Onabasha.

The Girl beside him was almost fainting. He stopped to give her a drink
and tried to encourage her.

"Brace up the best you can, Ruth," he said. "You must go with me for a
license; that is the law. Afterward, I'll make it just as easy for
you as possible. I will do everything, and in a few hours you will be
comfortable in your room. You brave girl! This must come out right!
You have suffered more than your share. I will have peace for you the
remainder of the way."

She lifted shaking hands and tried to arrange her hair and dress. As
they neared the city she spoke.

"What will they ask me?"

"I don't know. But I am sure the law requires you to appear in person
now. I can take you somewhere and find out first."

"That will take time. I want to reach my room. What would you think?"

"If you are of age, where you were born, if you are a native of this
country, what your father and mother died of, how old they were, and
such questions as that. I'll help you all I can. You know those things.
don't you?"

"Yes. But I must tell you----"

"I don't want to be told anything," said the Harvester. "Save your
strength. All I want to know is any way in which I can make this easier
for you. Nothing else matters. I will tell you what I think; if you have
any objections, make them. I will drive to the bank and get a draft for
what you owe, and have that off your mind. Then we will get the license.
After that I'll take you to the side door, slip you in the elevator and
to the fitting room of a store where I know the manager, and you shall
have some pretty clothing while I arrange for a minister, and I'll come
for you with a carriage. That isn't the kind of wedding you or any other
girl should have, but there are times when a man only can do his best.
You will help me as much as you can, won't you?"

"Anything you choose. It doesn't matter----only be quick as possible."

"There are a few details to which I must attend," said the Harvester,
"and the time will go faster trying on dresses than waiting alone. When
you are properly clothed you will feel better. What did you say the
amount you owe is?"

"You may get a draft for fifty dollars. I will pay the remainder when I
earn it."

"Ruth, won't you give me the pleasure of taking you home free from the
worry of that debt?"

"I am not going to 'worry.' I am going to work and pay it."

"Very well," said the Harvester. "This is the bank. We will stop here."

The