivemesomeofyours。TheprescriptionDoctorCareysentdoesnogood。I’vealmostdrunkit，andIamconstantlytired，justthesame。Youmakemesomethingfromthesetonicsandstimulantsyou’vebeentellingmeabout。
Surelyyoucanhelpme！’’
``I’vegotonecombinationthat’sgoingtosavelife，inmyexpectations。ButRuth，itneverhasbeentried，andIcouldn’texperimentontheverylightofmyeyeswithit。IfIshouldgiveyousomethingandyou’dgrowworseasaresult——Iamastrongman，mygirl，butIcouldn’tendurethat。I’dneverdare。Butdear，IamexpectingCareyandhiswifeoutanytime；
probablytheywillcometo-day，it’ssobeautiful；andwhentheydo，formysake，won’tyoutalkwithhim，tellhimexactlywhatmadeyouill，andtakewhathegivesyou？He’sagreatman。HewasrecentlyPresidentoftheNationalAssociationofSurgeons。Longagoheabandonedgeneralpractice，buthewillprescribeforyou；
allhisartisatyourcommand。It’squiteanhonour，Ruth。Heperformsallkindsofmiracles，andsaveslifeeveryday。Hehadnotseenyou，andwhathegavemewasonlybyguess。Hemaynotthinkitistherightthingatallafterhemeetsyou。’’
``ThenIamreallyill？’’
``No。Youonlyhavethegermsofillnessinyourblood，andifyouwillhelpmethatmuchwecaneliminatethem；andthenitisyouforhousekeeper，withfirstassistantinme，thedrawingtools，paintbox，andallthewoodsforsubjects。So，asIwasgoingtotellyou，BelshazzarandIhaveplayedourgameforthelasttime。Thatdecisionwasultimate。HereIwillwork，live，anddie。
Here，pleaseGod，strongandhappy，youshalllivewithme。Ruth，youhavegottorecoverquickly。Youwillconsultthedoctor？’’
``Yes，andIwishhewouldhurry，’’saidtheGirl。
``Hecan’tmakemenewtoosoontosuitme。IfIhadastrongbody，ohMan，Ijustfeelasifyoucouldfindasoulsomewhereinitthatwouldrespondtoallthesewondersyouhavebroughtmeamong。Oh！makemewell，andI’lltryaswomanneverdidbeforetobringyouhappinesstopayforit。’’
``Carefulnow，’’warnedtheHarvester。``Thereistobenotalkofobligationsbetweenyouandme。
YourpresencehereandyourgrowingtrustinmeareallIaskatthehandsoffateatpresent。LongagoIlearnedto`labourandtowait。’Bytheway——here’smymostdifficultlabourandmylongestwait。Thisisthepreciousgingsengbed。’’
``Howpretty！’’exclaimedtheGirl。
Coveringacresofwoodfloor，amongthebigtrees，stretchedthelacygreencarpet。Onslender，uprightstalkswavedthreelargeleaves，eachmadeupoffivestemmed，ovatelittleleaves，roundatthebase，sharplypointedatthetip。Aclusteroffromtentotwentysmallgreenberries，thatwouldturnredlater，aroseabove。
TheHarvesterliftedaplanttoshowtheGirlthattheChinesename，Jin-chen，meaningman-like，originatedbecausethedividedrootresembledlegs。Awaythroughthewoodsstretchedthebigbed，thegrowthwavinglightlyinthewind，thepeculiarodourfillingtheair。
``Iamgoingtowaittogatherthecropuntiltheseedsareripe，’’saidtheHarvester，``thenburysomeasI
digaroot。MyfathersaidthatwasthewayoftheIndians。It’samightygoodplan。Theseedsaredelicate，anddifficulttogatherandpreserveproperly。
Insteadofcollectingandsellingallofthemtostartrivalsinthebusiness，Ishallreplantmybeds。Imustfindahalfdozenassistantstoharvestthiscropinthatway，anditwillbedifficult，becauseitwillcomewhenmyneighboursarebusywithcorn。’’
``MaybeIcanhelpyou。’’
``Notwithginsengdigging，’’laughedtheHarvester。
``Thatisnotwoman’swork。Youmaysitinanespeciallyattractiveplaceandbossthejob。’’
``Ohdear！’’criedtheGirl。``Ohdear！Iwanttogetoutandwalk。’’
Graduallytheyhadclimbedthesummitofthehill，descendedontheotherside，andfollowedtheroadthroughthewoodsuntiltheyreachedthebrierpatches，fruittrees；andthegardenofvegetables，withbigbedsofsage，rue，wormwood，hoarhound，andboneset。Fromtheretothelakeslopedthesunnyfieldsofmulleinandcatnip，andtheearthwasmoltengoldwithdandelioncreepingeverywhere。
``Toohotto-day，’’cautionedtheHarvester。``Tooroughwalking。Waituntilfall，andIhaveatreatthereforyou。AnotherflowerIwantyoutolovebecauseIdo。’’
``Iwill，’’saidtheGirlpromptly。``Ifeelitinmyheart。’’
``WellIamgladyoufeelsomethingbesidestheacheoffever，’’saidtheHarvester。Thennoticinghertiredfaceheadded:``Nowthislittlehorsehadquiteatripfromtown，andthewheelscutdeeplyintothiswoodssoilandmakedifficultpulling，soIwonderifIhadnotbetterputhiminthestableandlethimbecomeacquaintedwithBetsy。Idon’tknowwhatshewillthink。
Shehashadsolepossessionforyears。Maybeshewillbejealous，perhapsshewillbeasdelightedforcompanyashermaster。Ruth，ifyoucouldhaveheardwhatIsaidtoBelshazzarwhenhedecidedIwastogocourtingthisyear，andseenwhatIdidtohim，andthentakealookatmenow——mercifulpowers，Ihopethedogdoesn’tremember！Ifhedoes，nowonderheformsanewallegiancesoeasily。HaveyouobservedthatlatelywhenIwhistle，hestarts，andthenturnsbacktoseeifyouwanthim？Hethinksasmuchofyouashedoesofmerightnow。’’
``Ohno！’’criedtheGirl。``Thatcouldn’tbepossible。
YoutoldmeImustmakefriendswithhim，soIhavegivenhimfood，andtriedtowinhim。’’
``YousitinthecarriageuntilIputawaythehorse，andthenI’llhelpyoutothecabin，andsaveyoubeingalonewhileIwork。Wouldyoulikethat？’’
``Yes。’’
SheleanedherheadagainstthecarriagetoptheHarvesterhadraisedtoscreenher，andwatchedhimstablethehorse。Evidentlyhewasveryfondofanimalsforhetalkedasifitwereachildhewasundressingandkeptgivingitextrastrokesandpatsasheleditaway。
Ajaxdislikedthenewcomerinstantly，noticedthecarriageandthewoman’sdress，andscreamedhisugliest。
TheGirlsmiled。AstheHarvesterappearedsheinquired，``IsAjaxnowsendingawirelesstoCeylonaskingforamate？’’
