Part 53 (1/2)
”I'll have to take a peep at that and report,” he said.
”Are you rested now?”
”Indeed yes!”
”You are dreadfully thin.”
”I always am. I'll pick up a little when I get back to work.”
”David, I want you to go to work now.”
”Can you spare me?”
”Haven't we done well these last few days?”
”I can't tell you how well.”
”Then please go gather everything you need to fill orders except the big bed, and by that time maybe you could take another week off, and I could go to the hill top and on the lake. I'm so anxious to put my feet on the earth. They feel so dead.”
”Are your feet well rubbed to draw down the circulation?”
”They are rubbed s.h.i.+ny and almost skinned, David. No one ever had better care, of that I am sure. Go gather what you should have.”
”All right,” said the Harvester.
He arose and as he started to leave the room he took one last look at the Girl to see if he could detect anything he could suggest for her comfort, and read a message in her eyes. Instantly there was an answering flash in his.
”I'll be back in a minute,” he said. ”I just noticed discorea villosa has the finest rattle boxes formed. I've been waiting to show you. And the hop tree has its castanets all green and gold. In a few more weeks it will begin to play for you. I'll bring you some.”
Soon he returned with the queer seed formations, and as he bent above her, with his back to Doctor Harmon, he whispered, ”What is it?”
Her lips barely formed the one word, ”Hurry!”
The Harvester straightened.
”All comfortable, Ruth?” he asked casually.
”Yes.”
”You understand, of course, that there is not the slightest necessity for my going to work if you really want me for anything, even if it's nothing more than to have me within calling distance, in case you SHOULD want something. The whole lot I can gather now won't amount to twenty dollars. It's merely a matter of pride with me to have what is called for. I'd much rather remain, if you can use me in any way at all.”
”Twenty dollars is considerable, when expenses are as heavy as now. And it's worth more than any money to you not to fail when orders come. I have learned that, and David, I don't want you to either. You must fill all demands as usual. I wouldn't forgive myself this winter if you should be forced to send orders only partly filled because I fell ill and hindered you. Please go and gather all you possibly will need of everything you take at this season, only remember!”
”There is no danger of my forgetting. If you are going to send me away to work, you will allow me to kiss your hand before I go, fair lady?”
He did it fervently.
”One word with you, Harmon,” he said as he left the room.
Doctor Harmon arose and followed him to the gold garden, and together they stood beside the molten hedge of sunflowers, coneflowers, elecampane, and jewel flower.
”I merely want to mention that this is your inning,” said the Harvester.