“So do I,” he laughed.  “I need the money.”

She nodded.

“One needs money to be happy in this world.”

“Oh, I don’t know about that,” he responded, thoughtfully.  “I’ve probably been as happy while hammering out this survey as I’ll ever be, that is, happy in my work.  Of course, money means comforts and luxuries.  But I doubt if it really ever brings contentment.”

The obstinate touch grew in her chin.

“If I had plenty of money I’d have the contentment, or I’d soon find it,” she declared.  “Pretty clothes, and fine furniture, and automobiles, and servants, and parties, and so on, are things—­at least with women—­that go a long way toward satisfaction.  I sometimes don’t blame girls who marry rich old men; they can put up with them for the pleasures their money will procure.”

“Ruth, Ruth, don’t utter such nonsense!  At any rate, you’ve too much common sense ever to waste yourself on a doddering money bags.”

“I’ll never have the chance,” said she.  “But if I had, I’d think it over carefully.  A young man with money I could be especially nice to, and I might even set out to catch him.  You see, I’m quite frank and open about it.”

“Nonsense,” he repeated.  “You’d marry no one just for his money.”

“That depends whether or not he caught me at a moment when I was feeling sick of everything and reckless.  Look at my hands, all calloused from work.  If I have to work, I shall do it for myself; not marry to work.”

Bryant lifted her hands and regarded them.

“They please me immensely as they are; they’re lovely hands,” he asserted.

“Then your vision is poor.”

“It’s clear enough when I look at you, Ruth.  And when you talk as you have, I become impatient because I know you don’t mean it.  But nonetheless, you deserve the best that any man can give, and you ought to have all the comforts and pretty things any woman has, for you’re too sweet and good for a bare, commonplace life.”  He pressed gently the fingers he yet retained.  “I told you once that you had bewitched me.  It was true; I am bewitched, have been ever since I touched your dear lips.  And I love you.  It hurts my heart to think of you at this homesteading business—­”

“What else was there for me?” she asked.  “I’ve had no business training, nothing but two years in a college, no knowledge of anything that a girl needs to hold a position.  And I’m not even a good homesteader.”  Her tone rang with a trace of bitterness.

“You ought not to have to do it—­and you shall not, Ruth, if I have my way.  I want to save you from it, and make life pleasant and happy for you.  The money I have now is little, but I’m going ahead; I’m going ahead, and nothing shall stop me, I tell you.  Soon I shall have ample means.  Within a year or two.  Already I’ve told you I love you, though this you must have known, for I’ve made no effort to conceal my love.  To me you’re the dearest, sweetest girl in the world; and all I ask is the chance to strive and toil for you, and make a home for you, and relieve you of anxiety and care, and have you for a joyous companion and mate.”