Instantly the heart of the Harvester gave a leap that jarred the head resting on it. “You don't like him?” questioned the Girl. “I do!” declared the Harvester. “I like him immensely. There is not a fine, manly good-looking feature about him that I have missed. I don't fail to do him justice on every point.” “I'm so glad! Then you will want him to remain.” “Here?” asked the Harvester with a light, hot breath. “In Onabasha! Doctor Carey has offered him the place of chief assistant at the hospital. There is a good salary and the chance of taking up the doctor's work as he grows older. It means plenty to do at once, healthful atmosphere, congenial society----everything to a young man. He only had a call once in a while in Chicago, often among people who received more than they paid, like me, and he was very lonely. I think it would be great for him.” “And for you, Ruth?” “It doesn't make the least difference to me; but for his sake, because I think so much of him, I would like to see him have the place.” “You still think so much of him, Ruth?” “More, if possible,” said the Girl. “Added to all I owed him before, he has come here and worked for days to save me, and it wasn't his fault that it took a bigger man. Nothing alters the fact that he did all he could, most graciously and gladly.” “What do you mean, Ruth?” stammered the Harvester. “Oh they have worn themselves out!” cried the Girl impatiently. “First, Granny Moreland told me every least little detail of how I went out, and you resurrected me. I knew what she said was true, because she worked with you. Then Doctor Carey told me, and Mrs. Carey, and Doctor Harmon, and Molly, and even Granny's little assistant has left the kitchen to tell me that I owe my life to you, and all of them might as well have saved breath. I knew all the time that if ever I came out of this, and had a chance to be like other women, it would be your work, and I'm glad it is. I'd hate to be under obligations to some people I know; but I feel honoured to be indebted to you.” “I'm mighty sorry they worried you. I had no idea----” “They didn't 'worry,' me! I am just telling you that I knew it all the time; that's all!” “Forget that!” said the Harvester. “Come back to our subject. What was it you wanted, dear?” “To know if you have any objections to Doctor Harmon remaining in Onabasha?” “Certainly not! It will be a fine thing for him.” “Will it make any difference to you in any way?” “Ruth, that's probing too deep,” said the Harvester. “I don't see why!” “I'm glad of it!” “Why?” “I'd least rather show my littleness to you than to any one else on earth.” “Then you have some feeling about it?” “Perhaps a trifle. I'll get over it. Give me a little time to adjust myself. Doctor Harmon shall have the place, of course. Don't worry about that!” “He will be so happy!” “And you, Ruth?” “I'll be happy too!” “Then it's all right,” said the Harvester.