"Yes."

"Please remove the glove from your left hand. I want to put on your
ring. This will have to be a very short engagement, but no one save
ourselves need know."

"David, that isn't necessary."

"I have it here, and believe me, Ruth, it will help in a few minutes;
and all your life you will be glad. It is a precious symbol that has a
meaning. This wedding won't be hurt by putting all the sacredness into
it we can. Please, Ruth!"

"On one condition."

"What is it?"

"That you will accept and wear my mother's wedding ring in exchange,"
she said. "It is all I have."

"Ruth, do you really wish that?"

"I do."

"I am more pleased than I can tell you. May I have it now?"

She took off her glove and the Harvester held her hand closely a second,
then lifted it to his lips, passionately kissed it and slipped on a
ring, the setting a big, lustrous pearl.

"I looked at some others," he said, "but nothing got a second glance
save this. They knew you were coming down the ages, and so they got the
pearls ready. How beautiful it is on your hand! Put on the glove and
wear that ring as if you had owned it for the long, happy year of
betrothal every girl should have. You can start yours to-day, and if by
this time next year I have not won you to my heart and arms, I'm no
man and not worthy of you. Ruth, you will try just a little to love me,
won't you?"

"I will try with all my heart," she said instantly.

"Thank you! I am perfectly happy with that. I never expected to marry
you before a year, anyway. All the difference will be the blessed fact
that instead of coming to see you somewhere else, I now can have you in
my care, and court you every minute. You might as well make up your mind
to capitulate soon. It's on the books that you do."

"If an instant ever comes when I realize that I love you, I will come
straight and tell you; believe me, I will."

"Thank you!" said the Harvester. "This is going to be quite a proper
wedding after all. Here is the place. It will be over soon and you on
the home way. Lord, Ruth----!"

The Girl smiled at him as he opened the carriage door, helped her up the
steps and rang the bell.

"Be brave now!" he whispered. "Don't lose your lovely colour. These
people will be as kind as they were at the store."

The minister was gentle and wasted no time. His wife and daughter, who
appeared for witnesses, kissed Ruth, and congratulated her. She and the
Harvester stood, took the vows,