CHAPTER XVI. GRANNY MORELAND'S VISIT The following morning the Girl was awakened by wheels on the gravel outside her window, and lifted her head to see Betsy passing with a load of lumber. Shortly afterward the sound of hammer and saw came to her, and she knew that Singing Water bridge was being roofed to provide shade for her. She dressed and went to the kitchen to find a dainty breakfast waiting, so she ate what she could, and then washed the dishes and swept. By that time she was so tired she dropped on a dining-room window seat, and lay looking toward the bridge. She could catch glimpses of the Harvester as he worked. She watched his deft ease in handling heavy timbers, and the assurance with which he builded. Sometimes he stood and with tilted head studied his work a minute, then swiftly proceeded. He placed three tree trunks on each side for pillars, laid joists across, formed his angle, and nailed boards as a foundation for shingling. Occasionally he glanced toward the cabin, and finally came swinging up the drive. He entered the kitchen softly, but when he saw the Girl in the window he sat at her feet. “Oh but this is a morning, Ruth!” he said. She looked at him closely. He radiated health and good cheer. His tanned cheeks were flushed red with exercise, and the hair on his temples was damp. “You have been breaking the rules,” he said. “It is the law that I am to do the work until you are well and strong again. Why did you tire yourself?” “I am so perfectly useless! I see so many things that I would enjoy doing. Oh you can do everything else, make me well! Make me strong!” “How can I, when you won't do as I tell you?” “I will! Indeed I will!” “Then no more attempts to stand over dishes and clean big floors. You mustn't overwork yourself at anything. The instant you feel in the least tired you must lie down and rest.” “But Man! I'm tired every minute, with a dead, dull ache, and I don't feel as if I ever would be rested again in all the world.” The Harvester took one of her hands, felt its fevered palm, fluttering wrist pulse, and noticed that the brilliant red of her lips had extended to spots on her cheeks. He formed his resolution. “Can't work on that bridge any more until I drive in for some big nails,” he said. “Do you mind being left alone for an hour?” “Not at all, if Bel will stay with me. I'll lie in the swing.” “All right!” answered the Harvester. “I'll help you out and to get settled. Is there anything you want from town?” “No, not a thing!” “Oh but you are modest!” cried the Harvester. “I can sit here and name fifty things I want for you.”