I choose to take you at your word.

Will you kindly tell this man that he is not welcome in this house, and I wish him to leave it at once ?" The Harvester stepped back, and his face grew very white.
"I can't, Ruth," he said gently.
"Why not ?" "Because I brought him here." "You brought him here! You! David, are you crazy?
You!" "It is through me that he came." The Girl caught the mantel for support.
"Then I stand alone again," she said.

"Harvester, I had thought you were on my side." "I am at your feet," said the man in a broken voice.

"Ruth dear, will you let me explain ?" "There is only one explanation, and with what you have done for me fresh in my mind, I can't put it into words." "Ruth, hear me!" "I must! You force me! But before you speak understand this: Not now, or through all eternity, do I forgive the inexcusable neglect that drove my mother to what I witnessed and was helpless to avert." "My dear! My dear!" said the Harvester, "I had hoped the woods had done a more perfect work in your heart.

Your mother is lying in state now, Girl, safe from further suffering of any kind; and if I read aright, her tired face and shrivelled frame were eloquent of forgiveness.