, because it
won't do any good. Things go my way."

"Please see what you think of this," she said.

The Harvester arose and bent over her.

"That will do finely," he answered. "You can stop. I don't require all
those little details for carving, I just want a good outline. It is
finished. See here!"

He drew some folded papers from his pocket and laid them before her.

"Those are what I have been working from," he said.

The Girl took them and studied each carefully.

"If those are worth five dollars to you," she said gently, "why then I
needn't hesitate to take as much for mine. They are superior."

"I should say so," laughed the Harvester as he took up the drawing and
laid down the money.

"If you would make it half that much I'd feel better about it," she
said.

"How could I?" asked the Harvester. "Your fingers are well trained and
extremely skilful. Because some one has not been paying you enough for
your work is no reason why I should keep it up. From now on you must
have what others get. As soon as you can arrange for work, I want to
tell you about some designs I have studied out from different things,
show you the plants and insects, and have you make some samples. I'll
send them to proper places, and see what experts say about the ideas and
drawing. Work in the woods is healthful, with proper precautions;
it's easy compared with the exactions of being bound to sewing or
embroidering in the confinement of a room; it's vividly interesting
in the search for new subjects, changes of material, and differing
harmonious combinations; it's truly artistic; and it brings the prices
high grade stuff always does."

"Almost you give me hope," said the Girl. "Almost, Man----almost! Since
mother died, I haven't thought or planned beyond paying for the medicine
she took and the shelter she lies in. Oh I didn't mean to say that----!"

She buried her face in her hands. The Harvester suffered until he
scarcely knew how to bear it.

"Please finish," he begged. "You hadn't planned beyond the debt, you
were saying----"

The Girl lifted her tired, strained face.

"Give me a little more of that delicious drink," she said. "I am
ravenous for it. It puts new life in me. This and what you say bring a
far away, misty vision of a clean, bright, peaceful room somewhere, and
work one could love and live on in comfort; enough to give a desire to
finish life to its natural end. Oh Man, you make me hope in spite of
myself!"