第11章

``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