he joy of
service. If you can't tell me, would you trust a very lovely and gentle
woman I could bring to you?"

"No more than you. It is my affair; I must work it out myself."

"I am mighty sorry," said the Harvester. "I believe you err in that
decision. Think it over a day or so, and see if two heads are not better
than one. You will realize when this ginseng matter is settled that you
profited by trusting me. The same will hold good along other lines, if
you only can bring yourself to think so. At any rate, try. Telling a
trouble makes it lighter. Sympathy should help, if nothing can be done.
And as for money, I can show you how to earn sums at least worth your
time, if you have nothing else you want to do."

The Girl bent toward him.

"Oh please do tell me!" she cried eagerly. "I've tried and tried to find
some way ever since I have been here, but every one else I have met says
I can't, and nothing seems to be worth anything. If you only would tell
me something I could do!"

"If you will excuse my saying so," said the Harvester, "it appeals to
me that ease, not work, is the thing you require. You appear extremely
worn. Won't you let me help you find a way to a long rest first?"

"Impossible!" cried the Girl. "I know I am white and appear ill, but
truly I never have been sick in all my life. I have been having trouble
and working too much, but I'll be better soon. Believe me, there is no
rest for me now. I must earn the money I owe first."

"There is a way, if you care to take it," said the Harvester. "In my
work I have become very well acquainted with the chief surgeon of the
city hospital. Through him I happen to know that he has a free bed in
a beautiful room, where you could rest until you are perfectly strong
again, and that room is empty just now. When you are well, I will tell
you about the work."

As she arose the Harvester stood, and tall and straight she faced him.

"Impossible!" she said. "It would be brutal to leave my aunt. I cannot
pay to rest in a hospital ward, and I will not accept charity. If you
can put me in the way of earning, even a few cents a day, at anything
I could do outside the work necessary to earn my board here, it would
bring me closer to happiness than anything else on earth."

"What I suggest is not impossible," said the Harvester softly. "If you
will go, inside an hour a sweet and gentle lady will come for you and
take you to ease and perfect rest until you are strong agai