d work and be ready. All the old stock in the
store-house goes out as soon as we can cart it. A new cabin shall rise
as fast as we can build it. There must be a basement and furnace, too.
Dream women don't have cold feet, but if there is a girl living like
that, and she is coming to us or waiting for us to come to her, we must
have a comfortable home to offer. There should be a bathroom, too. She
couldn't dip in the lake as we do. And until we build the new house we
must keep the old one clean, just on the chance of her happening on us.
She might be visiting some of the neighbours or come from town with some
one or I might see her on the street or at the library or hospital or in
some of the stores. For the love of mercy, help me watch for her, Bel!
The half of my kingdom if you will point her for me!"

The Harvester worked as he talked. He set the rooms in order, put away
the remains of breakfast, and started to the stable. He turned back and
stood for a long time, scanning the face in the kitchen mirror. Once he
went to the door, then he hesitated, and finally took out his shaving
set and used it carefully and washed vigorously. He pulled his shirt
together at the throat, and hunting among his clothing, found an old
red tie that he knotted around his neck. This so changed his every-day
appearance that he felt wonderfully dressed and whistled gaily on his
way to the barn. There he confided in the old gray mare as he curried
and harnessed her to the spring wagon.

"Hardly know me, do you, Betsy?" he inquired. "Well, I'll explain. Our
friend Bel, here, has doomed me to go courting this year. Wouldn't that
durnfound you? I was mad as hornets at first, but since I've slept on
the idea, I rather like it. Maybe we are too lonely and dull. Perhaps
the right woman would make life a very different matter. Last night
I saw her, Betsy, and between us, I can't tell even you. She was the
loveliest, sweetest girl on earth, and that is all I can say. We are
going to watch for her to-day, and every trip we make, until we find
her, if it requires a hundred years. Then some glad time we are going to
locate her, and when we do, well, you just keep your eye on us, Betsy,
and you'll see how courting straight from the heart is done, even if we
lack experience."

Intoxicated with new and delightful sensations his tongue worked faster
than his hands.

"I don't mind telling you, old faithful, that I am in love this
morning," he said. "In l