"Well, bridegroom! I've been counting the days!" said Doctor Carey. "The
Missus and I made it up this morning that we had waited as long as we
would. We are coming to-night. David."

"It's all right, Doc," said the Harvester. "Don't you dare think
anything is wrong or that I am not the proudest, happiest man in this
world, because I appear anxious. I am not trying to conceal it from you.
You know we both agreed at first that Ruth should be in the hospital,
Doc. Well, she should! She is what would be a lovely woman if she were
not full of the poison of wrong food and air, overwork, and social
conditions that have warped her. She is all I dreamed of and more, but
I've come for you. She is too sick for me. I hoped she would begin to
gain strength at once on changed conditions. As yet I can't see any
difference. She needs a doctor, but I hate for her to know it. Could you
come out this afternoon, and pretend as if it were a visit? Bring Mrs.
Carey and watch the Girl. If you need an examination, I think she will
obey me. If you can avoid it, fix what she should have and send it back
to me by a messenger. I don't like to leave her when she is so ill."

"I'll come at once, David."

"Then she will know that I came for you, and that will frighten her. You
can do more good to wait until afternoon, and pretend you are making
a social call. I must go now. I'd have brought her in, but I have no
proper conveyance yet. I'm promised something soon, perhaps it is ready
now. Good-bye! Be sure to come!"

The Harvester drove to a livery barn and examined a little horse, a
shining black creature that seemed gentle and spirited. He thought
favourably of it. A few days before he had selected a smart carriage,
and with this outfit tied behind the wagon he returned to Medicine
Woods. He left the horse at the bridge, stabled Betsy, and then returned
for the new conveyance, driving it to the hitching post. At the sound of
unexpected wheels the Girl lifted her head and stared at the turnout.

"Come on!" cried the Harvester opening the screen. "We are going to the
woods to initiate your carriage."

She went with little cries of surprised wonder.

"This is how you travel to Onabasha to do your shopping, to call on Mrs.
Carey and the friends you will make, and visit the library. When I've
tried out Mr. Horse enough to prove him reliable as guaranteed, he is
yours, for your purposes only, and when you grow wonderfully well and
strong, we'll