to the deepest part of
the lake if I deceived you; and if I have to tell the truth, why, that
is all of it. I think it is nonsense about some wonderful feeling that
is going to take possession of your heart when you love any one. I love
you so much I'd gladly suffer to save you pain or sorrow. But there are
no thrills; it's just steady, sober, common sense that I should love
you, and I do. Why can't you be satisfied with what I can give, David?"

"Because it's husks and ashes," said the Harvester grimly. "You drive me
to desperation, Ruth. I am almost wild for your love, but what you offer
me is plain, straight affection, nothing more. There isn't a trace of
the feeling that should exist between man and wife in it. Some men might
be satisfied to be your husband, and be regarded as a father or brother.
I am not. The red bird didn't want a sister, Ruth, he was asking for a
mate. So am I. That's as plain as I know how to put it. There is some
way to awaken you into a living, loving woman, and, please God, I'll
find it yet, but I'm slow about it; there's no question of that. Never
you mind! Don't worry! Some of these days I have faith to believe it
will sweep you as a tide sweeps the shore, and then I hope God will be
good enough to let me be where you will land in my arms."

The Girl sat looking at him between narrowed lids. Suddenly she took his
head between her hands, drew his face to hers and deliberately kissed
him. Then she drew away and searched his eyes.

"There!" she challenged. "What is the matter with that?"

The Harvester's colour slowly faded to a sickly white.

"Ruth, you try me almost beyond human endurance," he said. "'What's the
matter with that?'" He arose, stepped back, folded his arms, and stared
at her. "'What's the matter with that?'" he repeated. "Never was I so
sorely tempted in all my life as I am now to lie to you, and say there
is nothing, and take you in my arms and try to awaken you to what I
mean by love. But suppose I do----and fail! Then comes the agony of slow
endurance for me, and the possibility that any day you may meet the man
who can arouse in you the feelings I cannot. That would mean my oath
broken, and my heart as well; while soon you would dislike me beyond
tolerance, even. I dare not risk it! The matter is, that was the loving
caress of a ten-year-old girl to a big brother she admired. That's all!
Not much, but a mighty big defect when it is offered a strong man as
fuel on whic