ppose you keep it up," said he. "Whatever it is that you want
to know, don't use an iota of strength to talk or to think about it now.
Just say to yourself, he loves me well enough to do what is right, and
I know that he will. All you have to do is to be patient until you grow
stronger than you ever have been in your life, and then you shall have
exactly what you want, Ruth. Sleep like a baby for a week or two. Then,
slowly and gradually, we will build up such a constitution for you that
you shall ride, drive, row, swim, dance, play, and have all that your
girlhood has missed in fun and frolic, and all that your womanhood
craves in love and companionship. Happiness has come at last, Ruth. Take
it from me. Everything you crave is yours. The love you want, the home,
and the life. As soon as you are strong enough, you shall know all about
it. Your business is to drink stimulants and sleep now, dear."

"So tired of this bed!"

"It won't be long until you can lie on the couch and the veranda swing
again."

"Glory!" said the Girl. "David, I must have been full of fever for a
long time. I can't remember everything."

"Don't try, I tell you. Life is coming out right for you; that's all you
need know now."

"And for you, David?"

"Whenever things are right for you, they are for me, Ruth."

"Don't you ever think of yourself?"

"Not when I am close you."

"Ah! Then I shall have to grow strong very soon and think of you."

The Harvester's smile was pathetic. He was unspeakably tired again.

"Never mind me!" he said. "Only get well."

"David, was there a little horse?"

"There certainly was and is," said the Harvester.

"You had not named him yet, but in a few days I can lead him to the
window."

"Was there something said about a boat?"

"Two of them."

"Two?"

"Yes. A row boat for you, and a launch that will take you all over the
lake with only the exertion of steering on your part."

"David, I want my pendant and ring. I am so tired of lying here, I want
to play with them."

"Where do you keep them, Ruth?"

"In the willow teapot. I thought no one would look there."

The Harvester laughed and brought the little boxes. He had to open them,
but the Girl put on the ring and asked him if he would not help her with
the pendant. He slipped the thread around her neck and clasped it. With
a sigh of satisfaction she took the ornament in one hand and closed her
eyes. He thought she was falling asleep, but present