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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..1ef4598 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #51714 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/51714) diff --git a/old/51714-h.zip b/old/51714-h.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 5517f7f..0000000 --- a/old/51714-h.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/51714-h/51714-h.htm b/old/51714-h/51714-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index bbc2fa0..0000000 --- a/old/51714-h/51714-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,7945 +0,0 @@ - -<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/html4/strict.dtd"> -<html> -<head> - -<meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1"> - -<title> -The Project Gutenberg E-text of The Great Experience, by Julia Farr -</title> -<link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg"> -<style TYPE="text/css"> -body { color: Black; background: White; margin-right: 10%; margin-left: 10%; - font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: justify } - -h1 { text-align: center } - -h2 { text-align: center; padding-top: 15%; } - -h3 { text-align: center; padding-top: 4%; } - -h4 { text-align: center } - -p.chapterHeading { text-align: center; margin-right: 20%; margin-left: 20%} - -p.caption { text-align:center; font-style: italic; margin-right: 20%; margin-left: 20%; padding-bottom: 4%} - -img {display: block; margin-left: auto; - margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 1%; margin-right: auto; } - -.pagenum { position: absolute; left: 1%; font-size: 95%; text-align: left; text-indent: 0; - font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; font-variant: normal; } - -.centered {text-align: center} - -.right {text-align: right} - -sup { font-size: 60%} - -.sidenote { right: 0%; font-size: 80%; text-align: right; text-indent: 0%; width: 17%; - float: right; clear: right; padding-right: 0%; padding-left: 1%; padding-top: 1%; - padding-bottom: 1%; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; font-variant: normal; } -</style> - -</head> - -<body> - - -<pre> - -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Great Experience, by Julia Farr - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: The Great Experience - -Author: Julia Farr - -Release Date: April 10, 2016 [EBook #51714] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GREAT EXPERIENCE *** - - - - -Produced by the Mormon Texts Project -(http://mormontextsproject.org/), with thanks to McKayla -Hansen and Rachel Helps for proofreading. - - - - - - -</pre> - - - -<h1>The Great Experience -</h1> -<p class="centered">BY -<br><br>JULIA FARR -<br><br> -Author of "Venna Hastings"<br><br><br> -</p> -<p class="chapterHeading"> "I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided,<br> - and that is the lamp of experience."<br> -</p> -<p class="right">I. P. HENRY -</p> - -<p class="centered">THE DESERET NEWS <br> -SALT LAKE CITY,<br> -UTAH 1920<br><br><br> -</p> - -<p class="centered">LOVINGLY DEDICATED TO MY<br> -EPHRAIM FRIENDS <br> -MRS. CATHERINE H. THOMPSON AND FAMILY -</p> - - -<h2><a name="PREFACE"></a>PREFACE -</h2> -<p>Have you been a convert to the "Mormon" faith? Have you left your -home-land and started out for the valley in the mountains, leaving -friends behind, and looking forward with an awful loneliness to the -strange new land where life must begin over again with only the Lord -to know and love you? And have you found, on coming to Zion, a <em>real</em> -friend—one who opens heart and home to welcome the convert, and give -that first cheering hope to the tired one, just come from the world's -persecutions? If you have had that experience, readers, you can -understand with what tenderness I think of Ephraim, where I experienced -my first welcome, my first friends in Zion. In trying to think of a -suitable setting for my heroine's home life, Ephraim came instantly -to my mind, because it was here that I met the real "Mormon" spirit, -which strengthened me to bear the disappointments of the morrow. This -little city will always be to me one of the chosen spots in God's Zion. -I would not have it thought that any of my characters are supposed to -be those of Ephraim people. The story is one of fiction, the pioneer -stories excepting. These stories are true, and belong to two prominent -Utah families. -</p> -<p>Julia Farr. -</p> - - -<h2>TABLE OF CONTENTS -</h2> -<p class="centered"><a href="#CHAPTERI">CHAPTER I.</a><br>"Even a child is known by his doings."—Prov. 20:11. -</p> -<p class="centered"><a href="#CHAPTERII">CHAPTER II.</a><br> No great truth was ever born into the world, without the -throes of suffering of those who bore it. -</p> -<p class="centered"><a href="#CHAPTERIII">CHAPTER III.</a><br> A child's love is as proportionately great as a woman's. -</p> -<p class="centered"><a href="#CHAPTERIV">CHAPTER IV.</a><br> Society's Nothingness, and its Sacrifice. -</p> -<p class="centered"><a href="#CHAPTERV">CHAPTER V.</a><br> Edith's Choice. -</p> -<p class="centered"><a href="#CHAPTERVI">CHAPTER VI.</a><br> The glamor gone, what is left? -</p> -<p class="centered"><a href="#CHAPTERVII">CHAPTER VII.</a><br> "Go, preach the Gospel to all the world." -</p> -<p class="centered"><a href="#CHAPTERVIII">CHAPTER VIII.</a><br> The Way of a Missionary. -</p> -<p class="centered"><a href="#CHAPTERIX">CHAPTER IX.</a><br> Betty's new friends. -</p> -<p class="centered"><a href="#CHAPTERX">CHAPTER X.</a><br> "God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound -the wise." -</p> -<p class="centered"><a href="#CHAPTERXI">CHAPTER XI.</a><br> The Treachery of the World. -</p> -<p class="centered"><a href="#CHAPTERXII">CHAPTER XII.</a><br> Indifference begets indifference. Love begets love. -</p> -<p class="centered"><a href="#CHAPTERXIII">CHAPTER XIII.</a><br> Friendship's Claim. -</p> -<p class="centered"><a href="#CHAPTERXIV">CHAPTER XIV.</a><br> A contrast—The husband and the lover. -</p> -<p class="centered"><a href="#CHAPTERXV">CHAPTER XV.</a><br> Spirit upon Spirit. -</p> -<p class="centered"><a href="#CHAPTERXVI">CHAPTER XVI.</a><br> Away from the world, soul meets soul. -</p> -<p class="centered"><a href="#CHAPTERXVII">CHAPTER XVII.</a><br> Edith's Release. -</p> -<p class="centered"><a href="#CHAPTERXVIII">CHAPTER XVII.</a><br> The dream of the past. -</p> -<p class="centered"><a href="#CHAPTERXIX">CHAPTER XIX.</a><br> Betty finds her opposite. -</p> -<p class="centered"><a href="#CHAPTERXX">CHAPTER XX.</a><br> The time we deem ourselves the strongest, we are often -reminded of our weakness. -</p> -<p class="centered"><a href="#CHAPTERXXI">CHAPTER XXI.</a><br> The Efficacy of Faith. -</p> -<p class="centered"><a href="#CHAPTERXXII">CHAPTER XXII.</a><br> To save a soul. -</p> -<p class="centered"><a href="#CHAPTERXXIII">CHAPTER XXIII.</a><br> "'Tis better to have loved and lost, than never to have -loved at all." -</p> -<p class="centered"><a href="#CHAPTERXXIV">CHAPTER XXIV.</a><br> Unalloyed Love. -</p> - - -<h2><a name="THEGREATEXPERIENCE"></a>THE GREAT EXPERIENCE -</h2> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTERI"></a>CHAPTER I. -</h2> -<p class="chapterHeading">"Even a child is known by his doings."—Prov. 20:11. -</p> -<p>Dear little Ephraim with its great heart and democratic aspirations, -its keen love for its own inhabitants and "The stranger within the -gates," its rich and poor living side by side in brotherly sympathy! -</p> -<p>This quaint little city seems to cuddle up to the great Rocky Mountains -as if for protection from the outer and larger cities of Utah, where -the world has crept in and has somewhat changed the spirit of fifty -years ago. -</p> -<p>"We are simple country-folks," said one of Ephraim's leading citizens, -addressing a new-comer as he took her bags, "but you're welcome to our -home as long as you care to stay and share it with us." -</p> -<p>"O, thank you so much!" exclaimed the Eastern lady, as she patted the -light fluffy hair of the ten-year-old girl, clinging to her mother's -skirts. -</p> -<p>"I love little girls. We'll be good friends, won't we dear?" she asked -the child. -</p> -<p>"Yes, ma'am," answered Betty Emmit, as she furtively scanned the lady -from head to foot. Mentally she was saying, "By heck! a real New-Yorker -in Ephraim!" -</p> -<p>"The New-Yorker," was amply supplied with bags—so many in fact, that -Mrs. Emmit had to relieve her husband of one, big and heavy. -</p> -<p>"The New-Yorker" made an attempt to take it from her. -</p> -<p>"Oh, no, Mrs. Catt," exclaimed the good wife; "you must be so tired. We -haven't far to go. Any trunk to see to?" -</p> -<p>"No, I travel so much that I don't bother with trunks." -</p> -<p>So, with this easy acquiescence, Mrs. Webster Catt walked beside her -heavy-laden companions. -</p> -<p>Betty attempted to give her mother a lift, but was shaken off kindly. -</p> -<p>"You're too young and skinny to carry loads yet," explained Mrs. Emmit, -who was herself not a great deal taller, nor stouter, than Betty. -</p> -<p>Betty flushed furiously. She always felt it an accusation to be called -"young and skinny." -</p> -<p>"Better to be young and skinny than to be old and fat, ain't it, -honey?" Mr. Emmit suggested. -</p> -<p>Then he turned to his wife. -</p> -<p>"You're tired, aren't you?" he asked, eyeing her keenly. "Bag heavy, eh?" -</p> -<p>But his straight, slim, little wife ignored his question and began -talking to Mrs. Catt as quickly as possible. -</p> -<p>"So you're here to preach temperance, are you?" she asked in a pleasant -tone. "I'm mighty glad someone's taking it up. But to think it should -be an outsider! Here's the Church preaching the 'Word of Wisdom' all -these years, and telling the people not to drink and smoke, and you've -come to tell them to obey the Church!" -</p> -<p>Mr. Emmit laughed and there was a mischievous twinkle in his eye. -</p> -<p>"You'll be disappointing yourself, if you try to deprive Ephraim of -its home brewed ale. It's the one small sin that gives us a big lot of -pleasure here." -</p> -<p>"Do you think that any sin is small?" asked the reformer sweetly, with -her direct gaze compelling honest Ford Emmit to answer squarely. -</p> -<p>"Well, no, if you put it that way, but—" -</p> -<p>"There's no 'but' about it," interrupted his good wife; "sin is sin." -</p> -<p>Betty's brown eyes gazed with open admiration at Mrs. Catt. -</p> -<p>Mentally she said, "by heck," again. "She's some game fighter to tackle -Ephraim, but I hope she gets beaten; for Ephraim's all right," she -concluded with sudden pride. -</p> -<p>Soon they reached the Emmit home, an old-fashioned, white framed house, -surrounded with hollyhocks and low shrubbery. -</p> -<p>"Home at last!" exclaimed the large, gaunt master of the house. -</p> -<p>"How perfectly lovely!" exclaimed Mrs. Catt with enthusiasm. "I've -always dreamed that it would be so romantic to live in a place like -this!" -</p> -<p>"Some romance," returned Ford Emmit, laughing heartily, as he deposited -the bags on the porch. "We have no time for dreams here; have we, wife? -Nine children, and the farm and livestock to it, keep us pretty busy. -That's life here!" -</p> -<p>At this the door opened and out ran four real children, two boys and -two girls, rosy and bright as the dawn. -</p> -<p>The two boys were both bright redheads, like their mother; the girls -were fair and blue-eyed, with the exquisite coloring of the Norwegian. -</p> -<p>"O, Betty," they all cried at once; "we found your pussy dead in the -yard. Someone has drowned her." -</p> -<p>"Yes, I drowned her, myself," declared Mrs. Emmit. "She's been ailing -around the house too long. It ain't good for you, children, to be -mauling sick cats," and with this practical dismissal of the fact, -she lead the way into the house, her visitor, husband, and children, -following. -</p> -<p>But Betty lingered behind, unnoticed. For a moment she stood, pale and -defiant, then, swift as a fawn, she ran around the house and started -the search for her dead kitten. -</p> -<p>"Pussy dead! pussy dead!" she muttered to herself in anguish, and the -tears came thick and fast, as she looked for her dead pet. -</p> -<p>At last, in some tall grass, she discovered it, lying cold and wet. -</p> -<p>"O, my baby! My darling baby!" she moaned piteously; "to think that I -was away and couldn't save you!" -</p> -<p>But kitty did not purr in answer, as was her custom, when her mistress -talked to her. -</p> -<p>Piteously, Betty looked down at the dead thing. It was ugly and she -shuddered. -</p> -<p>"My darling Tinkey! How ugly death has made you!" Then, a sudden -thought brought a quick smile to the downcast countenance. "But, -Tinkey, this isn't really you! Where are you, Tinkey, where are you? -This is only your body. Your body will be res'rected some day, won't -it, Tinkey? I'll bury it all nice for you, an' you can look on though -I can't see you any more. O, Tinkey, I'll never see you any more!" and -again the smile vanished, and the little face puckered up. -</p> -<p>Slowly the child made her way to a large tree some distance from the -house, behind the barn. -</p> -<p>She laid the kitten under shelter and then retraced her steps -mournfully, back to the kitchen door. -</p> -<p>As she opened it she called, "Edna!" in a subdued, awed voice. -</p> -<p>Edna put her fair head through the door leading to the sitting-room. -</p> -<p>There the family and the "company" were evidently resting and talking. -</p> -<p>"What yer want, Betty?" she asked curiously. -</p> -<p>"Come right here, Edna Emmit," returned Betty seriously. -</p> -<p>Edna closed the door behind her and approached cautiously. -</p> -<p>"What's up?" -</p> -<p>"Nothin's up, Edna Emmit, but you're the most religious, and I've chose -you for the funeral of Tinkey Emmit. Come right along with a towel and -our big candy box and meet me under the big tree behind the barn. Mum's -the word, Edna. This is a sad time, an' I don't want the whole family -lookin' on. You understand?" -</p> -<p>Edna was only two years younger than Betty, but she was born with a -bump of reverence for her "next sister" and all her doings. -</p> -<p>"All right, Betty, I'll be there," she answered respectfully, at once -climbing on a kitchen chair, to get the much prized candy box, that had -been treasured since it was emptied of its goodies last Christmas. -</p> -<p>Betty retrod her way to the big tree quickly, fearing that she might be -called before her duty was done. -</p> -<p>She knelt down before the dead form and clasped her little hands in -prayer. -</p> -<p>"Dear God," she said tearfully, "None but you knows jes' how I feel. -Take care of Tinkey, an' make me feel better. Amen." -</p> -<p>Edna's soft tread behind her made her turn. -</p> -<p>"Give me the towel, Edna, and take the box an' fill it with flowers. -Tinkey did so love flowers. When you come back, I'll have her all dried -for the funeral." -</p> -<p>Edna's sympathy brought tears, too. "All right," she said simply, and -wandered across the field for the funeral flowers. -</p> -<p>When she returned, Betty had Tinkey dried and combed and looking fairly -natural. -</p> -<p>Gently they placed the kitten in the box and tastefully arranged the -flowers about it. -</p> -<p>"Now to dig the grave," said Betty. "It's the hardest part to bury her, -ain't it?" -</p> -<p>"Do you think that Tinkey knows we're givin' her a funeral?" asked -Edna, awed. -</p> -<p>"'Course she does!" answered Betty emphatically, "An' she'll feel -mighty bad, if we don't do it nice!" -</p> -<p>Betty dug the grave and Edna placed the coffin inside of it. They drew -lots as to who should cover the coffin with dirt—this being the most -heart-breaking,—and the lot fell to Betty. -</p> -<p>With the tears streaming down her face, she piled the damp earth -in, Edna crying more in sympathy for her sister, than in sorrow for -Tinkey's death. -</p> -<p>The grave filled and covered with flowers, Betty looked around until -she found a flat piece of wood. Taking her pencil, she wrote: -</p> -<p>"Here lies Tinkey Emmit, too young to die, too sick to live. Mourned -for by Edna and Betty Emmit." -</p> -<p>She handed this to Edna with a smile of pride between her tears. -</p> -<p>"Guess Tinkey'll like that for a gravestone. She'll know jes' why she -had to die, an' won't have any bad feelin's." -</p> -<p>"You're awfully smart, Betty," declared Edna soberly, as Betty drove -the gravestone into the ground. -</p> -<p>"Sometimes, Edna, only sometimes," returned Betty humbly. "Now, Edna, -kneel th'other side of the grave and we'll have prayer, next." -</p> -<p>"Dear God," began Betty, then there was a prolonged silence. -</p> -<p>Edna at last opened her eyes. -</p> -<p>"Why don't yer pray, Betty?" -</p> -<p>Betty answered tremulously, "My heart's so full I can't. You try, Edna." -</p> -<p>"I don't know what ter say," returned Edna, frightened, and her two -little arms stretched across the grave and wound themselves about her -sister's neck, as she burst into sobs. -</p> -<p>Betty now entirely unnerved, hugged her sister close. -</p> -<p>"Well of all things!" exclaimed Mrs. Emmit, approaching the grave and -its mourners unnoticed. "What are you two crying for now?" -</p> -<p>The children started and drew apart. -</p> -<p>"It's Tinkey's funeral, mamma, that's wot it is!" exclaimed Betty, -choking back the sobs. -</p> -<p>"Tinkey's funeral!" exclaimed the mother aghast. "You don't mean that -you took the cat's death so to heart? You poor, little lambies, come -right here to mamma!" -</p> -<p>And into mother's arms they flew to be cuddled back to smiles and -sunshine. -</p> -<p>Mrs. Emmit was not one of the cuddling kind, so this rare treat had its -desired effect! -</p> -<p>"There now, girlies, run and wash those tears away, and look clean for -the company. We'll have supper right soon now." -</p> -<p>As the children ran ahead of her to the house, she shook her head -doubtfully. -</p> -<p>"Who'd a' thought it? Betty is made of too tender stuff for this world. -She'll have a hard time of it, poor kiddie!" -</p> -<p>Supper was a bountiful repast, served on the "Emmit best china," which -as Mrs. Emmit explained to Mrs. Catt, had been handed down from her -grandmother, who had been the first woman in Ephraim to own such ware. -</p> -<p>Mrs. Catt examined the substantial china with care and admiration. -</p> -<p>"It looks just like the good substantial stock, that you descended -from," remarked Mrs. Catt, smiling on her pleased hostess. "How anxious -I am to meet some of those old pioneers! Are there any that are still -living?" -</p> -<p>"Oh yes, indeed. I'll have some of them around one evening, and they -will be glad to tell you of their early experiences." -</p> -<p>"Nothing that I would like better—how sweet of you to plan such an -entertainment for me! What a beautiful home picture!" she added, as she -looked at the many happy faces gathered around the big table. "We never -see such families in the East. How do you ever manage to get through -the work, my dear Mrs. Emmit?" -</p> -<p>"It isn't as hard as it looks," returned the good house-wife, beaming -with pride on her flock. "You see, one just helps the other, and things -just run like clock-work, unless there's a hitch somewhere, but that -doesn't happen very often." -</p> -<p>"We bring our children up to work from the start," added Mr. Emmit, -"Then, when they're big, they're not lazy; they keep a-moving like the -rest of us." -</p> -<p>"Wonderful! truly wonderful!" exclaimed Mrs. Catt, as she beamed on -them all. -</p> -<p>Betty ate little, so fascinated was she by the new-comer. -</p> -<p>"She knows how to 'preciate!" she thought. -</p> -<p>Supper over, Betty sidled up to Mrs. Catt and began to ask questions -about the East, all of which were answered kindly by the visitor, while -she fondled the child's fluffy hair. -</p> -<p>"What an intelligent child Betty is!" she said, turning to Mr. Emmit, -still holding the child's hand in hers. -</p> -<p>Betty flushed with pleasure. -</p> -<p>"It ain't good to flatter them," returned Mr. Emmit, rather shortly. -"The child's about the same as the average young 'un. A lot too touchy -at times, and cries too easy." -</p> -<p>"That shows a sweet disposition," returned Mrs. Catt, completely -winning Betty's heart, as she drank in the soft phrases with thirsty -delight. -</p> -<p>After the guest had pleaded fatigue and been shown to the "spare-room," -and the children were all snug in their several beds, Mr. and Mrs. -Emmit sat talking over the plans and the prospects of Mrs. Catt's -campaign in Ephraim. -</p> -<p>"Now, of course, wife, I'll get the town-hall for her to lecture in, -and 'cause you're so daffy over the woman, I'll do my best to help her -to get through with her temperance talks, but—" here he stopped and -puffed his pipe, with an intense scowl on his honest, rough countenance. -</p> -<p>"But what?" asked his wife, quickly. -</p> -<p>"Well, Eliza, if I must out with it, I don't like the woman!" -</p> -<p>"Ford Emmit, if that isn't the limit!" exclaimed his wife. "You do take -the most unreasonable likes and dislikes. I think that she is the most -wonderful, fascinating character." -</p> -<p>"There you have it, Eliza! fascinating—that's the word,—fascinating, -but it ain't all gold that glitters. She's slick." -</p> -<p>"It isn't real Christian of you, Ford, to talk that way when you know -she's come here to help in the Lord's work." -</p> -<p>"Mebbe,—we'll see," he answered, quietly. -</p> -<p>"Have you anything against her?" asked his wife a trifle anxiously. -</p> -<p>"Only feelin's, wife." -</p> -<p>"Then remember our good song, Ford,—'School thy feelings.'" -</p> -<p>Ford Emmit laughed good-naturedly. -</p> -<p>"All right, wife, so long as you don't ask me to give up my pipe, I'll -help her through. You don't know the world much. There's not many women -like you that come from the East. They're well trained—you never can -tell what they're thinking on." -</p> -<p>"You mean that there are no good women in the East?" -</p> -<p>"Heck, no! But there's no way of sifting them and knowing them. The -tares grow with the wheat, and get tangled mightily sometimes. Here, -you wives, are mostly same grain, and fairly good at that," he said, -taking his wife's hand in his big, brawny one, for an affectionate -squeeze. -</p> -<p>"We all think that our own is the best, Ford!" his wife answered, with -a pleased smile. "But it is not for us to set judgment on the next one." -</p> -<p class="centered">***** -</p> -<p>That night, when all had retired, Betty made her way to her mother's -bed-room. -</p> -<p>Mrs. Emmit was almost asleep, when she saw the little night-gowned -figure with its loose hair and bare little feet, approach. -</p> -<p>"Why Betty, what brought you here? You should be asleep in bed." -</p> -<p>"But mamma, dear, I can't sleep, until you promise me one thing!" -</p> -<p>"And what's your brain taking on now, child?" -</p> -<p>She sat on the edge of the bed, and looked at her mother with wide, -serious eyes. -</p> -<p>"When I get old enough, will you let me go on a mission, mamma?" -</p> -<p>"Well, of all things to keep you awake! If the Church calls you, of -course you'll go, provided we don't go bankrupt before then." -</p> -<p>"You really mean it, mamma?" cried Betty delightedly. -</p> -<p>"Yes. Run away now and get to sleep as soon as you can." -</p> -<p>Betty stooped, kissed her mother impulsively, and was gone. -</p> -<p>When she reached her own bed-room, she knelt down and folded her hands -in prayer. -</p> -<p>"Dear Lord," she said, "please tell the Church to call me on a mission, -and keep mamma's money safe. Amen." -</p> -<p>Then she jumped into bed, and was soon asleep. -</p> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTERII"></a>CHAPTER II. -</h2> -<p class="chapterHeading">No great truth was ever born into the world, without the throes of -suffering of those who bore it. -</p> -<p>Mrs. Emmit's invitations to four of the pioneers of Ephraim were gladly -accepted, and all expressed themselves as delighted to meet the Eastern -lady, who was going to make every careless "Latter-day Saint" reflect -on the "Word of Wisdom." -</p> -<p>The large, homey sitting-room was bright with the rays of the setting -sun, sinking over the mountains in its golden glory, and casting its -stray beams in at the bay-window, with a cheeriness that made the -simple room look beautiful. It was eight o'clock. -</p> -<p>One by one the guests arrived, each bringing a handful of roses. -</p> -<p>"June roses! How perfectly exquisite!" exclaimed Mrs. Catt, graciously -accepting the flowers, while Betty ran for vases. Soon they were all -prettily arranged on the center table, filling the room with a rich -fragrance. -</p> -<p>"Surely, life in Ephraim is worth while," declared Mrs. Catt, again -smiling on the happy, old faces surrounding her. "All flowers and -sunshine!" -</p> -<p>When Betty had finished fixing the flowers, she sat on a cushion by her -wonderful guest and affectionately leaned her head on Mrs. Catt's knee. -</p> -<p>Her little face was flushed with excitement, and her eyes looked larger -than ever. -</p> -<p>"Ephraim's going ter show off now, and she's just the kind ter -'preciate!" she thought joyfully. How the child did love her own home -town! -</p> -<p>"Yes, it's all roses and sunshine now ma'am, but times there was when -it wasn't jes' like this," remarked one old lady, shaking her head -thoughtfully. -</p> -<p>"That's true, Sister Anne," spoke up old Brother Jacobson. "We've known -the time, when only thorns grew!" -</p> -<p>"Now, that is just what I want you to tell me about. I'm just longing -to hear about those by-gone days—why you came here, and what you -found.—Do, someone, begin, please!" urged Mrs. Catt, sweetly. -</p> -<p>One thin, erect, old lady, with a quick, bright eye, turned to Mrs. -Catt with a smile. -</p> -<p>"Sister Anne and Brother Jacobson may have suffered from the thorns, -but I can't say that I did. What did I come for? For the faith, of -course, as we all did. I walked eight hundred miles, pushing a cart, -and I tell you, ma'am, every mile was too short for the faith! And -when I got here? Every burden was too light to bear for the sake of -the glorious truth, and the Lord has blessed me with children, and -grand-children, and health, but I'd been glad to go on suffering for -the glory of the gospel!" -</p> -<p>There was a silence after this burst of enthusiasm, and Mrs. Catt eyed -the woman as if studying some strange species. -</p> -<p>"And your faith carried you through everything, joyously?" she asked, -credulously. -</p> -<p>"Yes, the Lord upheld me always." -</p> -<p>"Did you bring up a large family?" asked the Easterner curiously. -</p> -<p>"Yes, thirteen children. My husband has gone ahead of me awhile, but -I'm glad to stay as long as God wills. With such a big, happy family, -one couldn't be lonesome, you know." -</p> -<p>"No, I suppose not," returned Mrs. Catt, sweetly. "You women have led -wonderful lives. Now, who's going to begin to tell me how they happened -to come to Zion?" -</p> -<p>There was a pause, as one looked at the other, smiling. -</p> -<p>"You don't mind talking about it, do you?" she asked pleasantly. -</p> -<p>Mrs. Emmit answered for them. -</p> -<p>"Gracious, no! They just love to talk about it to those who are really -interested in the gospel; don't you?" -</p> -<p>All smiled assent. -</p> -<p>"Suppose you begin, Brother Madson," suggested Mrs. Emmit. -</p> -<p>"Very well," replied a stout, florid-faced, old gentleman, genially. -"It's rather a long story, but very interesting." -</p> -<p>The elder people settled more comfortably in their seats, and the -children leaned forward eagerly. -</p> -<p>"My mind wanders back to my happy boyhood days in Norway," he -began. "We lived out of town on a comfortable estate, as my father -was well-to-do, and we had everything we could desire. There were -four of us children,—three girls, and myself. My mother was a dear -tender-hearted woman, living solely for her husband and children, and -always shielding us from the sterner character of my father, who was a -strict Lutheran. -</p> -<p>"When I became eighteen, much to my mother's distress, my father had me -sent to the town alone, to take the position of jailer in the county -prison, -</p> -<p>"'It'll make a man of him—he's been cuddled too much—' he explained -to my mother. 'If he succeeds in doing his duty, I'll have him home in -a year or two and give him something worth while.' -</p> -<p>"So off to town I went and became a jailer. -</p> -<p>"After being there for a time, I had turned over to my care two -young men. They were thrown into prison and condemned to die. Their -appearance attracted me. -</p> -<p>"'For what are they condemned?' I asked the warden. -</p> -<p>"'They are "Mormons," answered the warden. -</p> -<p>"'And what are "Mormons?" I asked. -</p> -<p>"'Preachers of some newfangled religion from America, that doesn't take -here,' he explained. -</p> -<p>"Preachers condemned to die! I thought this both strange and -interesting. -</p> -<p>"So, from curiosity, I looked in upon the jailbirds, to see how they -were acting. There they were on their knees, praying hard, not for -deliverance, but that the Lord would forgive those who had condemned -them. On seeing me, they calmly arose from their knees and asked when -they were condemned to die. -</p> -<p>"'Tomorrow,' I reluctantly replied. -</p> -<p>"'Then we must lose no time in giving you our great message,' the elder -one said, his eyes shining with a great faith, 'You will listen?' -</p> -<p>"'Yes,' I answered simply. -</p> -<p>"Then these two young missionaries lay before me the restored Gospel as -I have never heard it preached since. Realizing they were near death, -their souls burned with the desire to save one more soul. -</p> -<p>"It was wonderful! Their words thrilled my whole being, and their -truths appealed to me.—At once I was converted. I couldn't help -myself. God seemed very near in that prison cell, and I felt His Spirit -urging me to accept the Gospel. -</p> -<p>"I told them this and we all knelt down and prayed. -</p> -<p>"Then I left them and hurried to the warden. -</p> -<p>"'What's the matter now?' he asked tersely. -</p> -<p>"'Matter enough!' I returned earnestly, 'Do you know we have two of -God's own men condemned to die to morrow?' -</p> -<p>"'Been talking to them, eh? They seemed a good sort to me.—But that's -none of <em>our</em> business.' -</p> -<p>"'Do you call yourself a Christian, Axel, and say that it's none of our -business whether or not these two good young men are murdered, under -our very eyes?' -</p> -<p>"'What are you going to do about it? The priest's word is law here. And -how do you know anyway, that they're not a menace to the church? Mon, -you're too easily influenced.' -</p> -<p>"'Come talk to them yourself. They're anxious to see you,' I returned. -</p> -<p>"And so after some persuasion, I led the warden to the cell. We -approached cautiously and unobserved. -</p> -<p>"They were both kneeling in silent prayer, their faces upturned with a -rapt expression of those oblivious to all earthly things and interests. -</p> -<p>"The warden's expression, at first curious, turned to one of sympathy. -'Damn!' he muttered. -</p> -<p>"The young men started, opened their eyes and on seeing us, arose from -their knees. -</p> -<p>"'Sorry to disturb you gentlemen. I'm damn sorry for you for I see -you're the good sort. What made you such fools as to oppose the priest? -Law's tight here.' -</p> -<p>"The young missionaries smiled calmly. -</p> -<p>"'Do not pity us, friend; we are honored to die for Christ. I wish that -you could feel that.' -</p> -<p>"For two hours the young preachers talked and the warden, at first -skeptical, finally grew more interested until what seemed a miracle -happened. -</p> -<p>"This experienced man of the world, this crusty warden took both young -men by the hand and exclaimed, 'Boys, you've got the truth; I never -thought to find it on the earth, but it's here with you. I'll go to the -priest the first thing tonight and plead your case. Let's pray the Lord -to melt his heart and influence the authorities to free you.' -</p> -<p>"And so we all knelt down within the death-cell and the younger -missionary prayed that they might escape death if it was the Lord's -will that they should save more souls. -</p> -<p>"After we left the cell, I begged the warden to let me go to the priest. -</p> -<p>"'Nonsense Mon, you couldn't do a thing with him. You'd blubber out -that you were converted and land in jail yourself. I'll handle him -better and scare him a bit as to consequences. The lads have some good -friends here.' -</p> -<p>"And so the warden left and I went back to my charges. -</p> -<p>"The anxiety of the next two hours, I shall never forget. The young -missionaries were calm and undisturbed, but while I listened to the -truths they were telling me, my heart was anxiously waiting the return -of the warden. -</p> -<p>"At last he came. -</p> -<p>"'Good news?' I cried anxiously. -</p> -<p>"'Yes,' answered the warden, smiling on us all. 'I got him, but we'll -have to rid the country of you tomorrow—cross the border you must, or -surely die.' -</p> -<p>"'Thank God!' I exclaimed. 'And we—we must be baptized before they go!' -</p> -<p>"'You're running quick, Mon,' said the warden, 'What's the hurry?' -</p> -<p>"'We might never have the chance again, as the missoinaries are -leaving. You will baptize me?' I asked them. -</p> -<p>"'Yes, indeed,—We will do all we can for you before we leave,' they -answered happily. -</p> -<p>"That evening we were baptized. I shall never forget the glorious moon -shining on the waters,—the clear frosty air that invigorated our -bodies, and yet did not chill. -</p> -<p>"When we returned to the jail, we spent an hour in prayer and never did -I feel the Lord's Spirit, as I did within those prison walls that night. -</p> -<p>"The next day before dawn, I took our prisoners out of town and saw -them safely across the border. -</p> -<p>"'I wish that you could go back to America with us,' they said -anxiously. -</p> -<p>"'Oh, don't worry about me,' I replied joyously, I'll have to keep the -faith a secret here, but I'm going home at Christmas-time, and when I -tell them all, they'll rejoice and accept the Gospel, too. Then, I will -not fear, for father's an influential man.' -</p> -<p>"'God grant that it may be so,' returned the missionaries, 'and the -warden?' -</p> -<p>"'He, too, has a large family to convert.' -</p> -<p>"So we bade one another 'good-bye,' and I returned to the jail. -</p> -<p>"It wanted only three months to Christmas, and the time passed quickly -and happily. -</p> -<p>"When the holidays came, I bade good-bye to the warden. -</p> -<p>"Axel, don't lose the faith, it'll be hard to stand alone.' -</p> -<p>"'You're not coming back?' asked the warden in surprise. -</p> -<p>"'I hardly expect to,' I replied. 'You know, Axel, father can afford -it, and I'm going to ask him to let me go to America, and when I've -learned more of the Gospel, I'll come back on a mission.' -</p> -<p>"'Man proposes, and God disposes, Mon,' replied the warden sadly. -</p> -<p>"'Ah! but you don't know how religious my father is!' I explained with -confidence. -</p> -<p>"'And as narrow as the rest of them, no doubt,' returned the warden -shortly. 'Well, old boy,' he added, grasping my hand warmly, 'I wish -you luck and if prayers help, you can count on mine!' -</p> -<p>"And so we parted. -</p> -<p>"Christmas-time in Norway is a time of great feasting, hospitality, and -good-will toward all. -</p> -<p>"How light was my heart as I entered the old home and received the warm -welcome of my parents and sisters! -</p> -<p>"'We've certainly missed you, Mon,' they all agreed. 'But now we'll -have such a splendid Yule-tide to make up for it.' -</p> -<p>"'Splendid Yule-tide,—yes!' I thought exultingly, 'They little know -what a wonderful gift I am bringing home to them all.' -</p> -<p>"The first evening that we were gathered together, I told them of the -great change that had come into my life. I began the story at the -beginning, and soon got them interested. But when my father asked me, -'Were the missoinaries "Lutheran" and how did it happen that they were -arrested?' I answered, 'No, they were "Mormons" from America, preaching -the restored Gospel. -</p> -<p>"Then the storm came. My poor father exclaimed horrified, -</p> -<p>"'You don't mean that you saved two Mormons to do more of Satan's work?' -</p> -<p>"'They do the Lord's work, father,' I returned quietly. -</p> -<p>"'You have not listened to their wicked preaching, have you?' asked -my father angrily, rising from his chair, while my mother and sisters -looked on in dismay. -</p> -<p>"'Yes, father, I have become a 'Mormon.' God knows, I am a better man.' -</p> -<p>"At this he became enraged to madness. 'My son a "Mormon!" he exclaimed -fiercely. 'Never! I command you to drop this evil and come to your -senses. 'Mormons!' they are the scum of the earth, coming here to -contaminate decent people in this country.' -</p> -<p>"For a moment there was silence and my mother came to me and put her -arms around my neck, beseechingly looking into my eyes with a mother's -fear. -</p> -<p>"'O Mon,' she said trembling, 'obey your father, boy! give up these -evil companions, <em>do</em>, Mon!' -</p> -<p>"'But, mother dear, if you would only let me explain I'll show you all -that they are not evil.' -</p> -<p>"Angrily, my father separated us. 'Do you dare, Mon, to make your -father out a liar?' -</p> -<p>"I stood stupefied, hardly knowing how to take his unlooked for passion. -</p> -<p>"'No, father,' I at last ventured, 'but you don't understand.' -</p> -<p>"'Then I'm a fool! to be taught by a fanatical youngster of eighteen!' -he returned hotly. 'Again, will you drop this thing, or not?' -</p> -<p>"I felt a great strength surge up in me, and I stood erect. -</p> -<p>"'Father, it grieves me to wound you, but Christ suffered, and if needs -be I must also. I have taken this step for life. I cannot retrace.' -</p> -<p>"'Then leave this house; you're no son of mine!' came the words, -distinctly clear, as my father threw open the door wide, and pointed -the way out. -</p> -<p>"The wind rushed in bringing the large hail-stones from the storm -without. -</p> -<p>"'In the storm, father, this dark night?' I asked incredulously. -</p> -<p>"'I've said it!' was his short answer. -</p> -<p>"My mother made to intercede for me, but he pushed her back, and stood -between us. -</p> -<p>"'Better no son at all, than one to disgrace us!' he declared, sternly. -I looked out into the blackness of night, then at the cheerful fire, -lighting up the room in genial comfort. -</p> -<p>"Satan whispered, 'Don't be a fool. Your father's religion is good -enough for you. You're a stranger to the new religion. You'll do more -good and sacrifice less by staying with the old.' -</p> -<p>"But the angel of the Lord led me out,—out into the darkness, -penniless, alone, with the cries of my mother ringing in my ears. -</p> -<p>"A few steps and I turned. Surely I must kiss my good mother farewell. -The door was still open and my father was an angry sentinel watching my -going. -</p> -<p>"'Well?' he asked, sternly. -</p> -<p>"'May I bid farewell to my mother?' -</p> -<p>"'No! your mother is too good for such as you. Begone!' -</p> -<p>"And with the last harsh word, he lifted an axe from the wall and -hurled it after me. -</p> -<p>"Then the door shut, and I found myself writhing with pain upon the wet -ground. -</p> -<p>"The axe had penetrated into my leg. I tried, but could not remove the -cruel torment. -</p> -<p>"I prayed hard and received strength to stand and then, soon, I was -able to drag myself the three weary miles to the prison. -</p> -<p>"By this time, my high boot was filled with blood, and the warden -received me fainting in his arms. -</p> -<p>"When I came to, the warden was binding up my wound, and cursing under -his breath. -</p> -<p>"'Don't curse. Axel,' I said feebly. -</p> -<p>"'That's not your sin. It's mine. How do you feel now?' he asked with -rough kindness. -</p> -<p>"'Rather weak,' I replied. -</p> -<p>"'Reckon so,' he said shortly. 'Had a row with your very religious -father?' -</p> -<p>"'Yes,' I answered simply, ignoring his sarcasm. -</p> -<p>"'I expected it,' he returned. 'Now you rest here 'till you're strong -and I'll see you across the border. It won't be long before everyone -knows that you are a 'Mormon.' News travels quickly and they'll hound -you as they did the others. I'll hide you here 'til you're stronger.' -</p> -<p>"'And you?' I asked anxiously. -</p> -<p>"'Will meet you in America, some day! Sleep now. The sooner you're out -of here, the better for you!' -</p> -<p>"So in a few days I was across the border, with my purse filled by the -faithful warden. -</p> -<p>"I will not relate to you my numerous experiences and difficulties on -my way to Utah. The good sister has just told you how eight hundred -miles seemed too short to walk for the faith, and I walked one thousand -miles and found them too short for the faith too. -</p> -<p>"I arrived in Zion fatigued, but happy. There was work for me here and -oh! the glorious freedom of the Gospel and the love of the brethren! -</p> -<p>"I soon took a wife,—a good sweet woman, who is waiting for me yonder. -Ten years of hard work and real happiness followed. Four children were -born to us and our home was one of the best in Utah. -</p> -<p>"Then the Church called me on a mission to Norway. -</p> -<p>"My heart beat fast at the very thought. -</p> -<p>"To Norway! my old home! -</p> -<p>"True! my folks had never answered my letters, but if I went there -personally, it would soften their hearts and surely the Lord would open -up the way for me to give them the Gospel! -</p> -<p>"It was nearing Christmas. I would approach my old home at Yule-tide -again, in the time of homecoming and good cheer! -</p> -<p>"Tenderly I bid my family good-bye, and with a thankful heart started -on my journey. -</p> -<p>"On reaching Norway, I told the mission headquarters my story, and they -said that I might go to my home for Yule-tide. -</p> -<p>"It was the day before Christmas when I reached the old prison, where I -asked for the Warden. -</p> -<p>"'Oh, he's left the country—is in England, I believe. He joined those -dastard "Mormons" and kept it dark. But we found him out. However, he -escaped, and last I heard of him, he was in England, making the devil -of a time there, preaching his doctrines.' -</p> -<p>"'So the prejudice is just the same,' I thought sadly, as I footed it -to my home. -</p> -<p>"My heart grew heavy as I thought of the last time I had struggled -along that road in the dark stormy night; then I pushed the thought -from me and dwelt on the future. Now that I had returned, prosperous -and happy, I could persuade them. -</p> -<p>"I was changed from youth to manhood,—they would see what the Gospel -had done for me. -</p> -<p>"At last the home was reached. I entered the gate. As I walked through -the garden, which was lightly frosted with snow, I looked from right to -left, upon the unchanged scenes. Years seemed like days, and it seemed -as though I were a boy again, returning from school for the happy -Yule-tide greetings. My heart with a bound forgave the last ten years, -and I longed to grasp my father's hand and tell him so. And my dear -mother? She must be aged now, but still the same sweet, tender heart! -</p> -<p>"With trembling hands I knocked on the door, that had been closed to -me, all these years. -</p> -<p>"My eldest sister opened it. Two little girls clung to her skirts. She -looked many years older, and lines of care furrowed her face. -</p> -<p>"She didn't know me. -</p> -<p>"'Well, sir?' she asked quietly. -</p> -<p>"'Is Mr. or Mrs. Madson at home?' I asked controlling myself with -effort. -</p> -<p>"'Both dead, sir,' she answered shortly. -</p> -<p>"'Dead!' I exclaimed aghast. -</p> -<p>"'Yes, sir?' she answered sadly. 'The plague, two years ago, took my -father and my two sisters. Sad times here then.' -</p> -<p>"'And the mother?' I asked trembling. -</p> -<p>"'O, she, poor thing, died nine years ago. She doted on her only son, -who joined the wicked "Mormons," and it broke her heart. She just -wilted like a flower and died.' -</p> -<p>"I grasped the railing of the porch for support. -</p> -<p>"'You're pale, sir!' she exclaimed in sudden pity. 'Did you know them? -Who are you?' -</p> -<p>"'Don't you know me?' I cried in agony of spirit. I'm your -brother—Mon!' -</p> -<p>"For a moment she looked at me in dismayed astonishment, then her face -contracted in anger. She lifted her arm, and pointed to the gate. -</p> -<p>"'How dare you enter here! You killed your mother, broke your father's -heart! Have you come back to torment me?' -</p> -<p>"'I have come to help you,' I answered brokenly. 'To help all—but only -you are left. Oh, listen to what I have to tell you—in our mother's -name, listen!' I pleaded. -</p> -<p>"'Never!' she answered hoarsely. 'I hate the very sight of you. Go, I -say, or I'll have you sent!' -</p> -<p>"I turned and fairly staggered down the old familiar path to the gate. -</p> -<p>"There I turned, but she stood angry and unrelenting. -</p> -<p>"So this was my home-coming! I hardly know how I made my way back -to mission headquarters. When I reached there, for a time, I was -completely overcome by this heart-rending experience. -</p> -<p>"But the prayers of the Saints, lifted me out of myself, and I -fulfilled my mission, with some happy results. -</p> -<p>"When I reached home in Utah, I told my wife about my sad home in -Norway. -</p> -<p>"'Mon,' she said with her eyes glowing with faith, 'We will pray every -night that the Lord will save your sister for the Gospel.' -</p> -<p>"So every night at family prayers, my sister and her family were -remembered. -</p> -<p>"Years passed. My eldest boy, Mon, was twenty years old. The Church -called him on a mission to Norway. -</p> -<p>"'Father,' he said to me, earnestly, 'I'll pray God to let me bring -your sister back to America.' -</p> -<p>"'May the Lord so will it!' I answered fervently, with a sudden longing -for my own kinsfolk. -</p> -<p>"When my son arrived in Norway, he went immediately to the old home. It -was sold and my sister departed, none knew where. -</p> -<p>"This news was a great disappointment, but my son wrote hopefully. -</p> -<p>"'God can overcome anything, father. Have faith and pray. I'll find her -yet.' -</p> -<p>"One month later came another letter from Norway. -</p> -<p>"'Dear father:—I have found your sister,—in fact, I am now boarding -at her boarding-house. Her husband died, leaving her almost penniless, -after squandering away the estate. -</p> -<p>"'She doesn't know that I am her nephew. -</p> -<p>"'When she and two daughters—young ladies now—were in great trouble, -some "Mormons" crossed her path, and with the usual kindness, helped -her through sickness and trial. She is almost converted to the faith. -When she knew that I was a "Mormon," she rejoiced, and every chance we -have, we are together, talking of the Gospel. Surely God led me right -to her house, in answer to our prayers. -</p> -<p>"'Last night she told me that she had a great weight on her heart—she -did not believe that she was worthy to be baptized. -</p> -<p>"'I asked her to confide in me. -</p> -<p>"'She then told me with tears in her eyes, how she had treated her -brother. -</p> -<p>"'Will you write to your folks," she asked humbly, "and ask them to -try to find him? I must ask his forgiveness, before I think of being -baptized." -</p> -<p>"'So dear father, write to her as soon as you can to console her broken -heart and give her hope.' -</p> -<p>"I'll never forget that letter and the joy we all felt. -</p> -<p>"I was blest with wealth and a happy home, and my good wife said: 'Mon, -your sister must come to Zion! She and her daughters shall be happy -near her brother.' -</p> -<p>"So I wrote, and enclosed money for my sister and her children to come -to Zion. -</p> -<p>"My son baptized them, and then they came to Zion. O, what a joyful -re-union was ours! My dear sister you all knew, humble and sweet to her -death. The two daughters have happy homes, not far from here, and are -bringing up their children in the faith! How great and good the Lord -is!" -</p> -<p>As brother Madson stopped speaking, everyone sat thoughtfully silent. -</p> -<p>"And the Warden?" asked Betty in subdued excitement. -</p> -<p>"Is right here," said Brother Jacobson, smiling. "I'm the Warden, and -thank God for being able to spend my last days near the jailor!" -</p> -<p>Mrs. Catt broke the silence. -</p> -<p>"That story is certainly interesting enough to print," she said -pleasantly. -</p> -<p>"Who next will give us pleasure?" she asked turning to Sister Anne. -"You?" -</p> -<p>Sister Anne smilingly assented. -</p> -<p>"I was only eight years old when I left England, but I shall never -forget it. My dear mother and father accepted the Gospel almost -directly that it was preached to them. -</p> -<p>"This horrified and enraged my mother's parents, who believed that my -father was the one to blame and that he had unusual Satanic influence -over my mother. So they decided to kill him. In the dead of night they -came to our home and I was awakened by me shrieks of my mother, who was -trying with her delicate strength to hold the door from the invaders -without. With a crush, they broke in at the windows, but mother had -kept them out long enough for father to hide in one of the large copper -kettles. Enraged they looked for him in vain, leaving the house with -threatenings for the future. -</p> -<p>"My parents realized that they must emigrate to Utah—there was no -peace at home. So with their five children, and I the eldest, they set -sail for America. -</p> -<p>"We were many weeks on the water. When we reached the Mississippi, -mother was exhausted, for the food had been very bad and the trip -rough. As we neared St. Louis, cholera broke out on board our boat, -and mother immediately fell a victim. The quarantine officers ordered -us all on deck, and the word went around that cholera victims would be -taken off separately. -</p> -<p>"I shall never forget my father's grief. Mother was almost gone, and to -be separated would be awful. -</p> -<p>"With her usual grit, mother braced up, and with father's help, -managed to crawl to the deck. There she sat by father, and when the -quarantine officer came around she pretended to be eating her soup with -relish. This deceived him and he passed her by. The next day my mother -died, leaving five children, one a little baby. Never will I forget -our burying mother in St. Louis. Father was grief stricken, but his -wonderful faith held him up and he told me to be 'little mother.' We -purchased a wagon and team and started on our long journey across the -plains. After many days of hardships, we reached Utah, and there my -father worked long hard days and raised his little flock, with only me -to help him. So you see my parents sacrificed all for the faith, so is -it not natural I prize it above other things?" -</p> -<p>"And the Indians, did they ever get the baby?" asked Betty excitedly. -</p> -<p>"No, dear, but nearly, several times. It was their pet revenge to steal -babies, and we had to guard them closely." -</p> -<p>Just then a knock at the door made them turn. -</p> -<p>To Mrs. Emmit's cheery "come in," a woman of eighty entered. -</p> -<p>"Why sister Heller, you're just in time for some ice-cream," said Mrs. -Emmit delightedly. "Mrs. Catt, I want to introduce to you another -member of our Ephraim family." -</p> -<p>Mrs. Catt smiled at the dark, swarthy old woman who had entered. Surely -she was an Indian. -</p> -<p>Sister Heller smiled in return, but her small sharp eyes seemed to -pierce the visitor with an unnecessary stare. -</p> -<p>"We're very fond of her," spoke up Mrs. Emmit, "she was treated roughly -by her own people as they passed. She was so old that she couldn't keep -up with the tribe, so they didn't want her. We took her and she has -been one of us ever since." -</p> -<p>The old Indian smilingly nodded and then uncovered a basket of -home-made cookies. -</p> -<p>"I brought them over for your party," she said simply. -</p> -<p>"And so the little party ate ice-cream and cake and chattered until -late. -</p> -<p>Betty took the Indian woman aside before leaving. -</p> -<p>"Isn't the 'New-Yorker' jest wonderful?" she asked delighted. -</p> -<p>The old woman looked down at the child's eager face without a smile. -</p> -<p>"Betty, I don't like her. Have a care. The Indian knows friend or foe." -</p> -<p>Betty's face flushed with righteous indignation. -</p> -<p>"For shame, you're not an Indian now—you're a Christian, but you don't -talk like one!" -</p> -<p>She patted Betty's head lovingly. "You see, Dearie, you see!" -</p> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTERIII"></a>CHAPTER III. -</h2> -<p class="chapterHeading">A child's love is as proportionately great as a woman's. -</p> -<p>Two years later and Spring Conference had come to Salt Lake City. -</p> -<p>When all the "Mormons" in Utah tried to get to their semi-annual -conference, in their beloved city, it meant a sight for tourists indeed! -</p> -<p>So thought young Dr. George Cadman, who was returning to New York, -from a trip to California, and had stopped off at Salt Lake to see the -sights and especially to get a glimpse of those peculiar people called -"Mormons," about whom so much was said and written. -</p> -<p>Dr. Cadman was a handsome man of twenty-four, medium in height, but -strongly built. His fine regular features and deep-set gray eyes, made -him the object of attraction to more than one as he stood on the corner -of Main street, outside of the Hotel Utah, looking at the crowds, as -they made their way to the great tabernacle. -</p> -<p>"Strange!" he thought, "these people don't look wicked!" Then he walked -over to the monument of Brigham Young, to read the inscription. -</p> -<p>"Stranger here, brother?" asked a pleasant voice. -</p> -<p>He turned to meet the pleasant gaze of an old, long-bearded man, -attired in a plain black suit. On his arm hung his wife, presumably -about his own age, wearing a black cloth dress. -</p> -<p>"Yes, quite a stranger," returned Dr. Cadman courteously. "This statue, -I believe is of the man who led the 'Mormons' through the 'Rockies?'" -</p> -<p>The old man's eyes fired with enthusiasm. -</p> -<p>"Yes, brother, yes! Brigham Young, the Prophet of the Lord! A grander -man I never knew. He led us here—to our destruction, the world -thought,—but it was to our peace and prosperity!" -</p> -<p>George scanned the couple with interest. They didn't look very -prosperous. Aloud he said, "So you're a 'Mormon,' are you? And one of -the old pioneers?" -</p> -<p>"Yes, brother, I knew Brigham Young in Nauvoo, when we were driven out -across the plains, I knew that he was God's own man, and I followed -him, with sure faith in my heart. If you like, sir, the meeting's just -on, and you might walk down with us?" -</p> -<p>"I will, thank you," returned Dr. Cadman pleasantly, and the three -walked down to the Temple, the old man greatly pleased with the -visitor, and "the visitor" greatly amused with the thought of walking -down the street with "Mormons." -</p> -<p>"There's nothing very bad about them," he decided to himself. "Just -easily lead, and simple-minded." -</p> -<p>When they reached the Temple gate, the old man turned to him kindly. -"Sorry, but you'll have to throw that cigar away, brother. They don't -allow smoking on the Temple grounds." -</p> -<p>Cadman flushed, and looked at his freshly lit cigar doubtfully. -</p> -<p>"Well, here goes!" he decided. "It's worth it to see a real 'Mormon' -congregation." -</p> -<p>As they entered the grounds, a group of about fifteen men, women, and -children surrounded them. -</p> -<p>"Where have you been?" exclaimed a chorus of voices, accosting the old -couple, joyously. "We've been looking for you the city over. Hurry or -we'll not get a front seat." -</p> -<p>George found himself proudly introduced to the old couple's children -and grand-children and then hurried off by the entire family to the -tabernacle. -</p> -<p>That night he wrote to a New York cousin, the following letter: -</p> -<p>"My dear old pal:—Such a pleasant trip, all the way through! I've -separated from the party, however, for the way they traveled, didn't -suit me. They reminded me of a lot of bees, sipping the honey -momentarily from each flower that they passed. On a trip like this, I -like to study my own dear America. I decided to stop off a few days -at the Indian reservation,—that settled it—since then I have been -traveling alone. -</p> -<p>"You know Mrs. Hester of the party? Exclaimed she, 'Those frightful -Indians, Dr. Cadman! How can you care to look at those awful people a -second time!' -</p> -<p>"And now—those frightful 'Mormons' I find very interesting! I meant to -spend one day here at Salt Lake City, but this first day has been so -interesting I mean to spend more. -</p> -<p>"I must tell you about my experience today. -</p> -<p>"I was gazing at Brigham Young's monument, when I was accosted -by a very plainly dressed old man, and his wife. After a little -conversation, I went to their tabernacle with them, and on the way was -introduced to their family,—big enough for five separate Eastern homes! -</p> -<p>"But, Will, the tabernacle service was a great surprise to me. The -singing, speaking, music were all uplifting. There's something wrong -about those Anti-'Mormon' lecturers out home. These people are dead in -earnest, and I'll wager they're sincere. -</p> -<p>"If I were religiously inclined, I'd say, 'The spirit is more in this -Church, than in the churches of the world,' but—as I'm not religious, -as you know, I simply feel a great respect for these people and a -reverence, a little foreign to my nature,—when in their tabernacle. -</p> -<p>"I met a farmer from a little place called Ephraim. I told him how I -would enjoy meeting some 'Mormon' ranchers and sheepherders, etc., -and he immediately invited me to his home, and he said he'd show me -around. What think you of that for western hospitality? Can you beat -it? Inviting a stranger, whom he has not even heard of! Well, I'm off -for Ephraim tonight with my new-found friend to study the 'Mormons!' -</p> -<p>"By the way, I found out from my Ephraim friend that the old man I made -friends with could easily buy me out. So much for appearances! -</p> -<p>"Give my love to Alma, and tell little Harold that I'll bring him -something that the Indians made. -</p> -<p>"Good-bye old chap. I'll write from Ephraim, so if you don't hear -from me, you'll know that they have stolen me for a 'Mormon' harem on -account of my good looks! -</p> -<p>[Right-justify] "Yours faithfully, -</p> -<p>[Right-justify] "George Cadman." -</p> -<p class="centered">***** -</p> -<p>[Right-justify] "Ephraim, June 15, 1919. -</p> -<p>"Dear Will:—Guess you're wondering? Well old chap, I've had some -strange experiences. -</p> -<p>"My Ephraim friend and his family (wife and eight children) have -treated me royally. What I haven't seen, wouldn't be worth seeing. -There's a little girl of twelve, that is the most captivating piece -of femininity you can imagine. She's a bunch of happiness, merry to -impertinence at times, but with all so religious. She is saving her -pennies to go on a mission to convert such as you and I (so she frankly -declares) to 'Mormonism.' -</p> -<p>"I took such a fancy to the youngster, and she to me, that everywhere I -went, she has been by my side. -</p> -<p>"Two days ago, she and I went for a ride in her father's machine and -some youngster ran us down. Some accident! and my little companion got -all the bruises and cuts, while I escaped. She wants no doctor but -myself, and as she must stay in bed a few days, I'm prolonging my visit -until she is well. I'm sitting by her bed-side now. -</p> -<p>"She just interrupted me by saying, 'I know by the way you look that -you are writing about me. Be sure to tell my name—I might meet him on -my mission.' -</p> -<p>"'How do you spell your last name, Betty?' I asked, ready to obey. -</p> -<p>"'E-m-m-i-t,' she said brightly,—then under the covers went her head, -and I heard a giggle. -</p> -<p>"'What's up now?' I asked. -</p> -<p>"Two laughing brown eyes peeked out at me. -</p> -<p>"'Put a D before it and it spells what?' she asked. -</p> -<p>"'Demmit,' I replied quickly,—and then I wish you could have heard her -laugh. -</p> -<p>"The country here is beautiful, and the people so full of faith, it -seems a different world to gay old New York. I think that if I stayed -here long, I would get the fever and attend meetings like the rest of -them. -</p> -<p>"But all joking aside, it's refreshing to see real homes, real mothers, -and merry children. I'll be sorry when I leave this 'Mountain country,' -which will be in a few days,—so I'll see you all soon. Love to Alma -and Harold. -</p> -<p>[Right-justify] "Yours as ever, -</p> -<p>[Right-justify] "George." -</p> -<p class="centered">***** -</p> -<p>"Well, little Betty, I guess you're almost well now, and I must end -this long, pleasant vacation," said Dr. Cadman as they walked along one -of Ephraim's country roads. -</p> -<p>Betty looked up with troubled eyes. -</p> -<p>"You don't mean you're going to leave us—yet?" -</p> -<p>"Why girlie, I only intended to stay until you were well! What will all -the sick people do in New York?" he asked playfully. -</p> -<p>But Betty hung her head and walked on in silence. -</p> -<p>Dr. Cadman loved children and he had learned to love this little -"Mormon" girl. He saw her disappointment, and was sorry. -</p> -<p>"Now Betty, dear," he said, taking her hand tenderly, "We're awfully -good friends, aren't we? You know, Uncle Sam has a post-office, and -you'll write letters to me and I'll answer everyone,—until we meet -again." -</p> -<p>"Oh, will you?" eagerly asked Betty, looking up with one of her sudden -sunny smiles, "It won't be quite so bad then." -</p> -<p>"And then in a few years," continued Dr. Cadman happily, "there will -be a fine young Ephraim lady coming on a mission to New York, and Dr. -Cadman will have to introduce her to some well-known people to convert!" -</p> -<p>Betty clapped her hands—a way she had of expressing great joy. -</p> -<p>"How wonderful!" she exclaimed, "and you'll have your minister all -ready for me to preach 'Mormonism' in his church?" -</p> -<p>"Not so fast, girlie! Not so fast! Ministers are rather queer when -'Mormonism' is mentioned." -</p> -<p>A cloud chased Betty's smile away and her brow thoughtfully puckered. -</p> -<p>"I wonder why?" she said slowly, "and you, Brother Cadman, why are you -not a 'Mormon?'" -</p> -<p>Dr. Cadman hesitated, then said kindly, "Probably for the same reason -that you <em>are</em> one." -</p> -<p>"I don't understand," said Betty. -</p> -<p>"You were born a '<em>Mormon</em>,'" explained Dr. Cadman, "I was born a -<em>Presbyterian</em>." -</p> -<p>"I am not a 'Mormon' because I was born one!" said Betty decidedly. "If -I did not know that my religion was the true one, I would search until -I found the truth." -</p> -<p>Dr. Cadman smiled down on her. -</p> -<p>"Wise little head! Suppose I should tell you that my church was the -true church?" -</p> -<p>Betty looked up seriously. -</p> -<p>"You're too good to say what you don't mean," she answered quietly. -</p> -<p>Dr. Cadman flushed as he replied, "Betty Emmit, you have an -uncomfortable way of reading one's thoughts. Child that you are, you're -right. I belong to a church that I don't care a great deal about. I'm -interested in God and nature, but I'm not interested in church." -</p> -<p>Betty's little thoughtful frown reappeared. -</p> -<p>"How can you be interested in God and not in his work?" -</p> -<p>The young man smiled. "Girlie, you're not on a mission yet, but when -you come, I'll promise to discuss everything. I wouldn't argue with you -now,—my last desire would be to influence as great a faith as yours. -Keep it—just as long as you can. I wish that I possessed half as good." -</p> -<p>Betty's eyes shone. -</p> -<p>"O, I hope that you will. It's wonderful to feel sure and safe about -everything that you believe. If you think I'm so young, it's no use -talking. But I'll remember your promise when I come to New York." -</p> -<p>"How do you know that the Church will send you to New York?" -</p> -<p>"Because I've asked God to make it so," she answered simply. -</p> -<p>Dr. Cadman sighed. -</p> -<p>"How beautiful is youth, how bright it gleams! There! I won't say the -rest!" -</p> -<p>"O, but I know it," laughed Betty. "With all it's illusions, -aspirations, dreams! You know that reminds me of an old woman, with -false hair, false teeth, and wrinkles, whining over her lost beauty! -Why are people so sickly in poetry! Do you know what I would like that -second line to be?" -</p> -<p>"Out with it," laughed Cadman. -</p> -<p>Betty's eyes danced with merriment. -</p><blockquote> -<p class="poetry"> "How beautiful is youth, how bright it gleams,<br> - Except to sour old fogies, who failed to catch sunbeams!"<br> -</p></blockquote> -<p>"So, Miss Betty, I'm a sour old fogie?" asked Dr. Cadman laughing. -</p> -<p>Betty blushed furiously. -</p> -<p>"Oh, no, I didn't mean <em>you</em>," she said quickly. -</p> -<p>"It's well that you didn't, young lady," returned Cadman, greatly -amused with this child of the hills. -</p> -<p>"Now to change the subject, do you know anyone in New York?" -</p> -<p>"Only one perfect lovely lady," returned Betty. "She came to Ephraim -two years ago, and preached so wonderfully—everyone gave up their -beer, and some their pipes. I did love her so! I've written but she's -never answered. I suppose that she's moved, or that I have the wrong -address." -</p> -<p>"What's her name?" -</p> -<p>"Mrs. Webster Catt." -</p> -<p>"Not a pleasant name," said Cadman, "I'll keep my eye open for her, and -when I locate her, I'll let you know." -</p> -<p>"O, thank you so much!" exclaimed Betty, "Look! A storm is coming up -over the mountain. Is it not wonderful?" -</p> -<p>"Let us rest here on the rock and watch it," said Cadman. "We have time -to get home after." -</p> -<p>So together they watched the storm approach. -</p> -<p>At first the entire mountain seemed overhung with black, ominous -clouds. The great calm preceding a storm filled the atmosphere, making -it heavy and foreboding. -</p> -<p>"It's just like a heart before a great sorrow, isn't it?" she asked -dreamily. -</p> -<p>"What is?" asked Cadman vaguely. -</p> -<p>"Why, every mountain has a heart, you know," answered Betty. "Now she -feels a terrible premonition. Something is wrong. She's brooding over -it." -</p> -<p>Cadman looked up at the clouds in silence. -</p> -<p>A lurid streak of lightning lit up the darkness. Another, and another, -each more vivid than the last! -</p> -<p>"Look! Her great sorrow strikes her! Lash upon lash! It hurts her—it -is so vivid and sharp!" -</p> -<p>"Fanciful child!" exclaimed Cadman, following the girl's gaze with -interest. -</p> -<p>"Suddenly there was a rift in the clouds,—the black masses rolled -apart from each other and a soft, snowy cloud appeared. -</p> -<p>"Now, what?" asked Cadman curiously. -</p> -<p>"A friend has come," returned Betty quietly. "A sweet comforting -friend, trying to console and help her." -</p> -<p>The black clouds assumed a beautiful purple hue, and the white one -gradually became the palest pink. -</p> -<p>"See! she's letting in a little sunshine, and the sorrow isn't quite so -black!" continued the child. -</p> -<p>Another flash of lightning and a distant rumbling of thunder! -</p> -<p>"Ah! she's hurt again! But see! The friend stays!" -</p> -<p>"Can you see the rain?" asked Cadman. "It's coming down hard on the -other side of the mountain!" -</p> -<p>"Yes, in spite of her friend, she's crying her heart out. She's so -unhappy!" -</p> -<p>Then in the most brilliant hues, two long rain-bows arched their colors -over the mountain, throwing a radiance through the darkness that was -gloriously beautiful! -</p> -<p>"Wonderful!" exclaimed Cadman, contemplating this western scene with -delight. "What now, little one?" he asked. -</p> -<p>"God's love," said Betty softly. "God's love, casting it's beauty over -every sorrow however dark!" -</p> -<p>Cadman looked at her in silence,—then he stood up and took her hands. -</p> -<p>"Come Betty, let us get home now,—you'll be tired, working your brain -and body on this your first day out!" -</p> -<p>So hand in hand they walked home, not saying much,—Cadman wishing he -could linger one week longer in this primitive little town, and Betty -feeling vaguely sad at the thought of parting with her new found friend. -</p> -<p class="centered">***** -</p> -<p>Alone in her room, Betty stood gazing at herself in her mirror. She saw -a tear-stained face and dejected countenance with large, sad eyes. -</p> -<p>"Now, Betty Emmit," she said to herself, in a low sobbing voice, "Will -it do you one bit of good to cry? That won't bring him back. He's gone, -gone, gone! You might as well dry your tears, and brace up and try -to be of some use to somebody. Just a few years and you'll go to New -York—a real grown young lady, and who knows? Maybe—" here a smile -flashed across her tear stained face and Betty blushed. -</p> -<p>Then she took from her bureau a photo of her ideal friend. Dr. Cadman's -eyes seemed to smile at her re-assuringly. -</p> -<p>"Yes, stranger things have happened," she said feeling a little less -unhappy. "I must pray every night that God will make it possible!" -</p> -<p>To Betty, God was her constant ever-present friend, and her every -desire went straight to the Heavenly Throne, so tonight, what she would -not have breathed to her mother, was as naturally spoken of in prayer -as her most ordinary desire! -</p> -<p>And so she undressed for bed, and before seeking rest, she knelt down -in the moonlight and with her usual prayers added tremulously, "Dear -Father, you know how I love him. Someday let me be his wife for all -eternity!" One hour later, Mrs. Emmit peeped in to discover Betty fast -asleep with Dr. Cadman's picture clasped close to her breast. The -moonlight made sweeter the smile on Betty's face. -</p> -<p>"Poor Betty," murmured the mother in sympathy. "She does take such deep -affections—we'll all miss him, but not like she will!" and so only -half understanding the heart of her own child, she gently closed the -door and left Betty to her dreams. -</p> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTERIV"></a>CHAPTER IV. -</h2> -<p class="chapterHeading">Society's Nothingness and Its Sacrifice. -</p> -<p>Our scenes change to New York, six years later, "Bridge" at Mrs. -Lambert's! Every lady within her circle of friends, rejoiced when the -date for such an event occurred. First, because Mrs. Lambert was at -all times a charming hostess. Second, and chiefly, she was as generous -as she was charming. At her affairs, the prizes offered were the most -expensive the society season of that special set produced. -</p> -<p>Now, Mrs. Lambert was in her glory today. She was about to entertain -a guest of importance, namely. Miss Edith Esterbrook, twenty-year-old -daughter of a very wealthy and distinguished family, for whom she had -many years possessed a "social longing." Through careful and tactful -maneuvers the great privileged intimacy with the Esterbrooks was at -last established, and today, for the first time, Mrs. Lambert could -introduce Miss Edith to her willing circle. The few times that she -had met the girl, she noticed her quiet reserved beauty with a sort -of awe. Rumor declared that society counted her an intellectual bore -and only tolerated her for her family's sake. But that mattered little -to Mrs. Lambert's aspiring mind. The only daughter of the Esterbrooks -could afford to be eccentric. Her individual character was the last -consideration. -</p> -<p>A half hour before the guests arrived, the hostess descended to -the parlors. Hastily she scanned the tables for card-playing, and -noticed with satisfaction that her new maid had intelligence enough -to arrange every detail most satisfactorily. Then she walked over -to the long table in the farthest room, and inspected the array -of refreshments spread daintily for a buffet luncheon. Everything -conceivably appropriate was there to tempt the most fastidious tastes -of the "bridge players." There was absolutely nothing to criticize—the -arrangement was perfect—and Mrs. Lambert trilled a gay little song in -a low happy contralto, as she sailed through the large spacious rooms, -to view herself in the long mirror. -</p> -<p>Her dark, massive brown hair was thrown gracefully back in a full -fluffy pompadore effect. Beneath this luxuriance, a face of sensitive -delicate beauty smiled contentedly. The small, irregular features -seemed perfectly in harmony, one with the other, and the dark blue eyes -were kind. -</p> -<p>The world had used Mrs. Lambert well, and with customary ease, she had -used the world well; that is, that part of the world which she met -daily in her own sphere. There was absolutely nothing aggressive in -her nature. She would not care to search to find out how "the other -half lived." Her nature was the type that smiles impartially on all and -calmly sums up the philosophy of life in one trite phrase—"Live and -let live." From her earliest remembrance, she was admired, petted and -loved, and now after nine years of married life, her husband was still -obedient to her every capricious whim. -</p> -<p>The "outer woman" responded quickly to all this lavished happiness, but -the "inner woman" possessed the restless spirit which such dormant life -creates, and only was her light gay temperament preserved by a constant -searching after and indulging in petty excitement. -</p> -<p>As the mirror reflected back her graceful figure, charming even in -the difficult lines of the strictly "Directoire," she noticed with a -childish petulant frown, that the pale blue satin was not dark enough -to enhance the color of her eyes. -</p> -<p>"Pshaw!" she exclaimed softly. "My eyes must be changing either in -color or in sight. I thought I had matched them perfectly. Perhaps it -is the light." -</p> -<p>But turn her graceful head as she would, the eyes still looked darker -than the dress. She gave a little sigh and dismissed the frown. Then -she turned from the mirror, and dropped into a soft nest of cushions in -a cozy window seat. -</p> -<p>As the bell announced an arrival, Mrs. Lambert slowly arose while the -maid opened the door. -</p> -<p>"May I speak with Mrs. Lambert, please?" asked a soft, gentle voice, -and Mrs. Lambert caught a glimpse of Miss Esterbrook, as she entered -the foyer and turned toward the reception room. -</p> -<p>The hostess immediately came forward, graciously extending her hand in -welcome. -</p> -<p>"I'm so glad to see you have come early. It will indeed be a pleasure -to visit a little while before the game starts," she said. -</p> -<p>At a glance she took in the general pleasing effect of the tall slim -figure, and graceful poise of the head, massed with an abundance of -golden hair. Her face of the Madonna type, was rather too pale in its -fairness, but deep violet eyes lent color and its sweet expressiveness -was attractive. -</p> -<p>"I don't know how to tell you why I have come so early," she returned -in a natural, musical voice, quite exceptional in these days of -high staccato and affected tremolos. "Indeed, when you planned this -reception for me, I ought to have guessed you would entertain with -'Bridge.' But you didn't mention it to me, and thoughtlessly I did not -ask. Afterwards, mother received cards, but she mislaid them. She did -not mention the game until today. Can you forgive me when I tell you -that I do not play 'Bridge?'" -</p> -<p>"You do not play 'Bridge?'" asked Mrs. Lambert incredulously. For a -moment she searched her guest's face in silent astonishment, her cheeks -flushing hotly with the thought of the social defeat this afternoon -would bring. -</p> -<p>The violet eyes never wavered but smiled kindly as they noticed her -hostess' evident embarrassment. -</p> -<p>"No, I do not play, but if you will let me stay and assist you -entertain, I shall feel that my sin is forgiven." -</p> -<p>Mrs. Lambert sighed relief. "O, if you will stay," she replied smiling -once more at ease, "we will all be so glad to teach you." -</p> -<p>"I thoroughly understand the game," answered the girl gravely, "I have -always enjoyed it, but I have been persuaded to give it up—a matter of -conscience entirely, and two weeks ago I promised to never play again." -</p> -<p>Mrs. Lambert's face rippled with amusement. -</p> -<p>As her maid took the guest's wrap, Mrs. Lambert linked her arm -cordially into that of Miss Esterbrook. -</p> -<p>"Come, we have just ten minutes to ourselves. I want you to sit by me, -and confidentially tell me just how wicked I am—for I adore 'Bridge!'" -</p> -<p>Edith felt the charm of the elder woman, and she smiled brightly as -they seated themselves in the cozy window seat. -</p> -<p>"I fear I could not persuade you," she said thoughtfully, "We all -look at things from different standpoints, do we not?" -</p> -<p>"Then from what standpoint could you prove my 'Bridge' playing wrong?" -Mrs. Lambert asked, dropping her playful mood, and becoming momentarily -interested. -</p> -<p>The dark eyes seemed to deepen their color, and an intensely earnest -expression pervaded her countenance. -</p> -<p>"Mrs. Lambert, is not <em>everything</em> a sin which cultivates a small -conception of life? Is it not a blight on our social life, that women -delight in spending all their spare afternoons in playing cards?" -</p> -<p>"I see no harm in such a means to sociability. We must have something -to bring us together," Mrs. Lambert replied quietly. -</p> -<p>"You have spoken the truth," Edith returned gravely. "We must have -<em>something</em> to bring us together, and that <em>something</em> has by common -consent become a profitless game of cards. Where has that spirit of -womanhood flown that prompted our mothers and grandmothers to gather -together in sewing bees, or in musical cliques, or even in reading -afternoons?" -</p> -<p>Mrs. Lambert puckered her brow in mock despair. -</p> -<p>"O, my dear girl, you find fault with us for taking life a little -easier than our grandmothers, who used to work even in their playtime, -while their husbands sat by and smoked. I really think that we ought to -congratulate ourselves that we have learned to enjoy ourselves a little -and let the men do the hustling." -</p> -<p>Edith relaxed her thoughts and smiled slightly. "I see you are -determined to be amused at me," she said pleasantly. "There may come a -day when women will find a still greater way to enjoy life. I am not so -sure that we are happier for your boasted advancement." -</p> -<p>"Not happier, but less unhappy," Mrs. Lambert returned with the -slightest shade in her laughing eyes. -</p> -<p>"Ah; that is it!" the girl responded eagerly. "But won't you drop these -wasteful days? Why don't you choose the <em>happiest</em>, the <em>best</em>?" -</p> -<p>She had forgotten herself in her enthusiasm, and had leaned forward, -placing her hand on the other's arm detainingly. -</p> -<p>Mrs. Lambert's petulant frown gathered quickly. -</p> -<p>"You speak as though persuading me from some fearful sin," she returned -coldly. -</p> -<p>Edith drew her hand away and a crimson flush surmounted her face. -</p> -<p>"Pardon me, Mrs. Lambert, I speak too freely. You are offended. But I -thought that you wouldn't mind." -</p> -<p>For a moment Mrs. Lambert looked intently down at the girl's downcast -face. The frown slowly vanished. Then the old sunny smile came back, -and her hand impulsively sought that of Edith's. -</p> -<p>"No, I'm not offended. You are just too new for me, that is all. New -things always irritate me. I like the smooth and trodden path. But you -must talk with me again some time." She laughed softly. "On top I don't -like it at all, but down deep, it feels real good and refreshing. You -are like a whiff of fresh air in a long closed room. I don't like the -draught, but I do like the fresh air! Can you understand?" -</p> -<p>Edith laughed a genuine girlish laugh. -</p> -<p>"Then we must not open the window too suddenly!" she exclaimed -brightly, and the two women looked frankly into each other's eyes. -</p> -<p>The guests arriving prevented further conversation. -</p> -<p>Edith found herself introduced to about fifty ladies, all of -whom were "charmed" to meet her. She was very much accustomed to -meeting strangers who were desirous of knowing the daughter of Mr. -Esterbrook, but she cared little for these affairs. She enjoyed meeting -individuals, but not numbers. When the room became full of chatty -women, all indulging in the same light small talk, Edith became bored. -She tried not to show it. Unconsciously she assumed an air of quiet -reserve, which some mistook for hauteur. So, in spite of her beauty, -she was not popular, and had she not borne the name of Esterbrook, -society would have frozen her out. This afternoon she tried to be -pleasing, but it was at best a forced attempt. The girl so animated and -at home before the guests arrived, became silent and constrained when -the room was filled. This irritated Mrs. Lambert considerably. -</p> -<p>When asked by most of the ladies individually, "Why, <em>surely</em> you play -Bridge?"—Edith seemed capable of only one reply, "Yes, but I have -been persuaded to never play again." The ladies raised their brows and -exchanged glances. Most of them had heard that Edith was eccentric, so -they asked no further questions. It seemed to Mrs. Lambert that she -might have given some other reply—not just to show her disapproval of -the game that they all enjoyed. The momentary understanding between -Edith and herself was soon almost entirely erased by impatience at the -girl's frankness. -</p> -<p>However, with the guests, the game soon became all absorbing. Of course -"Bridge" players of the "Mediocre Social Set" are not for a moment -considered gamblers. The prizes are simply the token of good-will -from the hostess to her guests. But considering this truth, it was -wonderfully interesting to note the zest and feverish excitement with -which these ladies played for two long hours. After each game, five -minutes' relaxation took place, in which precious moments, the ladies -sauntered up to the refreshment table and renewed their energy for the -next onslaught. While munching various sweet nothings, they exchanged -light appropriate gossip, and learned the minor details concerning -friend or foe, as only a "Bridge" could reveal. At last the final game -was to be played. All became still as death, and every eye watched the -play of each card with feverish excitement. For many, this last game -meant the decision for a prize in their favor. O no! these ladies were -not gamblers! They were there for the social gathering—the game was a -mere pastime! But how interesting would be a "Bridge" party <em>without</em> -prizes? Have you ever tried it, hostess? Would you have the courage? In -the same breath that you assure me, "My friends are not gamblers," I -hear you say, "But a bridge without prizes would fall <em>so</em> flat!" -</p> -<p>When the guests were all departed, Mrs. Lambert dressed for dinner in a -rather petulant mood. Her afternoon was decidedly a failure. The main -object of the entertainment was to introduce Miss Esterbrook to her own -circle, and to feel the honor of the introduction belonged to herself. -After all her anticipations, her friends showed plainly their decided -indifference to Edith. -</p> -<p>Mr. Lambert's non-appearance at the dinner-hour added to her ruffled -mood. -</p> -<p>For one hour she awaited him in her boudoir. During that time, she gave -herself up to thoughts now irritating, now pensive. While waiting, -she lolled in a nest of cushions. She looked very alluring in her -soft, cream-colored gown, and even the little frown, flitting with her -thoughts, did not lessen the charm of her childish beauty. -</p> -<p>Edith's words came persistently to her mind—"Why don't you choose the -happiest, the best?" The words had a disturbing effect. They insinuated -that she,—Alma Lambert—was not choosing the happiest and best. -</p> -<p>It is strange how our lives often prepare us for a certain phrase to -strike home. So the last month had prepared Alma. If she had met Edith -two months sooner, scarcely would her question have been noticed. -Anyway, it would have been laughed at as eccentric and prudish, and -then been forgotten. But the last month had brought a disturbing -element into Alma's even existence. Her husband's irritability, -so unprecendented in a man of such unbounded good-nature, was a -surprisingly new condition to be met with. Often he would come home, -tired and haggard, and after the usual fond greeting and caress, he -would begin quite unreasonably to talk of money and business depression. -</p> -<p>When she declared she did not like to talk or hear about business -affairs, he would give some biting reply that made her wince, as if -struck by a lash. Before, he had always laughed at her indifference, -but he suddenly changed, demanding her interest in all kinds of stupid -details. -</p> -<p>She couldn't understand this change in him. She didn't try to -understand it. But she felt the unpleasantness of the atmosphere, and -vague fears of a coming storm shook her habitual complacency. -</p> -<p>To night she was more fearful than usual. -</p> -<p>An hour after dinner-time, and her husband not home! It had happened -many times lately, but never without a telephoned excuse. -</p> -<p>"Why don't you choose the best, the happiest?" -</p> -<p>The thought brought a little stab from conscience. Perhaps she was not -sympathetic enough—perhaps she ought to show more interest in her -husband's business, and that made him unlike himself. -</p> -<p>It was a new thought that brought a doubt of herself. She was -accustomed to receive affection and to give it only in return. But now -circumstances determined differently. -</p> -<p>They urged her to take the initiative. This was not easy for her to do, -but she longed for the old easy way of loving and spoiling. Perhaps -this vague longing and unrest prompted her to surprise her husband -to-night, with an extra show of patience and affection. Doubtless he -would come home in one of his unattractive moods. -</p> -<p>A big sigh of relief accompanied her resolve, and she murmured gently, -</p> -<p>"Will is a good old boy anyway, and has always done everything I -wished." That summed up her ideal of a perfect husband. So she -concluded to spoil him a little in return. -</p> -<p>The door opened and Will Lambert entered. Alma started from her nest of -cushions. -</p> -<p>"Why, Will, how pale you are!" she said kindly, holding out both hands -as he came towards her. -</p> -<p>He took them both and put them to his lips. Then he kissed the cherry -mouth, raised sweetly to his. -</p> -<p>"Fatigue and hunger, darling," he said in a weary voice. -</p> -<p>"Come then to dinner. I have not dined. Just waited and worried over -you. Why didn't you telephone?" -</p> -<p>"I didn't intend to be late. Have been walking the streets for an hour, -thinking, thinking, thinking. Forgot the hour entirely!" -</p> -<p>"Will! Walking the streets! What can possess you!" -</p> -<p>"An evil spirit doubtless," he returned with a sad attempt to smile. -</p> -<p>During the meal, his color returned and he talked considerably. But -Alma noticed his tone was forced, and his dark deep-set eyes had a new -haunted expression. -</p> -<p>"Where is Harold?" he suddenly asked, looking at the empty chair where -their eight year old boy usually sat. -</p> -<p>"Harold! why Will, dear, what is making you so strange? You know he -retires two hours before this." -</p> -<p>"O yes," he replied absently. "I missed the little fellow—that is all. -Never thought about the time." -</p> -<p>Alma contemplated her husband with a sort of pity. -</p> -<p>"He's so worn out, he really acts queer," she thought with a new -consideration possessing her. -</p> -<p>Dinner over, they retired to their cozy library where the logs burned -brightly and all looked cheerful comfort. -</p> -<p>"Come, dear," said Alma, drawing his big chair nearer to the fire, and -placing a cushion for his feet. -</p> -<p>Will looked his surprise. Never before had she attempted to wait upon -him. He had always been the willing slave. -</p> -<p>"Thank you, dear," he said tenderly, and he dropped his stalwart form -into the chair with relief. -</p> -<p>Alma reached for his paper and then drew a cigar from the stand. Both -she handed to him smiling. -</p> -<p>He took them but laid them aside. -</p> -<p>"No, no, Alma. I want only you to-night." And he drew her down lovingly -into his lap. -</p> -<p>Could it be possible that her slight effort had brought back the old -perfect order of things again? Will was his old self, lovingly tender, -to-night. Weary, yes, but not the slightest irritable. He looked at her -long and fixedly for a few moments and she returned his gaze with a -sweet questioning smile. -</p> -<p>"Alma, I'm fearfully worried to-night over business." -</p> -<p>"Forget it. Will," she said lightly, placing her cool hand on his hot -forehead. "You say you only want <em>me</em>—then think only of <em>me</em>." -</p> -<p>"As usual, you don't want to be bothered talking about it," he said -with a shade of impatience. -</p> -<p>"No, no. Will" she answered quickly. "I <em>want</em> to talk with you -to-night. You must tell me every ugly detail. Perhaps I can help you." -</p> -<p>He held her out at arms' length, and eyed her curiously. -</p> -<p>"Whence this change? Too bad it didn't come sooner. It is too late -now," he said cynically. -</p> -<p>Alma felt hurt. Her first attempt to be unselfish he repulsed. Her -little petulant frown appeared, and the light died from her eyes. -</p> -<p>Instantly his tone changed. Drawing her face down to his, he murmured -tenderly, -</p> -<p>"Smile, dearest. I need it. Yes, the change has come too late, but -thank God it has come. You will have many chances to show your courage, -dear." -</p> -<p>She drew away from him like a frightened child. -</p> -<p>"O, Will, what <em>is</em> going to happen?" -</p> -<p>"God alone knows, Alma." Then his eyes shot a sudden fire and the grasp -of his hand hurt. -</p> -<p>"Alma, whatever does happen, remember that you are mine,—mine always! -Tell me, could you ever forget <em>that</em>?" he questioned almost fiercely. -</p> -<p>Alma's sensitive form quivered, and her eyes filled. She tried to draw -her hands away, but he held them firm. -</p> -<p>"You frighten me, Will. Of course I'm always yours. What troubles you, -dear?" she asked tremulously. -</p> -<p>A great tenderness superseded his sterner mood. He folded her gently in -his arms. -</p> -<p>"You have said it, dear. I am so doubtful about everything to-night. I -was almost foolish enough to think you wouldn't." -</p> -<p>Her white arms lovingly encircled his neck and he could feel her tears -wet his face. -</p> -<p>"Dear Will, I love you—more to-night than ever. I don't know why. -Something new has come to me—a sort of mother-love for my poor, tired -Will." -</p> -<p>Never had he known her in such a mood. He asked no reason for it. It -soothed and quieted his misery. So he gave himself up to being loved as -he never before had been privileged to do. -</p> -<p>It was ten o'clock when the bell announced a visitor. -</p> -<p>Will started from his chair. -</p> -<p>"Who can it be at this hour?" Alma asked wonderingly. -</p> -<p>"Who?" returned Will shortly, and they both listened. -</p> -<p>Will seemed scarcely able to breathe, until the maid announced "Dr. -Cadman." -</p> -<p>"Let him come right in," said Will with evident relief. -</p> -<p>Dr. Cadman entered, beaming with the freshness of a morning hour rather -than tired with the late evening. -</p> -<p>Alma and Will advanced to meet him and he took one hand of each -simultaneously. -</p> -<p>"Too bad to disturb such a happy picture,—firelight and lovelight. How -we bachelors do envy you, lucky dogs!" he said, pressing their hands -warmly. -</p> -<p>"But, George, we love fine pictures, too, but unfortunately we cannot -see ourselves," returned Alma laughingly. -</p> -<p>"Sufficient that you see one another," returned the doctor banteringly. -</p> -<p>"Now, Alma," he continued, as he seated himself near the fire, "I have -just a few minutes to see Will on important business. A patient demands -my attention shortly. Are you going to be a good little wife and allow -us a few minutes' conversation?" -</p> -<p>"Assuredly," and Alma smiled assent. "But I will vanish in the -meantime, I'm sure to interrupt if I stay." -</p> -<p>The two men laughed. As she opened the door, she wafted a kiss to each -one and disappeared. -</p> -<p>"Dear girl!" murmured Will. -</p> -<p>"Dear girl! I should say so, Will. Then why on earth that sad, mournful -face? I have the check, old boy! Knew you'd come home anxious, so -didn't wait until morning," he added, drawing an envelope from his -pocket and handing it to Will. "Twenty thousand dollars you had to -have, didn't you? Well, I made it $5,000 over so that Alma couldn't -suspect, from your drawing it too tight." -</p> -<p>Will took the check mechanically. Speechless and dazed he stood, -watching George with increasing pallor. -</p> -<p>"Cousin, what ails you?" asked George with alarm. -</p> -<p>"You're so good, that is all,—in fact, too good for a wretch like me! -and to think that it won't help—all that money even can't save me now!" -</p> -<p>Haggard and white he sank into the nearest chair and buried his face in -his hands. Sobs convulsed his form as he hid his face from view. -</p> -<p>The doctor was momentarily astounded. Will was not the kind to play -the woman, and <em>shame</em>? He couldn't couple the word with Will's -straight-forwardness. -</p> -<p>He laid a strong, kind hand upon the bent head. -</p> -<p>"Will, you're overwrought. Look up. Be a man." -</p> -<p>Will's sobs ceased, and he met Cadman's scrutiny with a sullen -doggedness. -</p> -<p>"George, you will not call me a man after to-night. I couldn't myself, -even." -</p> -<p>"Come, out with it," returned Cadman briskly "Don't beat around the -bush,—and I object to your disowning your sex!" -</p> -<p>"For God's sake, don't joke!" exclaimed Will fiercely. -</p> -<p>"Far from it! Be quick—what awful crime have you committed?" -</p> -<p>George possessed a pair of keen gray eyes that compelled frankness. -</p> -<p>Will did not hesitate. -</p> -<p>"I've lost all—every cent, George! Got desperate. Was fooled into -crazy speculation. Lost <em>all</em>—all, I say, and I'm ruined hopelessly, -beyond any help of yours." -</p> -<p>George's face became serious, and he watched Will keenly. -</p> -<p>"Didn't I tell you that I would get the money for you tonight? Is that -all?" he asked gravely. "Will, you are hiding something," he added with -firmness. -</p> -<p>"Yes, there is more," Will replied, a crimson flush surmounting to his -temples. Suddenly he looked around with a hunted expression. -</p> -<p>"George, I'm branded a <em>thief</em>! I'll be hounded tomorrow. A -<em>thief</em>!—you hear me? Not a man! Alma's husband—a thief!" -</p> -<p>George grasped his shoulder in consternation. -</p> -<p>"You're crazy, man! Stop such names! you are exaggerating some -mis-step. Tell me everything! I'll stand by you. Don't be a coward!" -</p> -<p>The hunted expression gave way to one of misery. -</p> -<p>"George, you're a brick, but you can't save me. When I lost my own -money, I became frenzied—succeed I must or be in disgrace for debt. -I don't know how I did it. I took the bank's money when sure of -success—meant to put it back—speculated with it, lost all, all! I -heard tonight they had discovered it. To-morrow will come the arrest. -I'll be a jail-bird soon—a thief behind the bars!" -</p> -<p>George's face became stolidly set. -</p> -<p>"How much did you borrow?" he asked calmly. -</p> -<p>"Fifty thousand," he answered hoarsely. -</p> -<p>"Whew!" returned George, with a low whistle. -</p> -<p>Both men stared into the fire with tragic silence. -</p> -<p>"Well?" finally asked Will wearily. -</p> -<p>George arose and slowly buttoned his coat before replying. -</p> -<p>"I must think it over, old boy!" he said kindly, and his voice was -husky through its firmness. "It's a bad case, but there must be a way -out of it. I'll get here soon after daybreak. Think it over hard in the -meantime. The best thing for Alma, must be your first consideration, -<em>yourself</em> next." -</p> -<p>"Alma! How can <em>she</em> bear it!" -</p> -<p>"She'll bear it like a woman, I hope," returned George quickly. "You -have run the gauntlet for her sake, haven't you? You've lived beyond -your means, until debts have accumulated to your distraction. I have -not been blind to all this. But I never dreamed of <em>this</em> climax." -</p> -<p>"For <em>her</em> sake, yes, but that makes my sin no lighter," Will returned -gloomily. -</p> -<p>"But it makes it less black—anyway to those who care a heap for you!" -George exclaimed, grasping Will's hand. -</p> -<p>"<em>You</em> care, now that you know what I am?" asked Will, surprise -overcoming other emotions. -</p> -<p>"Now that I know what you are? I know that you are a man up against a -devilish proposition, and all on account of your love for a beautiful, -adorable woman. You don't think that I'd break with you for that, do -you?" -</p> -<p>A glimmer of hope shot from Will's fine, dark eyes. -</p> -<p>"You're even better than I thought you," he returned simply, and the -two men parted without further remark. -</p> -<p>As George was about to leave, Alma met him in the foyer. -</p> -<p>"Good-bye little girl," he said gravely, "Will doesn't seem very well -to-night. Don't keep him up too late, will you?" -</p> -<p>"No, indeed. You notice then, how ill he looks?" she asked, her anxiety -lending a pathos to her beauty. -</p> -<p>"Yes, he needs a rest and no worry of any kind. I'll step in tomorrow. -Good-night," and, fearing to lengthen the conversation, he left quickly. -</p> -<p>Alma found Will, leaning forward in his chair, and gazing into the fire -with a morbid intensity. So great was his absorption, that he didn't -hear her enter the room. She crossed over to him, and, leaning over his -chair, gently she raised his head and laid it back against the cushions. -</p> -<p>He started slightly. "You Alma?" he said wearily. "Our pleasant little -evening is over dear. You had better retire now for I must have an hour -or two alone—to puzzle out a business proposition before I can sleep." -</p> -<p>"O, Will, you are too tired. George said that you should retire early." -</p> -<p>As she spoke, she caressed his forehead and he closed his eyes in -gratitude. -</p> -<p>After a moment he opened them upon her fondly. -</p> -<p>"George himself gave me the problem to solve," he said gently, "I -cannot sleep now. Go to dreamland, dearest, and don't make it harder -for me by disputing." -</p> -<p>"Good-night, then, if you won't come. But don't exhaust yourself, Will." -</p> -<p>For answer he drew her down and pressed her closely to his breast. -</p> -<p>"Good-night, Alma,—dear little wife," he said in passionate low -tones. "Whatever comes, dearest, remember I have always loved you to -distraction. You believe it?" -</p> -<p>"Yes, yes. I know it, Will. Of course you have." -</p> -<p>His strange mood disconcerted her and she was glad to go. -</p> -<p>Kissing him lightly, she left the room, turning at the door to say -smilingly, -</p> -<p>"Remember dear, you must not linger long." -</p> -<p>Left alone, George's words came more forcibly to Will's tortured brain. -</p> -<p>"The best thing for Alma must be your first consideration, <em>yourself</em> -next." The best thing for Alma! The best thing for Alma! Again and -again the question reiterated in his mind. He was undeniably guilty. -For a time he might be free—on bail until his trial—then the prison! -A long torturing shame for Alma. What alternative? -</p> -<p>He had thought of one alternative to-night. It had come to him at first -as a wild intangible thought, born of despair. But it gradually took -shape and became proportionate to reason; he had walked the streets for -an hour, courting its possibility. -</p> -<p>The thought embodied a lie, and this was the hardest part for Will to -submit to. By nature, he was honest. But for <em>Alma's sake</em>, even a lie -was within his code of honor. -</p> -<p>For one hour he debated with himself, ever bringing excuse to bear upon -excuse. Finally his decision came, swift and certain. Alma must be -spared the long misery of trial and imprisonment. Yes, at all costs, -Alma first. -</p> -<p>He arose quickly and went to his desk. -</p> -<p>His hand trembled as he took the paper and placed it for writing. But -he was none the less resolved for this physical weakness. -</p> -<p>The first letter he wrote and rewrote many times. -</p> -<p>Finally he finished it and addressed it to Alma. -</p> -<p>The second he wrote hurriedly and without recopy. This was to George -Cadman. Both letters he left on his desk. -</p> -<p>From a small table he took two pictures—one of Alma, one of -Harold—and slipping them into his pocket, he hastily made for the -door. Turning suddenly, he swept the room with one comprehensive -longing glance, then with a heavy sigh he disappeared. -</p> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTERV"></a>CHAPTER V. -</h2> -<p class="chapterHeading">Edith's Choice. -</p> -<p>From childhood, Edith Esterbrook had known George Cadman. The fact -that he was ten years older than herself, rather strengthened their -friendship than otherwise. -</p> -<p>As years brought her development into womanhood, Cadman was not slow to -realize and appreciate her attractions. He loved Edith with a strong -devotion, which her young experience did not value. During the last -year several had proposed marriage to her, but for a long time, George -alone was not repulsed. To him she had not yet said a decided "No." -She felt sure that her friendship's love was not the right kind of -love for marriage, but she dreaded to part with him, and so, with an -unconsciously selfish postponement of the final word, she had kept him -by her side. -</p> -<p>But the last month had brought a change into her life. She had met one -whom she thought she could be happy in marrying,—one Howard Hester, -who loved her passionately at first sight, and declared his love soon -after. He was immensely rich. Riches alone could not tempt Edith, but -he also seemed to possess a character which could adore her without -the slightest criticism. He gained her confidence quickly. To him she -confided all her noble aspirations, all her plans and projects for -doing charitable work. To all he acquiesced, encouraging anything that -would add to her joy in life, and declaring his fortune at her feet. -All he asked in return was for himself to be her first thought and love. -</p> -<p>What an ideal life! Edith could think of nothing nobler. It was a shock -to her parents when she declared her desire to marry Howard. She was -entirely too young, and many other objections were given. But all were -promptly overcome by the tactful Howard, and consent was finally gained. -</p> -<p>Edith decided to personally tell George before her engagement was -announced, and to this intent she asked him to call that evening. -</p> -<p>As she waited for him in her parlor, she gave herself up to contrasting -him with Howard. -</p> -<p>"George is a dear," she thought regretfully, "I hope that he gets over -his fondness for me soon. Strange that he seldom agreed with me in any -opinion. Wonder why he cared for me? Always ready to correct me—so -different from Howard! After marriage, I suppose I would have to submit -every plan to George for approval, and abide by his decision. Howard is -so willing to agree and so much more loving." -</p> -<p>But with all her satisfied persuasion, Edith felt a strange pang -with the thought that this evening would be the last alone with her -life-long friend. -</p> -<p>When he entered, she arose to meet him with her customary frankness. -</p> -<p>"I have been waiting for you to call this past week as usual, but as -you didn't come I felt at liberty to send for you." -</p> -<p>"Always, Edith," he said pressing her hand. "At any time or place, I am -at your command. No one knows that better than yourself." -</p> -<p>The meaning of his direct gaze was only too positive, and Edith felt -suddenly overcome with pity and constraint. How could she tell him of -her engagement, when he did not even suspect it? She colored hotly and -dropped her gaze. -</p> -<p>"My absence this week has been unavoidable," George continued, as they -both sat down opposite to one another. "You have heard of my cousin, -Will Lambert, and I believe you have met his wife occasionally?" -</p> -<p>"O, yes, only a week ago I attended an afternoon affair at her home. -What a pretty, attractive woman she is!" -</p> -<p>Walter's face became grave, and his eyes looked unutterable sadness. -</p> -<p>"O, Edith, if you could only see her now! Poor little wreck of -womanhood! She is undergoing unbearable sorrow!" -</p> -<p>Edith's eyes shot instant interest. -</p> -<p>"O, tell me her trouble," she exclaimed quickly, forgetting the object -of her bidding him to call. -</p> -<p>"Her husband got into pretty deep trouble, and to avoid her going -through the long trial and imprisonment, he committed suicide by -drowning." -</p> -<p>"Yes," George continued, "he has left it to me to try to hush it -up so that his wrong-doing wouldn't become public gossip. For a -week Eve tried every sort of pleading and bribery, but all of no -avail,—to-morrow's newspapers will print the whole story, with as much -exaggeration as they can possibly invent. Poor little Alma will be more -distracted than ever!" -</p> -<p>"O, how cruel it all seems!" exclaimed Edith, entering into his mood of -passionate pity. "How I wish I could go to her!" -</p> -<p>George's eyes flashed understanding. "And why not? A woman needs a -woman's sympathy. She has no woman relative and her mother died five -years ago." -</p> -<p>"I will go to her," said Edith with calm resolve. "I'm not really a -friend, but we can always come very near to a heart that is wrecked by -despair." -</p> -<p>"You could, Edith, but not everyone," he said with warm tenderness. -"I have been with her every evening since it happened,—that accounts -for my absence here. She clings to me in the most childishly helpless -manner. I promised to go to-night, too. I would not disappoint her even -at the sacrifice of an evening with you. You realize that sacrifice, -Edith? I missed you, to go to one in sorrow. When may I call again?" -</p> -<p>His tone was so tender and expectant, that Edith stood completely -abashed, trying to find words to tell him her secret which would -separate them forever. -</p> -<p>"Why, George, I want always to see you," she stammered. Her eyes -drooped, not daring to meet his searching gaze, "But before you go, I -ought to tell you something that may change your desire to come." -</p> -<p>"Nothing could do that," he said fervently. -</p> -<p>She felt his tone and it spurred her to frankness. -</p> -<p>"George," she said gently, "I hope it will not hurt you to know that I -am engaged." -</p> -<p>Great as had been the shock of Will's death, it was slight compared to -the awfulness of her revelation. Of late he had felt himself on surer -grounds. He hoped to win Edith. Now by one fell stroke, when his keen -fine nature was vibrating with tragic sympathy, his own hopes were -dashed to the ground. -</p> -<p>And Edith herself had struck the blow! -</p> -<p>Pale and drawn he looked at her with acute misery depicted in every -strong feature. -</p> -<p>"Edith! it's all over then—gone forever!" he exclaimed tensely. -</p> -<p>Edith's violet eyes suffused with ready tears. -</p> -<p>"O, George, don't! don't! I never dreamed that you would take it so to -heart! We shall always, <em>always</em> be the same old friends." -</p> -<p>"Friends!" he returned bitterly. "What a mockery! But you are right—we -will always be the same—<em>you</em> a friend, and I"—he paused and swept -her with a glance of passionate admiration—"and I, your abject lover!" -</p> -<p>"But, George," she began pleadingly. -</p> -<p>"Let us not discuss it, Edith," he interrupted in his old dictative -way, "It is a fierce fate that struck me two fearful blows at once. -But don't worry about me, little one," he added gently, "I'm a man and -can bear it. Now I will go to a little woman who has less strength to -overcome." -</p> -<p>As he held out his hand, his face became calm and set, and no one could -have guessed the strength summoned to meet the inevitable. -</p> -<p>"Good-bye, Edith," he said, quietly. "God bless you and give you all -the happiness you deserve. If you ever need a heart to share a trouble, -mine is always open to you. Good-bye, little one, Good-bye." -</p> -<p>And Edith, more overcome than George, could only murmur, "Good-bye," -and let him go. -</p> -<p>Tired, she dropped into a chair. Vaguely she wondered why he did not -even ask who her future husband was to be. Suddenly came the echo of -his "Good-bye, little one, good-bye," and the pathos of it filled her -with a melancholy longing. -</p> -<p>She bowed her head in her hands, and wept. -</p> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTERVI"></a>CHAPTER VI. -</h2> -<p class="chapterHeading">The Glamor gone, what is left? -</p> -<p>Since the glowing publication of Will Lambert's dishonesty and -consequent suicide, Alma had completely hid herself, and would see no -one but George. Repeatedly the bell announced visitors, but to all she -was "not at home," and the very sound of the bell filled her with new -misery. -</p> -<p>For three days society had had the privilege of a new scandal for -gossip. In her mind's eye, Alma pictured her acquaintances exchanging -views and eagerly picking up new scraps of information. In her grief -she imagined they came to her for curiosity only—all the friends of -whom she proudly boasted before were distorted in her feverish brain -and became prying gossips, filled with a mocking pity. -</p> -<p>It had rained steadily since morning. The long gloomy day seemed never -to near its close, and Alma watched the clock with impatience for she -expected George in the late afternoon. George never came in the day -time before, but to-night he had a serious case, so he had promised -to come to take supper with Alma and so make the unbearable evening -somewhat shorter. -</p> -<p>No visitors had bothered her to-day, and it was four o'clock when the -bell first rang its cheery note through the dreary house. -</p> -<p>"George!" Alma exclaimed rising from her chair and hastily putting a -letter in her bosom,—a letter she had read and reread many times in -her lonesomeness—Will's last passionate word to her, Will's whole -heart unbared to her to forgive and love as never before! Too late came -the wonderful revelation of a woman's true being—too late came the -answering glow from a heart awakened by the passionate call of love! -Will was gone from her life forever, and her lips could never utter the -new things that she found revealed in herself. Only his memory remained -to be cherished. But she clung to this memory with redoubled fervor. -Never for a moment did she doubt his goodness. Even his double crime -assumed no hideous proportions to her stricken conscience. Both were -for <em>her</em> sake, and, let the world scorn him as it would, she would -always consider him a fearful sacrifice to her selfish life. -</p> -<p>This was Alma's first hard life lesson. But she learned it well. All -the good lying dormant under her superficial unreal existence, suddenly -became active and volcanic. Alma was the inevitable sufferer. -</p> -<p>The maid came to her half opened door and knocked gently. -</p> -<p>"I will be right down," Alma said, and the surprised girl hurried away -without giving the card of the visitor. -</p> -<p>Alma descended the stairs slowly, trying hard to prepare herself to -give him a less forlorn welcome. -</p> -<p>At the parlor door she halted abruptly. Surprise and consternation -overspread her face. She faced Edith Esterbrook with a mixture of -defiance and hauteur. -</p> -<p>"My maid has made a mistake," she said shortly. "I am at home to no -one. You will pardon me, but I cannot receive any visitors." -</p> -<p>Most women would have felt the keen repulse, and made a hurried exit. -But Edith was not thinking of herself. She scarcely heard Alma's words. -Her heart and mind were filled with the vision of grief that stood in -the doorway—the pale drawn features, the sunken eyes, and the general -hopeless despairing of face and form. -</p> -<p>She advanced to Alma with two outstretched hands. -</p> -<p>"Dear Mrs. Lambert, I have not come to you to offer my formal sympathy! -Indeed no! I want to make you believe that my heart grieves with you, -and longs to be a real help and comfort." -</p> -<p>Alma looked into the sweet, pleading face. She could read only -sincerity. -</p> -<p>Mechanically she took the girl's hands. -</p> -<p>"But I don't understand," she faltered, "why should you feel interested -in me at all?" -</p> -<p>Edith's eyes looked at her with a new light. -</p> -<p>"I don't know why, but I am. I feel your sorrow deeply. Perhaps it is -because I am so impressed with the Fatherhood of God, that when I hear -of one of His children suffering, I hear His voice bidding me to go." -</p> -<p>Alma looked at her in open wonder. -</p> -<p>"And one so young! How can you feel this? I am much older, but I never -even really believed in such a Fatherhood." -</p> -<p>Edith led her to a settee. -</p> -<p>"O won't you let me stay awhile with you?" she asked gently, "The day -must be very long!" -</p> -<p>Alma forgot her pride. Her mind relaxed under the strange personality -of this young friend. For half an hour they talked. Indeed Alma -afterward wondered why she had conversed the most. She found herself -gradually confiding her innermost trials and fears—hopes she had -none—and even went so far as to show Edith how she was to blame for -all the disgrace, and not Will. -</p> -<p>Finally she was in tears in Edith's arms, and Edith wept with her. -</p> -<p>The bell rang suddenly and they drew apart. -</p> -<p>"It is only Dr. Cadman—you know him? Don't go." -</p> -<p>"George Cadman! no, I cannot stay. May I come again?" -</p> -<p>"Yes, indeed. O thank you for your sweet sympathy." -</p> -<p>Edith kissed her forehead and hurried away. -</p> -<p>In the hallway, she met George. He took her proffered hand with no sign -of emotion, and "hoped that she was well," in ordinary friendliness. -Then he took from his pocket a letter. -</p> -<p>"I was going to call upon you to give you this letter," he said -gravely. "You remember me telling you of that sweet little 'Mormon' -girl that I met out West? I have heard from her now and then since -my return, and it hardly seems possible that now she is grown to -womanhood,—just about your age. She writes that she is coming on a -mission in a few weeks, and I can imagine she'll be quite a charming -young lady, from what she was as a child. She'll be strange and quite -lonesome at first. She says there are mission headquarters here -somewhere, but she doesn't know any of these mission people. May I -bring her to call on you when she comes?" -</p> -<p>"Yes, indeed!" returned Edith kindly, "Poor child! Alone in this big -city where everyone hates the 'Mormons!' I suppose that I would be -prejudiced, if you had not talked to me about them." -</p> -<p>"You and she have a great deal in common, and I think that you will be -very happy to make a real friend of her." -</p> -<p>"We'll see. Bring her to me as soon as she comes," replied Edith -brightly, and with a friendly good-bye, she left him. -</p> -<p>"He seems not to care very much," reflected Edith, as she walked home. -"After all, men soon forget," she philosophised, "I didn't want him to -<em>suffer</em>, but I thought that he would care a <em>little</em>," she mused with -a childish regret, which she hastily overcame with shame at her sudden -selfishness. -</p> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTERVII"></a>CHAPTER VII -</h2> -<p class="chapterHeading">"Go, Preach the Gospel to all the World." -</p> -<p>Ephraim was doing some talking. Everyone loved Betty Emmit—young and -old—but some wondered if she would make a good missionary. She was so -full of rollicking fun, that it was not easy to imagine her setting -down to the strict, sober life of a mission. However, those who knew -her well, knew her deep religious nature, which after all was the -motive power of her young life and the source of her merry sunshine -disposition. -</p> -<p>A farewell party was to be given to Betty at the town hall. Posters -were everywhere hung, and the admonition was given for every one to be -present. The only ones excused would be "tired husbands" who should -send money by their wives. -</p> -<p>Betty stood reading one of these posters and laughed to herself. -</p> -<p>"Whoever wrote that! The very idea! Here's for equal rights!" -</p> -<p>From her pocket, she took her pencil and wrote underneath, -</p> -<p>"'<em>Tired wives</em>' will send money by their husbands!" -</p> -<p>"What right have you to touch those public posters?" said a voice that -made her turn quickly. -</p> -<p>She faced the young man with mock defiance. -</p> -<p>"They're <em>my</em> posters, aren't they?" -</p> -<p>"Not a bit of it," he replied; his blue eyes laughing into her merry, -brown ones. "<em>Nothing</em> belongs to you now,—<em>you</em> belong to everybody, -<em>Miss Missionary</em>!" -</p> -<p>"Indeed!" returned the girl, tossing her curls. "Perhaps, then, -you'd like to take the 'public property' home for safe keeping until -to-night?" -</p> -<p>"Just why I stopped the car!" exclaimed the youth delighted. "You -shouldn't be wandering around the streets tiring yourself out, for -to-night everyone will want to have a 'farewell' dance with you!" -</p> -<p>Betty jumped into the car, her companion following, and the machine -raced off. Once off Main St., Stanley Todd slackened his machine. He -turned to Betty tenderly. -</p> -<p>"So girlie, you're off for two whole years? Suppose when you come back, -you'll look down on Ephraim, and such as me." -</p> -<p>Betty looked up at the bright face, bronzed by the sun and outdoor-life -of the mountains. Her eyes softened, and sudden tears filled her lovely -eyes. -</p> -<p>"When Betty Emmit forgets Ephraim and her old friends," she replied -soberly, "the sun will cease to shine!" -</p> -<p>"By heck! that sounds just like you!" said the lad, and he gave her -arm an affectionate squeeze. "I wish, though," he added hesitatingly, -"you'd be engaged to me before you leave!" -</p> -<p>Betty's forehead puckered thoughtfully,—then she frankly answered. -"Stanley, why do you say that again? It's no sense to be engaged when -one is not in love. You know that I think just heaps of you—as a -real, real brother. I'll never be in love—don't really know what that -means,—so you ought to be satisfied." -</p> -<p>"I suppose that I'll have to be," he returned with a sigh. "Well, we -won't cry over it," he said smiling down on her, and giving his machine -a little spurt. "May I escort you to the dance, to-night?" -</p> -<p>"Yes," she replied, smiling back at him. -</p> -<p>"That'll be some pleasure anyway—to take you to your 'farewell,'" he -said happily. -</p> -<p>Betty's eyes flashed merriment. -</p> -<p>"I couldn't tell you how many I have said 'yes' to, when they have made -the same request." -</p> -<p>"Then I am to be one of a bunch?" he asked disappointedly. -</p> -<p>"I belong to everyone—you said it, didn't you?" -</p> -<p>"You're incorrigible, Betty!" was his hopeless answer. -</p> -<p>* * * * * -</p> -<p>Betty's farewell was a gay little affair. Men, women and children came, -everyone bringing a piece of money, from a dime to a dollar, according -to his or her means. -</p> -<p>Betty was the centre of adoring friends, all wishing her "Godspeed" -on her mission, and success in spreading the restored Gospel. And at -this little party, there was no long-faced preaching done. Everyone was -glad and smiling, and a "farewell" to a "Mormon" missionary, meant a -child-like display of goodwill and brotherly love,—such as no other -church on the face of God's earth, had yet begun to realize. -</p> -<p>The young people made merry in their innocent happy way, and the spirit -of true religion reigned over all,—not the spirit of lifeless piety! -</p> -<p>The next day Betty was busy making preparations for departure the -following day, and saying her "good-byes." -</p> -<p>There were a number of calls she felt that she must make, on the old -or sick, all of whom would be unhappy not to say good-bye to her,—for -Ephraimites were all like one big family, and a loving relationship was -really felt among its numbers. -</p> -<p>As Betty passed through the streets, more than one honest man came up -to her, and grasping her little soft hand in his large work-calloused -one, wished her good luck in a husky voice, and offered her his hard -earned dollar for her mission. -</p> -<p>O you luke-warm, respectable churches of the world! Where or when did -any of you possess whole congregations of Christians filled with the -simplicity and ferver of Christ's Gospel as these rugged mountaineers? -Why don't you hesitate before you open your doors to money-making -anti-Mormon lecturers, to satisfy the morbid cravings of some of your -people to hear the fantastic and obscene wanderings of Satanic minds! -If angel hosts brought glad tidings to your church doors, how small a -congregation would be yours! You poor struggling minister of the world! -Does it never occur to you that the prophecy is being fulfilled? -</p> -<p>"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but -after their own lusts will they heap to themselves teachers, having -itching ears." (I Tim. 4:3.) -</p> -<p>You know that to fill your churches, you must have preachers lay -aside simple Gospel truths, and entice the masses with the political -excitement of the day, or the glamor of some rare literary achievements. -</p> -<p>Who, in a great city like New York, ever prepared to attend a church -service with the firm assurance that he would hear the Gospel of Christ -preached? Thanks to some few conscientious unpopular preachers, we -may attend some churches with that hope, but one will always find the -"good" minister preaching to as many empty pews as listeners. Is it any -wonder then, that the earnest, enthusiastic, "Mormon," coming to the -great cities with nothing more exciting than the simple truth,—is it -any wonder he is mocked, reviled and scorned? "Bring us something new -and exciting or we don't want it!" cries the big city. -</p> -<p>But Betty in her worldly ignorance, had yet to learn—she took the -money offered to her with a heart filled with enthusiasm and love for -the whole world. She thanked God for it all. Every penny helped her -to take God's message to a "waiting world,"—she really believed that -the world was waiting for the truth,—and was happy in the thought of -being called to be the messenger. And so, between tears at partings and -joy over her great mission, she found her feelings rather mixed and -strange, as she boarded the train for the unknown East! -</p> -<p>Friends waved her out of sight, prayers followed her from loving -hearts, yet before her lay the great experience,—the knowledge of the -world! -</p> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTERVIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII. -</h2> -<p class="chapterHeading">The Way of a Missionary. -</p> -<p>The trip to New York was a great pleasure to Betty. A number of -missionaries traveled together, and most of the time she was on the -observation platform, enjoying the scenery and chatting with her -companions. -</p> -<p>When they reached New York, Betty's excitement was at its height. At -last she was in that Great New York—the city that she had dreamed of -for years—and the city where Dr. Cadman lived. As she came out of -the Hudson Terminal building, the noise and clamor seemed to deafen -her. Two missionaries from Brooklyn, met the party to take them -to headquarters in Brooklyn. Betty clung to the arm of one of her -traveling companions, and allowed herself to be led, silent and dazed, -through the winding streets to the Brooklyn Bridge. It was just six -o'clock when all the Brooklyn men were returning from their business in -New York. The clamor of gongs and rushing of people frightened Betty -and made her ask an Elder what had happened. -</p> -<p>"O, that's only Brooklyn Bridge at rush hour," replied the Elder, -smiling. "You'll get used to that soon. Sounds queer after Utah, -doesn't it?" -</p> -<p>"It isn't like this everywhere, is it?" she asked disappointed. -</p> -<p>"O, no!" laughed the Elder, "There are some quiet nooks." -</p> -<p>Betty felt herself lifted off her feet and with the crowd, pushed into -a trolley. The seats were all taken by those who "knew how," but Betty -took hold of a strap, and looked around for her companions. They were -jammed in at the other end of the car, and though they waved to her, -she suddenly felt strangely alone. For the first time, a feeling of -homesickness crept over her. This great crowded city with human beings -like flies, and big tall buildings towering over narrow streets—was -this New York? For twenty minutes the car dragged, and every little -while stopped to crowd more in, until everyone was pushing the next. -The crowd took it all as though accustomed to it. Not a word or look of -anger was given. Some of the passengers appeared to be pale and tired, -but all were tolerant. -</p> -<p>Betty's mind traveled back to Ephraim's openness and ease, and then -came back to present surroundings. She looked out to see the streets -through which they passed. She only got a glimpse of the river, but it -gave her a cool breath of air that was refreshing. Then came narrow -business streets, with screeching elevated rail roads overhead. -</p> -<p>"Trains traveling through the air! How strangely awful!" thought Betty. -But it was exciting, even though she hated it. At last the car turned -into a quiet, residential street, and Betty breathed once more. -</p> -<p>When the car stopped and the whole missionary party alighted, Betty was -again her calm composed self. -</p> -<p>"This is our Church, and next to it, is the Mission House," explained -one of the Elders. -</p> -<p>Everyone looked at the beautiful white stone church with interest and -admiration, and then at the large, red brick house beside it. -</p> -<p>"How homelike it is!" exclaimed Betty, feeling her depression leaving -her. "Do we missionaries live there?" -</p> -<p>The Elder looked at her with pity. -</p> -<p>"Not much!" he said, laughing, "We're scattered all over—wherever we -can get a room,—but we always like to come here and get warmed up, you -know!" -</p> -<p>All the young people laughed. -</p> -<p>"Sister Emmit, don't think that missionaries have it easy," said one -young, rosy-cheeked girl, who looked as though hardship would be fun -for her. -</p> -<p>"I didn't mean it to be easy," returned Betty, flushing hotly, "I -simply asked a question." -</p> -<p>At this time they had reached the door of the mission home, which was -opened to receive them. There, in the doorway, stood a stout, portly -looking man of about forty years. His round, candid face was full of -good nature and hospitality. His keen, blue eyes scanned the party with -interest. -</p> -<p>"Come right in," he said, heartily, "Guess you're all tired, eh? Well, -you've come to a good resting place, and the dinner's about ready for -all." -</p> -<p>Betty's heart went right out to this jovial Mission President, and she -felt "cheered up," as she afterwards expressed it. -</p> -<p>The party found a warm welcome and a good dinner. The President's wife -was no less hospitable than President Gladder himself, and everyone -seemed merry and happy. -</p> -<p>About nine o'clock, Betty and Dell Siegler were escorted by one of the -Elders to a house not far from the Mission House. -</p> -<p>"This will be your home, until President Gladder has assigned you your -companion and field of labor," he explained, as he rang the bell. -</p> -<p>"When will that be?" asked Betty. -</p> -<p>"In a day or so," he answered. -</p> -<p>The door was opened by a neat, thin little old lady. Introductions -over, the Elder left them. -</p> -<p>"I'll take you right to your room, young ladies,—follow me." -</p> -<p>The tone was kindly polite, but to Betty's sensitive ears, it sounded -strangely business-like. They followed the old lady up three flights of -stairs, and then into a square back room. -</p> -<p>Betty watched her light the "welsbach," which was quite a curiosity to -her. -</p> -<p>"Put the gas out carefully when you go to bed," she said. "Sometimes it -turns all the way round and the gas escapes," and with this admonition -and a pleasant "goodnight," she was gone. -</p> -<p>Dell and Betty looked around the room, and then at each other. -</p> -<p>"It's stuffy, don't you think? Let's open the windows," said Dell. -</p> -<p>"What is that for?" asked Betty curiously, looking at one corner of the -room. -</p> -<p>"O, that is a little cook stove—my sister told me she had one on her -mission. See!" and Dell pushed aside a faded cretonne curtain. "Here -are all the dishes and cooking utensils. We prepare our own meals, you -know." -</p> -<p>"Not in our bed-room, surely!" exclaimed Betty. -</p> -<p>"Why, of course we do!" laughed Dell. "You don't seem to know much -about missionaries' ways. Even the Elders have to live this way." -</p> -<p>Betty felt ashamed to have expressed her feelings so, but she was ready -to do anything for her mission work. -</p> -<p>"I hope that you won't think me fussy," she said apologetically, "I'm -willing to do anything for my mission. But it does seem strange at -first, doesn't it?" -</p> -<p>"It surely does," replied Dell, "and I guess you'll think of your roomy -Ephraim home many times when you are eating, sleeping, and studying in -one little coop like this." -</p> -<p>"But we won't be in it much, will we?" -</p> -<p>"That's the big part of it—we won't," laughed Dell. -</p> -<p>The two girls got into bed and then thought of the gas. -</p> -<p>"Betty, I don't understand gas-jets,—will you put it out?" -</p> -<p>"I'm afraid to," returned Betty anxiously. "I know they're -dangerous,—I saw her put a match over it. Wasn't that queer? But I'm -not sure how to put it out." -</p> -<p>"To be on the safe side," said Dell, practically, "Leave it alight. It -may keep us awake a bit, but I'd just like a good talk or—" -</p> -<p>"Or what?" -</p> -<p>"O, I know I'll get homesick. Hurry up, Betty, talk! Just talk! I feel -it coming on!" -</p> -<p>"So do I," said Betty with quivering lips. "I don't believe I <em>can</em> -talk—much." -</p> -<p>That was enough. -</p> -<p>Dell's head dived into the pillow, and her little slim figure shook -with sobs. -</p> -<p>This was too much for Betty. For a few moments she stroked the fair -head of her companion, with admirable self-control, but when Dell -pulled her over and hugged her close, Betty's tears came thick and fast. -</p> -<p>At last Dell sat up in bed with determination. -</p> -<p>"We're fine missionaries, Betty, to act like this!" she said sternly. -</p> -<p>"Don't worry about that," said Betty, smiling through her tears. "They -say that the best surgeons are those who faint at the first operation!" -</p> -<p>"That's so!" agreed Dell, "I wouldn't go back, would you?" -</p> -<p>"Of course not!" replied Betty, "We're out on the Lord's work! But -we're only girls, after all, and we'll feel lots better to cry it out. -I guess everyone does, but don't tell anyone, will you?" -</p> -<p>"Of course not!" promised Dell. -</p> -<p>"Come, let's get to sleep before—" -</p> -<p>"All right,"—and the two girlish heads were soon lying quietly close -together with their tear-stained faces up-turned to the bright light of -the mysterious "welsbach." -</p> -<p class="centered">***** -</p> -<p>In the morning Betty roused her companion. -</p> -<p>"I'm so hungry, Dell. Let us hurry to the Mission Home for breakfast." -</p> -<p>On their way out they asked the landlady to turn off the gas. -</p> -<p>"Land!" exclaimed the old lady indignantly. "You didn't burn my gas all -night? And gas is expensive, too, I'll tell you!" -</p> -<p>Betty stood dumb, while Dell apologized. -</p> -<p>"I thought the West knew gas when they saw it!" snapped the old lady as -she shut the door in their faces. -</p> -<p>Dell and Betty walked out of the house in silence. -</p> -<p>When in the street, Betty laughed. -</p> -<p>"Quite motherly, wasn't she? Dell, I do hope you'll be my companion. -We'll start a diary together." -</p> -<p>The bright morning air made them both laugh with the zest of youth. -</p> -<p>As they entered the mission home, Mrs. Gladder kissed them both. -</p> -<p>"Sleep well, girls?" -</p> -<p>"O yes, thank you," answered the girls, looking at one another with a -smile that one of the Elders passing them, was sure to detect. -</p> -<p>As Mrs. Gladder led the way to breakfast; he said to the girls in a -stage whisper, -</p> -<p>"Never mind, girls! they all do it!" -</p> -<p>"Do what?" asked Betty demurely. -</p> -<p>"O <em>you</em> know,—but don't feel embarrassed. Every night you'll feel -better." -</p> -<p>Sister Gladder turned. "Brother Eldridge," she said laughing, "if you -don't stop teasing, I'll have to report you to President Gladder!" -</p> -<p>At this, the young man laughed heartily, and the girls joined in. -</p> -<p>The second night they decided that they had been foolish, and laughed -themselves to sleep, with the gas turned off and the moonlight -streaming in at their little high windows. -</p> -<p class="centered">***** -</p> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTERIX"></a>CHAPTER IX. -</h2> -<p class="chapterHeading">Betty's New Friends. -</p> -<p>Betty's hand trembled as she took off the receiver of the phone at -the Mission Home. She gave the number of Dr. Cadman's office. After -all these years she was going to speak with this friend, her ideal of -manhood. -</p> -<p>"Is this Dr. Cadman?" she asked of the pleasant "Hello." -</p> -<p>"It is," came the answer. -</p> -<p>"This is Betty Emmit," replied Betty in dignified tones. "I just -arrived in Brooklyn yesterday." -</p> -<p>"Why, Betty," came in jovial tones. "I'm real glad to hear your voice. -Where are you anyway?" -</p> -<p>"At Mission Headquarters. Could you come over to see me?" -</p> -<p>"Not until about eight this evening. Will that do?" -</p> -<p>"Yes," returned Betty delightedly. "By then I will know just what I'm -going to do." -</p> -<p>"Very well. Tonight at eight. Good-bye, Betty." -</p> -<p>"Good-bye, Dr. Cadman," was returned. -</p> -<p>Betty hung up the receiver, with a great happiness filling her girlish -heart. New York didn't seem lonesome after all! -</p> -<p>"So you have a friend in New York?" pleasantly asked President Gladder, -from his desk where he sat writing. -</p> -<p>"O yes, a friend who is going to help me with my missionary work." -</p> -<p>"Tell me about him," said the mission president, and he listened -thoughtfully to Betty's story of her friendship with Dr. Cadman. -</p> -<p>"Sounds good," he declared, smiling as she finished her recital, "But -don't forget the missionary rules. Whenever he takes you, along goes -your companion. Perhaps you would like to know who your companion is to -be? I have decided that Dell Siegler and you would be just about suited -to one another." -</p> -<p>"O, I'm so glad," exclaimed Betty. "We did so hope that we could be -companions." -</p> -<p>President Gladder had a way of beaming on the young people, when he had -made them happy. -</p> -<p>"That's good," he returned happily. "Now, Betty, you can be a great -power in the mission field, if you put your whole mind and soul on your -work." -</p> -<p>"I will, President Gladder," promised Betty seriously. -</p> -<p>"I want you to labor in New York for about one month. This Dr. Cadman, -will doubtless make it easy for you to be introduced there. After that, -you and your companion must go to Boston. So make the most of your one -month here and get a room in New York as soon as possible." And with -a kindly nod of dismissal, President Gladder resumed his writing, and -Betty left the room. -</p> -<p>"Only one month in New York!" she thought with disappointment. "Well, -Betty, you're out for work, not pleasure," she said to herself, bravely. -</p> -<p>That evening at eight o'clock, Dr. Cadman, called. -</p> -<p>Betty never forgot the delight of that first interview. He was so kind -to her and so delighted with everything at the Mission Home. She felt -very proud as she introduced him to the president and his family, for -Dr. Cadman was strikingly attractive, and she could see that President -Gladder took an instant liking to him. -</p> -<p>For about an hour they chatted and then on going, the arrangement was -made for Betty and her companion to meet Dr. Cadman the following day, -and he would help them to find a place to live. -</p> -<p>That night Betty retired with a heart full of thankfulness—for just -exactly what, she couldn't say herself. -</p> -<p>"You look beamingly happy," remarked Dell, as they undressed to retire. -</p> -<p>"I feel so," returned Betty brightly. -</p> -<p>When the light was out, and Dell fast asleep, Betty lay awake for a -long time, watching the moon slowly rise over the housetops. -</p> -<p>"He's just more wonderful than ever!" she declared to herself. "I must -think of my mission, though, and not of him. I wonder—" and there -Betty left off her thinking and sank into a sweet dreamy rest. -</p> -<p class="centered">***** -</p> -<p>The next day, Betty and Dell met Dr. Cadman, as appointed—at his -office. -</p> -<p>"Now, girls," he said, happily, after greetings were exchanged, "I'm -going to take you right up to a friend of mine. I telephoned to her -this morning that you were coming, and maybe she knows of a place for -you." -</p> -<p>Driving along Fifth avenue and Riverside Drive, in Dr. Cadman's -machine, made New York appear very different from the view presented to -the girls when coming out of the Hudson terminal into crowded streets. -The city seemed to Betty a most wonderfully attractive place at this -stage of her experience. -</p> -<p>At last they drew up in front of Edith's home, a beautiful house in the -West Eighties. -</p> -<p>As they entered and Dr. Cadman introduced them to Edith Esterbrook, -both girls felt slightly embarrassed at the strangeness of this New -York home. -</p> -<p>"It's all so grand and formal," thought Betty. -</p> -<p>But Edith soon had the girls feeling quite at ease, entering into their -plans and work with real interest. -</p> -<p>"So you are looking for a home for one month?" asked Edith kindly. -</p> -<p>"Just one room," answered Betty shyly. "Do you know anyone with a -house-keeping room we could rent?" -</p> -<p>Edith and Dr. Cadman exchanged smiles. -</p> -<p>"I can't say I do," returned Edith amused. "None of my friends rent -rooms. But I'm going to ask you both to spend a month here,—as my -visitors. Of course, you'll be busy all the time, I know, but you may -come and go as you wish, and you'll feel you have a home to come to -instead of a stranger's house." -</p> -<p>"Do you really mean it?" exclaimed Betty, forgetting her shyness, and -becoming her old bright, impulsive self. -</p> -<p>Dell looked happy, but rather doubtful. -</p> -<p>"Betty, it's awfully kind of Miss Esterbrook, but don't you think that -we ought to have it harder?" -</p> -<p>At this, Dr. Cadman and Edith laughed heartily. -</p> -<p>"My dears, you'll have all the hardships you wish before you get -through. Just take the sunshine while you can get it—and then, you -know, I want you to tell us all about 'Mormonism,' and my friends, too. -It will take almost a month to tell everyone that I introduce you to." -</p> -<p>Dr. Cadman was not much surprised at Edith's offer. He was accustomed -to having her do what her friends called "odd." Only a month ago, she -housed three Salvation Army lassies for a week. -</p> -<p>Betty's eyes shone with enthusiasm. -</p> -<p>"Dear Sister Esterbrook," she said, "we will come and be so glad to. -And if we can bring you the gospel, I know that you will be more than -repaid for your kindness—our religion is the greatest thing in the -world—the greatest joy that we could bring anyone!" -</p> -<p>Edith gazed at the earnest girl before her, and then, rising, took both -her hands lovingly, -</p> -<p>"New York needs just such girls as you," she said kindly. "I see your -religion is a vital one. Yes, I know that we will be friends. Let Dr. -Cadman take you home; get what things you need, and come back tonight." -</p> -<p>Dr. Cadman looked on with a studious smile. -</p> -<p>"I knew that you'd be a real friend, Edith, but hardly expected this." -Then, more lightly he turned to the missionaries. "You don't realize -just how lucky you are, girls, to have Edith Esterbrook as your -hostess. Come, we'll carry the good news to President Gladder." -</p> -<p>So Betty found herself driving home, with a still lighter heart, and -happier thoughts. -</p> -<p>Her mission! O, what a joy—no sacrifice as yet! -</p> -<p class="centered">***** -</p> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTERX"></a>CHAPTER X. -</h2> -<p class="chapterHeading">"God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the wise." *** -</p> -<p>The month at the Esterbrcok home was something to be remembered, by -both young missionaries. In spare hours, Dr. Cadman would often call -and take the two girls out for a drive, showing them the city in -detail, and making it as interesting as possible. -</p> -<p>Even Alma Lambert was persuaded by Edith to have the missionaries call, -and Betty and Alma became great friends. Alma drank in, gladly, all the -truths that Betty brought to her. She had never been religious, but -now that the world had suddenly lost all its attractions for her, her -thirsty soul was eager to be refreshed with thoughts that could make -more bearable the loss of her husband, whom she loved more devotedly -now than ever before. -</p> -<p>Dr. Cadman encouraged her in listening to Betty, more for professional -reasons—to take her mind off of herself and her sorrow; for, with a -doctor's eye, he could see Alma was on the verge of melancholia. -</p> -<p>Edith, too, was greatly interested in all that the girls had to say, -but she was also interested in the preparations for her wedding, which -was to take place shortly, and her attention was divided. She grew -to care for the two girls with more than ordinary affection. Betty -especially, wound herself around Edith's heart in a lasting friendship. -</p> -<p>"I wonder why," said Edith thoughtfully, "I have known you only a short -time, and yet I love you as though you had been near to me all your -life." -</p> -<p>"That seems clear to me," said Betty, happily. "We believe, in the -pre-existent state, we loved our friends, and when we meet them here -love takes up the broken thread." -</p> -<p>"That is a beautiful thought and seems to explain it. Betty, I have -asked our minister to have an interview with you girls. He didn't -seem very anxious at first, but at last he graciously consented to -talk to one of you. Would you like to tell him about 'Mormonism?' He -is a Presbyterian, you know, and has had all kinds of 'anti-Mormon' -lecturers preach in his church." -</p> -<p>Betty's eyes shone with the enthusiasm of her mission. -</p> -<p>"Indeed I would love to talk with him. When may I go?" -</p> -<p>"He said tomorrow morning." -</p> -<p>So, the next morning Betty went joyously to call upon Dr. McLeod of the -Presbyterian church. -</p> -<p>As she entered the Parish house, she sensed the refinement and comfort -of her surroundings. The two first rooms were large and well-furnished -with green velvet furniture to match the heavy green velvet carpet and -draperies. -</p> -<p>From a large mahogany desk in the center of the room, a tall, slim -young lady arose, and advanced to greet Betty. -</p> -<p>"I have an appointment with Doctor McLeod," said Betty simply. -</p> -<p>"Your card, please?" -</p> -<p>Betty had forgotten her card. -</p> -<p>"I haven't a card," replied Betty, suddenly feeling chilled at -formalities. "My name is Miss Emmit—I'm a 'Mormon' missionary." -</p> -<p>"O, I will tell Dr. McLeod," said the lady frigidly. And she left the -room with a quiet and well trained dignity, that Betty thought matched -the furniture. -</p> -<p>She was ushered into Dr. McLeod's private study. -</p> -<p>A tall, thin man, with a correspondingly thin face and deep-set, gray -eyes, sat writing at his desk, which was littered with papers and books. -</p> -<p>His high, intellectual forehead was surmounted by an abundance of -iron-gray hair. -</p> -<p>He looked up quickly, as Betty entered, and then eyed her from head to -foot with amused surprise. -</p> -<p>"So you are the 'Mormon' missionary," he said, pleasantly. "I'm glad to -meet Miss Esterbrook's friend," he added, "Be seated, please." -</p> -<p>"Yes," said Betty in calm, happy tones, "My friend says that you would -like to hear something of 'Mormonism.'" -</p> -<p>Dr. McLeod cleared his throat. -</p> -<p>"Well, not exactly that, my dear young lady. What I know of it, doesn't -make me feel very anxious to know any more. I thought, may be, I might -show you the error of belonging to such a church, and make your life -happier." -</p> -<p>For a moment Betty was speechless. She had joyously expected a man -eager to learn. She felt weak in the presence of this learned man. Her -heart sent up a little silent prayer, and suddenly she felt a great -calm strength. -</p> -<p>"Dr. McLeod," she said kindly without hesitation; "no minister has -anything better to give a 'Mormon' than what he, or she, possesses. The -restored Gospel is the greatest glory in the world today. I have come -to tell you about it." -</p> -<p>Dr. McLead colored with annoyance. -</p> -<p>"I presume, Miss Emmit, you are about nineteen or twenty?" -</p> -<p>"Yes." -</p> -<p>"And you come to teach a minister of thirty years' experience on -religious matters?" -</p> -<p>"No, Dr. McLeod," the girl replied humbly, "I can teach you nothing. -You are far more learned than I ever hope to be. But prophecy tells -us that in the latter days, God will teach the wise men of the world -through the weak. God speaks to you through me. It is His own peculiar -way—cannot you understand?" -</p> -<p>Dr. McLeod smiled. -</p> -<p>"You have a good tactful way of answering," he said tersely. "Where in -the Bible do you find such a prophesy? Please show me." -</p> -<p>Betty walked over to the big Bible on his desk and turned to I Cor. -1:27. In her clear young voice she read: -</p> -<p>"But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the -wise; and the weak to confound the strong." -</p> -<p>"Well, I declare!" Mr. McLeod said more kindly. "You can hold your own, -can't you? Where did you study theology?" -</p> -<p>"Study theology?" asked Betty surprised. -</p> -<p>"Yes,—what college do they send their missionaries to, before they -come East?" -</p> -<p>"We study our Bible in Sunday school and church," said Betty, simply. -"It seems when we get out here, the Lord tells us just what to -say,—our little learning goes a great way." -</p> -<p>Dr. McLeod eyed Betty with growing interest. He never expected a -missionary in the form of a young, inexperienced girl. -</p> -<p>"Are there many like you that come out?" -</p> -<p>"Oh, yes," replied Betty brightly. "We are, as a rule, young ladies or -young men. Have you never met a missionary before?" -</p> -<p>"No, several times they have asked to see me, but I have told my -secretary that I was too busy." -</p> -<p>"And yet you have allowed other people to preach against us, and you -didn't know us?" -</p> -<p>The girl's tone was sadly reproachful as she looked at the preacher -earnestly. -</p> -<p>Dr. McLeod was annoyed with himself for feeling embarrassed before this -slip of a girl. -</p> -<p>"Well, yes, you see, these lecturers are very well-known and -intelligent people. I have to rely on other brains sometimes. I'm a -very busy man." -</p> -<p>"They may be well-known and intelligent, Dr. McLeod, but they are very -wicked people—for they don't tell the truth about us." -</p> -<p>"Would you be willing to face one with that accusation?" asked Dr. -McLeod thoughtfully. -</p> -<p>"Yes, indeed, I would." -</p> -<p>"Come then tomorrow at two, and hear an anti-'Mormon' lecture, by a -woman, who has been among the 'Mormons,' and has preached in almost -every Presbyterian church but mine. It is only fair that you should -have a chance to talk, too. After she has finished speaking, you may -have the platform for thirty minutes." -</p> -<p>Betty's amazed delight found expression in a joyous, "O, thank you! How -can I show my appreciation, Dr. McLeod?" -</p> -<p>There was no doubting her sincerity and enthusiasm. The minister -studied her expressive countenance with a kindly scrutiny. -</p> -<p>"I think I understand the influence of you young missionaries. You -influence more by what you feel, than by what you know. Emotionalism is -a good hypnotist." -</p> -<p>"O, but we do know our religion," returned Betty earnestly. -</p> -<p>"Maybe,—we'll see tomorrow. I would like to prolong this interview, -but I have an appointment. I shall listen and try to learn tomorrow," -he said smilingly. -</p> -<p>And Betty left him with joyous anticipations. -</p> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTERXI"></a>CHAPTER XI. -</h2> -<p class="chapterHeading">The Treachery of the World. -</p> -<p>Betty and Dell, accompanied by Edith, were among the first to be at the -anti-"Mormon" lecture in Dr. McLeod's church. -</p> -<p>The minister greeted them kindly, being especially deferential to Edith -who was evidently one of the most faithful members of his church. -</p> -<p>Edith was very much attached to her church, and her minister, too. He -had married her parents in this same church, and so Edith's religious -life was first developed here, under the influence of Dr. McLeod, who -was a spiritual man, and kindly in disposition. However, his pride in -his position as a popular minister in the Presbyterian church, was his -one weakness, which would bar him from sacrificing too much for truth. -</p> -<p>"Well, Miss Emmit, I see you have come early to the fray," he said -smilingly. "So this is your companion? Glad to meet you, Miss Siegler. -Another young girl as missionary! Really, I don't see just how your -church persuades you, young people, to leave home as you do. We -couldn't get many from our church to do it, could we, Miss Edith?" -</p> -<p>"I think not," acknowledged Edith. "The young people of today seem to -be more indifferent to religion than those of any other age. I wonder -why?" -</p> -<p>"The temptations of the world, my dear," he said decidedly. "Come, sit -right up front, and watch your audience enter," and he led the three -girls to the front row, facing the platform. -</p> -<p>Dell clasped Betty's hand. -</p> -<p>"I'm awfully nervous, Betty. Aren't you?" -</p> -<p>"Not in the least," returned Betty. "I'm just anxious to see this -wicked woman." -</p> -<p>Dr. McLeod had excused himself, and so the three girls silently watched -the congregation assemble. It was composed of principally women and -children. Now and then a man, or boy, entered, with an expression of -indifferent curiosity, but the women seemed full of anticipation, as -though a great treat was in store for them. -</p> -<p>Betty observed them with a wondering sadness. Suddenly her eyes -brightened and with an eager smile, she grasped Edith's hand. "Look! -Look! Edith! Just look who's coming!" -</p> -<p>"Who?" asked Edith surprised. Following Betty's gaze, she saw entering -the other side of the church, a rather tall mannish looking woman. -</p> -<p>"Why, it's Mrs. Catt! That dear Mrs. Catt that I told you about!" she -exclaimed in a delighted whisper. "See! Dr. McLeod is taking her to the -platform. May I go and speak with her?" -</p> -<p>"Why, yes,—I suppose—" and before Edith could say more, Betty had -started for the platform with enthusiasm quite oblivious to onlookers. -</p> -<p>Mrs. Catt had just taken a seat besides the minister, when she looked -up to see Betty draw near, with both hands outstretched. -</p> -<p>"O, Mrs. Catt! Is it really you! Don't you know me? Betty Emmit, of -Ephraim, Utah? Betty, your little girl of eight years ago?" -</p> -<p>Dr. McLeod looked on, amazed and interested. He saw the color rise -to the temples of the worthy Mrs. Catt, and perceived the nervous -twitching of her thin lips. -</p> -<p>For a moment she regarded Betty coldly. Then with wonderful -self-control, she smiled brightly as she took the girls hands in hers. -</p> -<p>"Why, of course, I do! Betty Emmit! Well, well, how you have grown, and -what are you doing in New York, Betty?" -</p> -<p>"I'm on a mission for the Church. And you?" -</p> -<p>Mrs. Catt looked at Dr. McLeod and smiled. -</p> -<p>"Poor child! I suppose she must know the truth, Dr. McLeod," she said -sweetly. -</p> -<p>Dr. McLeod turned to Betty seriously. -</p> -<p>"Mrs. Catt is our lecturer for the afternoon. If you will resume your -seat, Miss Emmit, we will begin!" -</p> -<p>Betty dropped the woman's hands and looked from one to the other -blankly. -</p> -<p>"I don't understand—you don't mean—" -</p> -<p>"Mrs. Catt is to lecture now on 'Mormonism,'" said Dr. McLeod, a trifle -impatiently. -</p> -<p>Betty grasped the table with a tight clinch and faced Mrs. Catt with a -face as white as death. -</p> -<p>"You don't mean that you would talk against us?" she gasped. -</p> -<p>Dr. McLeod hastily crossed the platform and took Betty's arm. -</p> -<p>"Come, Miss Emmit, this is no time nor place for personalities. See! -the congregation is wondering now. Don't abuse the privilege I am -giving you." -</p> -<p>And he led her to her seat beside Edith. Edith anxiously questioned -her, but received only a silent shake of the head. -</p> -<p>The meeting began, Betty stared fixedly at Mrs. Catt, who never once -looked her way. -</p> -<p>It seemed all like a horrible dream to poor Betty. -</p> -<p>After singing a few good, old hymns, the audience settled down -comfortably to listen to this wonderful lecturer, who was known to not -only interest, by her wonderful morbid experience, but who had the -genius to make whole audiences weep with her depiction of scenes in -"Mormon" life. -</p> -<p>Mrs. Webster Catt arose and then began her thirty minutes talk on -"Conditions in Utah." -</p> -<p>She depicted many evils in that awful Godless area of America, but, -most of all, she dwelt on the awful depravity of the women and girls, -and beseeched the women to send money to the missionaries to alleviate, -if possible, their slavedom and misery. -</p> -<p>As Betty listened, her blood seemed to freeze. Dell noticed her eyes -blazing indignation at the speaker, and she whispered, "Betty, didn't -you expect it? I did. Don't get so fussed. Your turn will come." -</p> -<p>But Dell didn't know the cyclone that was raging in Betty's heart. Here -was her ideal Easterner, found at last a traitor to Ephraim and all she -held dear! -</p> -<p>Mrs. Catt proceeded boldly. She told of her trip to Ephraim, the sin -that she had found there, and the awful conditions of the wives and -mothers and daughters. -</p> -<p>Betty could stand it no longer. -</p> -<p>Rising from her seat, she approached the lecturer. -</p> -<p>"How dare you tell these lies? My mother housed you and helped you—for -what? To have you come East and lie about us. Shame! Shame on you! How -can you be so wicked!" -</p> -<p>There was a murmur of disapproval throughout the audience. A man arose -importantly. -</p> -<p>"As a member of this congregation, I would kindly ask that this girl -leave the church. She has disturbed a public meeting!" -</p> -<p>Dr. McLeod arose quietly. -</p> -<p>"This is most unfortunate. Miss Emmit. You have embarrassed your -friends, who would have been fair to you." -</p> -<p>Edith quietly left her seat and approached Betty. Dell followed. -</p> -<p>"Come," said Edith, lovingly putting her arm about Betty's trembling -form, and leading her out before the astonished audience. -</p> -<p>"Edith Esterbrook! What next will she do?" thought each one, with a -feeling of tolerance or scorn, according to their like and dislike of -this strange girl, so socially well-known. -</p> -<p class="centered">***** -</p> -<p>"I think, Betty, you'll have to apologize to Dr. McLeod," said -President Gladder kindly. -</p> -<p>"But should I sit and hear my dear Ephraim spoken so vilely of, and -never say a word?" asked Betty surprised. -</p> -<p>"Dear girl, I understand just exactly how you felt. And what you -did, was prompted by the best of feelings. But, my dear, you are too -impulsive, you must hold your feelings in with a tight rein, and let -them go at the right time. You broke into a public meeting. That is not -right, you know. Suppose you had waited; can't you see the good that -you might have done in your lecture afterwards? This newspaper article -is infamous," and he pointed to the headlines—"The Boldness of a -Trained 'Mormon' Missionary." -</p> -<p>Betty flushed hotly, and tears of shame came to her eyes. -</p> -<p>"Yes, it's more than mean," continued President Gladder. "It's -cowardly. But the papers are waiting, eagerly, to find some chance to -glare a 'Mormon's' mistake. We have to watch our step or—the Church is -harmed." -</p> -<p>"I'm sorry, President Gladder. I'll see Dr. McLeod this afternoon. May -I go alone?" -</p> -<p>"Yes. And, my dear girl, then forget it. You have done more good in -your one month, than most girls do in six. Next week, I want you to go -to Boston. Will you be ready?" -</p> -<p>"Yes, President Gladder," said Betty with a great lump in her throat. -She mustn't let him see how hard it was for her to go. -</p> -<p>So Betty left the mission home for the first time really unhappy. The -affair of two days ago had upset her sensitive mind, and made it harder -to part with those that she had grown fond of. Even old Mr. and Mrs. -Esterbrook who had returned from a trip a few days ago, had won Betty's -heart by their kindness. And then there was Dr. Cadman! More and more -she anticipated his calls and his kindness. She grew daily more fond of -this wonderful friend and she realized she was deeply in love with him -in spite of her interest in her mission work. -</p> -<p>"Perhaps it is best that I am going away," she thought sadly, as she -neared Dr. McLeod's church. "I do want to do God's work with real zeal, -and he certainly distracts my thoughts." -</p> -<p>Dr. McLeod received her kindly. -</p> -<p>"I've come to apologize for disturbing your meeting," she said with -embarrassment. -</p> -<p>"I accept the apology," replied the minister smiling. "Sit down, won't -you? I have just a few minutes. Please tell me about Mrs. Catt." -</p> -<p>"O, Dr. McLeod, can't you please stop her awful preaching? She came to -Utah and almost every town entertained her, and she was so delighted -with everything. We all thought she was lovely,—except Sister Heller. -She is an Indian, and she warned me,—but I only scolded her for her -suspicions. Can't you do something, Dr. McLeod?" -</p> -<p>"The minister met her earnestness with a grave shake of the head. -</p> -<p>"I would like to help you, my dear girl. I don't like unfairness, -myself. I won't have her preach in my church again, but otherwise there -is nothing I can do. Prejudice runs so high here, you know." -</p> -<p>"But could not you defend the 'Mormons' in your pulpit, and expose Mrs. -Catt?" -</p> -<p>"How? I have no proof. I have never been to Utah. She has. I don't like -the woman, and I like you. That is no material for an exposure, is it? -All Christendom is against 'Mormonism.' I would only be disliked for my -trouble." -</p> -<p>So with great kindness Dr. McLeod bade goodbye to Betty and wished her -happiness in Boston. -</p> -<p>"And, girlie," he said in parting, "send me some of your literature. I -would like to know a little more about a church that owns Betty Emmit!" -</p> -<p>As Betty left the Parish House, her heart beat high once more. It was a -wonderful joy to do missionary work after all. She would try to take a -better spirit with her to Boston, and see how much she could accomplish. -</p> -<p class="centered">***** -</p> -<p>"All you have told me sounds very reasonable, Betty, but somehow I -have not the testimony you say I ought to have." Edith's violet eyes -met Betty's questioning ones, with a puzzled expression. "It is just -as though I had been listening to a beautiful fairy tale, and couldn't -find any fault with it, and yet"—here she paused, then added, "really, -I can't explain myself." -</p> -<p>"I think I understand," said Betty, eagerly. "Edith, down in your heart -you know it is the truth, but it has not become part of you yet." -</p> -<p>"Maybe that is it," said Edith doubtfully. "It seems as though I had -been waiting for a church like yours, and yet something holds me back." -</p> -<p>"Perhaps it is Mr. Hester's aversion to us that influences you," -suggested Betty quietly. -</p> -<p>"My dear girl, do not think Mr. Hester has an aversion to 'Mormonism,'" -replied Edith blushing. "He isn't religious, and fears my joining -anything new, because he knows how enthusiastically I go in for -everything. But if you really knew him, you would know how very -tolerant about everyone he is." -</p> -<p>"Yes, I know he is," said Betty, "and doubtless the time will come when -he will be interested too. You will write me regularly, won't you, -Edith? It will be so hard to leave you." -</p> -<p>"It will be hard for me to part with you, Betty. Of course I will write -regularly. Can't you possibly come down for my wedding?" -</p> -<p>"O, I wish I could! But I know I won't be allowed to leave the mission -field. But how I shall think of you at that time!" -</p> -<p>Edith took Betty in her arms, and, fondling her curls, kissed her again -and again. Usually, Edith was undemonstrative. -</p> -<p>"My little sunshine Betty, you really must come back to New York soon. -I know I shall long for you, when I'm really, truly married." -</p> -<p>And so Betty, loved by all, left for Boston to labor in another field. -Dr. Cadman was at the boat to see her off, and filled her arms with -flowers and candy. -</p> -<p>"Good luck to you, girlie," he said, fondly. "When Alma and Harold are -baptized, I'll write you all about it. I expect that will be very soon." -</p> -<p>During that day and the next, Betty seemed to feel his presence, though -she had left him, waving her out of sight. His tender concern of her, -seemed to enwrap her with a dreamy satisfaction, and determination to -live up to the best that was in her. -</p> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTERXII"></a>CHAPTER XII. -</h2> -<p class="chapterHeading">Indifference begets indifference. Love begets Love. -</p> -<p>Two months from the time that Edith announced her engagement, -her marriage took place. It was an exceedingly quiet wedding, as -Edith especially wished. George was invited, but much to Edith's -disappointed, he sent his regrets. -</p> -<p>Edith was radiantly happy. Howard never flagged in his absolute -devotion to her, and her very slightest wish seemed anticipated. -</p> -<p>Her parents, contemplating her exceptional joy, grew quite enthusiastic -over the union, and life seemed full of sunshine. -</p> -<p>On her return from their honeymoon, a beautiful country home awaited -Mrs. Howard Hester. -</p> -<p>There she spent three months, returning in the winter to a home still -more attractive. -</p> -<p>Edith spent the summer in a dream, extolling every act of Howard's with -an exaggeration born of her own goodness. She also laid plans for a -very busy winter, devoted to charitable work. To all, Howard smilingly -acquiesced as usual. -</p> -<p>His plans were of an entirely different nature. Outside of business -hours, his time would be spent in the pursuit of pleasure. He mapped -out the winter with keen delight, and Edith in turn smiled assent to -all his wishes. -</p> -<p>What could be more perfect than this ideal marriage,—each one ready to -let the other live an individual life. Edith would prefer not to have -so much gayety, but if Howard desired it, surely she ought to accompany -him everywhere. He was always so considerate of her! -</p> -<p>When Howard was occupied in business, she could do all the wonderful -things that she had dreamed of. -</p> -<p>Added to all this happiness, a greater happiness finally came to Edith. -This was the knowledge that she was to become a mother. For several -months she kept the secret to herself, planning a general surprise for -her husband and parents. -</p> -<p>Howard, she told first, and met with her first disappointment in -married life. He was not pleased, as she had expected him to be; in -fact he was quite the reverse. -</p> -<p>"I wish Edith, it hadn't happened so soon," he said gravely; "It will -tie us down fearfully, and after all the plans that I have made! It's -really too bad!" -</p> -<p>"But, Howard, just think of our having a wee little life sent to us to -care for and love. It seems so beautiful to me. I cannot understand -your not rejoicing." -</p> -<p>"You are quite enough for me to care for and love, my dear," he -replied, giving her a slight caress. "I can't help thinking that -children are a nuisance, but it's no use worrying over what is done." -</p> -<p>Seeing a shadow flittering over her face, he added quickly, "There -Edith, don't you worry about it and spoil your pretty smiles. You shall -not be tied down, never fear. I shall see that you are as free as the -air, if you have a dozen children," he said laughing. -</p> -<p>"I was not thinking about that, Howard," she replied quietly. "I would -so love to care for the little one—my own baby!—It seems too good to -be true! but I do wish you were as glad as I am over it!" -</p> -<p>"Well, perhaps I shall be, if it is as pretty as its mother, and does -not become the proverbial nuisance," he returned, smilingly dismissing -the subject. -</p> -<p>Edith's mind traveled back to a conversation with Betty. -</p> -<p>"You know, Edith dear," Betty had said, "in Ephraim, everyone has a -large family, and the parents love their children above everything -else. It makes everyone, young and old, so happy and busy." -</p> -<p>But Edith's disappointment found consolation in the unbounded joy -of her parents. In their anticipation of having a grandchild, they -promised all kinds of wonderful things for its reception into the -world, and its journey through it. However, they were not destined to -have their fond hopes realized. -</p> -<p>Two months before the eagerly looked-for date, Mrs. Esterbrook became -seriously ill. Their own family physician seemed unable to diagnose the -case. Frankly admitting the fact, he called for a consultation, after -which the doctor smilingly assured Edith and Mr. Esterbrook, that he -hoped for a speedy recovery. In spite of his optimism, Mrs. Esterbrook -became steadily worse. Specialist after specialist was called in, all -pronouncing new ailments and agreeing to disagree. These were fearfully -trying days to Edith, but she did not realize any real danger for her -mother. -</p> -<p>She was more concerned about her father, whose heart was hardly able to -bear the worry of his wife's long illness and suffering. -</p> -<p>Finally, Mrs. Esterbrook seemed to take a decided turn for the better. -</p> -<p>Edith returned to her home to attend to necessary duties, which she -had neglected during the month past. During that time, she had watched -almost constantly by her mother's bedside. -</p> -<p>It was a cold dreary day when Edith, fatigued with her day's work, -sought her pillow for a short sleep. -</p> -<p>"Just an hour," she said to herself, "and then I will dress and go to -mother's." -</p> -<p>But she could not rest. Evidently she was overtired. She lay upon her -couch, gazing dreamily through the window at the heavy snow-drifts -without. It was March, The wind blew the fluffy white specks in all -directions, and made a cold, dreary scene. Edith's heart was strangely -heavy. She ought to be joyous at her mother's change for the better, -but somehow her heart held a chill forboding, and she began to weep -softly. She felt very much alone today. Her husband had been away for -one week—a combination of business and pleasure had taken him. He was -compelled to go, but he might have returned two days sooner, if he had -not accepted an invitation to a week-end. -</p> -<p>Of course she could no go, but that was no reason why he should not. -</p> -<p>Edith agreed to this. She was always with her mother anyway. She could -not wish him to stay at home for her, yet, today she wished he had—she -was so lonely! "I never could have enjoyed it without Howard," she -thought restlessly. -</p> -<p>"O, but men are different," she assured herself. "I guess I am growing -selfish. He will surely come tomorrow,—" and she aroused herself from -her despondency and began to dress. -</p> -<p>Near the completion of her toilet, the maid entered with a card. -</p> -<p>She took it absently, then started when she read,—Dr. Cadman. -</p> -<p>"Wishes to see me?" she asked the maid, wonderingly. -</p> -<p>"He didn't ask to see you, madam, asked for Mr. Hester. When I said he -was not at home, he took no notice of me, but stood gazing out of the -window, just thinking like, so I thought I would bring the card to you." -</p> -<p>"Quite right. I will be down very soon," returned Edith, putting the -finishing touches to her toilet. -</p> -<p>Experiencing a warm glow of welcome for her old friend, her spirits -rose. -</p> -<p>She hastened down and entered the parlor softly. -</p> -<p>George stood with his back to her, looking gravely out of the window, -watching the storm. He did not even hear her enter. The scene seemed to -have the same fascination for him that it had for her a while ago. -</p> -<p>"George," she said gently. -</p> -<p>He started from his reverie and turned. -</p> -<p>Speechless he stood, with an expression never to be forgotten. -</p> -<p>His full direct glance shot momentarily joy intermingled with -passionate longing. Then he swept her with a look, filled with a -great penetrating compassion. His strong features were softened by -unfathomable sorrow, and Edith, not understanding, yet felt the -influence of his soul strength. -</p> -<p>At first came an exultant glow—a reaction from her lonely mood. Then -came a sudden fear, in answer to his great over-powering sympathy. -</p> -<p>"George, what has happened?" she exclaimed, feeling the surety of his -expressive countenance. -</p> -<p>His expression changed. He came to her, and taking her hand he said -kindly: -</p> -<p>"Edith, it is several months since I have seen you. It is such a -pleasant surprise to do so now. I asked for Mr. Hester, and Mrs. Hester -appears." -</p> -<p>She looked at him wonderingly. Could he change so in one minute? -</p> -<p>"George, you are evading my question. Do not keep me in suspense. What -have you to tell me?" she asked earnestly. -</p> -<p>"What makes you imagine that I have any news for you, Edith?" he -gravely returned. -</p> -<p>"I cannot tell, but I am sure that you have," she answered. -</p> -<p>"I came to speak with Mr. Hester," he returned evasively. -</p> -<p>"Howard will not be home until very late tonight, possibly not until -tomorrow." -</p> -<p>George received this news with a perplexed frown. -</p> -<p>"I'm more than sorry to hear that. It should be him and not I—Well, -it is no use denying it. I have news of a serious nature. Do you feel -strong and brave enough to hear it from my lips, instead of Howard's?" -</p> -<p>George was not aware of her condition, though he guessed it. But he saw -no excuse for himself to escape this trying ordeal. -</p> -<p>"Tell me," answered Edith, and he read in her eyes a new sadness, born -of constant anxiety. -</p> -<p>He took both her cold hands, and held them in his strong warm grasp. -</p> -<p>"Dear little friend," he said with a deep tenderness, "I wish that I -could do all your suffering for you. I only heard of your mother's -illness today. I hastened to her home to inquire concerning her. The -maid told me that she was very low. I saw your father and he asked me -to come to you." -</p> -<p>Edith paled, but her eyes shone brightly. -</p> -<p>"You should not have delayed a moment in telling me, George," she said -gravely. "I will hurry quickly." -</p> -<p>"You look pale. Will you allow me to accompany you?" -</p> -<p>"Thank you, yes," she replied, hastily leaving the room and returning -dressed for the street. -</p> -<p>"It's only a few minutes' walk. Your father will be glad to see you so -soon." -</p> -<p>"Dear father!" exclaimed Edith. "He is far from well. I hope this -relapse will be shorter than the last. I think mother bears these -spells wonderfully well, don't you?" -</p> -<p>He met her direct questioning glance, and he dared not meet it with an -untruth. He must tell her now—there was no alternative. -</p> -<p>"Would you not be glad when the time comes that will free your mother -from these awful spells of agony? If she lives, she cannot be free." -</p> -<p>"O, you do think there is doubt of her final recovery?" she asked -fearfully. -</p> -<p>"I do, indeed. How thankful we ought to be to have her at rest," he -replied. -</p> -<p>They were about to leave the house. She would need time to calm herself -before going to her new scene of grief. -</p> -<p>He drew her arm through his and gazed down into her face with a great -fondness. -</p> -<p>"Dear girl, be brave. You must meet the inevitable with all the -resistance of your womanhood." -</p> -<p>He waited for her to speak, but she was looking up at him in dumb -despair. -</p> -<p>His whole heart seemed conveyed in his next words. "Edith, as I entered -your old home, your mother passed to rest." -</p> -<p>Edith stood quite still. Her words came in little gasps. -</p> -<p>You—mean—that—mother—is—gone?" -</p> -<p>"Yes," he said softly. But your father awaits you. Be brave. We must -hasten. He needs you more than ever now!" -</p> -<p>She gave a smothered cry and tried to obey. But it was a futile effort. -</p> -<p>With a heart-rending mute appeal, she leaned toward him. -</p> -<p>He was eagerly ready. He caught her in his arms. -</p> -<p>A deadly pallor overspread her sweet, fair face. Her eyes closed. -</p> -<p>He looked down at her deathlike countenance, then gently carried her to -the couch. "His in joy," he murmured, "and mine in sorrow." -</p> -<p class="centered">***** -</p> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTERXIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII. -</h2> -<p class="chapterHeading">Friendship's Claim. -</p> -<p>"Harold, you are getting to be quite a little man. I'm afraid you'll be -one before I get my plans made for you. How would you like to go away -to that military academy that I spoke of?" -</p> -<p>The boy's eyes flashed and he looked up at George Cadman with keenest -delight. -</p> -<p>With the exception of deep-set eyes like Will's, he was the exact -miniature of Alma. -</p> -<p>The three: George, Alma and Harold—were sitting at the supper table in -Alma's cozy dining-room. -</p> -<p>Everything looked the same as when Will had left the home. It was true -that Alma was left penniless, but it was comparatively easy for George -to disguise the fact, and not until very lately did Alma learn that he -was supporting the home with its accustomed luxury. -</p> -<p>With the knowledge came a feeling of intense shame. She had been so -thoughtless, leaving every business detail to George, and shutting -herself up to her own grief. -</p> -<p>The last few days had been full of troubled thought. How could she do -anything at all to become independent, and yet bring Harold up in the -right atmosphere? There seemed no answer to this at all. She never -realized how perfectly helpless she was until now. Brought suddenly -face to face with real living, she found herself without a resource. -She wept tears over it, but that did not solve the problem. -</p> -<p>She had determined tonight to talk to him about it, and beg him to show -her some way to help herself. -</p> -<p>When George addressed Harold, she looked up in silent surprise. Just -when she was about to carry out her resolves, he was proposing new -obligations, which her boy was only too eager to accept. -</p> -<p>"Dandy!" exclaimed Harold, with boyish enthusiasm. "You're a brick, -cousin George. Ain't he Mus?" -</p> -<p>Alma laughed confusedly. "If a brick means someone wonderfully good and -kind, then he certainly is," she replied, looking smilingly from one to -the other. "But what would poor Mus do with her dear boy away?" -</p> -<p>"I'll write heaps of letters, and then you have Cousin George, you -know," he returned confidently, "I'll never be a man, Mus, if I don't -go into the world a bit," he added with the gravity of ten years. -</p> -<p>George and Alma laughed. -</p> -<p>"Well, my boy, a man we must make of you, so I guess we'll have to win -Mus's consent, and persuade her to let me take good care of you." -</p> -<p>Alma's blush made her look like her old self. Her pretty natural pink -and white attractiveness had never returned since Will's death. More -and more she dwelt upon his memory, and only her devotion to Harold -kept her from absolute retreat. -</p> -<p>Edith Esterbrook brought her great comfort, and the girl's choicest -thoughts found fruitage in Alma's receptive nature. But nothing had -stifled Alma' remorse and useless longing to live again her life with -Will. -</p> -<p>Supper over, Harold went to George and climbed up on his knee. -</p> -<p>"Tell me all about the soldier place," he said coaxingly with wide -expectant eyes. -</p> -<p>George stroked the dark curly head, and for half an hour explained the -life and doings of the academy. -</p> -<p>Not once did he look toward Alma, who was regarding them intently. -Restlessly she was thinking of similar evenings when Will had held -their darling boy, and built all kinds of aircastles for his future -career. -</p> -<p>George grew animated, as he gazed into the boy's excited face. His -strong affection for the child was reciprocated. Harold knew no time in -his short life, when Cousin Walter was not a shining light to guide his -boyish ambitions. -</p> -<p>Finally the recital was over. -</p> -<p>"Now boy, to bed; you have to sleep and grow, if you are going to be a -soldier!" -</p> -<p>Harold threw two little arms around George's neck. -</p> -<p>"Yep!! I've got to sleep a whole lot to grow to be a big man. I want to -be just like you." -</p> -<p>George laughed. -</p> -<p>"You must be an improvement on me, Harold. Every generation must strive -to be a little better than the last." -</p> -<p>Harold looked puzzled. He dropped his hands before him, and twisted his -little fingers together in thought. -</p> -<p>"What does generation mean?" he asked wonderingly. -</p> -<p>"Generation? Well, let me see," replied George smiling down at him. "We -all come into the world at a different time, you know. If two men are -born at the same time, we say they belong to the same generation." -</p> -<p>Harold sat earnestly thinking. Then he asked hesitatingly. -</p> -<p>"Then do you and Mus belong to the same generation?" -</p> -<p>He thought a moment again, then said vaguely, "But if you and Mus -belong to just the same generation, you must belong to one another." -</p> -<p>"Wonderful child logic!" exclaimed George laughing. -</p> -<p>"He tries so hard to reason, but his conclusions are usually -deplorable," remarked Alma, stretching out her hand to Harold with a -smile of indulgence. -</p> -<p>Harold jumped down from George's lap, and ran to his mother's arms, -to receive the petting that he had not yet outgrown. So fond of his -mother, he was almost effeminate in his caresses of her. -</p> -<p>George smiled gently as he watched them. -</p> -<p>When Alma and he were alone in the library, he asked earnestly, "Alma, -can you think of anything that you would not do for Harold?" -</p> -<p>"What a foolish question! Of course not," she replied, looking her -surprise. -</p> -<p>"I am doubtful of your willingness to do one thing," he said gravely. -</p> -<p>"I tell you there is nothing," she said fervently. "He is all that I -have now." -</p> -<p>"Nothing? Absolutely nothing, Alma? Would you marry again,—someone who -would gladly lay his fortune at your feet, and care for you and the -child of his departed friend?" -</p> -<p>Alma looked at him intently, and his meaning suddenly dawned upon her. -</p> -<p>"Dear George," she said, and her voice trembled: "I believe that you -would sacrifice anything for Will's sake. What a friend you have been!" -she exclaimed gratefully. -</p> -<p>"But you do not answer my question. Would you allow such a friend to -have the only satisfaction in his life?" -</p> -<p>She looked at him frankly, unabashed. -</p> -<p>"No, George, I would not allow such a man as you to give his life for -poor, broken-hearted me. Some other woman will surely give heart for -heart, and awaken all the glorious love of your perfect manhood," she -replied earnestly. -</p> -<p>"Alma, it may surprise you to know that my heart is as broken a reed -as yours. I have nothing to offer you, except what you can give in -return—a lasting friendship. You have loved and lost, so have I. In -the losing, you have learned to love the lost one more deeply than -before. So have I. It is friendship for friendship, dear girl, and -marriage vows for the world's good opinion and our dear Harold's -future." -</p> -<p>"You have loved and lost, George? You? Irrevocably lost,—are you sure?" -</p> -<p>"Most irrevocably," he returned grimly. "Her marriage to another makes -it even a forbidden hope." -</p> -<p>"O, George, how strangely the world adjusts things! I have always -dreamed of you being possessed with every earthly joy. You of all men -deserve it!" she exclaimed. -</p> -<p>"Then give me what is possible, Alma. To do for you and Harold would -give me much joy in life, and help me to overcome a living death!" he -said earnestly. -</p> -<p>"You have suffered so, then?" she asked tenderly, placing her hand on -his, affectionately. -</p> -<p>"More than seems bearable at times. Will we help one another, Alma? For -Harold's sake—will you?" -</p> -<p>His fine eyes were eloquently persuasive. She met and seemed to lose -what little resisting power she possessed. -</p> -<p>"I will, George," she replied simply. -</p> -<p>George leaned forward and reverently kissed her brow. Then he held her -in his arms protectingly. -</p> -<p>"What will Harold say?" said Alma, with a happy thought at the boy's -delight. -</p> -<p>"He will be satisfied that we belong to the same generation," replied -George. -</p> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTERXIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV. -</h2> -<p class="chapterHeading">A Contrast—The Husband and the Lover. -</p> -<p>"Here is a letter for you, Edith. Shall I read it?" Howard asked his -wife. -</p> -<p>Pale and thin she lay outstretched on a couch near him. -</p> -<p>"Yes, please," answered Edith. -</p> -<p>Howard tore open the letter and read. -</p><blockquote> -<p> "Dear Sister Edith: I am transferred to New York, and will arrive - there tomorrow. I can't tell you how glad I will be to be near you - a few months. Your letters have been so welcome, but they are not - like our good old talks and discussions. I'm hoping you wall be a - 'Mormon' yet. I will come to see you, directly I arrive. -</p> -<p> "Always your loving friend, -</p> -<p> Betty Emmit." -</p></blockquote> -<p>"That fanatical girl back again! I suppose now you're weak, she will -influence you." -</p> -<p>Edith's face flushed. -</p> -<p>"Please give me the letter, Howard," she said gently, and he obeyed. -</p> -<p>As he turned to his writing, he did not see Edith kiss the letter, and -put it in her bosom. -</p> -<p>"Dear, sweet girlie," she thought tenderly, "I certainly will love to -have you now." -</p> -<p>When Edith had fallen unconscious in George's arms, the curtain -fell upon the first act of her young life—an act untouched by any -real agony of living. But just before the curtain fell, the clouds -had gathered ominously, and warned her of the storms to come. The -blessedness of her unconscious state lasted a long time. For two weeks -she hovered between life and death. -</p> -<p>Howard, upon his return, was filled with horror. He was more than -grateful that George had not left her side one moment of that first -day, or night. He begged him to take the case. -</p> -<p>George with an absorbing intensity, studied her slightest symptom. His -was the passionate desire to save her life. He succeeded, but the shock -had destroyed all hopes of motherhood. -</p> -<p>The anxiety of Edith's illness, together with Mrs. Esterbrook's death, -brought several spells of heart trouble on Mr. Esterbrook. One week -from the time his wife was buried, he succumbed to heart failure, and -was laid to rest. -</p> -<p>George forbade the slightest mention of it to be made to Edith. As she -slowly returned to consciousness, he wondered how to prepare her for -the awful revelation of her bereavement. -</p> -<p>When he spoke of it to Howard, he learned the weak nature of one who -was Edith's ideal. -</p> -<p>"Really, Cadman, I can't possibly tell her. You are a doctor, you -know best how to do those things. Won't you relieve me of this trying -ordeal? I'm sure to make a blunder of it." -</p> -<p>George concealed his surprise, and calmly acquiesced. -</p> -<p>With all the power of his great strong sympathies, he made the telling -of it as bearable as possible. He contrived also to have Alma near to -soothe and comfort in her woman's way. -</p> -<p>She was only too glad to give her heart's best to Edith. And Alma found -herself constantly being lifted into realms of beauty and light, which -she had never even dreamed of in her past selfish life. -</p> -<p>All her old way of thinking was completely cast off,—the old garment -was replaced by a new one of shining brightness. -</p> -<p>Edith would never forget these two good friends. George's tactful -sympathy carried her through her crisis. Alma's woman's heart wept with -her, and so her triple loss was made less awful in its consequences. -</p> -<p>However, with returning health, came a fearful melancholy which neither -could alleviate. -</p> -<p>Howard was ordinarily kind, but seemed to fear the slightest reference -to her grief. He was away from home a great deal. Always he was -punctiliously careful to leave her well provided for and not alone, -but her illness seemed to irritate him, and she could see that, being -any length of time at her couch made him uncomfortably, restless. His -coldness hurt her with a new constant pain. -</p> -<p>George's watchful patience, and constant thought of her was a vivid -contrast, and she found herself looking for his visits with an -ever-increasing longing. -</p> -<p>It was the subtlest working of heart upon heart, which finally chilled -her love for Howard, and made his presence a source of constraint and -embarrassment. Edith did not yet acknowledge to herself that her love -was any the less. But as love generates love, so Howard's aloofness and -indifference was surely generating its own kind in his wife's mind and -heart. -</p> -<p>"There is Cadman's auto," Howard remarked in a relieved tone, as he -looked from the window and saluted George as he alighted. "We will get -his opinion about it." -</p> -<p>At the sound of George's name Edith's eyes brightened. She never -allowed herself to think of the time when his professional calls would -cease. She had a vague, unhappy fear that he would make no other calls. -</p> -<p>As he entered the room, she tried to rise to greet him, but she sank -back on her cushions. -</p> -<p>George's eyes scanned her professionally. -</p> -<p>"Not any better today? I expected decided improvement." -</p> -<p>Going to the couch, he took her hand gently and held it up for -inspection. -</p> -<p>"A nice shadow of a hand, is it not, Mr. Hester?" he asked, smiling. -</p> -<p>"A hand that was once plump and fair," replied Howard, trying to be -jocular. "I'm just telling Edith she must go away and live in fresh air -and sunshine. What say you?" -</p> -<p>"Yes," replied Cadman grimly; "But she needs something more than fresh -air and sunshine." -</p> -<p>"She has but to ask, and it is hers," said Howard; his spirits rising -at the possibility of an unpleasant situation being removed. -</p> -<p>"That is a greater privilege than most possess," returned George -quietly. Then he turned brightly to Edith. -</p> -<p>"And what would our little patient like most?" -</p> -<p>The violet eyes grew sadly thoughtful. -</p> -<p>"I'm not sure that I desire anything, only to be left alone—to die or -live, as God sees best. I would like to please Howard and go away,—but -I couldn't—O! I couldn't bear the awful lonesomeness of a strange, big -place!" -</p> -<p>She spoke like a frightened child, and a quick sob was controlled with -effort. -</p> -<p>George's heart was beating wildly. He longed to take her in his arms to -comfort her. He dared not show his excess of feeling. -</p> -<p>Glancing at Howard, he saw an impatient frown darken his handsome -features. -</p> -<p>"Edith is so indifferent to her health. I don't see what we can do," -remarked Howard coldly. -</p> -<p>"Yes, I understand," Cadman replied evenly. -</p> -<p>Then he turned to Edith again, and she read in his eyes the same -wonderful expression that had thrilled her before. Never did he drop -his gaze, and he looked untold sympathy. -</p> -<p>"I understand. I have known just how this would be. You must go away, -but you shall not be lonesome, I have your two best friends going with -you." -</p> -<p>"I don't understand," said Edith, with a show of interest. -</p> -<p>"Of course not," he said, smiling. "Betty Emmit arrived in New York -yesterday and telephoned me. I called upon her, and found her,—not -sick, but tired out. I think she needs a change. I then called on the -Mission President—by the way, a fine man,—and proposed that Betty -accompany you to the mountains for a week or two—mutual benefit -affair! Then I've spoken to Alma, and she is going too. How about that?" -</p> -<p>Edith's eyes brightened with pleasure and gratitude. -</p> -<p>"It seems too good to be true," she said happily. You are so -thoughtful, George. -</p> -<p>"You see, we professional men know the needs of our patients -beforehand," George replied, smiling gravely, "You will go?" -</p> -<p>"O, yes,—with Alma and Betty, and I'll try very hard to become well -again quickly." -</p> -<p>George arose hastily. It was hard enough for him to conceal his feeling -ordinarily, but he could hardly stand the present situation. -</p> -<p>"I am rushed today, so I cannot linger," he said. "There is nothing I -can do for Mrs. Hester at present," he added turning to Howard. "Mrs. -Lambert will call today, and make all arrangements. The sooner she -goes, the better." -</p> -<p>"Thank you, Cadman, thank you!" he exclaimed. My mind is quite -relieved." -</p> -<p>"Of a burden you never carried!" thought Walter. -</p> -<p>To Edith he smiled reassuringly. -</p> -<p>"We'll get you so strong, you'll never think of loneliness," he said -with great gentleness. -</p> -<p>When he was gone, Howard turned to Edith, all smiles. -</p> -<p>"You don't mind if I leave you for a few hours,—Mrs. Lambert will soon -come, and I have an important date." -</p> -<p>"O, no," replied Edith, dreamily closing her eyes. -</p> -<p>"Make any arrangements you like, and don't spare money, you know." He -leaned over and lightly kissed her forehead. Then quickly he left the -room. -</p> -<p>Edith, alone with her thoughts, began to feel a twinge of her sensitive -conscience. -</p> -<p>"Howard is generous, and I wish I could show more appreciation. But I -couldn't care for money—if he would only stay with me, sometimes." -</p> -<p>Then her thoughts wandered to George. -</p> -<p>"He always knows what I need, she murmured." He always knows and always -gives." -</p> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTERXV"></a>CHAPTER XV. -</h2> -<p class="chapterHeading">Spirit Upon Spirit. -</p> -<p>"I'm so glad that we did not choose a health resort!" exclaimed Alma -standing up and feasting her eyes upon the rolling hills; green -valleys, and chain of lakes. -</p> -<p>"Yes, this is far better than contemplating other sufferers. I do hope -that I will soon be well," returned Edith, who sat propped by pillows -in an invalid's chair. -</p> -<p>"Of course you will dear. This air would refresh anyone," Alma said, -taking a deep breath with keen satisfaction. "You're not really ill -now—just a poor little wilted flower that needs refreshing." -</p> -<p>Edith smiled sadly. -</p> -<p>"I hope that you are right. But somehow Alma, I feel as though -everything was slipping away from me, and that my time has come to soon -leave you all." -</p> -<p>"Edith dear, you must not talk so. Such thoughts keep you from getting -well," her friend replied, looking lovingly at her through a mist of -tears. -</p> -<p>Silently Edith gazed down the valley, and then giving a sigh as if to -turn away from her own dreaming, she turned to Alma, smiling. -</p> -<p>"Alma, we've been here just two days, and you have not told me your -great secret. Now is the time to confide." -</p> -<p>"That is just why I came to this place of seclusion this afternoon. I -am anxious to talk it out. I am not sure whether you will be pleased -with me or not. Promise me—you won't scold?" she asked playfully. -</p> -<p>"Scold you?" Edith said softly. "How could I?" -</p> -<p>"Edith, I don't know if I ever told you that Will's death left me -entirely penniless." -</p> -<p>"Penniless, Alma? Why didn't you tell me long ago. You have not wanted -for anything, have you?" she asked anxiously. -</p> -<p>"I have wanted for nothing, dear. I did not know, myself, what state my -money affairs were in. George said, when they found dear Will's coat, -that some valuable papers were in it which meant provision for me and -Harold. He told me to leave all money matters to him and not to worry. -I was glad to be relieved, and never found out until two weeks ago, -that George has supported us all this time. -</p> -<p>Edith's eyes flashed appreciation. -</p> -<p>"How noble he is!" she exclaimed. -</p> -<p>"Yes, indeed! When I discovered the truth, I determined to take care of -Harold and myself in the future. Other women have done it, and there -must be some way. But when I was most troubled, George asked me—to -marry him!" -</p> -<p>She paused a moment and dropped her eyes abashed,—as if the thought -was almost an accusation to herself. -</p> -<p>It is well that she did not see Edith's quick flush, which receding, -left her paler than ever. -</p> -<p>"I never have dreamed of marrying again. It would be impossible to ever -forget Will. I meant to be true to Will's memory and live my life for -Harold. But George's persuasion gained my consent. Do you think that it -would be wrong to marry without the proverbial love?" -</p> -<p>"Yes," answered Edith in low, eager voice. "How could you accept such a -noble heart and give so little in return?" -</p> -<p>"You are mistaken. George is giving me no more than what I am giving to -him. Suppose his heart is buried in a lost affection, and I am really -helping him, as he is helping me, to overcome a never forgotten agony -of regret? He possesses almost the love of a father for Harold, and -pleads the opportunity to care for him. Have I then done wrong?" -</p> -<p>As she asked the question, she looked up at Edith, with a slight -hesitancy. -</p> -<p>Edith lay seemingly thoughtful with half-closed eyes. She was in -reality trying to compose herself before replying. -</p> -<p>"I think, under such circumstances you are doing right, especially by -Harold," Edith at last replied, looking up, her eyes luminous with -excitement. "Such a friend will be a perfect husband, Alma!" she -exclaimed earnestly. -</p> -<p>"Such a friend will be a perfect friend always, Edith," Alma returned -firmly. "None shall ever take my dear Will's place. Walter understands -that and is satisfied. You will think me a strange woman," she added. -</p> -<p>"No, I think that I understand. You will always give the best that you -can to George—I am sure of that." -</p> -<p>"Yes. His goodness and his sorrow will always make me generous with -him. He did not confide the name of his lost love, or the time of his -loss, but whether it was ten years ago or one, he certainly suffers -still!" -</p> -<p>Again Edith's struggle for self-control left her weaker than ever. -</p> -<p>Alma suddenly noticed her pallor. -</p> -<p>"Why, dear girl, you're faint. O, I have talked so long, and forgotten -your condition. Forgive me, dear," and hastily adjusting Edith's wrap, -she began to wheel her chair toward the small boarding house, which was -hidden in the clump of trees only a hundred feet away. -</p> -<p>The little house held about fifty guests. It was situated on the -lake front, and for quiet and beauty of surroundings, it was hardly -surpassable. -</p> -<p>Betty and Alma were ideal companions for Edith, but both were worried -at her condition. They had been there for one week, and Edith grew -weaker and weaker. -</p> -<p>As Alma and Edith approached the house, Betty came out to meet them. -She looked at Edith anxiously. -</p> -<p>"Edith dear," she said gently; "won't you do me a great favor?" -</p> -<p>"Anything I can, my Betty," replied Edith. -</p> -<p>"Won't you let me have the elders come to administer to you?" -</p> -<p>"O, do!" said Alma. She and Harold had been baptized, and she was now -full of faith in the Gospel. -</p> -<p>"But my faith in the elders is not strong," she objected. -</p> -<p>"Never mind that. Will you?" -</p> -<p>Edith consented with a tired little smile. -</p> -<p>So Betty sent for the elders. They came and administered to Edith. She -immediately took a turn for the better. -</p> -<p>After their departure, a young "Mormon" doctor, who had been studying -in New York, came out to take a quiet vacation at the little boarding -house. He was immediately interested in Edith, and followed up the good -work of the elders by daily visiting with her, and talking about Gospel -truths, in such a way that greatly interested Edith. -</p> -<p>Betty and Alma were delighted, and watched their friend's rapid -restoration to health with thankful hearts. -</p> -<p>Alma wrote to Dr. Cadman: -</p><blockquote> -<p> "Dear George:—Edith has suddenly taken a turn for the better, - since our elders have administered to her, and there is a Dr. Holt - here—a 'Mormon'—who is interesting her greatly. When with him, - she seems to forget everything but their conversation. When he - leaves her, one would declare he had given her some magic tonic, - instead of having talked to her for an hour. We meet every day, in - a little summer house on the lake front. There Betty and I look on, - enjoying it all." * * * -</p></blockquote> -<p>Edith's condition improved so rapidly, that after three weeks, the -invalid's chair was dismissed, and she walked out alone. -</p> -<p>Betty was then called back to her mission work. -</p> -<p>Howard's letters were full of delight at Edith's recovery, and he -wrote continually expressing his regret at his inability to visit her -at Boonville. Some important business kept him in New York, but he -intended to spend a few days with her at the end of the month. He would -then expect her entirely well, and her old lovely self. -</p> -<p>Edith understood all his excuses. These letters were a bitter cup to -her, but she drained it and looked for sympathy and help elsewhere. -Religion had always been her greatest comfort, but Betty and Mr. -Holt had been the first ones to give her the full realization of the -absolute completeness of a life with God. Under Mr. Holt's guidance, -she came to see all men as the "Children of God," and so she determined -to look for the good in all. The pain from her husband's indifference -became less. She dwelt more and more on the good qualities of Howard's -character, and prayed for patience and love for him. -</p> -<p>Since meeting Mr. Holt, her whole life seemed focused differently. -Clear and straight seemed the path now, which before had seemed hazy -and indefinable. It is true, his personal magnetism influenced her as -strongly as his logic, but as it was the influence of goodness, she did -not try to resist. -</p> -<p>Borne upon the wings of spiritual thought, she soon overcame her -earthly sorrows, and rested in the contemplation of the vastness of -infinite, eternal things. The heretofore fixed realities of life became -capable of change and progress, and the hitherto unreal mysterious -realms of thought, assumed a vital reality that filled her with -wondering delight. -</p> -<p>At the end of the month, she was indeed her old healthy self. -</p> -<p>Howard appeared at the time expected. When he first met Edith, he was -struck with the change in her. Never had he seen her so lovely, and he -was puzzled at the transformation. A month in the hills could bring -health to a convalescing invalid, but there was something more—an -added sweetness and beauty which must have its origin in some cause -unknown to him. Howard thought with irritation of Edith's letters. They -had been full of friendship for a Mr. Holt—a "Mormon," too, and words -had seemed inadequate to express her opinion of him. Frankly she wrote -of her daily meetings with him and of his wonderful spiritual nature. -</p> -<p>Howard, glad of being rid of the ugly prospect of an invalid wife on -his hands, had read all these letters with a tolerant laugh. -</p> -<p>"Spiritual fiddlesticks!" he said to himself. "How women do get carried -away with this milk-sop sort of men!" -</p> -<p>He had a distinct contempt for all religion, but he thought it a good -fault to encourage it in women. It kept them in line and kept them more -submissive. But "Mormonism" that was the limit of fanatacism! -</p> -<p>But now that he saw Edith, and perceived the subtle change pervading -her whole being, a keen suspicion shot through his mind, and the -thought of meeting Mr. Holt became irritating. It was many hours before -he met this chance acquaintance of his wife, and, meanwhile, he had -ample time to mature his feelings which originated in the slighted -doubt. -</p> -<p>He and Edith were seated on the porch together, when a stout, little -piece of femininity appeared, and made it opportune for Edith to -introduce her, -</p> -<p>"Delighted to meet you, Mr. Hester! Indeed, it is time you came to look -after your lovely wife! We won't say why!" she added with a knowing -smile at Edith. -</p> -<p>Edith blushed at the insinuation, but Howard answered smilingly, "Mrs. -Hester is quite capable of looking after herself." -</p> -<p>In spite of the smile, the lady felt the rebuke of his words, and soon -left them. -</p> -<p>"Really, Edith, you should be more careful in a place like this. A -married woman, without her husband, cannot pick up chance acquaintances -among gentlemen. If she does, she must expect gossip to get busy," he -concluded with quick impatience. -</p> -<p>The rebuke hurt, but Edith had determined to let no thought of herself -intrude during Howard's short stay. -</p> -<p>"There are always those who cannot appreciate the good intentions of a -man like Mr. Holt. That lady is one of them," she said calmly. -</p> -<p>Howard gave a low, cynical laugh, and keenly eyed his wife. -</p> -<p>"A married lady is not supposed to appreciate any man's attention, -good, bad, or indifferent." -</p> -<p>Edith knew it was no good to reply, so she sat in embarrassed silence. -She was glad when Alma soon joined them. -</p> -<p>"Have just had a letter from George," said Alma joyously. "Harold -longs to see me, and George longs to see the miraculous change in his -patient, so both are coming to Boonville next week." -</p> -<p>"That is well," remarked Howard. "He can perhaps predict when Edith can -return." -</p> -<p>"I am ready now," she said quickly. "I am perfectly strong." -</p> -<p>Alma turned to Howard. -</p> -<p>"Really, Mr. Hester, Fate must have directed us here. Edith owes a -great part of her recovery to Mr. Holt. If he were not such a Godly -man, I would believe he had employed magic!" -</p> -<p>A quick frown darkened Howard's countenance, and he puffed his cigar in -short, jerky puffs. Alma did not realize how she had heaped coals upon -fire. -</p> -<p>When Edith and Howard were again alone, Mr. Holt appeared. When -Edith introduced them, she noticed her husband was barely polite. He -vouchsafed no pleasantry whatever, which was entirely contrary to his -usual, jovial way of meeting strangers. Mr. Holt, seemingly, did not -notice any coldness, and directed his conversation with his accustomed -earnestness. -</p> -<p>"Well, Mrs. Hester, I will be leaving Boonville tomorrow," he said -finally. -</p> -<p>Howard read disappointment in his wife's face. -</p> -<p>"O, I am sorry to hear that," replied Edith, with more fervor than -Howard thought necessary. "I—we will all miss you, more than you -guess." -</p> -<p>Mr. Holt regarded her with deep concern. -</p> -<p>With no excuse whatever, Howard left them, and entered the sun parlor -nearby. -</p> -<p>Edith followed her husband's retreat with a gaze full of troubled -surprise. Mr. Holt quietly took Howard's seat, and said, kindly: -</p> -<p>"We have grown very near together in all spiritual thought, have we -not? Then, let us be frank in all truth between us. Your husband, Mrs. -Hester, does not like me. No, do not gainsay the fact. I read his -thoughts in his scrutiny of me. He misjudges the "Mormon," as most -people do,—such is the way of the world's judgments!" He handed her a -book. "Read this, and learn precious truth as I could scarcely give it." -</p> -<p>"Thank you," she said earnestly, her embarrassment at her husband's -show of feeling making her ashamed to say many words. -</p> -<p>Her husband approached unnoticed. -</p> -<p>"Edith, I would like you to return Mr. Holt's present." -</p> -<p>Edith turned to meet the first real anger in her husband's eyes. -</p> -<p>She arose, and drawing herself to her fullest height, she faced him in -sudden indignation. -</p> -<p>Mr. Holt arose also, and, looking from one to the other kindly, he said -calmly: -</p> -<p>"I regret this, believe me. Had I known—" -</p> -<p>"Edith," interrupted Howard, with a slight rise in his voice, ignoring -Holt's presence entirely, "will you please oblige me?" -</p> -<p>Holt's steady gaze gradually drew Edith's eyes toward him. She read in -their soulful depths, only tender entreaty to obey. -</p> -<p>With a sudden flood of outraged dignity, she turned to Howard. -</p> -<p>"For the first time I must refuse you," she said firmly. "This book is -the gift of a noble friend. As such I shall prize it always." -</p> -<p>She held out her hand to Mr. Holt, and he took it. Reverently bowing -his head, he said quietly, "God bless you both." -</p> -<p>Raising it again, he looked toward Howard. His face, angry and tense, -was stubbornly averted. He looked toward Edith. She smiled at him -gently. -</p> -<p>"Goodbye, good friend," she said quietly. -</p> -<p>"Goodbye," he said, with a world of sympathy in his voice. -</p> -<p>Then he turned, and with slow thoughtful footsteps, walked down the -path and was lost to sight. -</p> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTERXVI"></a>CHAPTER XVI. -</h2> -<p class="chapterHeading">Away From the World, Soul meets Soul. -</p> -<p>"I'm more than pleased with Edith's improvement," remarked George -to Alma, as they sat upon the porch awaiting Harold's return from -exploring the premises, and Edith's awakening from her daily siesta. -</p> -<p>"But if you had seen her one week ago," returned Alma sadly, "And, -since then, seen her fail daily, you would be as discouraged as I am." -</p> -<p>George looked at Alma steadily. "What has made this change? There must -be a cause, Alma; are you hiding anything from me?" -</p> -<p>Alma dropped her eyes evasively. Should she tell George everything? -After all, it was Edith's affairs. It savored of unfaithfulness to her -to betray her confidence. But then Edith's health! George could do -nothing for her, if he was deceived in any way. He ought to know what a -selfish, suspicious husband she had. With the thought of Howard, Alma's -face tingled. How he left at an hour's notice, without saying goodbye -to Edith! He had lingered just long enough to see Mr. Holt go. -</p> -<p>Suddenly Alma looked up to meet Walter's earnest gaze. -</p> -<p>"George, let us go to some more private spot, and I will tell you what -you ought to know." -</p> -<p>"I ought to know everything," replied George gravely, as they left the -chairs. "Otherwise I am useless professionally." -</p> -<p>They walked down the path until they reached the same little -summerhouse where Edith had laid in her chair and listened to Alma's -confidence. -</p> -<p>Edith, from her window at the house, saw them through the trees and -watched them enter. Then they were shut out from her view by the dense -foliage. -</p> -<p>She stifled a quick sob. Nervously she resumed her dressing. It was -George's first day in Boonville. She could not rest, but sought -solitude on that pretext. Now she must soon join them and act her part. -Slowly she dressed, delaying the ordeal as long as possible. Her toilet -at last completed, she seated herself near the open window and looked -out upon the lovely lake view. -</p> -<p>Her thoughts today had tortured her almost beyond endurance. -</p> -<p>"Would that I could lose myself in its depths," she said, wearily, and -a great melancholy superseded her sterner mood. -</p> -<p>"That is a wrong thought," she said to herself; "Mr. Holt would call it -the result of the selfishness that makes for sin." -</p> -<p>Her eyes wandered to the table near by where lay the chief cause of her -distraction—the book—the one resented gift from a friend. As yet, she -had not even unwrapped it. A peculiar feeling made her decide to leave -it untouched until her husband's anger had passed. Howard had shown no -signs of relenting. Not a word had he written since his return to New -York. Her check was sent as usual—that was all. Money! That was all he -seemed to think that she needed! She tried to regard him kindly. She -tried to be generous. -</p> -<p>She failed. Mr. Holt had gone. His influence was withdrawn. In his -place had come George—noble George, for whom her heart beat wildly. -Yes, she acknowledged it to herself. Now that it was too late, she knew -the error that she had made. When free, she had refused his love. Now -that it was a sin to acknowledge his supremacy over her heart, she was -forced to realize it most painfully. -</p> -<p>Mr. Holt's goodness had temporarily lifted her above her sinful -longings, even; he had brought her to a state of mind where she really -desired to love Howard in the same old easy way that she had always -cared for him. -</p> -<p>But now her good angel had left her side—just at the time that she -most needed him and his help, and the influx of passionate longing and -regret for the unconquerable past was overpowering. -</p> -<p>How weak she was! Had she fallen from all her highest ideas of right! -She tried to pray, but her lips were as dumb as her heart. -</p> -<p>Suddenly, she arose and straightened herself in stern resolve. Heart -and mind were aroused in a desperate determination to overcome. She -left her retirement and sought the porch, there to await the rest of -the party. -</p> -<p>Though she was not the girl of bloom that she had been on her husband's -arrival, her health was assuredly regained in spite of Alma's anxious -fears. -</p> -<p>She espied Harold first, coming toward the house with an armful of -branches. -</p> -<p>"Just the kind that you can make dandy, white whips with," he informed -Edith as he neared the porch. Coming up the steps, he threw the whole -bunch down at her feet. -</p> -<p>"That will be enough, I guess. Where's cousin George? He promised to -make them for me." -</p> -<p>Edith stroked his curly head gently. -</p> -<p>"Your cousin is taking a walk with your mother. Come sit with me -awhile." -</p> -<p>Harold eyed her with boyish frankness. -</p> -<p>"I'd rather get cousin. You can't make those, you know. I'll find them -pretty quick, all righty!" -</p> -<p>Just as he turned to go, Edith espied George and Alma appearing to view. -</p> -<p>"There they are, Harold!" she said brightly. -</p> -<p>"Bully!" exclaimed Harold, and with eyes dancing with delight, he ran -down the path to meet them. -</p> -<p>George saw the boy coming. He held out his hand as usual, but his -face remained set and stern. Alma was flushed and excited. Neither -expressions did the child notice. -</p> -<p>"Just going to hunt for you," he cried boyishly. "Lots of whips for you -to make, Cousin George! Whole heap!" -</p> -<p>Alma looked toward George, anxiously. -</p> -<p>"Cousin George doesn't feel like being bothered, dear." -</p> -<p>"Oh, but he promised!" the boy exclaimed, with a face suddenly full of -miserable disappointment. -</p> -<p>George forced a smile. "There, Harold, don't sulk! You know I don't -like that. I'll make you a few now—a whole lot tomorrow." -</p> -<p>"Thanks!" he cried boisterously, throwing his cap in the air, and then -turning to run back to his precious find. -</p> -<p>They were all soon seated in a circle, George busy whittling. Alma -realized it was the last thing he wished to do. She had witnessed a -display of feeling from him that she never guessed his calm nature -capable of. "His friendship for Edith must indeed be very strong," she -thought. She was sure he was placing his feelings under constraint at -the present time. Perhaps he would like to be alone with Edith to study -her, and judge for himself just how far her troubles were influencing -her health. -</p> -<p>"Harold," she exclaimed suddenly, "wouldn't you like Mus to show you -some lovely deer?" -</p> -<p>"Where?" asked Harold, quickly. -</p> -<p>"O, Mus can show you," she answered, nodding her head mysteriously. -"Cousin George can take Mrs. Hester out on the lake in the meantime. -Then when we have seen the lovely deer, we'll follow them in another -boat, and see if you can row as well as Cousin George." -</p> -<p>"Whew!" returned Harold, with a low whistle, more expressive than words. -</p> -<p>George looked up, gratefully to Alma. -</p> -<p>"Would you like to go, Edith," he said quietly. -</p> -<p>"Yes, indeed," replied Edith, with a thrill of genuine pleasure. -</p> -<p>"Hurry, boy, away with the whips. Hide them safely, sir, until -tomorrow." -</p> -<p>Harold was only too ready to obey, and in ten minutes the little group -was divided. -</p> -<p>Silently, Edith walked by George's side, down to the lake. George -noticed her embarrassment, and talked of the place and surroundings. -</p> -<p>Once seated in the cushioned stern of the boat, Edith gave herself up -to this pleasure with a dreamy joy, overcoming her lonely strivings. -For a few minutes, only the light splash of the oars broke the silence. -</p> -<p>When they had almost lost the house from view, George looked around -upon the big expanse of water. -</p> -<p>"This is your first outing on the lake?" he asked gently. -</p> -<p>"Yes, my first. It is delightful," she replied softly. -</p> -<p>"Then you cannot direct me which way to row," he asked. -</p> -<p>"That little bend," she answered, nodding her head toward an outlet a -hundred feet in advance, "leads to the next lake. There is a perfect -chain of six lakes, six miles in all, and each as beautiful as this -one, so they say." -</p> -<p>"Not dangerous in a storm?" asked George, watching carefully a few -approaching clouds. -</p> -<p>"They say not, except in case of a wind storm. Then the lakes shut in -by the hills, get the full force of the wind. That is a rare occasion, -though." -</p> -<p>Thus ordinary conversation put them more at ease. -</p> -<p>On they conversed, and on they rowed, passed the first three lakes, -disguising from one another the keen delight each one felt, at this -drifting alone together through the calm stillness of nature. -</p> -<p>Several times George stopped and listened for the sound of oars which -would signify Alma's coming. But each time all was silent, and on they -spun. -</p> -<p>Edith was surprised at her own happiness. Was it nature's whispering or -George's strong, manly presence, that made her feel so sure of herself, -and subdued her restless spirit? -</p> -<p>Finally, the fourth lake was reached. Its shores were wild and lonely, -unlike those of the other lakes. Not a bungalow could be seen. Here and -there an opening appeared, where open camp had been kept. Otherwise it -was a perfect wilderness of pine and brush. -</p> -<p>"Would you like to land and rest awhile?" George asked. "The clouds -have gathered slightly, but it promises no rain for several hours." -</p> -<p>Edith gave consent and George made for one of the camp openings. -</p> -<p>When they had alighted and fastened the boat to an old stump, of a tree -George looked about the clearing. -</p> -<p>"I have it!" he exclaimed, and, leaving Edith, he returned in a few -moments with two logs. -</p> -<p>"Rather rustic, isn't it?" he said. "Best we can do, however. There! -Sit on this, and rest yourself against the tree. Are you comfortable?" -</p> -<p>"Very, thank you," she replied. "And you?" -</p> -<p>"Shall do the same," he said, adjusting the log and leaning against the -tree opposite to hers, with a full sigh of satisfaction. -</p> -<p>For a few moments he feasted his eyes upon her loveliness. The green -forest and open camp made an odd setting for Edith's pale beauty. -</p> -<p>There was nothing in his glance to embarrass Edith. Far too honorable -to convey his feelings through even unspoken language, he simply gazed -at her with open, friendly scrutiny. -</p> -<p>She smiled back at him. -</p> -<p>"Do you pronounce me well?" she asked. -</p> -<p>"To all appearances—yes. After two weeks, you can return to New York -any time you wish." -</p> -<p>"After two weeks? Why not in a few days?" -</p> -<p>"We want your good condition to be lasting. Mrs. Lambert tells me you -looked better one week ago than you do now. Did you feel better then?" -</p> -<p>It seemed unkind for George to ask her such a question. But he was -determined to see for himself how deep a trouble was hers. His eyes -regarded her intently. He noticed the sudden droop of the eye-lids to -hide the shadow beneath them. Her lips quivered in spite of herself, -and her hands toyed nervously with the lace of her dress. -</p> -<p>A sudden rush of pity destroyed his own self-control. Leaning toward -her, he laid one strong hand on her two small fair ones. -</p> -<p>"Edith, look at me! Tell me—your old friend, little girl—what -troubles you?" -</p> -<p>Compelled, she raised her eyes to his. The violet in them seemed -deeper and darker with a great overpowering sadness. It expressed such -melancholy depression, that George's whole being thrilled with the pain -of it. -</p> -<p>"Thank you for your sympathy George. If you are my friend, you will ask -me nothing." -</p> -<p>"You will not confide in me?" he pleaded, his whole heart's love -unconsciously vibrating in his voice. -</p> -<p>The touch of his hand and his compassionate voice filled her with an -eagerness that frightened. -</p> -<p>She longed to lay bare her heart,—to seek solace from this man who had -awakened the only real love her heart had known. Why couldn't she have -this consolation at least? He would never know that she loved him. She -would always be true to Howard—George would despise her if she were -not. -</p> -<p>George's eyes were asking her to answer—asking her to confide in -his great heart. She felt their power. She drank in their intense -sympathy—then suddenly she grew deadly pale. She shrank away from him -like a frightened child. -</p> -<p>"Edith, what have I done? Speak! Surely you cannot fear me?" he asked -gently. -</p> -<p>Afraid of him? No! But she dared not tell him she feared her own poor, -weak self. -</p> -<p>"Don't, George, O don't!" she said pitifully. "Ask me nothing. I am not -strong, that is all. I ought not to have come. Let us get home quickly. -Alma may become alarmed." -</p> -<p>He drew away and contemplated her with surprise and concern. -</p> -<p>"Poor child! Whatever troubles you, let it be your own sorrow then, -dear girl. I never wished to worry you about it, Edith." -</p> -<p>"O, I knew you did not," she replied miserably. -</p> -<p>She arose, and for a moment, weakly leaned against the tree. -</p> -<p>"Let me help you," he said gently. -</p> -<p>She allowed him to assist her into the boat. -</p> -<p>When he had rearranged her cushions, and seen that she was comfortably -seated, he took the oars and started the boat quickly. -</p> -<p>A feeling of intense shame kept her face averted. Neither spoke for -some time. -</p> -<p>The setting sun was entirely hid by heavy ominous clouds. Small ones -were gathering from every direction. -</p> -<p>"I hope we get ahead of this storm," remarked George anxiously. "These -mountain lakes are so treacherous." -</p> -<p>Suddenly, little ripples and currents appeared upon the glassy surface -of the lake. They were about a quarter of a mile from the shore. -</p> -<p>George stopped rowing and scanned the heavens intently. -</p> -<p>"We must make for shelter until this is over," he said decisively. -"See! There is an apology of a log cabin over there. It will protect us -from the rain, anyway." -</p> -<p>He quickly swung the boat about and headed for the small encampment. -</p> -<p>A sudden squall caught the boat sideways. -</p> -<p>Edith caught the rim of the boat to steady herself. -</p> -<p>"Not a minute to lose," said George grimly. -</p> -<p>Hardly had he spoken when a second squall struck the frail craft. With -a suddenness almost incredible, the boat was lifted almost entirely out -of the water and then with a heavy splash, it completely reversed. -</p> -<p>So quickly had the wind accomplished its treachery, that Edith realized -nothing until she felt herself rising to the surface of the water, -while a strong arm grasped her own with an effort. -</p> -<p>George kept her above water with one hand while he held on to one end -of the boat with the other. The wind was blowing strong, but no rain -had as yet fallen. -</p> -<p>Edith felt little or no fear, and with almost a smile she asked George. -</p> -<p>"Now what can we do?" -</p> -<p>"You are not afraid?" he asked in doubtful surprise. -</p> -<p>"Not with you," she answered quickly. -</p> -<p>"Then we must swim ashore. Another squall and the boat may strike us," -he said fearfully. -</p> -<p>"I cannot swim," she said, for the first time feeling the fear of the -dark water around them. -</p> -<p>"No need. Hold on to my shoulder. Don't let go—not even if we go under -a wave. I will bring you up safely again. You understand?" -</p> -<p>"Yes," she obeyed, and with a strange feeling of perfect protection, -she gave herself up to his guidance. -</p> -<p>George struck out in a bold stroke. For a time he swam with rapid -progress. Then his stroke slackened and he made decided effort. -</p> -<p>Edith had been watching the fast nearing shore. Now she watched his -face. It was growing white and drawn. She gave a little scream and -unconsciously tightened her hold. By a desperate effort George kept -them above water. -</p> -<p>"Relax your hold!" he shouted, hoarsely, and she could see the words -wasted precious strength. -</p> -<p>She tried to calm herself. Her heart beat wildly. Never once did she -look from George's deathlike face. -</p> -<p>On he swam, straining every nerve and muscle. At times his eyes almost -closed. -</p> -<p>Finally the shore was reached. Wading through the shallow water, he -dragged Edith quickly to the dry beach. -</p> -<p>"Safe!" he exclaimed. Then with a low cry of pain he staggered forward. -</p> -<p>Edith caught him by the arm. With a strength born of the hour, she -prevented him from falling to the ground. Quickly she sat beside him -and lifted his head upon her lap. -</p> -<p>"George, you are hurt," she cried fearfully. -</p> -<p>"Yes, please unloosen my vest. The boat struck me here," he said, -touching his chest to denote the spot. -</p> -<p>Carefully she uncovered the wound. Blood covered shirt and vest. -</p> -<p>"O! George! George!" she sobbed piteously. -</p> -<p>George struggled to a sitting position. -</p> -<p>"Edith, don't waste time with me. It is my finish. Go around to the -point where you can be seen. They will surely come for us some time. -Go! It is almost dark!" -</p> -<p>She leaned over him, until her fair hair touched his own. -</p> -<p>"Leave you now? Never!" -</p> -<p>Her tone fascinated him and he looked at her with growing intensity in -his now sunken eyes. Soul met soul in that long, hungry gaze. -</p> -<p>Behind them the storm raged through the forest. Before them the waves -beat wildly. The time and place completely separated them from the -world. -</p> -<p>Alone with death—and George. -</p> -<p>The fearful past was entirely obliterated. The eternal future—what -might it bring? Only the fleeting now was surely hers! -</p> -<p>She watched his face becoming gray. His eyes still shone upon her. -</p> -<p>"George," she murmured, putting both arms around his drooping head, "we -shall die together." -</p> -<p>His eyes closed, and she uttered a cry of misery. -</p> -<p>"George! speak! speak! You must tell me once more you love me!" -</p> -<p>His eyes opened upon her with a great joy. -</p> -<p>"Edith, you—mean—that?" -</p> -<p>"Yes! Yes!" she answered, and her gaze so intense, seemed to thrill him -to life. He struggled to his feet. She arose to support him. -</p> -<p>With sudden new strength he held her off. -</p> -<p>"No! No! You are his—his by right. God help me!" -</p> -<p>Edith leaned forward eagerly. -</p> -<p>"George, I was his in life—now death unites us both! I love you, -George! I love you!" -</p> -<p>"God bless those dear words!" she heard him whisper. -</p> -<p>Then with hands imploringly outstretched, he fell at her feet. -</p> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTERXVII"></a>CHAPTER XVII. -</h2> -<p class="chapterHeading">Edith's Release. -</p> -<p>"He will live," gravely pronounced the old Boonville doctor of forty -years' good repute. "Only just in time," he added. "Fearful case of -exhaustion and loss of blood. Needs careful nursing—very careful. Who -can take care of him here?" -</p> -<p>"O, I will take every care," exclaimed Alma, coming forward from the -little circle surrounding the doctor for information. -</p> -<p>"Well! Well! We need have no fear then," he said kindly. -</p> -<p>"And poor Mrs. Hester?" asked one sympathetic onlooker. -</p> -<p>"Wonderfully controlled, considering the shock. Almost too much -control! I would be glad to see the tears come. A little hysterics now, -a little spell of woman's weakness would be a good thing for her," he -said, with a broad smile at the ladies. "Good-day, everyone, good-day," -and the old man passed on to his carriage. -</p> -<p>Many voices gave vent to satisfaction at the good doctor's report. The -rest of the day little was talked of among the borders, but George's -and Edith's narrow escape and rescue. -</p> -<p>When found, Edith was lying unconscious beside George, who was taken -up for dead. With the hope of saving Edith, they had sought aid in the -quickest possible manner, and immediate attention was given to both. -</p> -<p>Alma, alternately by the side of George and Edith, scarcely knew the -hours pass, until she stood with the group to await the doctor's -verdict. -</p> -<p>For the first time she breathed freely. She turned to little Harold, -who stood near with round, wide eyes and parted lips. -</p> -<p>"Be Mother's good boy, and take care of yourself, dear," she said -gently, "Mus has her hands full now." -</p> -<p>"You bet!" he returned with grave emphasis—and with this assurance, -Alma sought Edith's room. -</p> -<p>Entering, she stepped quietly to the bedside. -</p> -<p>Edith lay motionless, her eyes wide open, staring fixedly at the -ceiling. Two hectic spots burned in her cheeks. Slowly she turned her -gaze toward Alma. -</p> -<p>Not once in these long hours, had she asked for George. The doctor -advised them to avoid any mention of his name. She was not delirious, -but a little might make her so. -</p> -<p>Alma took Edith's hand and stroked it gently. -</p> -<p>"You will be all right again very soon, dear." -</p> -<p>Edith smiled sadly. "No, Alma dear, I will not be well again. I have -not long to live. Will you do something for me quickly?" -</p> -<p>"O, Edith, don't talk that way?" exclaimed Alma, greatly distressed. -"You know I would not deceive you. The doctor says you are doing -wonderfully." -</p> -<p>"Yes, Alma, but the doctor does not know all. I'm glad to die, -dear,—and God will use me on the other side for His great work." She -paused in her weakness, and then continued, "Alma, don't lose one -moment. I want Betty. Don't get me a nurse. I want Betty. I'm going -soon, and Howard—send for him too." -</p> -<p>"Edith dear," persisted Alma gently, "you're not going to leave us; do -put that thought from you. But I'll have Betty here before night, and -Howard too." -</p> -<p>Edith did not reply, but closed her eyes, as if to sleep. -</p> -<p>Alma telegraphed to Howard, who replied, that if it was not really -serious, he could not come for two days on account of important -business. -</p> -<p>Betty, however, took the next train to Boonville, and arrived there -about dark. -</p> -<p>"Alma," she said, "I told President Gladder all about this sad affair, -and he said I could stay to help you until both were better." -</p> -<p>"O, I'm so thankful!" exclaimed Alma, relieved. "Edith has a wrong idea -that she is going to die. You must talk it out of her directly." -</p> -<p>Betty was pale but calm, when she approached Edith's bedside. For a -moment she silently gazed at the sweet face on the pillow. The closed -eyelids slowly opened, and Edith looked at her with a great fondness. -</p> -<p>"So you've come, Betty dear? I knew you would." -</p> -<p>Betty knelt down by the bed and, taking both hot hands in hers, she -kissed them again and again. -</p> -<p>"My Edith! dearest, of course I came! Now I'll stay with you until I've -helped you get quite well. President Gladder said I could." -</p> -<p>"He's kind, Betty, God will bless him. But, Betty, I'm not going to get -well." -</p> -<p>"Whatever has put such an idea into your head?" asked Betty smiling, -and controlling herself with effort. -</p> -<p>"God has told me so, Betty—in a wonderful vision. No, I'm not -delirious dear—my mind is clear. I've only a little while to be with -you dear. I want you to talk to me of the gospel; all the time that is -left. I know it is true, now that it is too late to be baptized. Betty -promise me, you'll be baptized for me when I'm gone?" -</p> -<p>This was too much for Betty. The tears came as she looked into the eyes -of this dying friend, who had done so much for her. -</p> -<p>"O, dearest, I would promise to do anything, but you must try to get -well. We need you—you must try!" -</p> -<p>"I wouldn't be much use here," returned Edith, "but"—then her eyes -shone with a sudden happy light—"I'm going to do a great work when -I pass over. Listen—my vision was so plain. I was in a strange -country—I saw hundreds of stricken people pass me by; they were -captives in chains, and they were dragging along, with faces, Betty, -those sad faces! They looked at me beseechingly, with sunken eyes that -held such a haunted hopeless expression. I tried to speak to them, but -could not. On, on they passed. Their number seemed endless. I felt -stifled by their misery, and uttered a low cry. Then I looked up to see -an angel standing by me. He pointed to the passing crowds. "You who -have loved the destitute," he said, "do not be afraid to die. God has -ordained you to preach the Gospel to these waiting spirits—now hungry -for the truth.' That was all. The vision vanished, but it was enough. -It wasn't a dream. It was a message from God, Betty. Tell Alma it was a -real vision." -</p> -<p>Betty felt that Edith spoke the truth. A sad certainty threatened to -overcome her. Silently she prayed for strength. -</p> -<p>Edith's effort had exhausted her. Gently Betty stroked her head as she -fell asleep. -</p> -<p>Then she sought Alma and told her all. -</p> -<p>"Alma, it is best to face the worst. Let us be brave. Perhaps it was -a dream, but Edith is so sure. Let us pray for strength to accept -whatever comes." -</p> -<p>Toward morning Edith grew weaker. The doctor came. -</p> -<p>"Is she in danger?" asked Alma anxiously. -</p> -<p>"A big change for the worse," replied the doctor gravely. "Keep her -very quiet. I'll come again about noon." -</p> -<p>Betty sent for the elders to come as soon as possible. But soon Edith -feebly called Betty and Alma to her side. -</p> -<p>"Betty, hold me up in your arms. Alma, come close. I can't see very -well." -</p> -<p>Betty held her gently, Edith's fair head resting on her shoulder. -</p> -<p>"Now, kiss me, Betty—and Alma," said Edith with a happy smile. -</p> -<p>As they kissed her, she murmured, "Goodbye, dear friends, goodbye." -</p> -<p>Then her lovely eyes lit up with an unearthly rapture. Her spirit was -freeing itself of mortal frailty. -</p> -<p>"Look! Mother! Father! Yes, I'm coming—coming—" and with a last faint -gasp, she passed away, leaving Betty holding her lifeless body, in -agony of grief, and Alma kneeling sobbing by their side. -</p> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTERXVIII"></a>CHAPTER XVIII. -</h2> -<p class="chapterHeading">The Dream of the Past. -</p> -<p>Time heals all wounds. It did so with Betty. Her great faith reconciled -her to Edith's death, though the loss of her friendship was a keen -sorrow for a long time. -</p> -<p>George's marriage to Alma—this was a trial to Betty that threatened to -culminate her mission. President Gladder was worried about her health. -</p> -<p>"You seem very unwell, Betty," he said kindly. "Would you like to go -home?" -</p> -<p>But Betty pleaded not to be released. "I'll be better soon," she said, -bravely. "I do love my mission, so it will help me." -</p> -<p>So Betty stayed, and gave her whole heart to her mission work. It was -not long before she was her old bright, sunny self. -</p> -<p>Fortunately George and Alma went on a prolonged trip to Europe. Betty's -love for George was unchanged, but she, finally, found an unselfish joy -in thinking of his happiness with Alma and Harold. -</p> -<p>With this overcoming of self, Betty became a woman, and an added -sweetness was hers. Everywhere her mission work was a great success. -When her release came, which was just before George and Alma returned -from Europe, President Gladder parted with her with deep regret. -</p> -<p>"Betty, when you are gone, I shall miss a great power in the mission." -</p> -<p>Betty flushed with pleasure. -</p> -<p>"Whatever has been done, has been done through me, and not by me," she -replied humbly. -</p> -<p class="centered">***** -</p> -<p>It was a beautiful, clear day, when Alma, now Alma Cadman, entered her -old home with George and Harold. The boy was in excellent spirits after -seeing the wonderful world, and his constant, eager questions about -what he had seen and heard, made the homecoming void of serious thought. -</p> -<p>It was Alma's wish to keep the home untouched by any changes. George, -quick to read her thoughts, knew that she lived much with Will's -memory, and longed to keep the old surroundings. -</p> -<p>George respected her devotion. It did not make her morbid, for -Harold was her living joy, and in him she found her new thoughts and -activities. Her fondness for George was as it always had been, and his -companionship destroyed her loneliness, and she was able to smile and -be happy once more. -</p> -<p>Alma went eagerly from room to room, George and Harold following. -</p> -<p>"Let the library be last," said George smiling. -</p> -<p>"Why?" asked Alma surprised. -</p> -<p>"My wedding present was to greet you on my return, was it not?" -</p> -<p>"Just what I'm looking for," she replied laughing, though in reality -not having thought of it until this moment. -</p> -<p>"It is in the library," answered George quietly. "We will inspect all -the house first." -</p> -<p>"How clean it all looks! Who did you trust to keep it like this? I -expected to find it all cob webs?" -</p> -<p>"Betty begged me to leave the keys with her, so that she could see to -it herself. It was her secret, you know." -</p> -<p>"Dear Betty! Always doing something kind! I must see her tomorrow, -surely." -</p> -<p>At last they reached the library. -</p> -<p>"May I?" she asked, with her hand upon the door knob. -</p> -<p>"Yes or no, would be the same to an inquisitive little woman," he -answered, laughing down at her. -</p> -<p>She opened the door and they entered. The light was just strong enough -to show the room, cosy and inviting as they had left it. -</p> -<p>Alma looked around wonderingly. -</p> -<p>"I don't see it, she said, turning to George. -</p> -<p>"O! Mus! Look! Look!", cried Harold, who had ran across the room, and -stood staring up at the wall in open-mouthed wonder. -</p> -<p>Alma turned. With a cry of painful joy, she stood transfixed. -</p> -<p>Over the mantle of the fireplace, hung a life-size painting of Will -Lambert. The massive gold frame was a brilliant setting for a perfect -likeness, which looked down upon them with the direct glance which -gives a picture the semblance of life. -</p> -<p>For a few moments she gazed into Will's fine dark eyes. -</p> -<p>Harold, not removing his eyes from their new discovery, gradually edged -up to his mother, and slipped his hand into hers. -</p> -<p>"Mus, it's Daddy!" he said in an awed whisper. "Will he come back to -us?" -</p> -<p>Alma's arms encircled the boy and she pressed his curly head close to -her without answering. -</p> -<p>George came forward, and touched the boy's arm. -</p> -<p>"Come, Harold. You know you promised to show Cousin George all your -wonderful toys. I'm going to live here now." -</p> -<p>"Always?" asked Harold eagerly, leaving his mother's arms. -</p> -<p>"Always, if you are very good to me, sir!" -</p> -<p>George took Harold's hand, and led him from the room. Gently closing -the door, he left Alma alone with his gift to her. -</p> -<p>Long she looked at her Will. Memories, tender, and suffused with a -passionate regret, swept over her being. -</p> -<p>"O Will! Will! Do you forgive me? But for my selfish, shallow life, you -would be here now!" -</p> -<p>His eyes seemed to smile soothingly, and she could not seem to take her -gaze from him. -</p> -<p>Then suddenly Alma thought of the giver of this gift. -</p> -<p>How good and noble George was! She had not even thought to thank him. -</p> -<p>She was just about to leave the room, when a letter on the table -attracted her attention. -</p> -<p>"Betty's hand-writing!" she exclaimed in delight. -</p> -<p>Opening it she read, -</p> -<p>"Dear friends:—Welcome home again! May every happiness be yours! -</p> -<p>"I'm so sorry I could not see you before going West. I have just been -released from my mission. However, I am soon coming back to New York to -study dramatic art, and hope then to see you. -</p> -<p>"With love to you all, as ever, -</p> -<p>"Betty." -</p> -<p class="centered">*********** -</p> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTERXIX"></a>CHAPTER XIX. -</h2> -<p class="chapterHeading">Betty Finds Her Opposite. -</p> -<p>Betty stayed in Ephraim only three weeks, and then returned to New -York, to study. She determined to give all her spare time to the -missionaries, and she was welcomed back joyously. -</p> -<p>She made her home in a quiet little boarding-house, not far from the -Mission Home. There were only a few boarders. Miss Allen and Miss May -were two kindly women, unmarried and middle-aged. A Mr. Mellor was as -mild as his name, and though a devout Catholic, he overlooked Betty's -faith, and was her enthusiastic admirer. -</p> -<p>Then there was a Mr. Edgeway, a young man with a blond attractiveness. -Sometimes Betty was inclined to laugh at his mischievous moods, and at -other times she would pity his shallow conceptions of life, and manner -of living it. -</p> -<p>This morning he had joined her before she had gone to school. -</p> -<p>"And won't you even take in the Henrick Hudson Celebration?" asked his -persuasive voice, while the eyes of the speaker looked at Betty with a -laugh that defied too serious an answer. -</p> -<p>Betty returned his glance with a smile. -</p> -<p>"Mr. Edgeway, you seem determined to make me spend my time frivolously. -Well, this once I shall surprise you. I shall be delighted to accept -your invitation, for this should be an event of interest to every -American." -</p> -<p>"Spoken like an oracle!" exclaimed Edgeway with a careless laugh. "But, -really, I am glad you will let me take you out, just once." -</p> -<p>Betty regarded him with a queer little smile. She rather liked this -man with his completely boyish manners. There was an undercurrent of -serious thought in him, which she could not always follow, but she felt -sure that most of his flippancy was assumed, to hide sterner feelings. -</p> -<p>"You know I would love to go out with you many times, but I haven't the -time," she said to him, kindly. -</p> -<p>"Time! You have twenty-four hours in the day—the same as anyone. -You mean you prefer to use your time differently?" he asked with a -semicomic expression. -</p> -<p>"Exactly!" she responded, laughing. "I would not be such a spendthrift -with the hours as you!" -</p> -<p>"All a matter of opinion. Methinks you are wasting the precious days -of your youth, fussing over religion with people who can't possibly -appreciate you, while here I am, languishing for attention!" -</p> -<p>He regarded her in mock misery, as she fastened her coat. -</p> -<p>"If they needed my attention as little as you do, I might not give them -my time," she returned gravely. "O, I would love to see you make some -use of your life!" -</p> -<p>"Well, I like that!" he exclaimed, and he opened the door for her to -pass out. He was in the habit of accompanying her as far as their way -lay together. "Here am I going to a hard day's work, and you talk to me -about using my life," he added ruefully. -</p> -<p>"Yes, but you work for the sole purpose of getting money to spend in -the pursuit of pleasure." -</p> -<p>"How horribly frank you are!" he said good-humouredly. "Well, do you -know what might make me change into the most active 'Mormon?'" -</p> -<p>"What?" she asked him, facing him in wondering interest. -</p> -<p>"You!" he said, with a little shake of the head. "If you would just get -interested in me, enough to go out with me now and then, to keep me -from getting 'lonesome, oh, so lonesome,' I would devote all my time to -investigating your Gospel." -</p> -<p>Betty looked her delight. "O? I will indeed. Everything I will do to to -help you!" she returned earnestly, and they parted with bright smiles -of friendship. -</p> -<p>"Queer girl!" he muttered to himself, grimly, as he left her. "Just -thinks I am about to be reawakened," and he gave a little laugh of -amusement. "I wonder if she will ever"—and then he drew out a cigar, -and puffed seriously while he thought. -</p> -<p>"Just as those little rings of smoke form perfectly to ascend to the -heavens, and then vanish into nothingness, so my aspirations for your -hand, fair lady!" And he quickened his pace to suit his impatience at -the flatness of things. -</p> -<p>That same evening, at the supper table, all seemed in excellent spirits -and talkative. -</p> -<p>"What great weather!" exclaimed Frank Edgeway, with a deep sigh of -satisfaction, as he started to eat of the bountiful repast spread -before him. -</p> -<p>"Do say something original," said Mr. Mellor, with his quiet little -laugh. "I have remarked that fact at least ten times today." -</p> -<p>"Worthy of repetition," returned Edgeway, brightly. "And now, good -friends, I'm going to make you all fairly jump with surprise." -</p> -<p>"What now?" mildly interrogated Miss May, fastening her sharp little -gray eyes upon him, while the rest smiled without comment, so -accustomed were they to his jokes. -</p> -<p>"Miss Emmit has consented to let me escort her just once to the -Hudson-Fulton Celebration. Just think of her indulging in such -frivolity!" -</p> -<p>All eyes turned to Betty with mild amusement. -</p> -<p>"You will certainly pay for the pleasure, by being tormented by the -giver," remarked Mr. Mellor. "And, ladies, since the spirit is in the -air, you must promise to give me the pleasure," he added, turning with -courtesy to the two other ladies. -</p> -<p>"Bravo!" exclaimed Edgeway. "The true patriotic spirit stirreth the -masses!" -</p> -<p>During the next week, the celebration was the main topic of -conversation at the table. The spirit of patriotism pervaded the city. -Betty's anticipation was full of delight. -</p> -<p>New York suddenly awakened from its slumbering pride in its wonderful -history of achievement. All classes, rich and poor, seemed enthused to -the point of childish glee. The preparations were marvelous. Groups of -men and women stopped to point to the million tiny bulbs, everywhere -being prepared to make New York the gayest illuminated city of the -world. Children chatted, as they went to school, each longing to be one -of the favored to march in the great children's carnival, something -long to be remembered as one of the gala days of their youth. -</p> -<p>The days sped by rapidly, and the great festival opened with -unprecedented enthusiasm. -</p> -<p>On the Sunday morning, Betty and Mr. Edgeway went to church. -</p> -<p>Coming home, Betty asked him if he enjoyed it. -</p> -<p>"Yes, indeed," he replied. "I'm thankful for a few hour's relief from -Sunday's stupid monotony!" -</p> -<p>"You have found Sunday stupid then?" -</p> -<p>"Most abominably, I always do. Everyone parades the streets, stiff to -the neck with Sunday clothes and faces to match, that look as though -they were starched for the occasion. I always hated Sunday, from the -day my mother put on my stiff collars and made me sit straight and -solemn in the family pew for two hours!" -</p> -<p>He was evidently in a dissatisfied mood. -</p> -<p>"The impressions of your childhood were unfortunate," she said gravely. -"Mine were so different. I suppose it was no virtue in me to have loved -Sunday, arid looked for its coming. But today! Any church should be -interesting, even to you. All are celebrating the event, and you could -hear something attractive almost anywhere." -</p> -<p>"Attractive! Yes, to those who live on the surface of things. What -does all this hubbub and show mean after all? When the city is poor, -and needs money to help those who are striving to keep above water, it -calmly appropriates half a million for—what? A world-renowned pageant! -The people can look on; yes, look with fascination upon the boastings -of a city that grinds them down to the depths, those depths you and I -know well. Then the churches hold festivals to applaud all this! I do -not profess to be a Christian, but how you, with your spirit of one, -can look upon this as you do, is beyond my understanding!" -</p> -<p>Betty had met before this pessimistic spirit in Edgeway. There were few -that knew its existence, but somehow, coming in contact with Betty's -purity of thought, the smothered discontent of his own nature seemed -ever rising to the surface to defy her criticism. At times, he wondered -at himself cynically. With the world, he shrank from uncovering his -real self, and hid his gloom with a gay mask. With her, he dropped it -entirely, said what was uppermost in his mind, and though he longed for -her good opinion, he laid his unattractive thoughts before her with -careless defiance. -</p> -<p>For a few moments Betty was lost in deep thought; then she turned to -him with a bright smile. -</p> -<p>"Such thoughts seem at first utterance to be true, and they sow -discontent among many of our people. But they are first thoughts -and not the deepest. We cannot lay too much stress upon true -sentiment—especially public sentiment. This grand carnival carries -with it a spirit of homage to peace and progress more enthusiastic -and sincere than the great war pageantries of victory. Increase -public sentiment, and we increase public good. True, the city might -appropriate that half a million, and distribute it to the poor, but -in a city of such great want, it would be of little account. It would -soon be forgotten, and in a year would need to be repeated, to recall -to mind that it had ever been given. But in this appropriation, -the city has purchased a huge mass of public sentiment. It will be -distributed to rich and poor alike, in fact, the whole world will feel -the influence of this tribute to peace and industry. As all things of -spirit, time increases instead of diminishing its good." -</p> -<p>Betty paused in her earnestness, for him to answer. -</p> -<p>"Don't stop, until you have exhausted your thoughts," he said. -</p> -<p>"Do you remember," she continued, "the Bible story about the woman -anointing Christ's feet with precious ointment, purchased with her -entire wealth? There were those then, who asked if it would not have -been better for her to have given her money to the poor. But our Master -rebuked them, saying, "The poor ye have always with you, but me, ye -have not always." The woman's wealth was a mere penury compared to the -great public influence spread abroad in every land by her tribute to -sentiment." -</p> -<p>"Completely out-argued!" exclaimed Edgeway, at once assuming his easy -good-natured manners. "I shall never try to defend slothful public -spirit again!" -</p> -<p>That evening Betty walked with Mr. Edgeway, enjoying the illuminations. -She preferred to walk, winding their way through crowded thoroughfares, -watching the eager faces, and contemplating the panorama of varied -characters with a keen appreciation of a great cosmopolitan city. -</p> -<p>Their conversation consisted mostly of exclamations. But each enjoyed -the scene too much to lose any passing effect by ordinary conversation. -</p> -<p>It was eleven o'clock when they returned home. -</p> -<p>A carriage stood outside the door. -</p> -<p>"It looks like the doctor's," Betty remarked, as they ascended the -steps of the house. -</p> -<p>As they entered the door, they met Miss Allen and Miss May, excitedly -running here and there. -</p> -<p>"A boy hurt," they explained hurriedly. "Was knocked over in the crowd. -Mr. Mellor and a Salvation man brought him here." -</p> -<p>"Can I be of assistance?" asked Betty eagerly. -</p> -<p>"I guess the doctor won't let any more about him at present. He's -unconscious—in Mr. Mellor's room." And so, the two women hurried back -to the scene of disaster. -</p> -<p>Betty had just entered her own room when a tap came at her door. It was -Mr. Mellor. -</p> -<p>"I have come to ask a great favor of you," he said. "The little chap -I picked up hurt, is very low, and I thought you might sit with him, -until his father and mother come. We are going to telephone to them -now. Miss Allen and Miss May have both been kind, but the doctor -won't have any excitable people around, and they act like a couple of -flustered hens disturbed from their nest." -</p> -<p>"O, yes indeed! I will come directly. How did you know where to -telephone?" she asked as they left her room. -</p> -<p>"That is the strange part of it," he answered. "I will tell you about -it before you go to him. I was making my way through a crowded corner, -when suddenly I felt myself thrown violently to the side. I escaped -falling, by catching a post; but several around me were thrown to the -ground. Among them was this boy, who was evidently separated from his -folks. He fell face downward, and hit his temple against the sharp -curbstone. A big fellow fell on top of him, nearly crushing him. -There was a Salvation Army man trying to get through the jam, and he -was pinned up against me. He and I extricated the youngster, then -unconscious. He evidently knew the boy. He turned the ashiest kind -of color, and almost fell over him. Then he controlled himself, and -said he would hold him fast, if I could get an ambulance. We could -not do this, so we carried him here, and sent for the nearest doctor. -He says he has a broken limb and that the cut in his head is serious. -The Salvationist won't move from his bedside, and eyes him with such -absolute absorption and tenderness, that I know there is some hidden -link in their lives. He said he knew his parents slightly, and would -inform them." -</p> -<p>"Strange," answered Betty, with ready sympathy, "Poor child, I hope he -will live." -</p> -<p>As they reached Mr. Mellor's door, the Army man came out. He met -Betty's gaze with a far-away look of intense pre-occupation. -</p> -<p>"You will surely send word directly?" asked Mellor. -</p> -<p>"Assuredly," he answered, in a husky voice. -</p> -<p>As he made his answer, Betty looked once more in the face of the -stranger. Again their eyes met. A scarlet flush surmounted to his -temples. He turned hastily and made a hurried exit. -</p> -<p>Betty stood thoughtful. -</p> -<p>"You know him?" asked Mellor, surprised. -</p> -<p>"Yes, and no, his eyes are so perfectly familiar. I must have met him -somewhere. I can't place him, though." -</p> -<p>"Come, you are getting fanciful," said Mellor gently, and he led her to -his room. -</p> -<p>Upon the bed lay out-stretched the long slim figure of a boy of -fourteen. His dark curly hair was a striking contrast to the white -handsome face, so death-like in its unconscious state. -</p> -<p>Betty approached the bed softly. One moment she looked at the still -form. Her own face became deathly white. In consternation, Mellor took -her arm. -</p> -<p>"What is it?" he exclaimed. -</p> -<p>Unheeding his question, she slipped to the side of the bed and sank to -her knees. -</p> -<p>"Harold! Harold!" she cried in sudden anguish. -</p> -<p>Then her head bowed in prayer. -</p> -<p>Reverently Mellor lowered his eyes, and stood awaiting her in silence. -</p> -<p>Betty prayed with her while heart and strength. Finally, Mellor left -the room, and closed the door gently. -</p> -<p>"Some great sorrow is hers," he said wondering. -</p> -<p>At midnight, the bell rang sharply. -</p> -<p>Edgeway, guessing it to be the parents of the boy, opened the door. -</p> -<p>"I have come in response to a telephone saying my boy is hurt, and has -refuge here," said the man who confronted him. -</p> -<p>"I am glad you have come quickly. The doctor attending him will return -any minute. He thinks the case is extremely serious. This way, please," -and he led George up to the room where Harold lay. -</p> -<p>"One moment," he said, as he reached the door. -</p> -<p>Opening it carefully, he discovered Betty still at prayer. She did not -even hear the opening of the door. -</p> -<p>"Miss Emmit," he said softly, "the boy's father is here." -</p> -<p>Betty started. Summoning all her strength of mind, she arose slowly, -and stood by the bed. -</p> -<p>"Come in," said Edgeway kindly. -</p> -<p>Hurriedly George entered. Eagerly his eyes scanned the form upon the -bed. He did not instantly perceive Betty. From the prostrate Harold, he -glanced up at the woman standing near by. -</p> -<p>"It can't be you, Betty!" he exclaimed, with his eyes thrilling her -with their warm welcome. -</p> -<p>"It is Betty," she returned gravely, her lips quivering with strong -emotion. "O, George, forget my presence. Fetch Alma, it may be that -Harold won't live. This is Mr. Edgeway," she added, suddenly realizing -they were not alone. -</p> -<p>The two men shook hands. -</p> -<p>Then, leaning over Harold, George examined him carefully. -</p> -<p>"He will live," pronounced George with a great sigh of relief. "It is -serious, but I have handled many such cases with sure success. Betty, -Alma was so upset when we lost Harold in the crowd, that I didn't tell -her he was hurt. Simply reported the telephone message that he was -found, and left her rejoicing." -</p> -<p>Turning to Edgeway, he asked, "How long has he been unconscious?" -</p> -<p>"Ever since Mr. Mellor picked him up." -</p> -<p>"Ah! It was lucky then that Miss Emmit knew him. How came you here -Betty?" -</p> -<p>"This is my home," she answered. "I have boarded here since my return -from Ephraim. It was indeed a wonderful chance that brought Harold our -way, though it was not through me, Mr. Mellor telephoned to you." -</p> -<p>"No? Through whom, then?" he asked surprised. -</p> -<p>"A Salvation Army man who helped to carry your boy home. He was quite -overcome over the accident, and said he knew you slightly." -</p> -<p>"Strange!" returned George, wonderingly. "It must be someone Mrs. -Cadman has helped." -</p> -<p>The doctor soon arrived, and while he and George consulted, Betty -turned to Frank Edgeway who was sitting on the other side of the room, -contemplating her seriously. -</p> -<p>Surely this friend deserved some explanation of the mysterious -happenings. -</p> -<p>"Mr. Edgeway, this boy's mother is a very dear friend of mine. When a -widow, she married Dr. Cadman. But he cares for her child as if it were -his own." -</p> -<p>Edgeway received this explanation with no comment. He had witnessed her -meeting with George. He felt certain this man held control of Betty's -feelings. With a reckless despair, he awaited the next move. -</p> -<p>George re-entered the room. -</p> -<p>"Betty, could you manage to stay with Harold while he is here?" -</p> -<p>"You may be sure I will not leave his side," replied Betty, "and I -will go with him tomorrow, and stay with Alma a few hours," she added -impulsively, putting self-consideration aside. -</p> -<p>"Thank you," said George, simply. -</p> -<p>Edgeway escorted both doctors to the door. -</p> -<p>With a hurried "goodbye," they left the house. -</p> -<p>The doctor's auto stood outside. -</p> -<p>"You will, of course, let me take you home?" -</p> -<p>George was glad to accept, and he jumped in. -</p> -<p>The doctor lingered a moment, to examine his tire. -</p> -<p>As he did so, a man, coming forward out of the darkness, accosted him. -</p> -<p>George leaned forward slightly, as he distinguished the Salvation Army -uniform. His face was quite indistinctly seen. -</p> -<p>"Will you kindly tell me if the boy is out of danger?" he asked in a -low, eager voice—so low that George did not catch the words. -</p> -<p>"I think so," the doctor answered. "I guess his father would like to -thank you for your share in the rescue," he added, nodding toward -George. "There he is!" -</p> -<p>One moment he looked toward George. Then, without a word, he turned -hastily, and walked rapidly away. -</p> -<p>Something in his familiar gait, made George tremble. With a sudden -impulse, he jumped to the ground. -</p> -<p>"You will excuse me, I must talk with him," he said quickly. "Thank -you, just the same for your wish to accompany me home." -</p> -<p>The doctor stared after George in surprise, then jumped into his auto, -and started off. -</p> -<p>The Army man had turned the corner, but George hurried on, possessed -with a determination not to let him escape. -</p> -<p>"Hunting a spectre!" he said to himself grimly. "I must be a fool, -but—" -</p> -<p>He turned the corner sharply, and looked ahead. -</p> -<p>The object of his pursuit, thinking himself safe, had slackened his -pace, and was not far ahead of him, walking slowly, with head bowed in -thought. -</p> -<p>Quickly, George came up to him. -</p> -<p>"I would like to speak with you," he said, grasping him by the shoulder. -</p> -<p>The man wheeled about suddenly. -</p> -<p>As he did so, the street lamp shone full upon his face. -</p> -<p>With a cry of horror, George let go his hold. -</p> -<p>Almost fiercely the man grasped George's hands. -</p> -<p>"I'm dead, George! You understand? I'm dead to the world! This -miserable chance has brought my spirit across your path!" -</p> -<p class="centered">*********** -</p> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTERXX"></a>CHAPTER XX. -</h2> -<p class="chapterHeading">The time we deem ourselves the strongest, we are often reminded of our -weakness. -</p> -<p>Before Edgeway retired for the night, he went back to see Betty. -</p> -<p>Harold was beginning to stir restlessly, and she was leaning over him, -stroking his hands lovingly. -</p> -<p>"Miss Emmit, if you don't mind, I would like to keep watch with you -tonight. There must be something I can do for you, and I hate the idea -of leaving you up alone when you are so tired." -</p> -<p>"O, I am used to this," she returned, smiling gravely. "I feel no -fatigue whatever. Thank you for offering to stay." -</p> -<p>"O, if you don't want me!" said Edgeway, in such a sudden bitterness, -that Betty looked up in troubled surprise. -</p> -<p>"I have not offended you?" she asked anxiously. -</p> -<p>"You? O, no, only Fate! She has a knack of always boosting me -out—therefore she displeases me! You understand?" he asked with a -slight smile. -</p> -<p>She nodded her head smiling. -</p> -<p>"I think I do. You are just a trifle lonesome, aren't you? We will -have a good heart to heart talk on Tuesday. I have not forgotten your -promise to study 'Mormonism.'" -</p> -<p>"On condition, you know," he answered, the smile becoming genuine. -</p> -<p>Edgeway went to his own room, with a restless spirit that promised -little sleep. -</p> -<p>"She understands?" he said to himself. "The deuce she does!" -</p> -<p>On the broad arm of his chair lay a book. He took it up for inspection. -</p> -<p>"Book of Mormon!" He fingered the leaves, half amused, half serious. -Curiously he began to read. -</p> -<p>"Simple trash! How can she be led away by such fancies," he thought -cynically, after reading a few pages. -</p> -<p>"But the language is pretty good," he admitted. However, he kept on -reading. Gradually his interest was awakened. Then it became stronger -and stronger. The night wore on, but still he sat, absorbed and -wondering. -</p> -<p>Meanwhile, Betty knelt in fervent prayer. Thus she spent the entire -night. -</p> -<p>At stated intervals, Betty gave Harold the medical aid that George had -ordered. -</p> -<p>Harold's restlessness soon ceased. By daybreak, he opened his eyes full -upon Betty with clear gaze, as if awakening from a sweet sleep. -</p> -<p>"How did you come here?" he asked Betty in surprise. "Where is Mus? -Where am I?" he asked, looking around the room in wonder. -</p> -<p>"Don't be alarmed, dear," she answered, taking his hand fondly. "You -had a slight hurt, and were brought in here. Cousin George will take -you home today. Mus is all right." -</p> -<p>The boy was full of questions, all of which Betty answered soothingly. -The sun was just peeping in his window, and the darkness of night had -flown. -</p> -<p>George came early in the morning. He expressed considerable surprise at -Harold's condition. -</p> -<p>The boy was so rejoiced at seeing him, he begged him to stay. But -George pleaded urgent cases demanded his time. -</p> -<p>"Where's Mus?" asked the boy disappointed. -</p> -<p>"Mus is busy preparing things for your return home. She is quite -worried about you." -</p> -<p>"Poor Mus," said Harold, regretfully. -</p> -<p>"Betty," said George in a professional tone, "you look tired. You must -take a little rest yourself." -</p> -<p>She looked up at him. His usual healthful countenance was drawn and -haggard. Doubtless he had been greatly shocked with Harold. -</p> -<p>"And you?" she returned anxiously. "I never saw you look so worn. Have -you been up with a case all night?" -</p> -<p>"Yes, a very serious one," he returned with a shadow of perplexity. He -leaned over Harold fondly. -</p> -<p>"Be a little man, sonny. I'll come for you this afternoon." -</p> -<p>The boy nodded gravely, and Walter turned to Betty. -</p> -<p>"Goodbye," he said. -</p> -<p>His tone sounded cold and formal. -</p> -<p>She crossed to the door with him, and was about to accompany him -downstairs, when he turned to her and said: -</p> -<p>"Don't trouble to come farther, thank you. Goodbye." -</p> -<p>How unnatural he was! His manner cut her, and she stood silent, -embarrassed with the fervor of her own feelings. -</p> -<p>He glanced at her quickly. -</p> -<p>"What is the matter?" he asked, almost sternly. -</p> -<p>"You seem so changed, Dr. Cadman. Have I done wrong?" -</p> -<p>"You—done—wrong?" he said, in the same hard tone. "No! But when a man -wrestles with the hardest problem of his life,—One which tears at his -very heart-strings in its solution, he must be stern or completely lose -himself!" -</p> -<p>He held out his hand to her and she took it. -</p> -<p>A momentary thrill from his warm pressure,—then a great loneliness -engulfed her heart, and she knew it was because he had left her -presence. -</p> -<p>"Will I never cease striving?" she asked herself fearfully, as she -turned back to Harold. -</p> -<p>That afternoon there was some commotion in the neighborhood, when an -ambulance-coach drew up in front of the boarding-house, and Harold was -carried out and placed in it. -</p> -<p>Betty and Dr. Cadman accompanied him. -</p> -<p>When they reached home, Alma awaited them. -</p> -<p>"And Betty, my dear Betty,—this has brought you to us once more! You -don't know how I have longed for you!" And the two women embraced -fondly. -</p> -<p>"And this gentleman who saved Harold—I must see him soon," continued -Alma, busily fussing about Harold. -</p> -<p>Betty saw plainly that she was extremely nervous and hysterically -joyous. -</p> -<p>"Are you going to stay with us now?" asked Alma. -</p> -<p>"I will stay a few hours," returned Betty, smiling. -</p> -<p>"Only a few hours!" exclaimed Alma, disappointed. -</p> -<p>"Yes, Alma, but I shall come often, until Harold is better." -</p> -<p>When Edgeway called for Betty, she went down to him directly. -</p> -<p>"Come into the library a moment," she said. "Dr. and Mrs. Cadman will -be down very soon. I want you to meet them." -</p> -<p>She led the way, and he followed her. Betty had not been in this -room, since she had directed the men in the hanging of Will Lambert's -picture, George's gift to his bride. With this thought, she -unconsciously turned toward the portrait. -</p> -<p>First she looked casually, then her gaze concentrated. She stopped -abruptly in a remark to Edgeway. -</p> -<p>"What has struck you?" he asked quickly. "You look as though—" -</p> -<p>"Those eyes!" she exclaimed, excitedly clutching his arm,—then she -stood speechless. -</p> -<p>He turned and followed her gaze. Will's eyes looked at them both with a -life-like expression. -</p> -<p>"Why, Miss Emmit," exclaimed Edgeway in surprise. "That is the picture -of the Salvation Army man!" -</p> -<p>Betty made no reply. She stood staring at the portrait, too dazed to -think. -</p> -<p>George entered unobserved, and stood watching them keenly. -</p> -<p>Finally Betty turned to Edgeway. -</p> -<p>"You must be mistaken," she said in a voice little above a whisper. -"That is Harold's father; he is dead." -</p> -<p>"Then I've seen his ghost!" returned Edgeway, unpersuaded. -</p> -<p>Betty's heart beat quickly. The longer she looked, the more certain she -felt she had seen Will Lambert. -</p> -<p>"How could it be?" she asked falteringly. -</p> -<p>George came forward quickly. -</p> -<p>"Betty!! Mr. Edgeway! Be careful! Say nothing before Mrs. Cadman. The -shock would kill her now. What you surmise is true. Will Lambert lives!" -</p> -<p>A fearful cry made them turn. -</p> -<p>Rigid as a statue, white as death, they beheld Alma! Her lips moved, -but she uttered no words. Her eyes gradually roved from their excited -faces to the picture smiling on all. -</p> -<p>For a moment her gaze was fixed and burning. -</p> -<p>"Will!" she cried in a wild ecstasy. -</p> -<p>Then she quivered piteously. As she fell, George caught her in his arms. -</p> -<p class="centered">*********** -</p> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTERXXI"></a>CHAPTER XXI. -</h2> -<p class="chapterHeading">The Efficacy of Faith. -</p> -<p>That night George and Betty never left Alma's bedside. White and still -she lay, and George's anxiety was great. -</p> -<p>A trained nurse had already arrived for Harold, so he tried to persuade -Betty to return home with Edgeway. -</p> -<p>But she refused, and as she said "good-bye" to Edgeway, she said, -</p> -<p>"You can understand how I am needed here tomorrow. I am sorry to break -my engagement with you." -</p> -<p>"O, that is of little account," he replied with genuine sympathy. -"Perhaps Thursday you can go with me to witness the great military -parade." -</p> -<p>"We will see," she said with a grave smile. "I can think of nothing but -her now." -</p> -<p>And she returned to watch by Alma. -</p> -<p>George observed her endurance with wonder. -</p> -<p>The following morning there was no change in Alma. -</p> -<p>"I fear the worst," he said to Betty, in a husky voice. "The shock was -more than she could stand. I shall call a consultation." -</p> -<p>Betty's eyes filled with tears, but she made no answer. -</p> -<p>"Are you able to keep up?" he asked of her. -</p> -<p>"O, yes, for anything I can do!" she replied earnestly. -</p> -<p>"Then go to Harold for awhile, and try to make him think lightly of -this. The nurse says he is constantly asking for his mother." -</p> -<p>Betty went to Harold, and stayed with him a long time. -</p> -<p>Meanwhile the doctors consulted together in fearful earnestness. -</p> -<p>When she finally heard them leave the house, she went softly to Alma's -room. -</p> -<p>George was leaning over Alma, gazing at her with a countenance so full -of sorrowing, that Betty guessed the decision. -</p> -<p>He looked up at her as she entered. -</p> -<p>"We agree there is no hope," he said with that stern gravity she -understood now. -</p> -<p>"You can do nothing?" she asked quickly. -</p> -<p>"Absolutely nothing. It is just a question of time. Her heart is very -weak." -</p> -<p>Betty approached him and laid one hand upon his arm pleadingly. -</p> -<p>"O, Dr. Cadman," she said earnestly,—and he thought he had never seen -her so radiantly beautiful before—"You can do nothing, you say,—but -with God all things are possible!" -</p> -<p>"Yes," he said, not fully understanding, "we must leave her to Him now. -All human efforts are in vain." -</p> -<p>"But did not Christ command us to heal the sick? If it were impossible, -why would he tell us to do so?" -</p> -<p>For a moment he looked at her curiously. -</p> -<p>"You are pleading for your Mormon Elders?" he asked gently. -</p> -<p>"Yes. Cannot they come? Alma would wish it." -</p> -<p>Her eyes, luminous with faith, thrilled him. -</p> -<p>"I do not believe very firmly in that kind of healing, but I appreciate -your enthusiasm." -</p> -<p>"But will you give your permission?" she asked eagerly. -</p> -<p>"Why not pray yourself?" he returned. -</p> -<p>"Let us take God's way," she replied with sincere humility. -</p> -<p>"As you wish, Betty," he returned tenderly. -</p> -<p>"O, thank you," she said with a great joy,—and in her zeal to save -Alma, she forgot her own struggles entirely. -</p> -<p class="centered">*********** -</p> -<p>George was alone in the library, pondering over the advisability of -bringing Will to see Alma. It would complicate matters greatly, for -Will to be seen at the house, and he might not even get to her in time -to see her alive. But it was right to call him. He could not argue -that fact away. He decided to go, himself, and bring Will as soon as -possible. -</p> -<p>Just at the moment of his decision, Betty entered. -</p> -<p>"Dr. Cadman," she said with a great calm joy, "our dear Alma has -awakened from her long sleep. She asks for you." -</p> -<p>For a moment he looked at her incredulously. Then eagerly he took her -hands. -</p> -<p>"Thank God!" he exclaimed earnestly, and hastened to Alma. -</p> -<p>As he approached her bed-side, the pale face on the pillow smiled up at -him. -</p> -<p>"Am I ill?" she asked, lifting a weak hand from the coverlet. -</p> -<p>He took it and kissed it gently. -</p> -<p>"Just a little," returned George soothingly, "Don't waste strength by -talking, dear." -</p> -<p>She looked at the elders standing by, regarding the scene with -sympathy; then her gaze wandered to Betty. -</p> -<p>"Dear Betty, always with us in trouble," she murmured. -</p> -<p>Her brow contracted, and she tried to think. -</p> -<p>Then she looked around with a bright smile. -</p> -<p>"Ah! I remember now—the shock of Harold's accident upset me awfully, -did it not? No wonder! But the dear boy is safe now." -</p> -<p>She closed her eyes in weakness. -</p> -<p>"Try to sleep dear," Walter said. -</p> -<p>In silence they watched her sink into a quiet, restful slumber. -</p> -<p>George carefully listened to her heart—then he walked towards the door -and beckoned the others to follow. -</p> -<p>When they were outside the room, he said to them: -</p> -<p>"She remembers nothing of the cause of her prostration. I have had -cases where they do not recall it for weeks. We must not allude to -it in any manner. There certainly is great hope now. Her heart is -stronger—and no stimulants! Assuredly your prayers have been answered!" -</p> -<p>"To God be the glory!" exclaimed one of the elders fervently. -</p> -<p>George looked at his shining countenance with a puzzled admiration. -</p> -<p>"And do you really believe, that had you two not administered to Mrs. -Cadman, her condition would have remained unchanged?" -</p> -<p>"That is not for me to say," he answered gravely. -</p> -<p>"Well, to put it differently, how can your prayers change the course of -nature?" -</p> -<p>"It is not given to us to know God's methods," returned the elder -promptly. "He is the creator of all—does he not, therefore, control -his own? It is simply our part to obey. Christ's commands are simple, -unquestionable. His is the power and the glory that we but reflect!" -</p> -<p>From this man's speaking with the tone of authority, George turned to -Betty. Her expressive countenance glowed with enthusiasm. -</p> -<p>"Your arguments are good,—and your faith is enviable," said George, -impressed. -</p> -<p>The next few days Alma steadily improved. But Betty did not leave her -until she was almost herself. By that time, Harold was wheeled into her -room daily. -</p> -<p>There they talked and read of the Hudson-Fulton celebration, and the -hours passed quickly for the active boy. -</p> -<p>It was Sunday when Betty at last returned home. Everyone of the little -group greeted her warmly. -</p> -<p>In her room, she found a beautiful bunch of American Beauties—the card -attached was Edgeway's. -</p> -<p>A knock at the door seemed to answer her thought,—for, with a pleasant -"Come in," Edgeway entered. -</p> -<p>"Is this evening mine?" he asked smiling. -</p> -<p>"O yes! Will you take me out for a nice long walk? I would appreciate -the fresh evening air immensely." -</p> -<p>"And my company, too," he said laughing. -</p> -<p>"Of course," she returned brightly. -</p> -<p>After tea, at which time her friends were unusually lively and -talkative, she left the house with Edgeway. She did not feel in harmony -with the eager crowds and gay brilliancy of the illuminated city, but -she felt anxious to please him, so she put all thoughts of George and -Alma temporarily from her. -</p> -<p>Edgeway was in one of his gayest moods. -</p> -<p>"This is great!" he exclaimed as they started. "To really, really feel -the realism of your presence!" -</p> -<p>She looked up at him smiling. In these moods, he seemed to her, like a -big, happy boy. -</p> -<p>"I'm glad such a little makes you joyous," she returned. -</p> -<p>"Such a little! Perhaps if you knew the immensity of my pleasure, you -would not regard it so lightly," he said gaily. -</p> -<p>It seemed to Betty, he could hardly contain his exuberance of spirits. -Talking rapidly, remarking every detail of the illuminations and the -crowd, he completely engrossed her attention, and she was surprised at -her own enjoyment of the evening. -</p> -<p>They returned about eleven o'clock, and not until they were nearing -home, did Edgeway cease to be lively. -</p> -<p>For several minutes he did not speak, and she looked up into his face, -to discover a gloom gathering in his eyes. -</p> -<p>"What troubles you?" she asked, kindly. -</p> -<p>"All good things have an end," he returned with a sigh. "This evening -seemed quite long when it began,—but it's gone already," he added -crossly. -</p> -<p>"What a spoiled boy you are," she said laughing, amused at his erratic -moods. "There is always another beginning, you know. I will go again, -and again, and again!" -</p> -<p>"Will you?" he asked eagerly, and the sunny smile came back. -</p> -<p class="centered">*********** -</p> -<p>Monday morning, Betty resumed her regular school work. On her return in -the evening, a special delivery awaited her. -</p> -<p>She knew George's hand-writing, and opened it quickly. -</p><blockquote> -<p> "Dear Betty, -</p> -<p> "I have determined suddenly to take Alma and Harold away for a - change. Will start tomorrow morning early. We may be gone a long - time, so try to call tonight. We wish to bid you 'good-bye.' -</p> -<p> "Yours in haste, -</p> -<p> "George." -</p></blockquote> -<p>With an odd mixture of feelings, Betty went to Alma's home. -</p> -<p>She found her anxiously awaiting Betty. -</p> -<p>"I was so afraid you might miss our letter, dear," she said. "I -couldn't be happy in going, without saying 'Good-bye' to you." -</p> -<p>"Are you going for long, then?" Betty asked, feeling a sudden -lonesomeness coming over her. -</p> -<p>"I don't know. The truth is, Betty, I am nearly strong, but I find -myself so continually lost in a painful effort at thinking,—I'm trying -to remember something—I don't know what,—but it worries me, until I -almost cry with disappointment. George says it is my nerves, and if he -does not take me away directly, he fears I will be ill again." -</p> -<p>Betty took her hands lovingly. -</p> -<p>"Perhaps it is best. Dr. Cadman always knows best," she said with -a slight flush. "You must write to me often, dear, and let me know -directly you return." -</p> -<p>That night George took Betty home. When they reached the door, he said, -</p> -<p>"I will not come in, for I have much to prepare for the trip." -</p> -<p>"I hope it will benefit you all," returned Betty, suddenly realizing -that their going was a new trial to her. -</p> -<p>"I expect great things to happen before I see you again," he said -earnestly, "It would not be honorable for me to even mention my plans, -but"—he stopped abruptly, and held out his hand "Good-bye," he said, -gravely. -</p> -<p>"Good-bye," she said, trembling. -</p> -<p>He held her hand for a moment; then, dropping it slowly, he reached -over and rang the bell. -</p> -<p>Quickly the door was opened by Edgeway. -</p> -<p>George, raising his hat, walked rapidly away. -</p> -<p>"I have been waiting for you," said Edgeway, smiling down at her. -</p> -<p>She looked up at him with sudden pity. -</p> -<p>"He seems always lonesome for me," she thought, "and now I am lonesome, -too." -</p> -<p>Then she said impulsively, "The rest of this week is yours." -</p> -<p>"Thank you," he said warmly, and his eyes shone with a fervor that -suddenly brought a question to her mind. -</p> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTERXXII"></a>CHAPTER XXII. -</h2> -<p class="chapterHeading">To Save a Soul. -</p> -<p>"Reaction follows all exceptional enthusiasm,—even be it of a -religious nature. We may try to plead an exception in religion, but we -deceive ourselves, if we do. -</p> -<p>"The time following a great spiritual effort, is the hardest to meet. -If we conquer ourselves, we rise to loftier planes. If we fail, we are -worse off than before the exaltation. There is a proverb, "Success is -built on failure." True, but the reverse also holds good. "Failure is -built upon success." The idea of one grand moment of conversion when -the soul of man is roused to great things, never to become earthly -again, is at best an idle dream. The ladder to perfection must be -climbed slowly and with care. The rounds of that ladder are marked -either "Success" or "Failure." Often our feet are resting surely upon -the one, when we go to step higher, and we feel the painful contact -with the other." -</p> -<p>Betty laid down the tract which she had been reading, and arose from -her chair with a deep sigh. -</p> -<p>She had been resting a few moments, before dressing to go out with -Edgeway. -</p> -<p>George and Alma had been gone just five days, and in that time, she -had come to realize that the past late experiences with George had not -only re-awakened her love, but, if possible, made it stronger and more -unconquerable. -</p> -<p>She had kept her promise and had gone out every evening with Edgeway. -He had been more than grateful, but she began to see that his -attentions were more than friendly ones. -</p> -<p>How dull she had been, to remain blind to the fact! She blamed herself -greatly. -</p> -<p>"Poor Edgeway!" she said, taking up one of his roses, and fastening -it on her dress. "You are suffering for a hopeless love, and—I also. -George is so fond of Alma—poor Alma—she needs all the love possible, -if she remembers the cause of her shock. Probably George will make it -appear to her like a dream. Will Lambert will vanish again, and she -will never know the real tragedy of her life." -</p> -<p>She began to dress her hair slowly. -</p> -<p>"Perhaps," she thought on, "if I think of others, I will forget myself. -I thought I had conquered selfishness, but it seems not." -</p> -<p>That evening Edgeway was quiet, and possessed none of the animation of -previous evenings. -</p> -<p>They witnessed the grand display of fireworks with slightly aroused -enthusiasm, but it subsided instantly when the excitement was over. -</p> -<p>"Miss Emmit, this is the last night of the celebration we will enjoy -together. Won't you favor me by prolonging it with a little supper?" -</p> -<p>She acquiesced, and they were soon seated in a private room, as far -apart from the world, in this big hotel, as if they were at the north -pole. -</p> -<p>The subdued, red glow of the candelabra, and the distant strains of the -orchestra, were restful after the glare and noise of the streets. -</p> -<p>"I suppose," said Edgeway gravely, "that from now on, your mind will be -only upon your art." -</p> -<p>"I hope so," she returned earnestly. "I find myself strangely -unbalanced in my thoughts, when I lose the thread of my life." -</p> -<p>"Suppose there was one person, who needed to be saved from absolute -uselessness, and you were the only one who could influence him. Would -you try very hard?" -</p> -<p>"What a question! Of course I would!" she returned earnestly. -</p> -<p>"How much would you sacrifice for one soul?" -</p> -<p>"Almost anything." -</p> -<p>He looked into her fair, pure face, and his own flushed hotly. -</p> -<p>"I believe you would," he said eagerly. "But I feel almost ashamed to -acquaint you with such a one. You would sacrifice too much." -</p> -<p>"Tell me of any one I can help," she returned. "I especially need to -think of others, now." -</p> -<p>At that moment the supper was served. -</p> -<p>"Eat," said Edgeway, "I will talk of him later." -</p> -<p>Edgeway ate little, but regarded Betty with a wistful despondency. -</p> -<p>She felt his mood and tried to brighten him with light comments on the -evening's display. -</p> -<p>At last they finished, and Betty looked at him with a grave smile. -</p> -<p>"You must not forget to tell me who needs me so much." -</p> -<p>"Miss Emmit, it is none other than poor, unfortunate I." -</p> -<p>Betty colored crimson. There was no mistaking his words, and the look -that accompanied them. -</p> -<p>"Yes," he continued, "without you, my life will be a useless hollow -affair. With you, I believe it would be worth while. Your very presence -exalts me to better things. O, could you,—could you stoop to poor -insignificant me?" -</p> -<p>His humility was genuine, and Betty beheld the absolute prostration of -a man's heart at her feet. -</p> -<p>She gazed at him with a look of great sorrow. -</p> -<p>"Oh, have I led you to this?" she asked gently. "I shall never forgive -myself to have let you so misunderstand me!" she exclaimed in sudden -self blame. -</p> -<p>"Misunderstand you?" he said, and there was a slight bitterness in -his tone. "I would not dream that <em>you</em> could love <em>me</em>! I only ask -permission to love <em>you</em>!" he declared passionately. "You—my salvation -from life's pitiful 'Nothingness!'" -</p> -<p>She regarded him with pity and surprise. -</p> -<p>"You ask no love from me in return?" she asked tremulously. -</p> -<p>"None!" he pleaded, "Perhaps some day my devotion may give it birth, -but I shall expect nothing! Don't, don't refuse me, or—I'm a lost -soul! I possess no strength in myself. I know it. I have lived to learn -my cradle's curse. But I have the power of loving—poor dog-like trait! -You could strike me now, and I would still turn to lick your hand!" -</p> -<p>His wild devotion made her tremble. Did she indeed hold this man's soul -in her hands? Was he really weak and helpless without her? Perhaps God -had sent him to her for her care to save. -</p> -<p>She was confused, almost tortured with her thoughts. -</p> -<p>"Ask me no answer tonight," she said trembling. "I must think -and—pray." -</p> -<p>"You do not scorn me, then?" he asked with a great joy lighting his -eyes. -</p> -<p>"Scorn you? It will be my happiness to arouse you to a real sense of -your worth!" -</p> -<p class="centered">*********** -</p> -<p>One month later, Betty announced her engagement to Frank Edgeway. -</p> -<p>She had thought and prayed over it, and he had not ceased his -persuasions. It did not seem quite natural to be contemplating marriage -with another, when her heart's idol was surely George. But George -belonged to another, and the hopelessness of her own love, gave her -greater sympathy for Edgeway. -</p> -<p>"Frank, sometimes I think you love me too much," said Betty, "are you -sure that you will not be disappointed in my poor return?" -</p> -<p>"Disappointed? O, if you only know what you have done for me. I -thought it impossible to ever be really content. I hardly know myself. -The world is a very different affair with my Betty. My Betty!—How -strangely beautiful those words sound! Just to repeat them over and -over again gives me untold joy!" -</p> -<p>She looked into his adoring eyes, and felt a certain delight in the -thought of his satisfied longings. She smiled at him happily. -</p> -<p>"To make one heart so perfectly transformed with happiness is indeed a -privilege," she said, running her hand through his abundance of hair -with almost a maternal caress. -</p> -<p>Another month passed happily, and Edgeway seemed indeed transformed. -He needed no gay mask to cover his cynicism now—it had all entire -vanished. -</p> -<p>Suffused with the light from Betty's radiant nature, he suddenly -developed all his latent aspirations. They read and talked together, -and he felt her spirit touch all things. -</p> -<p>Sometimes he asked himself if this dream could possibly last. Would -Betty be satisfied always? Then his complete happiness would chase away -the doubt. -</p> -<p>One night when she and Edgeway were alone together, the post brought a -letter from Alma. -</p> -<p>"Ah," she said delighted, "I have wondered why she did not write?" -</p> -<p>She opened it quickly and was surprised to find only a note. -</p> -<p>"Dearest Betty:—George returns alone tomorrow. You may expect to see -him very soon. He will tell you all—I dare not trust myself to write -now. We are all well and oh! So happy! My darling girl, my heart's best -to you. -</p> -<p>"Devotedly, -</p> -<p>"Alma." -</p> -<p>Betty handed the letter to Edgeway in astonishment. -</p> -<p>"Is that not a strange note? What could have happened?" -</p> -<p>Edgeway read, and re-read thoughtfully. Then he handed it back saying, -</p> -<p>"Something unusual, surely. Maybe Dr. Cadman has had their marriage -annulled, and your friend is reunited with her first husband. That Dr. -Cadman has brains enough to engineer a case like that successfully." -</p> -<p>"You think it possible?" she asked in an awed voice. -</p> -<p>He took her hands and pressed them hard. -</p> -<p>"Does it concern you, if he did?" he asked quickly, his eyes compelling -hers with sudden fear. -</p> -<p>"I'm not sure that it would be best," she answered evasively, and he -read in her eyes a shrinking from his scrutiny of her. -</p> -<p>Turning the conversation, he talked of their future life together, but -the light had died from his eyes, and Betty noticed the effort of all -his remarks. -</p> -<p>That night and the next day, she never ceased to think of Alma's note, -and Frank's surmise. -</p> -<p>"Yes, all things are possible of George. Perhaps even"—then she -stifled the thought. A sudden misery that seemed unbearable, demanded -all her strength to overcome. She was bound in honor to Edgeway. How -dared she even run her fancy so far! -</p> -<p>In the evening she was dressing to go out again with Frank, when the -maid announced Dr. Cadman. -</p> -<p>Trembling, she grasped the chair. With effort she finished her toilet, -almost too dazed to think. A vague fear possessed her. -</p> -<p>"I am weak," she said hopelessly. "O God, give me strength!" -</p> -<p>Her prayer was answered. She found herself descending to the parlor -with an outward calm covering her inner pain. -</p> -<p>Dr. Cadman stood awaiting her. -</p> -<p>As she entered, he took her outstretched hand. -</p> -<p>"A long time away, Betty," he said, holding it fast, "but a short time -considering all that has been accomplished. Alma wished me to come and -tell you everything." -</p> -<p>"Yes?" she asked in a low tone. "You must tell me all about it. How is -our dear Alma?" -</p> -<p>She sat down as she spoke, and he drew a chair near to hers. -</p> -<p>"Our Alma is well and ever so happy! Can you possibly realize it when I -tell you she is re-united with Will!" -</p> -<p>Betty caught her breath and looked at him fearfully. -</p> -<p>"You are not glad for her?" he asked in surprise. -</p> -<p>"Yes, but—" she could not say anymore, but gazed at him piteously. -</p> -<p>"You are not glad, Betty?" -</p> -<p>Neither saw Edgeway at the door. George's back was to him, and Edgeway -saw Betty's eyes looking at George with infinite longing. -</p> -<p>Edgeway turned, and slowly and thoughtfully went to his room. -</p> -<p>"Yes, I am very glad," said Betty. -</p> -<p>"You don't look it," he said gently. "Tell me girlie, what troubles -you?" -</p> -<p>She smiled up at him bravely. -</p> -<p>"I have good news, too, not bad. I'm engaged to be married." -</p> -<p>"You? Why, who is the lucky man?" -</p> -<p>"Mr. Edgeway." -</p> -<p>"Well, my dear girl, I do wish you all the happiness in the world. You -are sure you are happy, though?" he asked in deep concern. -</p> -<p>Betty dropped her eyes in confusion. -</p> -<p>At that moment, Mr. Mellor and the ladies entered the parlor, so -Betty and George were no more alone. He did not stay long. As he said -goodbye, he added, "Betty, you are hiding something from me. I must -know what. I have to return to Chicago to arrange some details. When I -come back, I shall call again." -</p> -<p>And so he left her, standing pale, but determined—determined to be -true to Edgeway and save a soul. -</p> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTERXXIII"></a>CHAPTER XXIII. -</h2> -<p class="chapterHeading">"'Tis better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all." -</p> -<p>"Has Mr. Edgeway gone away for long?" asked Mr. Mellor of Betty. -</p> -<p>"He did not say for how long," returned Betty. "He said he was called -away very suddenly, and would write me as soon as he reached his -destination, and tell me particulars. I am expecting a letter tonight -surely—it is two days now since he went." -</p> -<p>Betty's mind dwelt little with Frank. She wondered slightly what could -have called him away, but she was rather relieved at his absence. Her -thoughts of George were so intense, and her conflicting emotions so -difficult to contend with, that she feared she might betray her secret -to Frank, who seemed ever watching her every word and look. Sometimes -she almost believed he held some suspicion of her trial. She was -determined to be true to him, and make him the man he was capable of -becoming. -</p> -<p>Her sacrifice was great, and as yet, the days were too young, for her -to feel much joy in her resolve. She seemed groping in the dark, sure -that the course she had taken was right, but seeing no light ahead. But -she knew that the day would come, when she would enjoy the happiness of -right doing. -</p> -<p>When Frank had said goodbye, he had been unusually calm and gentle. His -wild love for her seemed subdued. She felt its power, more than that of -his usual passionate adoration. His last words came to her with sudden -force: -</p> -<p>"Betty, you have taught me how to live. What greater thing could a man -ask from the woman he loves?" -</p> -<p>A letter awaited her as she surmised. When she went to her room, with a -new interest she turned to the letter before dressing for supper. -</p> -<p>"I must be more interested in you, dear boy," she thought rather -regretfully, "I hope I can learn to give you more and more." -</p> -<p>She opened and read: -</p> -<p>"My own beautiful good one:—This is the last time I may write 'My -Own.' Yes, dearest Betty, you are too beautiful and good to be -sacrificed upon the altar of one man's selfishness!" -</p> -<p>"From this day I shall glory in your freedom. Yes, poor, selfish me has -suddenly found out the joy of forgetting self,—a strange, new joy, -emanating from your own lovely self! -</p> -<p>"At first I was mad with the joy of loving you. But the mad joy wore -itself out. Then I beheld my loved one, fair and pure, dragging through -life a bleeding heart! -</p> -<p>"The vision never left me, night or day. It tortured me and I knew no -rest, even in your sweet presence. -</p> -<p>"Then, the fire of a greater love kindled in my heart. I desired to -see you glowing with perfect happiness. This desire grew stronger and -stronger until it evolved a way by which it could be satisfied. That -way has been accomplished. I am far, far away from the dearest girl on -God's fair earth. She will never see me again, but the vision of her -shall be the inspiration of my life! -</p> -<p>"Soon you will forget the man to whom you have given new life and -strength to bear all things. -</p> -<p>"Your Frank." -</p> -<p>Betty laid the letter down with a sense of relief at her release. Then -a sudden pity for Frank brought a mist to her eyes. But she seemed to -hear him say again, -</p> -<p>"You have taught me how to live—what more could a man ask from the -woman he loves?" -</p> -<p>The words comforted her, she had not harmed him, then, -</p> -<p>"God keep him strong and good!" she said fervently. -</p> -<p>Slowly and thoughtfully she dressed. Then she noticed another letter -which she had not seen before. It was from Ephraim. With great anxiety -she read, that her mother was very ill, and she must come home directly. -</p> -<p>So Betty's mind instantly planned for her sudden departure for the West -and once more, her own trials were forgotten in thinking of others. -</p> -<p class="centered">*********** -</p> - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTERXXIV"></a>CHAPTER XXIV. -</h2> -<p class="chapterHeading">Unalloyed Love. -</p> -<p>In a small, modest apartment in a section of Chicago, which is -inexpensive but respectable, Alma began her new life with Will and -Harold. -</p> -<p>This afternoon she was alone for the first time. Will had taken Harold -out to see more of the great city, while she was busy preparing for -George's return from New York. -</p> -<p>He had left them just two weeks ago, promising to return and visit them -for a few days. -</p> -<p>Alma prepared supper with a happy heart. She had refused all -persuasions to keep a maid. Her strength had returned, and she was so -supremely happy that no work seemed an effort to her, and she gloried -now in taking a really active part in the world and helping Will to -rise again from the lower rounds of the ladder. -</p> -<p>It was nearing six o'clock, and Alma looked the daintily set table -over, with a glow of pride and satisfaction. -</p> -<p>"I never thought it could be such a pleasure for a woman to prepare -things herself. It's almost like playing house." She laughed softly. -"Riches after all, are not everything." -</p> -<p>She went to the window, and drew aside the curtain to look out. There -was no sign of her loved ones yet. They were going to meet George. -Maybe the train was late. So she sat down to wait. But she did not -rest long. It seemed impossible for her not to keep busy with some -preparation. -</p> -<p>Could this be Alma? Pleasure-loving, indolent Alma of the past? No! -This was the Alma of later years,—strong, eager, loving, beginning a -new life upon the ashes of heart-aches past! -</p> -<p>It was long past six, when Harold and Will returned alone. George had -not arrived on the train expected. -</p> -<p>"Never mind," said Alma, "We three will have our cozy little supper -together. When George comes, I can prepare something, too." -</p> -<p>Will's arms encircled her as they went to the table. Fondly he looked -down into Alma's happy face. -</p> -<p>"I can't get used to this wonderful life," he said gently. -</p> -<p>"Nor I," she replied with an answering smile. "I sometimes pinch myself -to wake up." -</p> -<p>Will's face was somewhat lined and he was partly gray. Otherwise, he -was the same Will with the kind, dark, deep-set eyes. -</p> -<p>Harold ate his supper hurriedly. -</p> -<p>"I'm going to the depot, again, to meet Cousin George," he explained. -</p> -<p>"Very well," said Alma, but don't stay too late." -</p> -<p>With a boy's caress for both parents he was gone. -</p> -<p>Alma and Will together cleared away the supper. -</p> -<p>When they had finished, they retired to the sitting-room. Will seated -himself in a big arm-chair, and gently pulled Alma down upon his knee, -in the same old, loving manner. -</p> -<p>She nestled up to him, and, resting her head upon his breast, she -looked up into his face in quiet rapture. -</p> -<p>His eyes looked down at her with the gaze of a hungry soul, not yet -satisfied. -</p> -<p>"I cannot bear to be away from you one hour, dearest," he said. "I am -always fearing something will snatch you from my arms again. We are not -out of the woods yet." -</p> -<p>"How foolish, Will," she said, smiling brightly, "You must trust -George. He can do anything, you know." -</p> -<p>"George! What a friend! I wonder you did not completely forget your -Will, when by his side!" -</p> -<p>She sighed gently at the thought of those days. -</p> -<p>"Ah, Will! There was never a day, when I did not go alone to the -library, to sit before your picture, and gaze into your loving eyes. -George is great and good, but Will is the one love of my life!" -</p> -<p>She pressed her soft cheek against his, and thus they sat, too filled -with ecstasy to speak. -</p> -<p>Suddenly his eyes became troubled, and a mist gathered in them. -</p> -<p>"Dearest, how can you ever forgive me for causing you so much -suffering?" he asked brokenly. -</p> -<p>"How can you ever forgive me?" she replied. -</p> -<p>"Sh! You must not say that!" he returned, sealing her lips with a kiss. -</p> -<p>Just then Harold's quick ring of the bell was heard. -</p> -<p>"George, too, or he would not be so soon back," exclaimed Will. -</p> -<p>She arose, and opening the door, hand in hand they waited for George -and Harold to ascend the stairs. -</p> -<p>"I've got him," said Harold delightedly, as Will and Alma each grasped -the hand that George extended to them. -</p> -<p>"O, George, we were so afraid something might keep you away," said -Alma, and as they ushered him in, she slipped away to the little -kitchen, where the kettle seemed always to sing to her, "Home, sweet -home." -</p> -<p>Quickly she poured a cup of chocolate, and setting it on a dainty tray, -she placed with it the cream, sugar and muffins, temptingly. This she -took in to George. -</p> -<p>He took it and looked from one to the other with a bright sympathy. -</p> -<p>"I made these muffins myself," said Alma, laughing. -</p> -<p>"Yes, and you ought to have seen Mus," said Harold, "She read the cook -book about a dozen times, and then made three tins of muffins before -they came out fluffy like. They're bully, though!" -</p> -<p>When the tray was taken away, and Alma once more rejoined them, George -said happily, -</p> -<p>"I have only good news for you all. Everything is settled -satisfactorily. Will, nothing will ever be brought up against you in -any way. The bank officials sent their good wishes, and hope for your -future success. I've also got a letter of introduction for you to -present to a big firm here, which promises to give you a fair start in -this city, where your name can be made anew." -</p> -<p>He drew the letter from his pocket and handed it to Will. -</p> -<p>Taking it, Will grasped George's hand in silence. He was too overcome -for words. -</p> -<p>Alma's eyes filled with happy tears. -</p> -<p>"O, I knew you could do anything!" she exclaimed gratefully. -</p> -<p>Harold looked on with a big lump gathering in his throat. With an -effort he cleared it away; then he went over to George with a glowing -face. Laying one hand on his shoulder, he said with boyish fervor, -</p> -<p>"You always were a brick, Cousin George!" -</p> -<p>He turned to the boy and looked at him with a shade of regret, "You -won't forget me, little man?" he asked tenderly. -</p> -<p>"Forget you?" returned the boy, "Never!" And taking one hand of Will's -and one of George's he looked frankly from one to the other. -</p> -<p>"It's 'nick and tuck' between you and father!!" he declared earnestly. -</p> -<p>Both men looked at each other understandingly. -</p> -<p>"It must always be so, Harold," said Will gravely. -</p> -<p>Later in the evening, when Harold had retired, Alma asked: -</p> -<p>"Did you find Betty well and happy?" -</p> -<p>"Yes, and she is engaged to Mr. Edgeway." -</p> -<p>"I'm not surprised," answered Alma. "I do hope that he is good enough -for her." -</p> -<p>"He seems a good sort," answered George thoughtfully, "But I think -Betty could have done better. She is an exceptionally fine little -woman. By the way, are there any letters for me here? I gave this for -my address. -</p> -<p>"Yes, one—and it looks like Betty's handwriting, but I am not sure." -</p> -<p>George opened it and read aloud. -</p> -<p>"Dear Dr. Cadman:—You will be very much surprised to know that I am -going to Ephraim. Mother is very ill, and has sent for me. If I did -not have to hasten home, I would stop over in Chicago to say goodbye -to Alma and you, but I cannot see you until I return to New York to -complete my studies—which may not be for a long time. -</p> -<p>"My engagement to Mr. Edgeway has been broken. -</p> -<p>"Give my love to Alma and Harold. I hope to hear from you all. -</p> -<p>"Praying that God will bless each one of you, -</p> -<p>"I am, your Ephraim friend, -</p> -<p>"Betty Emmit." -</p> -<p>"A short lived engagement!" exclaimed Alma. -</p> -<p>"I am not sorry," returned George. "I felt worried over her. She didn't -seem happy." -</p> -<p>There was a moment's silence, then Alma said kindly, -</p> -<p>"George, you don't look well. What are you going to do now?" -</p> -<p>"I'm only tired out, Alma. I think that I will take a trip to somewhere -for a good rest—away from New York and excitement for a time. I almost -feel like making a hermit of myself for a while." -</p> -<p>"Why not visit Ephraim?" asked Alma, "The change of climate and quiet -would do you good, and you couldn't be lonesome with Betty there." -</p> -<p>"That's a first class idea, Alma, I'll surprise Betty. I think her -company would be a splendid antidote for my unsettled mood. At all -times, she's a comfort, isn't she?" -</p> -<p>Alma looked at him keenly. -</p> -<p>"George, did it ever occur to you how fond you are of Betty?" -</p> -<p>"Why, of course," he replied promptly, "I've always loved the child, -since I first met her, a small, eager youngster, ready to do big -things." -</p> -<p>"But she is not a child now, George, she is a woman, and—free." -</p> -<p>George looked his surprise, then laughed. -</p> -<p>"Why, Alma, are you trying to marry me off already? How Betty would -laugh!" Then he became serious. "You know Edith was my love, and always -will be." -</p> -<p>"Yes, George, but you can be true to Edith, and yet love another!" -</p> -<p>"Is that a 'Mormon' idea?" he asked with a grave smile. "I never could -forget Edith, so you see I'm doomed to be a bachelor. However, Ephraim -is just the place for me now, and I'll come back in a month, my old -self." -</p> -<p class="centered">*********** -</p> -<p>It was a beautiful clear autumn day! One must visit the Rocky Mountain -regions at this time of year to fully appreciate what that means in -Ephraim. No place on God's earth, has a clearer atmosphere, a bluer -sky, or a more beautiful combination of color effects in trees and -mountains, to gladden the artistic mind. -</p> -<p>Betty stood on the broad piazza of her home, and took in a deep breath -of the keen and refreshing air. -</p> -<p>She was rather tired after a long siege of nursing her mother, Mrs. -Emmit was at last out of danger, and convalescing. Betty was now going -to leave her for the first time—to go to the Manti Temple and fulfil -her promise to be baptized for Edith. -</p> -<p>She was very pale, but a calm joy was reflected on her countenance as -she contemplated this act for her departed friend. -</p> -<p>"Dear Edith," she thought, "I feel you very near to me today." With a -thrill of happiness she went down the steps and entered her car. She -was entirely alone, and drove her car slowly, while thinking of her -past, wonderful experiences. -</p> -<p>"How calm and serene Ephraim is after all the excitement of my last -three years!" she thought. "I wonder if I'll ever see Alma again—and -George." -</p> -<p>A shade of sadness passed over her face. The very thought of him was -painful yet. But time would doubtless make her love a thing of the -past. She must have patience. But, try as she would, George occupied -her thoughts until she reached the temple. Every scene with him was -quickly rehearsed, and with each, came a sharp pang of regret for the -inevitable. -</p> -<p>But on entering the holy temple, peace came to her, and as she came out -of the waters of baptism, that great happiness that comes to all who do -vicarious work, lifted her far beyond her troubled thoughts, and her -ride home was a quiet restful one. -</p> -<p>All Nature seemed to sing of God's coming peace on earth, and Betty's -heart was attuned to the harmony of the Invisible. -</p> -<p>When she arrived home, she sought her room for a little rest. When she -lay down, she found herself unable to sleep, but she closed her eyes to -relax. -</p> -<p>Hardly had she done this, when she felt a presence in her room. -She opened her eyes—was she dreaming? No,—by her mantle, stood -Edith,—Edith, more gloriously beautiful than ever before,—with the -same fond expression in her violet eyes, as she looked upon Betty. -</p> -<p>"Edith!" exclaimed Betty, sitting up in trembling delight. -</p> -<p>Edith raised her hand as if for silence—then she smiled with gratitude -for Betty's promise kept. -</p> -<p>Betty stretched out her arms, but Edith slowly shook her head,—still -smiling, she pointed to her own picture on the mantle, and then to -George's. -</p> -<p>"You will?" she whispered softly. -</p> -<p>"I don't understand," answered Betty gently. -</p> -<p>"You will, dear," came the reply, and before Betty could again speak, -Edith vanished from her sight. -</p> -<p>It was the first vision Betty had ever had, and for awhile she -lay trembling and weak. Finally she grew calm, but knowing it was -impossible to rest, she arose and went downstairs to her mother. -</p> -<p>"Betty, dear," Mrs. Emmit said, brightly, "Your father just brought you -a letter from Chicago." -</p> -<p>With a sudden, almost painful joy, she recognized Dr. Cadman's -handwriting. Opening the letter, she read aloud. -</p> -<p>"Dear Betty: I am wondering if your folks could take in a tired -Easterner for a month? I'm just longing for the hills of Ephraim and -the wonderful rest that only your peaceful home could give me in my -present state of mind. -</p> -<p>"Will tell you all when I see you. If I would inconvenience any of you, -don't hesitate to say so. -</p> -<p>"Kindest regards to all, your old friend, -</p> -<p>"George Cadman." -</p> -<p>Betty's heart beat with such wild delight, she could scarcely finish -reading the letter. -</p> -<p>"Of course he shall come!" declared Mrs. Emmit, happily. "And we'll -show him how we appreciate his kindness to you on your mission. Answer -him right now, child—don't lose any time to tell him he is more than -welcome." -</p> -<p class="centered">*********** -</p> -<p>"And so, Betty, now I have told you my life's story," concluded George -seriously, looking out upon the glorious view of the mountains from the -little knoll where he and Betty sat. This was their favorite resting -place, a few miles from town, to which they were accustomed to walk -every evening at sun down. -</p> -<p>Betty did not answer. She was trying to adjust herself to the -revelations. So it was Edith he had loved after all—not Alma! -</p> -<p>"And," continued George, breaking the silence, "I'll surprise you when -I tell you—I want to be baptized." -</p> -<p>Betty turned to him in delight. "You mean it? O! I am so thankful!" -</p> -<p>He looked at her tenderly. "Yes, I mean it. I had to suffer to really -appreciate religion. And when it comes to choosing one, I don't have -to compare long, what you offer me and what the world has to offer. -And Betty,—I've awakened to another truth that I have been blind to -before." -</p> -<p>"What truth?" asked Betty. -</p> -<p>"The fact that I love you, little woman, and want you to be my wife." -</p> -<p>Betty looked at him first, with unfeigned joy,—then drew away and -regarded him with speechless wonder. -</p> -<p>"Couldn't you love me, little one?" he asked, taking her hands -tenderly, and trying to draw her to him. -</p> -<p>She held him off. -</p> -<p>"But—Edith—you just told me—you love her as always!" -</p> -<p>"I do," returned George smiling. "But I love you none the less. I can't -quite understand it, myself." -</p> -<p>"But I do," returned Betty suddenly. "Now, I understand why dear Edith -came to me,—the vision I told you of—she wishes to be sealed to you, -George, for all eternity!" -</p> -<p>"And you?" asked George, incredulously. -</p> -<p>"Will do the temple work," returned Betty, smiling happily. -</p> -<p>For a moment, George regarded her glowing countenance with reverence. -Then he said earnestly, -</p> -<p>"Is it possible you could do this without jealousy?" -</p> -<p>"Perfect love knows no jealousy, George," she said gravely. "I want my -love for you to be perfect." -</p> -<p>Tenderly, George took her in his arms. -</p> -<p>"And may I be worthy of such Perfection!" he replied, his whole being -suffused with the happiness of Unalloyed Love! -</p> -<p>THE END. -</p> - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Great Experience, by Julia Farr - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GREAT EXPERIENCE *** - -***** This file should be named 51714-h.htm or 51714-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/1/7/1/51714/ - -Produced by the Mormon Texts Project -(http://mormontextsproject.org/), with thanks to McKayla -Hansen and Rachel Helps for proofreading. - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: The Great Experience - -Author: Julia Farr - -Release Date: April 10, 2016 [EBook #51714] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GREAT EXPERIENCE *** - - - - -Produced by the Mormon Texts Project -(http://mormontextsproject.org/), with thanks to McKayla -Hansen and Rachel Helps for proofreading. - - - - - - - -The Great Experience - -BY - -JULIA FARR - -Author of "Venna Hastings" - - - "I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, - and that is the lamp of experience." - - I. P. HENRY - - -THE DESERET NEWS -SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH -1920 - - -LOVINGLY DEDICATED TO MY -EPHRAIM FRIENDS -MRS. CATHERINE H. THOMPSON AND FAMILY - - - -PREFACE - -Have you been a convert to the "Mormon" faith? Have you left your -home-land and started out for the valley in the mountains, leaving -friends behind, and looking forward with an awful loneliness to the -strange new land where life must begin over again with only the Lord -to know and love you? And have you found, on coming to Zion, a _real_ -friend--one who opens heart and home to welcome the convert, and give -that first cheering hope to the tired one, just come from the world's -persecutions? If you have had that experience, readers, you can -understand with what tenderness I think of Ephraim, where I experienced -my first welcome, my first friends in Zion. In trying to think of a -suitable setting for my heroine's home life, Ephraim came instantly -to my mind, because it was here that I met the real "Mormon" spirit, -which strengthened me to bear the disappointments of the morrow. This -little city will always be to me one of the chosen spots in God's Zion. -I would not have it thought that any of my characters are supposed to -be those of Ephraim people. The story is one of fiction, the pioneer -stories excepting. These stories are true, and belong to two prominent -Utah families. - -Julia Farr. - - - -TABLE OF CONTENTS - -CHAPTER I. "Even a child is known by his doings."--Prov. 20:11. - -CHAPTER II. No great truth was ever born into the world, without the -throes of suffering of those who bore it. - -CHAPTER III. A child's love is as proportionately great as a woman's. - -CHAPTER IV. Society's Nothingness, and its Sacrifice. - -CHAPTER V. Edith's Choice. - -CHAPTER VI. The glamor gone, what is left? - -CHAPTER VII. "Go, preach the Gospel to all the world." - -CHAPTER VIII. The Way of a Missionary. - -CHAPTER IX. Betty's new friends. - -CHAPTER X. "God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound -the wise." - -CHAPTER XI. The Treachery of the World. - -CHAPTER XII. Indifference begets indifference. Love begets love. - -CHAPTER XIII. Friendship's Claim. - -CHAPTER XIV. A contrast--The husband and the lover. - -CHAPTER XV. Spirit upon Spirit. - -CHAPTER XVI. Away from the world, soul meets soul. - -CHAPTER XVII. Edith's Release. - -CHAPTER XVIII. The dream of the past. - -CHAPTER XVIX. Betty finds her opposite. - -CHAPTER XX. The time we deem ourselves the strongest, we are often -reminded of our weakness. - -CHAPTER XXI. The Efficacy of Faith. - -CHAPTER XXII. To save a soul. - -CHAPTER XXIII. "'Tis better to have loved and lost, than never to have -loved at all." - -CHAPTER XIX. Unalloyed Love. - - - -THE GREAT EXPERIENCE - - - -CHAPTER I. - -"Even a child is known by his doings."--Prov. 20:11. - -Dear little Ephraim with its great heart and democratic aspirations, -its keen love for its own inhabitants and "The stranger within the -gates," its rich and poor living side by side in brotherly sympathy! - -This quaint little city seems to cuddle up to the great Rocky Mountains -as if for protection from the outer and larger cities of Utah, where -the world has crept in and has somewhat changed the spirit of fifty -years ago. - -"We are simple country-folks," said one of Ephraim's leading citizens, -addressing a new-comer as he took her bags, "but you're welcome to our -home as long as you care to stay and share it with us." - -"O, thank you so much!" exclaimed the Eastern lady, as she patted the -light fluffy hair of the ten-year-old girl, clinging to her mother's -skirts. - -"I love little girls. We'll be good friends, won't we dear?" she asked -the child. - -"Yes, ma'am," answered Betty Emmit, as she furtively scanned the lady -from head to foot. Mentally she was saying, "By heck! a real New-Yorker -in Ephraim!" - -"The New-Yorker," was amply supplied with bags--so many in fact, that -Mrs. Emmit had to relieve her husband of one, big and heavy. - -"The New-Yorker" made an attempt to take it from her. - -"Oh, no, Mrs. Catt," exclaimed the good wife; "you must be so tired. We -haven't far to go. Any trunk to see to?" - -"No, I travel so much that I don't bother with trunks." - -So, with this easy acquiescence, Mrs. Webster Catt walked beside her -heavy-laden companions. - -Betty attempted to give her mother a lift, but was shaken off kindly. - -"You're too young and skinny to carry loads yet," explained Mrs. Emmit, -who was herself not a great deal taller, nor stouter, than Betty. - -Betty flushed furiously. She always felt it an accusation to be called -"young and skinny." - -"Better to be young and skinny than to be old and fat, ain't it, -honey?" Mr. Emmit suggested. - -Then he turned to his wife. - -"You're tired, aren't you?" he asked, eyeing her keenly. "Bag heavy, eh?" - -But his straight, slim, little wife ignored his question and began -talking to Mrs. Catt as quickly as possible. - -"So you're here to preach temperance, are you?" she asked in a pleasant -tone. "I'm mighty glad someone's taking it up. But to think it should -be an outsider! Here's the Church preaching the 'Word of Wisdom' all -these years, and telling the people not to drink and smoke, and you've -come to tell them to obey the Church!" - -Mr. Emmit laughed and there was a mischievous twinkle in his eye. - -"You'll be disappointing yourself, if you try to deprive Ephraim of -its home brewed ale. It's the one small sin that gives us a big lot of -pleasure here." - -"Do you think that any sin is small?" asked the reformer sweetly, with -her direct gaze compelling honest Ford Emmit to answer squarely. - -"Well, no, if you put it that way, but--" - -"There's no 'but' about it," interrupted his good wife; "sin is sin." - -Betty's brown eyes gazed with open admiration at Mrs. Catt. - -Mentally she said, "by heck," again. "She's some game fighter to tackle -Ephraim, but I hope she gets beaten; for Ephraim's all right," she -concluded with sudden pride. - -Soon they reached the Emmit home, an old-fashioned, white framed house, -surrounded with hollyhocks and low shrubbery. - -"Home at last!" exclaimed the large, gaunt master of the house. - -"How perfectly lovely!" exclaimed Mrs. Catt with enthusiasm. "I've -always dreamed that it would be so romantic to live in a place like -this!" - -"Some romance," returned Ford Emmit, laughing heartily, as he deposited -the bags on the porch. "We have no time for dreams here; have we, wife? -Nine children, and the farm and livestock to it, keep us pretty busy. -That's life here!" - -At this the door opened and out ran four real children, two boys and -two girls, rosy and bright as the dawn. - -The two boys were both bright redheads, like their mother; the girls -were fair and blue-eyed, with the exquisite coloring of the Norwegian. - -"O, Betty," they all cried at once; "we found your pussy dead in the -yard. Someone has drowned her." - -"Yes, I drowned her, myself," declared Mrs. Emmit. "She's been ailing -around the house too long. It ain't good for you, children, to be -mauling sick cats," and with this practical dismissal of the fact, -she lead the way into the house, her visitor, husband, and children, -following. - -But Betty lingered behind, unnoticed. For a moment she stood, pale and -defiant, then, swift as a fawn, she ran around the house and started -the search for her dead kitten. - -"Pussy dead! pussy dead!" she muttered to herself in anguish, and the -tears came thick and fast, as she looked for her dead pet. - -At last, in some tall grass, she discovered it, lying cold and wet. - -"O, my baby! My darling baby!" she moaned piteously; "to think that I -was away and couldn't save you!" - -But kitty did not purr in answer, as was her custom, when her mistress -talked to her. - -Piteously, Betty looked down at the dead thing. It was ugly and she -shuddered. - -"My darling Tinkey! How ugly death has made you!" Then, a sudden -thought brought a quick smile to the downcast countenance. "But, -Tinkey, this isn't really you! Where are you, Tinkey, where are you? -This is only your body. Your body will be res'rected some day, won't -it, Tinkey? I'll bury it all nice for you, an' you can look on though -I can't see you any more. O, Tinkey, I'll never see you any more!" and -again the smile vanished, and the little face puckered up. - -Slowly the child made her way to a large tree some distance from the -house, behind the barn. - -She laid the kitten under shelter and then retraced her steps -mournfully, back to the kitchen door. - -As she opened it she called, "Edna!" in a subdued, awed voice. - -Edna put her fair head through the door leading to the sitting-room. - -There the family and the "company" were evidently resting and talking. - -"What yer want, Betty?" she asked curiously. - -"Come right here, Edna Emmit," returned Betty seriously. - -Edna closed the door behind her and approached cautiously. - -"What's up?" - -"Nothin's up, Edna Emmit, but you're the most religious, and I've chose -you for the funeral of Tinkey Emmit. Come right along with a towel and -our big candy box and meet me under the big tree behind the barn. Mum's -the word, Edna. This is a sad time, an' I don't want the whole family -lookin' on. You understand?" - -Edna was only two years younger than Betty, but she was born with a -bump of reverence for her "next sister" and all her doings. - -"All right, Betty, I'll be there," she answered respectfully, at once -climbing on a kitchen chair, to get the much prized candy box, that had -been treasured since it was emptied of its goodies last Christmas. - -Betty retrod her way to the big tree quickly, fearing that she might be -called before her duty was done. - -She knelt down before the dead form and clasped her little hands in -prayer. - -"Dear God," she said tearfully, "None but you knows jes' how I feel. -Take care of Tinkey, an' make me feel better. Amen." - -Edna's soft tread behind her made her turn. - -"Give me the towel, Edna, and take the box an' fill it with flowers. -Tinkey did so love flowers. When you come back, I'll have her all dried -for the funeral." - -Edna's sympathy brought tears, too. "All right," she said simply, and -wandered across the field for the funeral flowers. - -When she returned, Betty had Tinkey dried and combed and looking fairly -natural. - -Gently they placed the kitten in the box and tastefully arranged the -flowers about it. - -"Now to dig the grave," said Betty. "It's the hardest part to bury her, -ain't it?" - -"Do you think that Tinkey knows we're givin' her a funeral?" asked -Edna, awed. - -"'Course she does!" answered Betty emphatically, "An' she'll feel -mighty bad, if we don't do it nice!" - -Betty dug the grave and Edna placed the coffin inside of it. They drew -lots as to who should cover the coffin with dirt--this being the most -heart-breaking,--and the lot fell to Betty. - -With the tears streaming down her face, she piled the damp earth -in, Edna crying more in sympathy for her sister, than in sorrow for -Tinkey's death. - -The grave filled and covered with flowers, Betty looked around until -she found a flat piece of wood. Taking her pencil, she wrote: - -"Here lies Tinkey Emmit, too young to die, too sick to live. Mourned -for by Edna and Betty Emmit." - -She handed this to Edna with a smile of pride between her tears. - -"Guess Tinkey'll like that for a gravestone. She'll know jes' why she -had to die, an' won't have any bad feelin's." - -"You're awfully smart, Betty," declared Edna soberly, as Betty drove -the gravestone into the ground. - -"Sometimes, Edna, only sometimes," returned Betty humbly. "Now, Edna, -kneel th'other side of the grave and we'll have prayer, next." - -"Dear God," began Betty, then there was a prolonged silence. - -Edna at last opened her eyes. - -"Why don't yer pray, Betty?" - -Betty answered tremulously, "My heart's so full I can't. You try, Edna." - -"I don't know what ter say," returned Edna, frightened, and her two -little arms stretched across the grave and wound themselves about her -sister's neck, as she burst into sobs. - -Betty now entirely unnerved, hugged her sister close. - -"Well of all things!" exclaimed Mrs. Emmit, approaching the grave and -its mourners unnoticed. "What are you two crying for now?" - -The children started and drew apart. - -"It's Tinkey's funeral, mamma, that's wot it is!" exclaimed Betty, -choking back the sobs. - -"Tinkey's funeral!" exclaimed the mother aghast. "You don't mean that -you took the cat's death so to heart? You poor, little lambies, come -right here to mamma!" - -And into mother's arms they flew to be cuddled back to smiles and -sunshine. - -Mrs. Emmit was not one of the cuddling kind, so this rare treat had its -desired effect! - -"There now, girlies, run and wash those tears away, and look clean for -the company. We'll have supper right soon now." - -As the children ran ahead of her to the house, she shook her head -doubtfully. - -"Who'd a' thought it? Betty is made of too tender stuff for this world. -She'll have a hard time of it, poor kiddie!" - -Supper was a bountiful repast, served on the "Emmit best china," which -as Mrs. Emmit explained to Mrs. Catt, had been handed down from her -grandmother, who had been the first woman in Ephraim to own such ware. - -Mrs. Catt examined the substantial china with care and admiration. - -"It looks just like the good substantial stock, that you descended -from," remarked Mrs. Catt, smiling on her pleased hostess. "How anxious -I am to meet some of those old pioneers! Are there any that are still -living?" - -"Oh yes, indeed. I'll have some of them around one evening, and they -will be glad to tell you of their early experiences." - -"Nothing that I would like better--how sweet of you to plan such an -entertainment for me! What a beautiful home picture!" she added, as she -looked at the many happy faces gathered around the big table. "We never -see such families in the East. How do you ever manage to get through -the work, my dear Mrs. Emmit?" - -"It isn't as hard as it looks," returned the good house-wife, beaming -with pride on her flock. "You see, one just helps the other, and things -just run like clock-work, unless there's a hitch somewhere, but that -doesn't happen very often." - -"We bring our children up to work from the start," added Mr. Emmit, -"Then, when they're big, they're not lazy; they keep a-moving like the -rest of us." - -"Wonderful! truly wonderful!" exclaimed Mrs. Catt, as she beamed on -them all. - -Betty ate little, so fascinated was she by the new-comer. - -"She knows how to 'preciate!" she thought. - -Supper over, Betty sidled up to Mrs. Catt and began to ask questions -about the East, all of which were answered kindly by the visitor, while -she fondled the child's fluffy hair. - -"What an intelligent child Betty is!" she said, turning to Mr. Emmit, -still holding the child's hand in hers. - -Betty flushed with pleasure. - -"It ain't good to flatter them," returned Mr. Emmit, rather shortly. -"The child's about the same as the average young 'un. A lot too touchy -at times, and cries too easy." - -"That shows a sweet disposition," returned Mrs. Catt, completely -winning Betty's heart, as she drank in the soft phrases with thirsty -delight. - -After the guest had pleaded fatigue and been shown to the "spare-room," -and the children were all snug in their several beds, Mr. and Mrs. -Emmit sat talking over the plans and the prospects of Mrs. Catt's -campaign in Ephraim. - -"Now, of course, wife, I'll get the town-hall for her to lecture in, -and 'cause you're so daffy over the woman, I'll do my best to help her -to get through with her temperance talks, but--" here he stopped and -puffed his pipe, with an intense scowl on his honest, rough countenance. - -"But what?" asked his wife, quickly. - -"Well, Eliza, if I must out with it, I don't like the woman!" - -"Ford Emmit, if that isn't the limit!" exclaimed his wife. "You do take -the most unreasonable likes and dislikes. I think that she is the most -wonderful, fascinating character." - -"There you have it, Eliza! fascinating--that's the word,--fascinating, -but it ain't all gold that glitters. She's slick." - -"It isn't real Christian of you, Ford, to talk that way when you know -she's come here to help in the Lord's work." - -"Mebbe,--we'll see," he answered, quietly. - -"Have you anything against her?" asked his wife a trifle anxiously. - -"Only feelin's, wife." - -"Then remember our good song, Ford,--'School thy feelings.'" - -Ford Emmit laughed good-naturedly. - -"All right, wife, so long as you don't ask me to give up my pipe, I'll -help her through. You don't know the world much. There's not many women -like you that come from the East. They're well trained--you never can -tell what they're thinking on." - -"You mean that there are no good women in the East?" - -"Heck, no! But there's no way of sifting them and knowing them. The -tares grow with the wheat, and get tangled mightily sometimes. Here, -you wives, are mostly same grain, and fairly good at that," he said, -taking his wife's hand in his big, brawny one, for an affectionate -squeeze. - -"We all think that our own is the best, Ford!" his wife answered, with -a pleased smile. "But it is not for us to set judgment on the next one." - -***** - -That night, when all had retired, Betty made her way to her mother's -bed-room. - -Mrs. Emmit was almost asleep, when she saw the little night-gowned -figure with its loose hair and bare little feet, approach. - -"Why Betty, what brought you here? You should be asleep in bed." - -"But mamma, dear, I can't sleep, until you promise me one thing!" - -"And what's your brain taking on now, child?" - -She sat on the edge of the bed, and looked at her mother with wide, -serious eyes. - -"When I get old enough, will you let me go on a mission, mamma?" - -"Well, of all things to keep you awake! If the Church calls you, of -course you'll go, provided we don't go bankrupt before then." - -"You really mean it, mamma?" cried Betty delightedly. - -"Yes. Run away now and get to sleep as soon as you can." - -Betty stooped, kissed her mother impulsively, and was gone. - -When she reached her own bed-room, she knelt down and folded her hands -in prayer. - -"Dear Lord," she said, "please tell the Church to call me on a mission, -and keep mamma's money safe. Amen." - -Then she jumped into bed, and was soon asleep. - - - -CHAPTER II. - -No great truth was ever born into the world, without the throes of -suffering of those who bore it. - -Mrs. Emmit's invitations to four of the pioneers of Ephraim were gladly -accepted, and all expressed themselves as delighted to meet the Eastern -lady, who was going to make every careless "Latter-day Saint" reflect -on the "Word of Wisdom." - -The large, homey sitting-room was bright with the rays of the setting -sun, sinking over the mountains in its golden glory, and casting its -stray beams in at the bay-window, with a cheeriness that made the -simple room look beautiful. It was eight o'clock. - -One by one the guests arrived, each bringing a handful of roses. - -"June roses! How perfectly exquisite!" exclaimed Mrs. Catt, graciously -accepting the flowers, while Betty ran for vases. Soon they were all -prettily arranged on the center table, filling the room with a rich -fragrance. - -"Surely, life in Ephraim is worth while," declared Mrs. Catt, again -smiling on the happy, old faces surrounding her. "All flowers and -sunshine!" - -When Betty had finished fixing the flowers, she sat on a cushion by her -wonderful guest and affectionately leaned her head on Mrs. Catt's knee. - -Her little face was flushed with excitement, and her eyes looked larger -than ever. - -"Ephraim's going ter show off now, and she's just the kind ter -'preciate!" she thought joyfully. How the child did love her own home -town! - -"Yes, it's all roses and sunshine now ma'am, but times there was when -it wasn't jes' like this," remarked one old lady, shaking her head -thoughtfully. - -"That's true, Sister Anne," spoke up old Brother Jacobson. "We've known -the time, when only thorns grew!" - -"Now, that is just what I want you to tell me about. I'm just longing -to hear about those by-gone days--why you came here, and what you -found.--Do, someone, begin, please!" urged Mrs. Catt, sweetly. - -One thin, erect, old lady, with a quick, bright eye, turned to Mrs. -Catt with a smile. - -"Sister Anne and Brother Jacobson may have suffered from the thorns, -but I can't say that I did. What did I come for? For the faith, of -course, as we all did. I walked eight hundred miles, pushing a cart, -and I tell you, ma'am, every mile was too short for the faith! And -when I got here? Every burden was too light to bear for the sake of -the glorious truth, and the Lord has blessed me with children, and -grand-children, and health, but I'd been glad to go on suffering for -the glory of the gospel!" - -There was a silence after this burst of enthusiasm, and Mrs. Catt eyed -the woman as if studying some strange species. - -"And your faith carried you through everything, joyously?" she asked, -credulously. - -"Yes, the Lord upheld me always." - -"Did you bring up a large family?" asked the Easterner curiously. - -"Yes, thirteen children. My husband has gone ahead of me awhile, but -I'm glad to stay as long as God wills. With such a big, happy family, -one couldn't be lonesome, you know." - -"No, I suppose not," returned Mrs. Catt, sweetly. "You women have led -wonderful lives. Now, who's going to begin to tell me how they happened -to come to Zion?" - -There was a pause, as one looked at the other, smiling. - -"You don't mind talking about it, do you?" she asked pleasantly. - -Mrs. Emmit answered for them. - -"Gracious, no! They just love to talk about it to those who are really -interested in the gospel; don't you?" - -All smiled assent. - -"Suppose you begin, Brother Madson," suggested Mrs. Emmit. - -"Very well," replied a stout, florid-faced, old gentleman, genially. -"It's rather a long story, but very interesting." - -The elder people settled more comfortably in their seats, and the -children leaned forward eagerly. - -"My mind wanders back to my happy boyhood days in Norway," he -began. "We lived out of town on a comfortable estate, as my father -was well-to-do, and we had everything we could desire. There were -four of us children,--three girls, and myself. My mother was a dear -tender-hearted woman, living solely for her husband and children, and -always shielding us from the sterner character of my father, who was a -strict Lutheran. - -"When I became eighteen, much to my mother's distress, my father had me -sent to the town alone, to take the position of jailer in the county -prison, - -"'It'll make a man of him--he's been cuddled too much--' he explained -to my mother. 'If he succeeds in doing his duty, I'll have him home in -a year or two and give him something worth while.' - -"So off to town I went and became a jailer. - -"After being there for a time, I had turned over to my care two -young men. They were thrown into prison and condemned to die. Their -appearance attracted me. - -"'For what are they condemned?' I asked the warden. - -"'They are "Mormons," answered the warden. - -"'And what are "Mormons?" I asked. - -"'Preachers of some newfangled religion from America, that doesn't take -here,' he explained. - -"Preachers condemned to die! I thought this both strange and -interesting. - -"So, from curiosity, I looked in upon the jailbirds, to see how they -were acting. There they were on their knees, praying hard, not for -deliverance, but that the Lord would forgive those who had condemned -them. On seeing me, they calmly arose from their knees and asked when -they were condemned to die. - -"'Tomorrow,' I reluctantly replied. - -"'Then we must lose no time in giving you our great message,' the elder -one said, his eyes shining with a great faith, 'You will listen?' - -"'Yes,' I answered simply. - -"Then these two young missionaries lay before me the restored Gospel as -I have never heard it preached since. Realizing they were near death, -their souls burned with the desire to save one more soul. - -"It was wonderful! Their words thrilled my whole being, and their -truths appealed to me.--At once I was converted. I couldn't help -myself. God seemed very near in that prison cell, and I felt His Spirit -urging me to accept the Gospel. - -"I told them this and we all knelt down and prayed. - -"Then I left them and hurried to the warden. - -"'What's the matter now?' he asked tersely. - -"'Matter enough!' I returned earnestly, 'Do you know we have two of -God's own men condemned to die to morrow?' - -"'Been talking to them, eh? They seemed a good sort to me.--But that's -none of _our_ business.' - -"'Do you call yourself a Christian, Axel, and say that it's none of our -business whether or not these two good young men are murdered, under -our very eyes?' - -"'What are you going to do about it? The priest's word is law here. And -how do you know anyway, that they're not a menace to the church? Mon, -you're too easily influenced.' - -"'Come talk to them yourself. They're anxious to see you,' I returned. - -"And so after some persuasion, I led the warden to the cell. We -approached cautiously and unobserved. - -"They were both kneeling in silent prayer, their faces upturned with a -rapt expression of those oblivious to all earthly things and interests. - -"The warden's expression, at first curious, turned to one of sympathy. -'Damn!' he muttered. - -"The young men started, opened their eyes and on seeing us, arose from -their knees. - -"'Sorry to disturb you gentlemen. I'm damn sorry for you for I see -you're the good sort. What made you such fools as to oppose the priest? -Law's tight here.' - -"The young missionaries smiled calmly. - -"'Do not pity us, friend; we are honored to die for Christ. I wish that -you could feel that.' - -"For two hours the young preachers talked and the warden, at first -skeptical, finally grew more interested until what seemed a miracle -happened. - -"This experienced man of the world, this crusty warden took both young -men by the hand and exclaimed, 'Boys, you've got the truth; I never -thought to find it on the earth, but it's here with you. I'll go to the -priest the first thing tonight and plead your case. Let's pray the Lord -to melt his heart and influence the authorities to free you.' - -"And so we all knelt down within the death-cell and the younger -missionary prayed that they might escape death if it was the Lord's -will that they should save more souls. - -"After we left the cell, I begged the warden to let me go to the priest. - -"'Nonsense Mon, you couldn't do a thing with him. You'd blubber out -that you were converted and land in jail yourself. I'll handle him -better and scare him a bit as to consequences. The lads have some good -friends here.' - -"And so the warden left and I went back to my charges. - -"The anxiety of the next two hours, I shall never forget. The young -missionaries were calm and undisturbed, but while I listened to the -truths they were telling me, my heart was anxiously waiting the return -of the warden. - -"At last he came. - -"'Good news?' I cried anxiously. - -"'Yes,' answered the warden, smiling on us all. 'I got him, but we'll -have to rid the country of you tomorrow--cross the border you must, or -surely die.' - -"'Thank God!' I exclaimed. 'And we--we must be baptized before they go!' - -"'You're running quick, Mon,' said the warden, 'What's the hurry?' - -"'We might never have the chance again, as the missoinaries are -leaving. You will baptize me?' I asked them. - -"'Yes, indeed,--We will do all we can for you before we leave,' they -answered happily. - -"That evening we were baptized. I shall never forget the glorious moon -shining on the waters,--the clear frosty air that invigorated our -bodies, and yet did not chill. - -"When we returned to the jail, we spent an hour in prayer and never did -I feel the Lord's Spirit, as I did within those prison walls that night. - -"The next day before dawn, I took our prisoners out of town and saw -them safely across the border. - -"'I wish that you could go back to America with us,' they said -anxiously. - -"'Oh, don't worry about me,' I replied joyously, I'll have to keep the -faith a secret here, but I'm going home at Christmas-time, and when I -tell them all, they'll rejoice and accept the Gospel, too. Then, I will -not fear, for father's an influential man.' - -"'God grant that it may be so,' returned the missionaries, 'and the -warden?' - -"'He, too, has a large family to convert.' - -"So we bade one another 'good-bye,' and I returned to the jail. - -"It wanted only three months to Christmas, and the time passed quickly -and happily. - -"When the holidays came, I bade good-bye to the warden. - -"Axel, don't lose the faith, it'll be hard to stand alone.' - -"'You're not coming back?' asked the warden in surprise. - -"'I hardly expect to,' I replied. 'You know, Axel, father can afford -it, and I'm going to ask him to let me go to America, and when I've -learned more of the Gospel, I'll come back on a mission.' - -"'Man proposes, and God disposes, Mon,' replied the warden sadly. - -"'Ah! but you don't know how religious my father is!' I explained with -confidence. - -"'And as narrow as the rest of them, no doubt,' returned the warden -shortly. 'Well, old boy,' he added, grasping my hand warmly, 'I wish -you luck and if prayers help, you can count on mine!' - -"And so we parted. - -"Christmas-time in Norway is a time of great feasting, hospitality, and -good-will toward all. - -"How light was my heart as I entered the old home and received the warm -welcome of my parents and sisters! - -"'We've certainly missed you, Mon,' they all agreed. 'But now we'll -have such a splendid Yule-tide to make up for it.' - -"'Splendid Yule-tide,--yes!' I thought exultingly, 'They little know -what a wonderful gift I am bringing home to them all.' - -"The first evening that we were gathered together, I told them of the -great change that had come into my life. I began the story at the -beginning, and soon got them interested. But when my father asked me, -'Were the missoinaries "Lutheran" and how did it happen that they were -arrested?' I answered, 'No, they were "Mormons" from America, preaching -the restored Gospel. - -"Then the storm came. My poor father exclaimed horrified, - -"'You don't mean that you saved two Mormons to do more of Satan's work?' - -"'They do the Lord's work, father,' I returned quietly. - -"'You have not listened to their wicked preaching, have you?' asked -my father angrily, rising from his chair, while my mother and sisters -looked on in dismay. - -"'Yes, father, I have become a 'Mormon.' God knows, I am a better man.' - -"At this he became enraged to madness. 'My son a "Mormon!" he exclaimed -fiercely. 'Never! I command you to drop this evil and come to your -senses. 'Mormons!' they are the scum of the earth, coming here to -contaminate decent people in this country.' - -"For a moment there was silence and my mother came to me and put her -arms around my neck, beseechingly looking into my eyes with a mother's -fear. - -"'O Mon,' she said trembling, 'obey your father, boy! give up these -evil companions, _do_, Mon!' - -"'But, mother dear, if you would only let me explain I'll show you all -that they are not evil.' - -"Angrily, my father separated us. 'Do you dare, Mon, to make your -father out a liar?' - -"I stood stupefied, hardly knowing how to take his unlooked for passion. - -"'No, father,' I at last ventured, 'but you don't understand.' - -"'Then I'm a fool! to be taught by a fanatical youngster of eighteen!' -he returned hotly. 'Again, will you drop this thing, or not?' - -"I felt a great strength surge up in me, and I stood erect. - -"'Father, it grieves me to wound you, but Christ suffered, and if needs -be I must also. I have taken this step for life. I cannot retrace.' - -"'Then leave this house; you're no son of mine!' came the words, -distinctly clear, as my father threw open the door wide, and pointed -the way out. - -"The wind rushed in bringing the large hail-stones from the storm -without. - -"'In the storm, father, this dark night?' I asked incredulously. - -"'I've said it!' was his short answer. - -"My mother made to intercede for me, but he pushed her back, and stood -between us. - -"'Better no son at all, than one to disgrace us!' he declared, sternly. -I looked out into the blackness of night, then at the cheerful fire, -lighting up the room in genial comfort. - -"Satan whispered, 'Don't be a fool. Your father's religion is good -enough for you. You're a stranger to the new religion. You'll do more -good and sacrifice less by staying with the old.' - -"But the angel of the Lord led me out,--out into the darkness, -penniless, alone, with the cries of my mother ringing in my ears. - -"A few steps and I turned. Surely I must kiss my good mother farewell. -The door was still open and my father was an angry sentinel watching my -going. - -"'Well?' he asked, sternly. - -"'May I bid farewell to my mother?' - -"'No! your mother is too good for such as you. Begone!' - -"And with the last harsh word, he lifted an axe from the wall and -hurled it after me. - -"Then the door shut, and I found myself writhing with pain upon the wet -ground. - -"The axe had penetrated into my leg. I tried, but could not remove the -cruel torment. - -"I prayed hard and received strength to stand and then, soon, I was -able to drag myself the three weary miles to the prison. - -"By this time, my high boot was filled with blood, and the warden -received me fainting in his arms. - -"When I came to, the warden was binding up my wound, and cursing under -his breath. - -"'Don't curse. Axel,' I said feebly. - -"'That's not your sin. It's mine. How do you feel now?' he asked with -rough kindness. - -"'Rather weak,' I replied. - -"'Reckon so,' he said shortly. 'Had a row with your very religious -father?' - -"'Yes,' I answered simply, ignoring his sarcasm. - -"'I expected it,' he returned. 'Now you rest here 'till you're strong -and I'll see you across the border. It won't be long before everyone -knows that you are a 'Mormon.' News travels quickly and they'll hound -you as they did the others. I'll hide you here 'til you're stronger.' - -"'And you?' I asked anxiously. - -"'Will meet you in America, some day! Sleep now. The sooner you're out -of here, the better for you!' - -"So in a few days I was across the border, with my purse filled by the -faithful warden. - -"I will not relate to you my numerous experiences and difficulties on -my way to Utah. The good sister has just told you how eight hundred -miles seemed too short to walk for the faith, and I walked one thousand -miles and found them too short for the faith too. - -"I arrived in Zion fatigued, but happy. There was work for me here and -oh! the glorious freedom of the Gospel and the love of the brethren! - -"I soon took a wife,--a good sweet woman, who is waiting for me yonder. -Ten years of hard work and real happiness followed. Four children were -born to us and our home was one of the best in Utah. - -"Then the Church called me on a mission to Norway. - -"My heart beat fast at the very thought. - -"To Norway! my old home! - -"True! my folks had never answered my letters, but if I went there -personally, it would soften their hearts and surely the Lord would open -up the way for me to give them the Gospel! - -"It was nearing Christmas. I would approach my old home at Yule-tide -again, in the time of homecoming and good cheer! - -"Tenderly I bid my family good-bye, and with a thankful heart started -on my journey. - -"On reaching Norway, I told the mission headquarters my story, and they -said that I might go to my home for Yule-tide. - -"It was the day before Christmas when I reached the old prison, where I -asked for the Warden. - -"'Oh, he's left the country--is in England, I believe. He joined those -dastard "Mormons" and kept it dark. But we found him out. However, he -escaped, and last I heard of him, he was in England, making the devil -of a time there, preaching his doctrines.' - -"'So the prejudice is just the same,' I thought sadly, as I footed it -to my home. - -"My heart grew heavy as I thought of the last time I had struggled -along that road in the dark stormy night; then I pushed the thought -from me and dwelt on the future. Now that I had returned, prosperous -and happy, I could persuade them. - -"I was changed from youth to manhood,--they would see what the Gospel -had done for me. - -"At last the home was reached. I entered the gate. As I walked through -the garden, which was lightly frosted with snow, I looked from right to -left, upon the unchanged scenes. Years seemed like days, and it seemed -as though I were a boy again, returning from school for the happy -Yule-tide greetings. My heart with a bound forgave the last ten years, -and I longed to grasp my father's hand and tell him so. And my dear -mother? She must be aged now, but still the same sweet, tender heart! - -"With trembling hands I knocked on the door, that had been closed to -me, all these years. - -"My eldest sister opened it. Two little girls clung to her skirts. She -looked many years older, and lines of care furrowed her face. - -"She didn't know me. - -"'Well, sir?' she asked quietly. - -"'Is Mr. or Mrs. Madson at home?' I asked controlling myself with -effort. - -"'Both dead, sir,' she answered shortly. - -"'Dead!' I exclaimed aghast. - -"'Yes, sir?' she answered sadly. 'The plague, two years ago, took my -father and my two sisters. Sad times here then.' - -"'And the mother?' I asked trembling. - -"'O, she, poor thing, died nine years ago. She doted on her only son, -who joined the wicked "Mormons," and it broke her heart. She just -wilted like a flower and died.' - -"I grasped the railing of the porch for support. - -"'You're pale, sir!' she exclaimed in sudden pity. 'Did you know them? -Who are you?' - -"'Don't you know me?' I cried in agony of spirit. I'm your -brother--Mon!' - -"For a moment she looked at me in dismayed astonishment, then her face -contracted in anger. She lifted her arm, and pointed to the gate. - -"'How dare you enter here! You killed your mother, broke your father's -heart! Have you come back to torment me?' - -"'I have come to help you,' I answered brokenly. 'To help all--but only -you are left. Oh, listen to what I have to tell you--in our mother's -name, listen!' I pleaded. - -"'Never!' she answered hoarsely. 'I hate the very sight of you. Go, I -say, or I'll have you sent!' - -"I turned and fairly staggered down the old familiar path to the gate. - -"There I turned, but she stood angry and unrelenting. - -"So this was my home-coming! I hardly know how I made my way back -to mission headquarters. When I reached there, for a time, I was -completely overcome by this heart-rending experience. - -"But the prayers of the Saints, lifted me out of myself, and I -fulfilled my mission, with some happy results. - -"When I reached home in Utah, I told my wife about my sad home in -Norway. - -"'Mon,' she said with her eyes glowing with faith, 'We will pray every -night that the Lord will save your sister for the Gospel.' - -"So every night at family prayers, my sister and her family were -remembered. - -"Years passed. My eldest boy, Mon, was twenty years old. The Church -called him on a mission to Norway. - -"'Father,' he said to me, earnestly, 'I'll pray God to let me bring -your sister back to America.' - -"'May the Lord so will it!' I answered fervently, with a sudden longing -for my own kinsfolk. - -"When my son arrived in Norway, he went immediately to the old home. It -was sold and my sister departed, none knew where. - -"This news was a great disappointment, but my son wrote hopefully. - -"'God can overcome anything, father. Have faith and pray. I'll find her -yet.' - -"One month later came another letter from Norway. - -"'Dear father:--I have found your sister,--in fact, I am now boarding -at her boarding-house. Her husband died, leaving her almost penniless, -after squandering away the estate. - -"'She doesn't know that I am her nephew. - -"'When she and two daughters--young ladies now--were in great trouble, -some "Mormons" crossed her path, and with the usual kindness, helped -her through sickness and trial. She is almost converted to the faith. -When she knew that I was a "Mormon," she rejoiced, and every chance we -have, we are together, talking of the Gospel. Surely God led me right -to her house, in answer to our prayers. - -"'Last night she told me that she had a great weight on her heart--she -did not believe that she was worthy to be baptized. - -"'I asked her to confide in me. - -"'She then told me with tears in her eyes, how she had treated her -brother. - -"'Will you write to your folks," she asked humbly, "and ask them to -try to find him? I must ask his forgiveness, before I think of being -baptized." - -"'So dear father, write to her as soon as you can to console her broken -heart and give her hope.' - -"I'll never forget that letter and the joy we all felt. - -"I was blest with wealth and a happy home, and my good wife said: 'Mon, -your sister must come to Zion! She and her daughters shall be happy -near her brother.' - -"So I wrote, and enclosed money for my sister and her children to come -to Zion. - -"My son baptized them, and then they came to Zion. O, what a joyful -re-union was ours! My dear sister you all knew, humble and sweet to her -death. The two daughters have happy homes, not far from here, and are -bringing up their children in the faith! How great and good the Lord -is!" - -As brother Madson stopped speaking, everyone sat thoughtfully silent. - -"And the Warden?" asked Betty in subdued excitement. - -"Is right here," said Brother Jacobson, smiling. "I'm the Warden, and -thank God for being able to spend my last days near the jailor!" - -Mrs. Catt broke the silence. - -"That story is certainly interesting enough to print," she said -pleasantly. - -"Who next will give us pleasure?" she asked turning to Sister Anne. -"You?" - -Sister Anne smilingly assented. - -"I was only eight years old when I left England, but I shall never -forget it. My dear mother and father accepted the Gospel almost -directly that it was preached to them. - -"This horrified and enraged my mother's parents, who believed that my -father was the one to blame and that he had unusual Satanic influence -over my mother. So they decided to kill him. In the dead of night they -came to our home and I was awakened by me shrieks of my mother, who was -trying with her delicate strength to hold the door from the invaders -without. With a crush, they broke in at the windows, but mother had -kept them out long enough for father to hide in one of the large copper -kettles. Enraged they looked for him in vain, leaving the house with -threatenings for the future. - -"My parents realized that they must emigrate to Utah--there was no -peace at home. So with their five children, and I the eldest, they set -sail for America. - -"We were many weeks on the water. When we reached the Mississippi, -mother was exhausted, for the food had been very bad and the trip -rough. As we neared St. Louis, cholera broke out on board our boat, -and mother immediately fell a victim. The quarantine officers ordered -us all on deck, and the word went around that cholera victims would be -taken off separately. - -"I shall never forget my father's grief. Mother was almost gone, and to -be separated would be awful. - -"With her usual grit, mother braced up, and with father's help, -managed to crawl to the deck. There she sat by father, and when the -quarantine officer came around she pretended to be eating her soup with -relish. This deceived him and he passed her by. The next day my mother -died, leaving five children, one a little baby. Never will I forget -our burying mother in St. Louis. Father was grief stricken, but his -wonderful faith held him up and he told me to be 'little mother.' We -purchased a wagon and team and started on our long journey across the -plains. After many days of hardships, we reached Utah, and there my -father worked long hard days and raised his little flock, with only me -to help him. So you see my parents sacrificed all for the faith, so is -it not natural I prize it above other things?" - -"And the Indians, did they ever get the baby?" asked Betty excitedly. - -"No, dear, but nearly, several times. It was their pet revenge to steal -babies, and we had to guard them closely." - -Just then a knock at the door made them turn. - -To Mrs. Emmit's cheery "come in," a woman of eighty entered. - -"Why sister Heller, you're just in time for some ice-cream," said Mrs. -Emmit delightedly. "Mrs. Catt, I want to introduce to you another -member of our Ephraim family." - -Mrs. Catt smiled at the dark, swarthy old woman who had entered. Surely -she was an Indian. - -Sister Heller smiled in return, but her small sharp eyes seemed to -pierce the visitor with an unnecessary stare. - -"We're very fond of her," spoke up Mrs. Emmit, "she was treated roughly -by her own people as they passed. She was so old that she couldn't keep -up with the tribe, so they didn't want her. We took her and she has -been one of us ever since." - -The old Indian smilingly nodded and then uncovered a basket of -home-made cookies. - -"I brought them over for your party," she said simply. - -"And so the little party ate ice-cream and cake and chattered until -late. - -Betty took the Indian woman aside before leaving. - -"Isn't the 'New-Yorker' jest wonderful?" she asked delighted. - -The old woman looked down at the child's eager face without a smile. - -"Betty, I don't like her. Have a care. The Indian knows friend or foe." - -Betty's face flushed with righteous indignation. - -"For shame, you're not an Indian now--you're a Christian, but you don't -talk like one!" - -She patted Betty's head lovingly. "You see, Dearie, you see!" - - - -CHAPTER III. - -A child's love is as proportionately great as a woman's. - -Two years later and Spring Conference had come to Salt Lake City. - -When all the "Mormons" in Utah tried to get to their semi-annual -conference, in their beloved city, it meant a sight for tourists indeed! - -So thought young Dr. George Cadman, who was returning to New York, -from a trip to California, and had stopped off at Salt Lake to see the -sights and especially to get a glimpse of those peculiar people called -"Mormons," about whom so much was said and written. - -Dr. Cadman was a handsome man of twenty-four, medium in height, but -strongly built. His fine regular features and deep-set gray eyes, made -him the object of attraction to more than one as he stood on the corner -of Main street, outside of the Hotel Utah, looking at the crowds, as -they made their way to the great tabernacle. - -"Strange!" he thought, "these people don't look wicked!" Then he walked -over to the monument of Brigham Young, to read the inscription. - -"Stranger here, brother?" asked a pleasant voice. - -He turned to meet the pleasant gaze of an old, long-bearded man, -attired in a plain black suit. On his arm hung his wife, presumably -about his own age, wearing a black cloth dress. - -"Yes, quite a stranger," returned Dr. Cadman courteously. "This statue, -I believe is of the man who led the 'Mormons' through the 'Rockies?'" - -The old man's eyes fired with enthusiasm. - -"Yes, brother, yes! Brigham Young, the Prophet of the Lord! A grander -man I never knew. He led us here--to our destruction, the world -thought,--but it was to our peace and prosperity!" - -George scanned the couple with interest. They didn't look very -prosperous. Aloud he said, "So you're a 'Mormon,' are you? And one of -the old pioneers?" - -"Yes, brother, I knew Brigham Young in Nauvoo, when we were driven out -across the plains, I knew that he was God's own man, and I followed -him, with sure faith in my heart. If you like, sir, the meeting's just -on, and you might walk down with us?" - -"I will, thank you," returned Dr. Cadman pleasantly, and the three -walked down to the Temple, the old man greatly pleased with the -visitor, and "the visitor" greatly amused with the thought of walking -down the street with "Mormons." - -"There's nothing very bad about them," he decided to himself. "Just -easily lead, and simple-minded." - -When they reached the Temple gate, the old man turned to him kindly. -"Sorry, but you'll have to throw that cigar away, brother. They don't -allow smoking on the Temple grounds." - -Cadman flushed, and looked at his freshly lit cigar doubtfully. - -"Well, here goes!" he decided. "It's worth it to see a real 'Mormon' -congregation." - -As they entered the grounds, a group of about fifteen men, women, and -children surrounded them. - -"Where have you been?" exclaimed a chorus of voices, accosting the old -couple, joyously. "We've been looking for you the city over. Hurry or -we'll not get a front seat." - -George found himself proudly introduced to the old couple's children -and grand-children and then hurried off by the entire family to the -tabernacle. - -That night he wrote to a New York cousin, the following letter: - -"My dear old pal:--Such a pleasant trip, all the way through! I've -separated from the party, however, for the way they traveled, didn't -suit me. They reminded me of a lot of bees, sipping the honey -momentarily from each flower that they passed. On a trip like this, I -like to study my own dear America. I decided to stop off a few days -at the Indian reservation,--that settled it--since then I have been -traveling alone. - -"You know Mrs. Hester of the party? Exclaimed she, 'Those frightful -Indians, Dr. Cadman! How can you care to look at those awful people a -second time!' - -"And now--those frightful 'Mormons' I find very interesting! I meant to -spend one day here at Salt Lake City, but this first day has been so -interesting I mean to spend more. - -"I must tell you about my experience today. - -"I was gazing at Brigham Young's monument, when I was accosted -by a very plainly dressed old man, and his wife. After a little -conversation, I went to their tabernacle with them, and on the way was -introduced to their family,--big enough for five separate Eastern homes! - -"But, Will, the tabernacle service was a great surprise to me. The -singing, speaking, music were all uplifting. There's something wrong -about those Anti-'Mormon' lecturers out home. These people are dead in -earnest, and I'll wager they're sincere. - -"If I were religiously inclined, I'd say, 'The spirit is more in this -Church, than in the churches of the world,' but--as I'm not religious, -as you know, I simply feel a great respect for these people and a -reverence, a little foreign to my nature,--when in their tabernacle. - -"I met a farmer from a little place called Ephraim. I told him how I -would enjoy meeting some 'Mormon' ranchers and sheepherders, etc., -and he immediately invited me to his home, and he said he'd show me -around. What think you of that for western hospitality? Can you beat -it? Inviting a stranger, whom he has not even heard of! Well, I'm off -for Ephraim tonight with my new-found friend to study the 'Mormons!' - -"By the way, I found out from my Ephraim friend that the old man I made -friends with could easily buy me out. So much for appearances! - -"Give my love to Alma, and tell little Harold that I'll bring him -something that the Indians made. - -"Good-bye old chap. I'll write from Ephraim, so if you don't hear -from me, you'll know that they have stolen me for a 'Mormon' harem on -account of my good looks! - - "Yours faithfully, - - "George Cadman." - -***** - - "Ephraim, June 15, 1919. - -"Dear Will:--Guess you're wondering? Well old chap, I've had some -strange experiences. - -"My Ephraim friend and his family (wife and eight children) have -treated me royally. What I haven't seen, wouldn't be worth seeing. -There's a little girl of twelve, that is the most captivating piece -of femininity you can imagine. She's a bunch of happiness, merry to -impertinence at times, but with all so religious. She is saving her -pennies to go on a mission to convert such as you and I (so she frankly -declares) to 'Mormonism.' - -"I took such a fancy to the youngster, and she to me, that everywhere I -went, she has been by my side. - -"Two days ago, she and I went for a ride in her father's machine and -some youngster ran us down. Some accident! and my little companion got -all the bruises and cuts, while I escaped. She wants no doctor but -myself, and as she must stay in bed a few days, I'm prolonging my visit -until she is well. I'm sitting by her bed-side now. - -"She just interrupted me by saying, 'I know by the way you look that -you are writing about me. Be sure to tell my name--I might meet him on -my mission.' - -"'How do you spell your last name, Betty?' I asked, ready to obey. - -"'E-m-m-i-t,' she said brightly,--then under the covers went her head, -and I heard a giggle. - -"'What's up now?' I asked. - -"Two laughing brown eyes peeked out at me. - -"'Put a D before it and it spells what?' she asked. - -"'Demmit,' I replied quickly,--and then I wish you could have heard her -laugh. - -"The country here is beautiful, and the people so full of faith, it -seems a different world to gay old New York. I think that if I stayed -here long, I would get the fever and attend meetings like the rest of -them. - -"But all joking aside, it's refreshing to see real homes, real mothers, -and merry children. I'll be sorry when I leave this 'Mountain country,' -which will be in a few days,--so I'll see you all soon. Love to Alma -and Harold. - - "Yours as ever, - - "George." - -***** - -"Well, little Betty, I guess you're almost well now, and I must end -this long, pleasant vacation," said Dr. Cadman as they walked along one -of Ephraim's country roads. - -Betty looked up with troubled eyes. - -"You don't mean you're going to leave us--yet?" - -"Why girlie, I only intended to stay until you were well! What will all -the sick people do in New York?" he asked playfully. - -But Betty hung her head and walked on in silence. - -Dr. Cadman loved children and he had learned to love this little -"Mormon" girl. He saw her disappointment, and was sorry. - -"Now Betty, dear," he said, taking her hand tenderly, "We're awfully -good friends, aren't we? You know, Uncle Sam has a post-office, and -you'll write letters to me and I'll answer everyone,--until we meet -again." - -"Oh, will you?" eagerly asked Betty, looking up with one of her sudden -sunny smiles, "It won't be quite so bad then." - -"And then in a few years," continued Dr. Cadman happily, "there will -be a fine young Ephraim lady coming on a mission to New York, and Dr. -Cadman will have to introduce her to some well-known people to convert!" - -Betty clapped her hands--a way she had of expressing great joy. - -"How wonderful!" she exclaimed, "and you'll have your minister all -ready for me to preach 'Mormonism' in his church?" - -"Not so fast, girlie! Not so fast! Ministers are rather queer when -'Mormonism' is mentioned." - -A cloud chased Betty's smile away and her brow thoughtfully puckered. - -"I wonder why?" she said slowly, "and you, Brother Cadman, why are you -not a 'Mormon?'" - -Dr. Cadman hesitated, then said kindly, "Probably for the same reason -that you _are_ one." - -"I don't understand," said Betty. - -"You were born a '_Mormon_,'" explained Dr. Cadman, "I was born a -_Presbyterian_." - -"I am not a 'Mormon' because I was born one!" said Betty decidedly. "If -I did not know that my religion was the true one, I would search until -I found the truth." - -Dr. Cadman smiled down on her. - -"Wise little head! Suppose I should tell you that my church was the -true church?" - -Betty looked up seriously. - -"You're too good to say what you don't mean," she answered quietly. - -Dr. Cadman flushed as he replied, "Betty Emmit, you have an -uncomfortable way of reading one's thoughts. Child that you are, you're -right. I belong to a church that I don't care a great deal about. I'm -interested in God and nature, but I'm not interested in church." - -Betty's little thoughtful frown reappeared. - -"How can you be interested in God and not in his work?" - -The young man smiled. "Girlie, you're not on a mission yet, but when -you come, I'll promise to discuss everything. I wouldn't argue with you -now,--my last desire would be to influence as great a faith as yours. -Keep it--just as long as you can. I wish that I possessed half as good." - -Betty's eyes shone. - -"O, I hope that you will. It's wonderful to feel sure and safe about -everything that you believe. If you think I'm so young, it's no use -talking. But I'll remember your promise when I come to New York." - -"How do you know that the Church will send you to New York?" - -"Because I've asked God to make it so," she answered simply. - -Dr. Cadman sighed. - -"How beautiful is youth, how bright it gleams! There! I won't say the -rest!" - -"O, but I know it," laughed Betty. "With all it's illusions, -aspirations, dreams! You know that reminds me of an old woman, with -false hair, false teeth, and wrinkles, whining over her lost beauty! -Why are people so sickly in poetry! Do you know what I would like that -second line to be?" - -"Out with it," laughed Cadman. - -Betty's eyes danced with merriment. - - "How beautiful is youth, how bright it gleams, - Except to sour old fogies, who failed to catch sunbeams!" - -"So, Miss Betty, I'm a sour old fogie?" asked Dr. Cadman laughing. - -Betty blushed furiously. - -"Oh, no, I didn't mean _you_," she said quickly. - -"It's well that you didn't, young lady," returned Cadman, greatly -amused with this child of the hills. - -"Now to change the subject, do you know anyone in New York?" - -"Only one perfect lovely lady," returned Betty. "She came to Ephraim -two years ago, and preached so wonderfully--everyone gave up their -beer, and some their pipes. I did love her so! I've written but she's -never answered. I suppose that she's moved, or that I have the wrong -address." - -"What's her name?" - -"Mrs. Webster Catt." - -"Not a pleasant name," said Cadman, "I'll keep my eye open for her, and -when I locate her, I'll let you know." - -"O, thank you so much!" exclaimed Betty, "Look! A storm is coming up -over the mountain. Is it not wonderful?" - -"Let us rest here on the rock and watch it," said Cadman. "We have time -to get home after." - -So together they watched the storm approach. - -At first the entire mountain seemed overhung with black, ominous -clouds. The great calm preceding a storm filled the atmosphere, making -it heavy and foreboding. - -"It's just like a heart before a great sorrow, isn't it?" she asked -dreamily. - -"What is?" asked Cadman vaguely. - -"Why, every mountain has a heart, you know," answered Betty. "Now she -feels a terrible premonition. Something is wrong. She's brooding over -it." - -Cadman looked up at the clouds in silence. - -A lurid streak of lightning lit up the darkness. Another, and another, -each more vivid than the last! - -"Look! Her great sorrow strikes her! Lash upon lash! It hurts her--it -is so vivid and sharp!" - -"Fanciful child!" exclaimed Cadman, following the girl's gaze with -interest. - -"Suddenly there was a rift in the clouds,--the black masses rolled -apart from each other and a soft, snowy cloud appeared. - -"Now, what?" asked Cadman curiously. - -"A friend has come," returned Betty quietly. "A sweet comforting -friend, trying to console and help her." - -The black clouds assumed a beautiful purple hue, and the white one -gradually became the palest pink. - -"See! she's letting in a little sunshine, and the sorrow isn't quite so -black!" continued the child. - -Another flash of lightning and a distant rumbling of thunder! - -"Ah! she's hurt again! But see! The friend stays!" - -"Can you see the rain?" asked Cadman. "It's coming down hard on the -other side of the mountain!" - -"Yes, in spite of her friend, she's crying her heart out. She's so -unhappy!" - -Then in the most brilliant hues, two long rain-bows arched their colors -over the mountain, throwing a radiance through the darkness that was -gloriously beautiful! - -"Wonderful!" exclaimed Cadman, contemplating this western scene with -delight. "What now, little one?" he asked. - -"God's love," said Betty softly. "God's love, casting it's beauty over -every sorrow however dark!" - -Cadman looked at her in silence,--then he stood up and took her hands. - -"Come Betty, let us get home now,--you'll be tired, working your brain -and body on this your first day out!" - -So hand in hand they walked home, not saying much,--Cadman wishing he -could linger one week longer in this primitive little town, and Betty -feeling vaguely sad at the thought of parting with her new found friend. - -***** - -Alone in her room, Betty stood gazing at herself in her mirror. She saw -a tear-stained face and dejected countenance with large, sad eyes. - -"Now, Betty Emmit," she said to herself, in a low sobbing voice, "Will -it do you one bit of good to cry? That won't bring him back. He's gone, -gone, gone! You might as well dry your tears, and brace up and try -to be of some use to somebody. Just a few years and you'll go to New -York--a real grown young lady, and who knows? Maybe--" here a smile -flashed across her tear stained face and Betty blushed. - -Then she took from her bureau a photo of her ideal friend. Dr. Cadman's -eyes seemed to smile at her re-assuringly. - -"Yes, stranger things have happened," she said feeling a little less -unhappy. "I must pray every night that God will make it possible!" - -To Betty, God was her constant ever-present friend, and her every -desire went straight to the Heavenly Throne, so tonight, what she would -not have breathed to her mother, was as naturally spoken of in prayer -as her most ordinary desire! - -And so she undressed for bed, and before seeking rest, she knelt down -in the moonlight and with her usual prayers added tremulously, "Dear -Father, you know how I love him. Someday let me be his wife for all -eternity!" One hour later, Mrs. Emmit peeped in to discover Betty fast -asleep with Dr. Cadman's picture clasped close to her breast. The -moonlight made sweeter the smile on Betty's face. - -"Poor Betty," murmured the mother in sympathy. "She does take such deep -affections--we'll all miss him, but not like she will!" and so only -half understanding the heart of her own child, she gently closed the -door and left Betty to her dreams. - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -Society's Nothingness and Its Sacrifice. - -Our scenes change to New York, six years later, "Bridge" at Mrs. -Lambert's! Every lady within her circle of friends, rejoiced when the -date for such an event occurred. First, because Mrs. Lambert was at -all times a charming hostess. Second, and chiefly, she was as generous -as she was charming. At her affairs, the prizes offered were the most -expensive the society season of that special set produced. - -Now, Mrs. Lambert was in her glory today. She was about to entertain -a guest of importance, namely. Miss Edith Esterbrook, twenty-year-old -daughter of a very wealthy and distinguished family, for whom she had -many years possessed a "social longing." Through careful and tactful -maneuvers the great privileged intimacy with the Esterbrooks was at -last established, and today, for the first time, Mrs. Lambert could -introduce Miss Edith to her willing circle. The few times that she -had met the girl, she noticed her quiet reserved beauty with a sort -of awe. Rumor declared that society counted her an intellectual bore -and only tolerated her for her family's sake. But that mattered little -to Mrs. Lambert's aspiring mind. The only daughter of the Esterbrooks -could afford to be eccentric. Her individual character was the last -consideration. - -A half hour before the guests arrived, the hostess descended to -the parlors. Hastily she scanned the tables for card-playing, and -noticed with satisfaction that her new maid had intelligence enough -to arrange every detail most satisfactorily. Then she walked over -to the long table in the farthest room, and inspected the array -of refreshments spread daintily for a buffet luncheon. Everything -conceivably appropriate was there to tempt the most fastidious tastes -of the "bridge players." There was absolutely nothing to criticize--the -arrangement was perfect--and Mrs. Lambert trilled a gay little song in -a low happy contralto, as she sailed through the large spacious rooms, -to view herself in the long mirror. - -Her dark, massive brown hair was thrown gracefully back in a full -fluffy pompadore effect. Beneath this luxuriance, a face of sensitive -delicate beauty smiled contentedly. The small, irregular features -seemed perfectly in harmony, one with the other, and the dark blue eyes -were kind. - -The world had used Mrs. Lambert well, and with customary ease, she had -used the world well; that is, that part of the world which she met -daily in her own sphere. There was absolutely nothing aggressive in -her nature. She would not care to search to find out how "the other -half lived." Her nature was the type that smiles impartially on all and -calmly sums up the philosophy of life in one trite phrase--"Live and -let live." From her earliest remembrance, she was admired, petted and -loved, and now after nine years of married life, her husband was still -obedient to her every capricious whim. - -The "outer woman" responded quickly to all this lavished happiness, but -the "inner woman" possessed the restless spirit which such dormant life -creates, and only was her light gay temperament preserved by a constant -searching after and indulging in petty excitement. - -As the mirror reflected back her graceful figure, charming even in -the difficult lines of the strictly "Directoire," she noticed with a -childish petulant frown, that the pale blue satin was not dark enough -to enhance the color of her eyes. - -"Pshaw!" she exclaimed softly. "My eyes must be changing either in -color or in sight. I thought I had matched them perfectly. Perhaps it -is the light." - -But turn her graceful head as she would, the eyes still looked darker -than the dress. She gave a little sigh and dismissed the frown. Then -she turned from the mirror, and dropped into a soft nest of cushions in -a cozy window seat. - -As the bell announced an arrival, Mrs. Lambert slowly arose while the -maid opened the door. - -"May I speak with Mrs. Lambert, please?" asked a soft, gentle voice, -and Mrs. Lambert caught a glimpse of Miss Esterbrook, as she entered -the foyer and turned toward the reception room. - -The hostess immediately came forward, graciously extending her hand in -welcome. - -"I'm so glad to see you have come early. It will indeed be a pleasure -to visit a little while before the game starts," she said. - -At a glance she took in the general pleasing effect of the tall slim -figure, and graceful poise of the head, massed with an abundance of -golden hair. Her face of the Madonna type, was rather too pale in its -fairness, but deep violet eyes lent color and its sweet expressiveness -was attractive. - -"I don't know how to tell you why I have come so early," she returned -in a natural, musical voice, quite exceptional in these days of -high staccato and affected tremolos. "Indeed, when you planned this -reception for me, I ought to have guessed you would entertain with -'Bridge.' But you didn't mention it to me, and thoughtlessly I did not -ask. Afterwards, mother received cards, but she mislaid them. She did -not mention the game until today. Can you forgive me when I tell you -that I do not play 'Bridge?'" - -"You do not play 'Bridge?'" asked Mrs. Lambert incredulously. For a -moment she searched her guest's face in silent astonishment, her cheeks -flushing hotly with the thought of the social defeat this afternoon -would bring. - -The violet eyes never wavered but smiled kindly as they noticed her -hostess' evident embarrassment. - -"No, I do not play, but if you will let me stay and assist you -entertain, I shall feel that my sin is forgiven." - -Mrs. Lambert sighed relief. "O, if you will stay," she replied smiling -once more at ease, "we will all be so glad to teach you." - -"I thoroughly understand the game," answered the girl gravely, "I have -always enjoyed it, but I have been persuaded to give it up--a matter of -conscience entirely, and two weeks ago I promised to never play again." - -Mrs. Lambert's face rippled with amusement. - -As her maid took the guest's wrap, Mrs. Lambert linked her arm -cordially into that of Miss Esterbrook. - -"Come, we have just ten minutes to ourselves. I want you to sit by me, -and confidentially tell me just how wicked I am--for I adore 'Bridge!'" - -Edith felt the charm of the elder woman, and she smiled brightly as -they seated themselves in the cozy window seat. - -"I fear I could not persuade you," she said thoughtfully, "We all -look at things from different standpoints, do we not?" - -"Then from what standpoint could you prove my 'Bridge' playing wrong?" -Mrs. Lambert asked, dropping her playful mood, and becoming momentarily -interested. - -The dark eyes seemed to deepen their color, and an intensely earnest -expression pervaded her countenance. - -"Mrs. Lambert, is not _everything_ a sin which cultivates a small -conception of life? Is it not a blight on our social life, that women -delight in spending all their spare afternoons in playing cards?" - -"I see no harm in such a means to sociability. We must have something -to bring us together," Mrs. Lambert replied quietly. - -"You have spoken the truth," Edith returned gravely. "We must have -_something_ to bring us together, and that _something_ has by common -consent become a profitless game of cards. Where has that spirit of -womanhood flown that prompted our mothers and grandmothers to gather -together in sewing bees, or in musical cliques, or even in reading -afternoons?" - -Mrs. Lambert puckered her brow in mock despair. - -"O, my dear girl, you find fault with us for taking life a little -easier than our grandmothers, who used to work even in their playtime, -while their husbands sat by and smoked. I really think that we ought to -congratulate ourselves that we have learned to enjoy ourselves a little -and let the men do the hustling." - -Edith relaxed her thoughts and smiled slightly. "I see you are -determined to be amused at me," she said pleasantly. "There may come a -day when women will find a still greater way to enjoy life. I am not so -sure that we are happier for your boasted advancement." - -"Not happier, but less unhappy," Mrs. Lambert returned with the -slightest shade in her laughing eyes. - -"Ah; that is it!" the girl responded eagerly. "But won't you drop these -wasteful days? Why don't you choose the _happiest_, the _best_?" - -She had forgotten herself in her enthusiasm, and had leaned forward, -placing her hand on the other's arm detainingly. - -Mrs. Lambert's petulant frown gathered quickly. - -"You speak as though persuading me from some fearful sin," she returned -coldly. - -Edith drew her hand away and a crimson flush surmounted her face. - -"Pardon me, Mrs. Lambert, I speak too freely. You are offended. But I -thought that you wouldn't mind." - -For a moment Mrs. Lambert looked intently down at the girl's downcast -face. The frown slowly vanished. Then the old sunny smile came back, -and her hand impulsively sought that of Edith's. - -"No, I'm not offended. You are just too new for me, that is all. New -things always irritate me. I like the smooth and trodden path. But you -must talk with me again some time." She laughed softly. "On top I don't -like it at all, but down deep, it feels real good and refreshing. You -are like a whiff of fresh air in a long closed room. I don't like the -draught, but I do like the fresh air! Can you understand?" - -Edith laughed a genuine girlish laugh. - -"Then we must not open the window too suddenly!" she exclaimed -brightly, and the two women looked frankly into each other's eyes. - -The guests arriving prevented further conversation. - -Edith found herself introduced to about fifty ladies, all of -whom were "charmed" to meet her. She was very much accustomed to -meeting strangers who were desirous of knowing the daughter of Mr. -Esterbrook, but she cared little for these affairs. She enjoyed meeting -individuals, but not numbers. When the room became full of chatty -women, all indulging in the same light small talk, Edith became bored. -She tried not to show it. Unconsciously she assumed an air of quiet -reserve, which some mistook for hauteur. So, in spite of her beauty, -she was not popular, and had she not borne the name of Esterbrook, -society would have frozen her out. This afternoon she tried to be -pleasing, but it was at best a forced attempt. The girl so animated and -at home before the guests arrived, became silent and constrained when -the room was filled. This irritated Mrs. Lambert considerably. - -When asked by most of the ladies individually, "Why, _surely_ you play -Bridge?"--Edith seemed capable of only one reply, "Yes, but I have -been persuaded to never play again." The ladies raised their brows and -exchanged glances. Most of them had heard that Edith was eccentric, so -they asked no further questions. It seemed to Mrs. Lambert that she -might have given some other reply--not just to show her disapproval of -the game that they all enjoyed. The momentary understanding between -Edith and herself was soon almost entirely erased by impatience at the -girl's frankness. - -However, with the guests, the game soon became all absorbing. Of course -"Bridge" players of the "Mediocre Social Set" are not for a moment -considered gamblers. The prizes are simply the token of good-will -from the hostess to her guests. But considering this truth, it was -wonderfully interesting to note the zest and feverish excitement with -which these ladies played for two long hours. After each game, five -minutes' relaxation took place, in which precious moments, the ladies -sauntered up to the refreshment table and renewed their energy for the -next onslaught. While munching various sweet nothings, they exchanged -light appropriate gossip, and learned the minor details concerning -friend or foe, as only a "Bridge" could reveal. At last the final game -was to be played. All became still as death, and every eye watched the -play of each card with feverish excitement. For many, this last game -meant the decision for a prize in their favor. O no! these ladies were -not gamblers! They were there for the social gathering--the game was a -mere pastime! But how interesting would be a "Bridge" party _without_ -prizes? Have you ever tried it, hostess? Would you have the courage? In -the same breath that you assure me, "My friends are not gamblers," I -hear you say, "But a bridge without prizes would fall _so_ flat!" - -When the guests were all departed, Mrs. Lambert dressed for dinner in a -rather petulant mood. Her afternoon was decidedly a failure. The main -object of the entertainment was to introduce Miss Esterbrook to her own -circle, and to feel the honor of the introduction belonged to herself. -After all her anticipations, her friends showed plainly their decided -indifference to Edith. - -Mr. Lambert's non-appearance at the dinner-hour added to her ruffled -mood. - -For one hour she awaited him in her boudoir. During that time, she gave -herself up to thoughts now irritating, now pensive. While waiting, -she lolled in a nest of cushions. She looked very alluring in her -soft, cream-colored gown, and even the little frown, flitting with her -thoughts, did not lessen the charm of her childish beauty. - -Edith's words came persistently to her mind--"Why don't you choose the -happiest, the best?" The words had a disturbing effect. They insinuated -that she,--Alma Lambert--was not choosing the happiest and best. - -It is strange how our lives often prepare us for a certain phrase to -strike home. So the last month had prepared Alma. If she had met Edith -two months sooner, scarcely would her question have been noticed. -Anyway, it would have been laughed at as eccentric and prudish, and -then been forgotten. But the last month had brought a disturbing -element into Alma's even existence. Her husband's irritability, -so unprecendented in a man of such unbounded good-nature, was a -surprisingly new condition to be met with. Often he would come home, -tired and haggard, and after the usual fond greeting and caress, he -would begin quite unreasonably to talk of money and business depression. - -When she declared she did not like to talk or hear about business -affairs, he would give some biting reply that made her wince, as if -struck by a lash. Before, he had always laughed at her indifference, -but he suddenly changed, demanding her interest in all kinds of stupid -details. - -She couldn't understand this change in him. She didn't try to -understand it. But she felt the unpleasantness of the atmosphere, and -vague fears of a coming storm shook her habitual complacency. - -To night she was more fearful than usual. - -An hour after dinner-time, and her husband not home! It had happened -many times lately, but never without a telephoned excuse. - -"Why don't you choose the best, the happiest?" - -The thought brought a little stab from conscience. Perhaps she was not -sympathetic enough--perhaps she ought to show more interest in her -husband's business, and that made him unlike himself. - -It was a new thought that brought a doubt of herself. She was -accustomed to receive affection and to give it only in return. But now -circumstances determined differently. - -They urged her to take the initiative. This was not easy for her to do, -but she longed for the old easy way of loving and spoiling. Perhaps -this vague longing and unrest prompted her to surprise her husband -to-night, with an extra show of patience and affection. Doubtless he -would come home in one of his unattractive moods. - -A big sigh of relief accompanied her resolve, and she murmured gently, - -"Will is a good old boy anyway, and has always done everything I -wished." That summed up her ideal of a perfect husband. So she -concluded to spoil him a little in return. - -The door opened and Will Lambert entered. Alma started from her nest of -cushions. - -"Why, Will, how pale you are!" she said kindly, holding out both hands -as he came towards her. - -He took them both and put them to his lips. Then he kissed the cherry -mouth, raised sweetly to his. - -"Fatigue and hunger, darling," he said in a weary voice. - -"Come then to dinner. I have not dined. Just waited and worried over -you. Why didn't you telephone?" - -"I didn't intend to be late. Have been walking the streets for an hour, -thinking, thinking, thinking. Forgot the hour entirely!" - -"Will! Walking the streets! What can possess you!" - -"An evil spirit doubtless," he returned with a sad attempt to smile. - -During the meal, his color returned and he talked considerably. But -Alma noticed his tone was forced, and his dark deep-set eyes had a new -haunted expression. - -"Where is Harold?" he suddenly asked, looking at the empty chair where -their eight year old boy usually sat. - -"Harold! why Will, dear, what is making you so strange? You know he -retires two hours before this." - -"O yes," he replied absently. "I missed the little fellow--that is all. -Never thought about the time." - -Alma contemplated her husband with a sort of pity. - -"He's so worn out, he really acts queer," she thought with a new -consideration possessing her. - -Dinner over, they retired to their cozy library where the logs burned -brightly and all looked cheerful comfort. - -"Come, dear," said Alma, drawing his big chair nearer to the fire, and -placing a cushion for his feet. - -Will looked his surprise. Never before had she attempted to wait upon -him. He had always been the willing slave. - -"Thank you, dear," he said tenderly, and he dropped his stalwart form -into the chair with relief. - -Alma reached for his paper and then drew a cigar from the stand. Both -she handed to him smiling. - -He took them but laid them aside. - -"No, no, Alma. I want only you to-night." And he drew her down lovingly -into his lap. - -Could it be possible that her slight effort had brought back the old -perfect order of things again? Will was his old self, lovingly tender, -to-night. Weary, yes, but not the slightest irritable. He looked at her -long and fixedly for a few moments and she returned his gaze with a -sweet questioning smile. - -"Alma, I'm fearfully worried to-night over business." - -"Forget it. Will," she said lightly, placing her cool hand on his hot -forehead. "You say you only want _me_--then think only of _me_." - -"As usual, you don't want to be bothered talking about it," he said -with a shade of impatience. - -"No, no. Will" she answered quickly. "I _want_ to talk with you -to-night. You must tell me every ugly detail. Perhaps I can help you." - -He held her out at arms' length, and eyed her curiously. - -"Whence this change? Too bad it didn't come sooner. It is too late -now," he said cynically. - -Alma felt hurt. Her first attempt to be unselfish he repulsed. Her -little petulant frown appeared, and the light died from her eyes. - -Instantly his tone changed. Drawing her face down to his, he murmured -tenderly, - -"Smile, dearest. I need it. Yes, the change has come too late, but -thank God it has come. You will have many chances to show your courage, -dear." - -She drew away from him like a frightened child. - -"O, Will, what _is_ going to happen?" - -"God alone knows, Alma." Then his eyes shot a sudden fire and the grasp -of his hand hurt. - -"Alma, whatever does happen, remember that you are mine,--mine always! -Tell me, could you ever forget _that_?" he questioned almost fiercely. - -Alma's sensitive form quivered, and her eyes filled. She tried to draw -her hands away, but he held them firm. - -"You frighten me, Will. Of course I'm always yours. What troubles you, -dear?" she asked tremulously. - -A great tenderness superseded his sterner mood. He folded her gently in -his arms. - -"You have said it, dear. I am so doubtful about everything to-night. I -was almost foolish enough to think you wouldn't." - -Her white arms lovingly encircled his neck and he could feel her tears -wet his face. - -"Dear Will, I love you--more to-night than ever. I don't know why. -Something new has come to me--a sort of mother-love for my poor, tired -Will." - -Never had he known her in such a mood. He asked no reason for it. It -soothed and quieted his misery. So he gave himself up to being loved as -he never before had been privileged to do. - -It was ten o'clock when the bell announced a visitor. - -Will started from his chair. - -"Who can it be at this hour?" Alma asked wonderingly. - -"Who?" returned Will shortly, and they both listened. - -Will seemed scarcely able to breathe, until the maid announced "Dr. -Cadman." - -"Let him come right in," said Will with evident relief. - -Dr. Cadman entered, beaming with the freshness of a morning hour rather -than tired with the late evening. - -Alma and Will advanced to meet him and he took one hand of each -simultaneously. - -"Too bad to disturb such a happy picture,--firelight and lovelight. How -we bachelors do envy you, lucky dogs!" he said, pressing their hands -warmly. - -"But, George, we love fine pictures, too, but unfortunately we cannot -see ourselves," returned Alma laughingly. - -"Sufficient that you see one another," returned the doctor banteringly. - -"Now, Alma," he continued, as he seated himself near the fire, "I have -just a few minutes to see Will on important business. A patient demands -my attention shortly. Are you going to be a good little wife and allow -us a few minutes' conversation?" - -"Assuredly," and Alma smiled assent. "But I will vanish in the -meantime, I'm sure to interrupt if I stay." - -The two men laughed. As she opened the door, she wafted a kiss to each -one and disappeared. - -"Dear girl!" murmured Will. - -"Dear girl! I should say so, Will. Then why on earth that sad, mournful -face? I have the check, old boy! Knew you'd come home anxious, so -didn't wait until morning," he added, drawing an envelope from his -pocket and handing it to Will. "Twenty thousand dollars you had to -have, didn't you? Well, I made it $5,000 over so that Alma couldn't -suspect, from your drawing it too tight." - -Will took the check mechanically. Speechless and dazed he stood, -watching George with increasing pallor. - -"Cousin, what ails you?" asked George with alarm. - -"You're so good, that is all,--in fact, too good for a wretch like me! -and to think that it won't help--all that money even can't save me now!" - -Haggard and white he sank into the nearest chair and buried his face in -his hands. Sobs convulsed his form as he hid his face from view. - -The doctor was momentarily astounded. Will was not the kind to play -the woman, and _shame_? He couldn't couple the word with Will's -straight-forwardness. - -He laid a strong, kind hand upon the bent head. - -"Will, you're overwrought. Look up. Be a man." - -Will's sobs ceased, and he met Cadman's scrutiny with a sullen -doggedness. - -"George, you will not call me a man after to-night. I couldn't myself, -even." - -"Come, out with it," returned Cadman briskly "Don't beat around the -bush,--and I object to your disowning your sex!" - -"For God's sake, don't joke!" exclaimed Will fiercely. - -"Far from it! Be quick--what awful crime have you committed?" - -George possessed a pair of keen gray eyes that compelled frankness. - -Will did not hesitate. - -"I've lost all--every cent, George! Got desperate. Was fooled into -crazy speculation. Lost _all_--all, I say, and I'm ruined hopelessly, -beyond any help of yours." - -George's face became serious, and he watched Will keenly. - -"Didn't I tell you that I would get the money for you tonight? Is that -all?" he asked gravely. "Will, you are hiding something," he added with -firmness. - -"Yes, there is more," Will replied, a crimson flush surmounting to his -temples. Suddenly he looked around with a hunted expression. - -"George, I'm branded a _thief_! I'll be hounded tomorrow. A -_thief_!--you hear me? Not a man! Alma's husband--a thief!" - -George grasped his shoulder in consternation. - -"You're crazy, man! Stop such names! you are exaggerating some -mis-step. Tell me everything! I'll stand by you. Don't be a coward!" - -The hunted expression gave way to one of misery. - -"George, you're a brick, but you can't save me. When I lost my own -money, I became frenzied--succeed I must or be in disgrace for debt. -I don't know how I did it. I took the bank's money when sure of -success--meant to put it back--speculated with it, lost all, all! I -heard tonight they had discovered it. To-morrow will come the arrest. -I'll be a jail-bird soon--a thief behind the bars!" - -George's face became stolidly set. - -"How much did you borrow?" he asked calmly. - -"Fifty thousand," he answered hoarsely. - -"Whew!" returned George, with a low whistle. - -Both men stared into the fire with tragic silence. - -"Well?" finally asked Will wearily. - -George arose and slowly buttoned his coat before replying. - -"I must think it over, old boy!" he said kindly, and his voice was -husky through its firmness. "It's a bad case, but there must be a way -out of it. I'll get here soon after daybreak. Think it over hard in the -meantime. The best thing for Alma, must be your first consideration, -_yourself_ next." - -"Alma! How can _she_ bear it!" - -"She'll bear it like a woman, I hope," returned George quickly. "You -have run the gauntlet for her sake, haven't you? You've lived beyond -your means, until debts have accumulated to your distraction. I have -not been blind to all this. But I never dreamed of _this_ climax." - -"For _her_ sake, yes, but that makes my sin no lighter," Will returned -gloomily. - -"But it makes it less black--anyway to those who care a heap for you!" -George exclaimed, grasping Will's hand. - -"_You_ care, now that you know what I am?" asked Will, surprise -overcoming other emotions. - -"Now that I know what you are? I know that you are a man up against a -devilish proposition, and all on account of your love for a beautiful, -adorable woman. You don't think that I'd break with you for that, do -you?" - -A glimmer of hope shot from Will's fine, dark eyes. - -"You're even better than I thought you," he returned simply, and the -two men parted without further remark. - -As George was about to leave, Alma met him in the foyer. - -"Good-bye little girl," he said gravely, "Will doesn't seem very well -to-night. Don't keep him up too late, will you?" - -"No, indeed. You notice then, how ill he looks?" she asked, her anxiety -lending a pathos to her beauty. - -"Yes, he needs a rest and no worry of any kind. I'll step in tomorrow. -Good-night," and, fearing to lengthen the conversation, he left quickly. - -Alma found Will, leaning forward in his chair, and gazing into the fire -with a morbid intensity. So great was his absorption, that he didn't -hear her enter the room. She crossed over to him, and, leaning over his -chair, gently she raised his head and laid it back against the cushions. - -He started slightly. "You Alma?" he said wearily. "Our pleasant little -evening is over dear. You had better retire now for I must have an hour -or two alone--to puzzle out a business proposition before I can sleep." - -"O, Will, you are too tired. George said that you should retire early." - -As she spoke, she caressed his forehead and he closed his eyes in -gratitude. - -After a moment he opened them upon her fondly. - -"George himself gave me the problem to solve," he said gently, "I -cannot sleep now. Go to dreamland, dearest, and don't make it harder -for me by disputing." - -"Good-night, then, if you won't come. But don't exhaust yourself, Will." - -For answer he drew her down and pressed her closely to his breast. - -"Good-night, Alma,--dear little wife," he said in passionate low -tones. "Whatever comes, dearest, remember I have always loved you to -distraction. You believe it?" - -"Yes, yes. I know it, Will. Of course you have." - -His strange mood disconcerted her and she was glad to go. - -Kissing him lightly, she left the room, turning at the door to say -smilingly, - -"Remember dear, you must not linger long." - -Left alone, George's words came more forcibly to Will's tortured brain. - -"The best thing for Alma must be your first consideration, _yourself_ -next." The best thing for Alma! The best thing for Alma! Again and -again the question reiterated in his mind. He was undeniably guilty. -For a time he might be free--on bail until his trial--then the prison! -A long torturing shame for Alma. What alternative? - -He had thought of one alternative to-night. It had come to him at first -as a wild intangible thought, born of despair. But it gradually took -shape and became proportionate to reason; he had walked the streets for -an hour, courting its possibility. - -The thought embodied a lie, and this was the hardest part for Will to -submit to. By nature, he was honest. But for _Alma's sake_, even a lie -was within his code of honor. - -For one hour he debated with himself, ever bringing excuse to bear upon -excuse. Finally his decision came, swift and certain. Alma must be -spared the long misery of trial and imprisonment. Yes, at all costs, -Alma first. - -He arose quickly and went to his desk. - -His hand trembled as he took the paper and placed it for writing. But -he was none the less resolved for this physical weakness. - -The first letter he wrote and rewrote many times. - -Finally he finished it and addressed it to Alma. - -The second he wrote hurriedly and without recopy. This was to George -Cadman. Both letters he left on his desk. - -From a small table he took two pictures--one of Alma, one of -Harold--and slipping them into his pocket, he hastily made for the -door. Turning suddenly, he swept the room with one comprehensive -longing glance, then with a heavy sigh he disappeared. - - - -CHAPTER V. - -Edith's Choice. - -From childhood, Edith Esterbrook had known George Cadman. The fact -that he was ten years older than herself, rather strengthened their -friendship than otherwise. - -As years brought her development into womanhood, Cadman was not slow to -realize and appreciate her attractions. He loved Edith with a strong -devotion, which her young experience did not value. During the last -year several had proposed marriage to her, but for a long time, George -alone was not repulsed. To him she had not yet said a decided "No." -She felt sure that her friendship's love was not the right kind of -love for marriage, but she dreaded to part with him, and so, with an -unconsciously selfish postponement of the final word, she had kept him -by her side. - -But the last month had brought a change into her life. She had met one -whom she thought she could be happy in marrying,--one Howard Hester, -who loved her passionately at first sight, and declared his love soon -after. He was immensely rich. Riches alone could not tempt Edith, but -he also seemed to possess a character which could adore her without -the slightest criticism. He gained her confidence quickly. To him she -confided all her noble aspirations, all her plans and projects for -doing charitable work. To all he acquiesced, encouraging anything that -would add to her joy in life, and declaring his fortune at her feet. -All he asked in return was for himself to be her first thought and love. - -What an ideal life! Edith could think of nothing nobler. It was a shock -to her parents when she declared her desire to marry Howard. She was -entirely too young, and many other objections were given. But all were -promptly overcome by the tactful Howard, and consent was finally gained. - -Edith decided to personally tell George before her engagement was -announced, and to this intent she asked him to call that evening. - -As she waited for him in her parlor, she gave herself up to contrasting -him with Howard. - -"George is a dear," she thought regretfully, "I hope that he gets over -his fondness for me soon. Strange that he seldom agreed with me in any -opinion. Wonder why he cared for me? Always ready to correct me--so -different from Howard! After marriage, I suppose I would have to submit -every plan to George for approval, and abide by his decision. Howard is -so willing to agree and so much more loving." - -But with all her satisfied persuasion, Edith felt a strange pang -with the thought that this evening would be the last alone with her -life-long friend. - -When he entered, she arose to meet him with her customary frankness. - -"I have been waiting for you to call this past week as usual, but as -you didn't come I felt at liberty to send for you." - -"Always, Edith," he said pressing her hand. "At any time or place, I am -at your command. No one knows that better than yourself." - -The meaning of his direct gaze was only too positive, and Edith felt -suddenly overcome with pity and constraint. How could she tell him of -her engagement, when he did not even suspect it? She colored hotly and -dropped her gaze. - -"My absence this week has been unavoidable," George continued, as they -both sat down opposite to one another. "You have heard of my cousin, -Will Lambert, and I believe you have met his wife occasionally?" - -"O, yes, only a week ago I attended an afternoon affair at her home. -What a pretty, attractive woman she is!" - -Walter's face became grave, and his eyes looked unutterable sadness. - -"O, Edith, if you could only see her now! Poor little wreck of -womanhood! She is undergoing unbearable sorrow!" - -Edith's eyes shot instant interest. - -"O, tell me her trouble," she exclaimed quickly, forgetting the object -of her bidding him to call. - -"Her husband got into pretty deep trouble, and to avoid her going -through the long trial and imprisonment, he committed suicide by -drowning." - -"Yes," George continued, "he has left it to me to try to hush it -up so that his wrong-doing wouldn't become public gossip. For a -week Eve tried every sort of pleading and bribery, but all of no -avail,--to-morrow's newspapers will print the whole story, with as much -exaggeration as they can possibly invent. Poor little Alma will be more -distracted than ever!" - -"O, how cruel it all seems!" exclaimed Edith, entering into his mood of -passionate pity. "How I wish I could go to her!" - -George's eyes flashed understanding. "And why not? A woman needs a -woman's sympathy. She has no woman relative and her mother died five -years ago." - -"I will go to her," said Edith with calm resolve. "I'm not really a -friend, but we can always come very near to a heart that is wrecked by -despair." - -"You could, Edith, but not everyone," he said with warm tenderness. -"I have been with her every evening since it happened,--that accounts -for my absence here. She clings to me in the most childishly helpless -manner. I promised to go to-night, too. I would not disappoint her even -at the sacrifice of an evening with you. You realize that sacrifice, -Edith? I missed you, to go to one in sorrow. When may I call again?" - -His tone was so tender and expectant, that Edith stood completely -abashed, trying to find words to tell him her secret which would -separate them forever. - -"Why, George, I want always to see you," she stammered. Her eyes -drooped, not daring to meet his searching gaze, "But before you go, I -ought to tell you something that may change your desire to come." - -"Nothing could do that," he said fervently. - -She felt his tone and it spurred her to frankness. - -"George," she said gently, "I hope it will not hurt you to know that I -am engaged." - -Great as had been the shock of Will's death, it was slight compared to -the awfulness of her revelation. Of late he had felt himself on surer -grounds. He hoped to win Edith. Now by one fell stroke, when his keen -fine nature was vibrating with tragic sympathy, his own hopes were -dashed to the ground. - -And Edith herself had struck the blow! - -Pale and drawn he looked at her with acute misery depicted in every -strong feature. - -"Edith! it's all over then--gone forever!" he exclaimed tensely. - -Edith's violet eyes suffused with ready tears. - -"O, George, don't! don't! I never dreamed that you would take it so to -heart! We shall always, _always_ be the same old friends." - -"Friends!" he returned bitterly. "What a mockery! But you are right--we -will always be the same--_you_ a friend, and I"--he paused and swept -her with a glance of passionate admiration--"and I, your abject lover!" - -"But, George," she began pleadingly. - -"Let us not discuss it, Edith," he interrupted in his old dictative -way, "It is a fierce fate that struck me two fearful blows at once. -But don't worry about me, little one," he added gently, "I'm a man and -can bear it. Now I will go to a little woman who has less strength to -overcome." - -As he held out his hand, his face became calm and set, and no one could -have guessed the strength summoned to meet the inevitable. - -"Good-bye, Edith," he said, quietly. "God bless you and give you all -the happiness you deserve. If you ever need a heart to share a trouble, -mine is always open to you. Good-bye, little one, Good-bye." - -And Edith, more overcome than George, could only murmur, "Good-bye," -and let him go. - -Tired, she dropped into a chair. Vaguely she wondered why he did not -even ask who her future husband was to be. Suddenly came the echo of -his "Good-bye, little one, good-bye," and the pathos of it filled her -with a melancholy longing. - -She bowed her head in her hands, and wept. - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -The Glamor gone, what is left? - -Since the glowing publication of Will Lambert's dishonesty and -consequent suicide, Alma had completely hid herself, and would see no -one but George. Repeatedly the bell announced visitors, but to all she -was "not at home," and the very sound of the bell filled her with new -misery. - -For three days society had had the privilege of a new scandal for -gossip. In her mind's eye, Alma pictured her acquaintances exchanging -views and eagerly picking up new scraps of information. In her grief -she imagined they came to her for curiosity only--all the friends of -whom she proudly boasted before were distorted in her feverish brain -and became prying gossips, filled with a mocking pity. - -It had rained steadily since morning. The long gloomy day seemed never -to near its close, and Alma watched the clock with impatience for she -expected George in the late afternoon. George never came in the day -time before, but to-night he had a serious case, so he had promised -to come to take supper with Alma and so make the unbearable evening -somewhat shorter. - -No visitors had bothered her to-day, and it was four o'clock when the -bell first rang its cheery note through the dreary house. - -"George!" Alma exclaimed rising from her chair and hastily putting a -letter in her bosom,--a letter she had read and reread many times in -her lonesomeness--Will's last passionate word to her, Will's whole -heart unbared to her to forgive and love as never before! Too late came -the wonderful revelation of a woman's true being--too late came the -answering glow from a heart awakened by the passionate call of love! -Will was gone from her life forever, and her lips could never utter the -new things that she found revealed in herself. Only his memory remained -to be cherished. But she clung to this memory with redoubled fervor. -Never for a moment did she doubt his goodness. Even his double crime -assumed no hideous proportions to her stricken conscience. Both were -for _her_ sake, and, let the world scorn him as it would, she would -always consider him a fearful sacrifice to her selfish life. - -This was Alma's first hard life lesson. But she learned it well. All -the good lying dormant under her superficial unreal existence, suddenly -became active and volcanic. Alma was the inevitable sufferer. - -The maid came to her half opened door and knocked gently. - -"I will be right down," Alma said, and the surprised girl hurried away -without giving the card of the visitor. - -Alma descended the stairs slowly, trying hard to prepare herself to -give him a less forlorn welcome. - -At the parlor door she halted abruptly. Surprise and consternation -overspread her face. She faced Edith Esterbrook with a mixture of -defiance and hauteur. - -"My maid has made a mistake," she said shortly. "I am at home to no -one. You will pardon me, but I cannot receive any visitors." - -Most women would have felt the keen repulse, and made a hurried exit. -But Edith was not thinking of herself. She scarcely heard Alma's words. -Her heart and mind were filled with the vision of grief that stood in -the doorway--the pale drawn features, the sunken eyes, and the general -hopeless despairing of face and form. - -She advanced to Alma with two outstretched hands. - -"Dear Mrs. Lambert, I have not come to you to offer my formal sympathy! -Indeed no! I want to make you believe that my heart grieves with you, -and longs to be a real help and comfort." - -Alma looked into the sweet, pleading face. She could read only -sincerity. - -Mechanically she took the girl's hands. - -"But I don't understand," she faltered, "why should you feel interested -in me at all?" - -Edith's eyes looked at her with a new light. - -"I don't know why, but I am. I feel your sorrow deeply. Perhaps it is -because I am so impressed with the Fatherhood of God, that when I hear -of one of His children suffering, I hear His voice bidding me to go." - -Alma looked at her in open wonder. - -"And one so young! How can you feel this? I am much older, but I never -even really believed in such a Fatherhood." - -Edith led her to a settee. - -"O won't you let me stay awhile with you?" she asked gently, "The day -must be very long!" - -Alma forgot her pride. Her mind relaxed under the strange personality -of this young friend. For half an hour they talked. Indeed Alma -afterward wondered why she had conversed the most. She found herself -gradually confiding her innermost trials and fears--hopes she had -none--and even went so far as to show Edith how she was to blame for -all the disgrace, and not Will. - -Finally she was in tears in Edith's arms, and Edith wept with her. - -The bell rang suddenly and they drew apart. - -"It is only Dr. Cadman--you know him? Don't go." - -"George Cadman! no, I cannot stay. May I come again?" - -"Yes, indeed. O thank you for your sweet sympathy." - -Edith kissed her forehead and hurried away. - -In the hallway, she met George. He took her proffered hand with no sign -of emotion, and "hoped that she was well," in ordinary friendliness. -Then he took from his pocket a letter. - -"I was going to call upon you to give you this letter," he said -gravely. "You remember me telling you of that sweet little 'Mormon' -girl that I met out West? I have heard from her now and then since -my return, and it hardly seems possible that now she is grown to -womanhood,--just about your age. She writes that she is coming on a -mission in a few weeks, and I can imagine she'll be quite a charming -young lady, from what she was as a child. She'll be strange and quite -lonesome at first. She says there are mission headquarters here -somewhere, but she doesn't know any of these mission people. May I -bring her to call on you when she comes?" - -"Yes, indeed!" returned Edith kindly, "Poor child! Alone in this big -city where everyone hates the 'Mormons!' I suppose that I would be -prejudiced, if you had not talked to me about them." - -"You and she have a great deal in common, and I think that you will be -very happy to make a real friend of her." - -"We'll see. Bring her to me as soon as she comes," replied Edith -brightly, and with a friendly good-bye, she left him. - -"He seems not to care very much," reflected Edith, as she walked home. -"After all, men soon forget," she philosophised, "I didn't want him to -_suffer_, but I thought that he would care a _little_," she mused with -a childish regret, which she hastily overcame with shame at her sudden -selfishness. - - - -CHAPTER VII - -"Go, Preach the Gospel to all the World." - -Ephraim was doing some talking. Everyone loved Betty Emmit--young and -old--but some wondered if she would make a good missionary. She was so -full of rollicking fun, that it was not easy to imagine her setting -down to the strict, sober life of a mission. However, those who knew -her well, knew her deep religious nature, which after all was the -motive power of her young life and the source of her merry sunshine -disposition. - -A farewell party was to be given to Betty at the town hall. Posters -were everywhere hung, and the admonition was given for every one to be -present. The only ones excused would be "tired husbands" who should -send money by their wives. - -Betty stood reading one of these posters and laughed to herself. - -"Whoever wrote that! The very idea! Here's for equal rights!" - -From her pocket, she took her pencil and wrote underneath, - -"'_Tired wives_' will send money by their husbands!" - -"What right have you to touch those public posters?" said a voice that -made her turn quickly. - -She faced the young man with mock defiance. - -"They're _my_ posters, aren't they?" - -"Not a bit of it," he replied; his blue eyes laughing into her merry, -brown ones. "_Nothing_ belongs to you now,--_you_ belong to everybody, -_Miss Missionary_!" - -"Indeed!" returned the girl, tossing her curls. "Perhaps, then, -you'd like to take the 'public property' home for safe keeping until -to-night?" - -"Just why I stopped the car!" exclaimed the youth delighted. "You -shouldn't be wandering around the streets tiring yourself out, for -to-night everyone will want to have a 'farewell' dance with you!" - -Betty jumped into the car, her companion following, and the machine -raced off. Once off Main St., Stanley Todd slackened his machine. He -turned to Betty tenderly. - -"So girlie, you're off for two whole years? Suppose when you come back, -you'll look down on Ephraim, and such as me." - -Betty looked up at the bright face, bronzed by the sun and outdoor-life -of the mountains. Her eyes softened, and sudden tears filled her lovely -eyes. - -"When Betty Emmit forgets Ephraim and her old friends," she replied -soberly, "the sun will cease to shine!" - -"By heck! that sounds just like you!" said the lad, and he gave her -arm an affectionate squeeze. "I wish, though," he added hesitatingly, -"you'd be engaged to me before you leave!" - -Betty's forehead puckered thoughtfully,--then she frankly answered. -"Stanley, why do you say that again? It's no sense to be engaged when -one is not in love. You know that I think just heaps of you--as a -real, real brother. I'll never be in love--don't really know what that -means,--so you ought to be satisfied." - -"I suppose that I'll have to be," he returned with a sigh. "Well, we -won't cry over it," he said smiling down on her, and giving his machine -a little spurt. "May I escort you to the dance, to-night?" - -"Yes," she replied, smiling back at him. - -"That'll be some pleasure anyway--to take you to your 'farewell,'" he -said happily. - -Betty's eyes flashed merriment. - -"I couldn't tell you how many I have said 'yes' to, when they have made -the same request." - -"Then I am to be one of a bunch?" he asked disappointedly. - -"I belong to everyone--you said it, didn't you?" - -"You're incorrigible, Betty!" was his hopeless answer. - -* * * * * - -Betty's farewell was a gay little affair. Men, women and children came, -everyone bringing a piece of money, from a dime to a dollar, according -to his or her means. - -Betty was the centre of adoring friends, all wishing her "Godspeed" -on her mission, and success in spreading the restored Gospel. And at -this little party, there was no long-faced preaching done. Everyone was -glad and smiling, and a "farewell" to a "Mormon" missionary, meant a -child-like display of goodwill and brotherly love,--such as no other -church on the face of God's earth, had yet begun to realize. - -The young people made merry in their innocent happy way, and the spirit -of true religion reigned over all,--not the spirit of lifeless piety! - -The next day Betty was busy making preparations for departure the -following day, and saying her "good-byes." - -There were a number of calls she felt that she must make, on the old -or sick, all of whom would be unhappy not to say good-bye to her,--for -Ephraimites were all like one big family, and a loving relationship was -really felt among its numbers. - -As Betty passed through the streets, more than one honest man came up -to her, and grasping her little soft hand in his large work-calloused -one, wished her good luck in a husky voice, and offered her his hard -earned dollar for her mission. - -O you luke-warm, respectable churches of the world! Where or when did -any of you possess whole congregations of Christians filled with the -simplicity and ferver of Christ's Gospel as these rugged mountaineers? -Why don't you hesitate before you open your doors to money-making -anti-Mormon lecturers, to satisfy the morbid cravings of some of your -people to hear the fantastic and obscene wanderings of Satanic minds! -If angel hosts brought glad tidings to your church doors, how small a -congregation would be yours! You poor struggling minister of the world! -Does it never occur to you that the prophecy is being fulfilled? - -"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but -after their own lusts will they heap to themselves teachers, having -itching ears." (I Tim. 4:3.) - -You know that to fill your churches, you must have preachers lay -aside simple Gospel truths, and entice the masses with the political -excitement of the day, or the glamor of some rare literary achievements. - -Who, in a great city like New York, ever prepared to attend a church -service with the firm assurance that he would hear the Gospel of Christ -preached? Thanks to some few conscientious unpopular preachers, we -may attend some churches with that hope, but one will always find the -"good" minister preaching to as many empty pews as listeners. Is it any -wonder then, that the earnest, enthusiastic, "Mormon," coming to the -great cities with nothing more exciting than the simple truth,--is it -any wonder he is mocked, reviled and scorned? "Bring us something new -and exciting or we don't want it!" cries the big city. - -But Betty in her worldly ignorance, had yet to learn--she took the -money offered to her with a heart filled with enthusiasm and love for -the whole world. She thanked God for it all. Every penny helped her -to take God's message to a "waiting world,"--she really believed that -the world was waiting for the truth,--and was happy in the thought of -being called to be the messenger. And so, between tears at partings and -joy over her great mission, she found her feelings rather mixed and -strange, as she boarded the train for the unknown East! - -Friends waved her out of sight, prayers followed her from loving -hearts, yet before her lay the great experience,--the knowledge of the -world! - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -The Way of a Missionary. - -The trip to New York was a great pleasure to Betty. A number of -missionaries traveled together, and most of the time she was on the -observation platform, enjoying the scenery and chatting with her -companions. - -When they reached New York, Betty's excitement was at its height. At -last she was in that Great New York--the city that she had dreamed of -for years--and the city where Dr. Cadman lived. As she came out of -the Hudson Terminal building, the noise and clamor seemed to deafen -her. Two missionaries from Brooklyn, met the party to take them -to headquarters in Brooklyn. Betty clung to the arm of one of her -traveling companions, and allowed herself to be led, silent and dazed, -through the winding streets to the Brooklyn Bridge. It was just six -o'clock when all the Brooklyn men were returning from their business in -New York. The clamor of gongs and rushing of people frightened Betty -and made her ask an Elder what had happened. - -"O, that's only Brooklyn Bridge at rush hour," replied the Elder, -smiling. "You'll get used to that soon. Sounds queer after Utah, -doesn't it?" - -"It isn't like this everywhere, is it?" she asked disappointed. - -"O, no!" laughed the Elder, "There are some quiet nooks." - -Betty felt herself lifted off her feet and with the crowd, pushed into -a trolley. The seats were all taken by those who "knew how," but Betty -took hold of a strap, and looked around for her companions. They were -jammed in at the other end of the car, and though they waved to her, -she suddenly felt strangely alone. For the first time, a feeling of -homesickness crept over her. This great crowded city with human beings -like flies, and big tall buildings towering over narrow streets--was -this New York? For twenty minutes the car dragged, and every little -while stopped to crowd more in, until everyone was pushing the next. -The crowd took it all as though accustomed to it. Not a word or look of -anger was given. Some of the passengers appeared to be pale and tired, -but all were tolerant. - -Betty's mind traveled back to Ephraim's openness and ease, and then -came back to present surroundings. She looked out to see the streets -through which they passed. She only got a glimpse of the river, but it -gave her a cool breath of air that was refreshing. Then came narrow -business streets, with screeching elevated rail roads overhead. - -"Trains traveling through the air! How strangely awful!" thought Betty. -But it was exciting, even though she hated it. At last the car turned -into a quiet, residential street, and Betty breathed once more. - -When the car stopped and the whole missionary party alighted, Betty was -again her calm composed self. - -"This is our Church, and next to it, is the Mission House," explained -one of the Elders. - -Everyone looked at the beautiful white stone church with interest and -admiration, and then at the large, red brick house beside it. - -"How homelike it is!" exclaimed Betty, feeling her depression leaving -her. "Do we missionaries live there?" - -The Elder looked at her with pity. - -"Not much!" he said, laughing, "We're scattered all over--wherever we -can get a room,--but we always like to come here and get warmed up, you -know!" - -All the young people laughed. - -"Sister Emmit, don't think that missionaries have it easy," said one -young, rosy-cheeked girl, who looked as though hardship would be fun -for her. - -"I didn't mean it to be easy," returned Betty, flushing hotly, "I -simply asked a question." - -At this time they had reached the door of the mission home, which was -opened to receive them. There, in the doorway, stood a stout, portly -looking man of about forty years. His round, candid face was full of -good nature and hospitality. His keen, blue eyes scanned the party with -interest. - -"Come right in," he said, heartily, "Guess you're all tired, eh? Well, -you've come to a good resting place, and the dinner's about ready for -all." - -Betty's heart went right out to this jovial Mission President, and she -felt "cheered up," as she afterwards expressed it. - -The party found a warm welcome and a good dinner. The President's wife -was no less hospitable than President Gladder himself, and everyone -seemed merry and happy. - -About nine o'clock, Betty and Dell Siegler were escorted by one of the -Elders to a house not far from the Mission House. - -"This will be your home, until President Gladder has assigned you your -companion and field of labor," he explained, as he rang the bell. - -"When will that be?" asked Betty. - -"In a day or so," he answered. - -The door was opened by a neat, thin little old lady. Introductions -over, the Elder left them. - -"I'll take you right to your room, young ladies,--follow me." - -The tone was kindly polite, but to Betty's sensitive ears, it sounded -strangely business-like. They followed the old lady up three flights of -stairs, and then into a square back room. - -Betty watched her light the "welsbach," which was quite a curiosity to -her. - -"Put the gas out carefully when you go to bed," she said. "Sometimes it -turns all the way round and the gas escapes," and with this admonition -and a pleasant "goodnight," she was gone. - -Dell and Betty looked around the room, and then at each other. - -"It's stuffy, don't you think? Let's open the windows," said Dell. - -"What is that for?" asked Betty curiously, looking at one corner of the -room. - -"O, that is a little cook stove--my sister told me she had one on her -mission. See!" and Dell pushed aside a faded cretonne curtain. "Here -are all the dishes and cooking utensils. We prepare our own meals, you -know." - -"Not in our bed-room, surely!" exclaimed Betty. - -"Why, of course we do!" laughed Dell. "You don't seem to know much -about missionaries' ways. Even the Elders have to live this way." - -Betty felt ashamed to have expressed her feelings so, but she was ready -to do anything for her mission work. - -"I hope that you won't think me fussy," she said apologetically, "I'm -willing to do anything for my mission. But it does seem strange at -first, doesn't it?" - -"It surely does," replied Dell, "and I guess you'll think of your roomy -Ephraim home many times when you are eating, sleeping, and studying in -one little coop like this." - -"But we won't be in it much, will we?" - -"That's the big part of it--we won't," laughed Dell. - -The two girls got into bed and then thought of the gas. - -"Betty, I don't understand gas-jets,--will you put it out?" - -"I'm afraid to," returned Betty anxiously. "I know they're -dangerous,--I saw her put a match over it. Wasn't that queer? But I'm -not sure how to put it out." - -"To be on the safe side," said Dell, practically, "Leave it alight. It -may keep us awake a bit, but I'd just like a good talk or--" - -"Or what?" - -"O, I know I'll get homesick. Hurry up, Betty, talk! Just talk! I feel -it coming on!" - -"So do I," said Betty with quivering lips. "I don't believe I _can_ -talk--much." - -That was enough. - -Dell's head dived into the pillow, and her little slim figure shook -with sobs. - -This was too much for Betty. For a few moments she stroked the fair -head of her companion, with admirable self-control, but when Dell -pulled her over and hugged her close, Betty's tears came thick and fast. - -At last Dell sat up in bed with determination. - -"We're fine missionaries, Betty, to act like this!" she said sternly. - -"Don't worry about that," said Betty, smiling through her tears. "They -say that the best surgeons are those who faint at the first operation!" - -"That's so!" agreed Dell, "I wouldn't go back, would you?" - -"Of course not!" replied Betty, "We're out on the Lord's work! But -we're only girls, after all, and we'll feel lots better to cry it out. -I guess everyone does, but don't tell anyone, will you?" - -"Of course not!" promised Dell. - -"Come, let's get to sleep before--" - -"All right,"--and the two girlish heads were soon lying quietly close -together with their tear-stained faces up-turned to the bright light of -the mysterious "welsbach." - -***** - -In the morning Betty roused her companion. - -"I'm so hungry, Dell. Let us hurry to the Mission Home for breakfast." - -On their way out they asked the landlady to turn off the gas. - -"Land!" exclaimed the old lady indignantly. "You didn't burn my gas all -night? And gas is expensive, too, I'll tell you!" - -Betty stood dumb, while Dell apologized. - -"I thought the West knew gas when they saw it!" snapped the old lady as -she shut the door in their faces. - -Dell and Betty walked out of the house in silence. - -When in the street, Betty laughed. - -"Quite motherly, wasn't she? Dell, I do hope you'll be my companion. -We'll start a diary together." - -The bright morning air made them both laugh with the zest of youth. - -As they entered the mission home, Mrs. Gladder kissed them both. - -"Sleep well, girls?" - -"O yes, thank you," answered the girls, looking at one another with a -smile that one of the Elders passing them, was sure to detect. - -As Mrs. Gladder led the way to breakfast; he said to the girls in a -stage whisper, - -"Never mind, girls! they all do it!" - -"Do what?" asked Betty demurely. - -"O _you_ know,--but don't feel embarrassed. Every night you'll feel -better." - -Sister Gladder turned. "Brother Eldridge," she said laughing, "if you -don't stop teasing, I'll have to report you to President Gladder!" - -At this, the young man laughed heartily, and the girls joined in. - -The second night they decided that they had been foolish, and laughed -themselves to sleep, with the gas turned off and the moonlight -streaming in at their little high windows. - -***** - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -Betty's New Friends. - -Betty's hand trembled as she took off the receiver of the phone at -the Mission Home. She gave the number of Dr. Cadman's office. After -all these years she was going to speak with this friend, her ideal of -manhood. - -"Is this Dr. Cadman?" she asked of the pleasant "Hello." - -"It is," came the answer. - -"This is Betty Emmit," replied Betty in dignified tones. "I just -arrived in Brooklyn yesterday." - -"Why, Betty," came in jovial tones. "I'm real glad to hear your voice. -Where are you anyway?" - -"At Mission Headquarters. Could you come over to see me?" - -"Not until about eight this evening. Will that do?" - -"Yes," returned Betty delightedly. "By then I will know just what I'm -going to do." - -"Very well. Tonight at eight. Good-bye, Betty." - -"Good-bye, Dr. Cadman," was returned. - -Betty hung up the receiver, with a great happiness filling her girlish -heart. New York didn't seem lonesome after all! - -"So you have a friend in New York?" pleasantly asked President Gladder, -from his desk where he sat writing. - -"O yes, a friend who is going to help me with my missionary work." - -"Tell me about him," said the mission president, and he listened -thoughtfully to Betty's story of her friendship with Dr. Cadman. - -"Sounds good," he declared, smiling as she finished her recital, "But -don't forget the missionary rules. Whenever he takes you, along goes -your companion. Perhaps you would like to know who your companion is to -be? I have decided that Dell Siegler and you would be just about suited -to one another." - -"O, I'm so glad," exclaimed Betty. "We did so hope that we could be -companions." - -President Gladder had a way of beaming on the young people, when he had -made them happy. - -"That's good," he returned happily. "Now, Betty, you can be a great -power in the mission field, if you put your whole mind and soul on your -work." - -"I will, President Gladder," promised Betty seriously. - -"I want you to labor in New York for about one month. This Dr. Cadman, -will doubtless make it easy for you to be introduced there. After that, -you and your companion must go to Boston. So make the most of your one -month here and get a room in New York as soon as possible." And with -a kindly nod of dismissal, President Gladder resumed his writing, and -Betty left the room. - -"Only one month in New York!" she thought with disappointment. "Well, -Betty, you're out for work, not pleasure," she said to herself, bravely. - -That evening at eight o'clock, Dr. Cadman, called. - -Betty never forgot the delight of that first interview. He was so kind -to her and so delighted with everything at the Mission Home. She felt -very proud as she introduced him to the president and his family, for -Dr. Cadman was strikingly attractive, and she could see that President -Gladder took an instant liking to him. - -For about an hour they chatted and then on going, the arrangement was -made for Betty and her companion to meet Dr. Cadman the following day, -and he would help them to find a place to live. - -That night Betty retired with a heart full of thankfulness--for just -exactly what, she couldn't say herself. - -"You look beamingly happy," remarked Dell, as they undressed to retire. - -"I feel so," returned Betty brightly. - -When the light was out, and Dell fast asleep, Betty lay awake for a -long time, watching the moon slowly rise over the housetops. - -"He's just more wonderful than ever!" she declared to herself. "I must -think of my mission, though, and not of him. I wonder--" and there -Betty left off her thinking and sank into a sweet dreamy rest. - -***** - -The next day, Betty and Dell met Dr. Cadman, as appointed--at his -office. - -"Now, girls," he said, happily, after greetings were exchanged, "I'm -going to take you right up to a friend of mine. I telephoned to her -this morning that you were coming, and maybe she knows of a place for -you." - -Driving along Fifth avenue and Riverside Drive, in Dr. Cadman's -machine, made New York appear very different from the view presented to -the girls when coming out of the Hudson terminal into crowded streets. -The city seemed to Betty a most wonderfully attractive place at this -stage of her experience. - -At last they drew up in front of Edith's home, a beautiful house in the -West Eighties. - -As they entered and Dr. Cadman introduced them to Edith Esterbrook, -both girls felt slightly embarrassed at the strangeness of this New -York home. - -"It's all so grand and formal," thought Betty. - -But Edith soon had the girls feeling quite at ease, entering into their -plans and work with real interest. - -"So you are looking for a home for one month?" asked Edith kindly. - -"Just one room," answered Betty shyly. "Do you know anyone with a -house-keeping room we could rent?" - -Edith and Dr. Cadman exchanged smiles. - -"I can't say I do," returned Edith amused. "None of my friends rent -rooms. But I'm going to ask you both to spend a month here,--as my -visitors. Of course, you'll be busy all the time, I know, but you may -come and go as you wish, and you'll feel you have a home to come to -instead of a stranger's house." - -"Do you really mean it?" exclaimed Betty, forgetting her shyness, and -becoming her old bright, impulsive self. - -Dell looked happy, but rather doubtful. - -"Betty, it's awfully kind of Miss Esterbrook, but don't you think that -we ought to have it harder?" - -At this, Dr. Cadman and Edith laughed heartily. - -"My dears, you'll have all the hardships you wish before you get -through. Just take the sunshine while you can get it--and then, you -know, I want you to tell us all about 'Mormonism,' and my friends, too. -It will take almost a month to tell everyone that I introduce you to." - -Dr. Cadman was not much surprised at Edith's offer. He was accustomed -to having her do what her friends called "odd." Only a month ago, she -housed three Salvation Army lassies for a week. - -Betty's eyes shone with enthusiasm. - -"Dear Sister Esterbrook," she said, "we will come and be so glad to. -And if we can bring you the gospel, I know that you will be more than -repaid for your kindness--our religion is the greatest thing in the -world--the greatest joy that we could bring anyone!" - -Edith gazed at the earnest girl before her, and then, rising, took both -her hands lovingly, - -"New York needs just such girls as you," she said kindly. "I see your -religion is a vital one. Yes, I know that we will be friends. Let Dr. -Cadman take you home; get what things you need, and come back tonight." - -Dr. Cadman looked on with a studious smile. - -"I knew that you'd be a real friend, Edith, but hardly expected this." -Then, more lightly he turned to the missionaries. "You don't realize -just how lucky you are, girls, to have Edith Esterbrook as your -hostess. Come, we'll carry the good news to President Gladder." - -So Betty found herself driving home, with a still lighter heart, and -happier thoughts. - -Her mission! O, what a joy--no sacrifice as yet! - -***** - - - -CHAPTER X. - -"God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the wise." *** - -The month at the Esterbrcok home was something to be remembered, by -both young missionaries. In spare hours, Dr. Cadman would often call -and take the two girls out for a drive, showing them the city in -detail, and making it as interesting as possible. - -Even Alma Lambert was persuaded by Edith to have the missionaries call, -and Betty and Alma became great friends. Alma drank in, gladly, all the -truths that Betty brought to her. She had never been religious, but -now that the world had suddenly lost all its attractions for her, her -thirsty soul was eager to be refreshed with thoughts that could make -more bearable the loss of her husband, whom she loved more devotedly -now than ever before. - -Dr. Cadman encouraged her in listening to Betty, more for professional -reasons--to take her mind off of herself and her sorrow; for, with a -doctor's eye, he could see Alma was on the verge of melancholia. - -Edith, too, was greatly interested in all that the girls had to say, -but she was also interested in the preparations for her wedding, which -was to take place shortly, and her attention was divided. She grew -to care for the two girls with more than ordinary affection. Betty -especially, wound herself around Edith's heart in a lasting friendship. - -"I wonder why," said Edith thoughtfully, "I have known you only a short -time, and yet I love you as though you had been near to me all your -life." - -"That seems clear to me," said Betty, happily. "We believe, in the -pre-existent state, we loved our friends, and when we meet them here -love takes up the broken thread." - -"That is a beautiful thought and seems to explain it. Betty, I have -asked our minister to have an interview with you girls. He didn't -seem very anxious at first, but at last he graciously consented to -talk to one of you. Would you like to tell him about 'Mormonism?' He -is a Presbyterian, you know, and has had all kinds of 'anti-Mormon' -lecturers preach in his church." - -Betty's eyes shone with the enthusiasm of her mission. - -"Indeed I would love to talk with him. When may I go?" - -"He said tomorrow morning." - -So, the next morning Betty went joyously to call upon Dr. McLeod of the -Presbyterian church. - -As she entered the Parish house, she sensed the refinement and comfort -of her surroundings. The two first rooms were large and well-furnished -with green velvet furniture to match the heavy green velvet carpet and -draperies. - -From a large mahogany desk in the center of the room, a tall, slim -young lady arose, and advanced to greet Betty. - -"I have an appointment with Doctor McLeod," said Betty simply. - -"Your card, please?" - -Betty had forgotten her card. - -"I haven't a card," replied Betty, suddenly feeling chilled at -formalities. "My name is Miss Emmit--I'm a 'Mormon' missionary." - -"O, I will tell Dr. McLeod," said the lady frigidly. And she left the -room with a quiet and well trained dignity, that Betty thought matched -the furniture. - -She was ushered into Dr. McLeod's private study. - -A tall, thin man, with a correspondingly thin face and deep-set, gray -eyes, sat writing at his desk, which was littered with papers and books. - -His high, intellectual forehead was surmounted by an abundance of -iron-gray hair. - -He looked up quickly, as Betty entered, and then eyed her from head to -foot with amused surprise. - -"So you are the 'Mormon' missionary," he said, pleasantly. "I'm glad to -meet Miss Esterbrook's friend," he added, "Be seated, please." - -"Yes," said Betty in calm, happy tones, "My friend says that you would -like to hear something of 'Mormonism.'" - -Dr. McLeod cleared his throat. - -"Well, not exactly that, my dear young lady. What I know of it, doesn't -make me feel very anxious to know any more. I thought, may be, I might -show you the error of belonging to such a church, and make your life -happier." - -For a moment Betty was speechless. She had joyously expected a man -eager to learn. She felt weak in the presence of this learned man. Her -heart sent up a little silent prayer, and suddenly she felt a great -calm strength. - -"Dr. McLeod," she said kindly without hesitation; "no minister has -anything better to give a 'Mormon' than what he, or she, possesses. The -restored Gospel is the greatest glory in the world today. I have come -to tell you about it." - -Dr. McLead colored with annoyance. - -"I presume, Miss Emmit, you are about nineteen or twenty?" - -"Yes." - -"And you come to teach a minister of thirty years' experience on -religious matters?" - -"No, Dr. McLeod," the girl replied humbly, "I can teach you nothing. -You are far more learned than I ever hope to be. But prophecy tells -us that in the latter days, God will teach the wise men of the world -through the weak. God speaks to you through me. It is His own peculiar -way--cannot you understand?" - -Dr. McLeod smiled. - -"You have a good tactful way of answering," he said tersely. "Where in -the Bible do you find such a prophesy? Please show me." - -Betty walked over to the big Bible on his desk and turned to I Cor. -1:27. In her clear young voice she read: - -"But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the -wise; and the weak to confound the strong." - -"Well, I declare!" Mr. McLeod said more kindly. "You can hold your own, -can't you? Where did you study theology?" - -"Study theology?" asked Betty surprised. - -"Yes,--what college do they send their missionaries to, before they -come East?" - -"We study our Bible in Sunday school and church," said Betty, simply. -"It seems when we get out here, the Lord tells us just what to -say,--our little learning goes a great way." - -Dr. McLeod eyed Betty with growing interest. He never expected a -missionary in the form of a young, inexperienced girl. - -"Are there many like you that come out?" - -"Oh, yes," replied Betty brightly. "We are, as a rule, young ladies or -young men. Have you never met a missionary before?" - -"No, several times they have asked to see me, but I have told my -secretary that I was too busy." - -"And yet you have allowed other people to preach against us, and you -didn't know us?" - -The girl's tone was sadly reproachful as she looked at the preacher -earnestly. - -Dr. McLeod was annoyed with himself for feeling embarrassed before this -slip of a girl. - -"Well, yes, you see, these lecturers are very well-known and -intelligent people. I have to rely on other brains sometimes. I'm a -very busy man." - -"They may be well-known and intelligent, Dr. McLeod, but they are very -wicked people--for they don't tell the truth about us." - -"Would you be willing to face one with that accusation?" asked Dr. -McLeod thoughtfully. - -"Yes, indeed, I would." - -"Come then tomorrow at two, and hear an anti-'Mormon' lecture, by a -woman, who has been among the 'Mormons,' and has preached in almost -every Presbyterian church but mine. It is only fair that you should -have a chance to talk, too. After she has finished speaking, you may -have the platform for thirty minutes." - -Betty's amazed delight found expression in a joyous, "O, thank you! How -can I show my appreciation, Dr. McLeod?" - -There was no doubting her sincerity and enthusiasm. The minister -studied her expressive countenance with a kindly scrutiny. - -"I think I understand the influence of you young missionaries. You -influence more by what you feel, than by what you know. Emotionalism is -a good hypnotist." - -"O, but we do know our religion," returned Betty earnestly. - -"Maybe,--we'll see tomorrow. I would like to prolong this interview, -but I have an appointment. I shall listen and try to learn tomorrow," -he said smilingly. - -And Betty left him with joyous anticipations. - - - -CHAPTER XI. - -The Treachery of the World. - -Betty and Dell, accompanied by Edith, were among the first to be at the -anti-"Mormon" lecture in Dr. McLeod's church. - -The minister greeted them kindly, being especially deferential to Edith -who was evidently one of the most faithful members of his church. - -Edith was very much attached to her church, and her minister, too. He -had married her parents in this same church, and so Edith's religious -life was first developed here, under the influence of Dr. McLeod, who -was a spiritual man, and kindly in disposition. However, his pride in -his position as a popular minister in the Presbyterian church, was his -one weakness, which would bar him from sacrificing too much for truth. - -"Well, Miss Emmit, I see you have come early to the fray," he said -smilingly. "So this is your companion? Glad to meet you, Miss Siegler. -Another young girl as missionary! Really, I don't see just how your -church persuades you, young people, to leave home as you do. We -couldn't get many from our church to do it, could we, Miss Edith?" - -"I think not," acknowledged Edith. "The young people of today seem to -be more indifferent to religion than those of any other age. I wonder -why?" - -"The temptations of the world, my dear," he said decidedly. "Come, sit -right up front, and watch your audience enter," and he led the three -girls to the front row, facing the platform. - -Dell clasped Betty's hand. - -"I'm awfully nervous, Betty. Aren't you?" - -"Not in the least," returned Betty. "I'm just anxious to see this -wicked woman." - -Dr. McLeod had excused himself, and so the three girls silently watched -the congregation assemble. It was composed of principally women and -children. Now and then a man, or boy, entered, with an expression of -indifferent curiosity, but the women seemed full of anticipation, as -though a great treat was in store for them. - -Betty observed them with a wondering sadness. Suddenly her eyes -brightened and with an eager smile, she grasped Edith's hand. "Look! -Look! Edith! Just look who's coming!" - -"Who?" asked Edith surprised. Following Betty's gaze, she saw entering -the other side of the church, a rather tall mannish looking woman. - -"Why, it's Mrs. Catt! That dear Mrs. Catt that I told you about!" she -exclaimed in a delighted whisper. "See! Dr. McLeod is taking her to the -platform. May I go and speak with her?" - -"Why, yes,--I suppose--" and before Edith could say more, Betty had -started for the platform with enthusiasm quite oblivious to onlookers. - -Mrs. Catt had just taken a seat besides the minister, when she looked -up to see Betty draw near, with both hands outstretched. - -"O, Mrs. Catt! Is it really you! Don't you know me? Betty Emmit, of -Ephraim, Utah? Betty, your little girl of eight years ago?" - -Dr. McLeod looked on, amazed and interested. He saw the color rise -to the temples of the worthy Mrs. Catt, and perceived the nervous -twitching of her thin lips. - -For a moment she regarded Betty coldly. Then with wonderful -self-control, she smiled brightly as she took the girls hands in hers. - -"Why, of course, I do! Betty Emmit! Well, well, how you have grown, and -what are you doing in New York, Betty?" - -"I'm on a mission for the Church. And you?" - -Mrs. Catt looked at Dr. McLeod and smiled. - -"Poor child! I suppose she must know the truth, Dr. McLeod," she said -sweetly. - -Dr. McLeod turned to Betty seriously. - -"Mrs. Catt is our lecturer for the afternoon. If you will resume your -seat, Miss Emmit, we will begin!" - -Betty dropped the woman's hands and looked from one to the other -blankly. - -"I don't understand--you don't mean--" - -"Mrs. Catt is to lecture now on 'Mormonism,'" said Dr. McLeod, a trifle -impatiently. - -Betty grasped the table with a tight clinch and faced Mrs. Catt with a -face as white as death. - -"You don't mean that you would talk against us?" she gasped. - -Dr. McLeod hastily crossed the platform and took Betty's arm. - -"Come, Miss Emmit, this is no time nor place for personalities. See! -the congregation is wondering now. Don't abuse the privilege I am -giving you." - -And he led her to her seat beside Edith. Edith anxiously questioned -her, but received only a silent shake of the head. - -The meeting began, Betty stared fixedly at Mrs. Catt, who never once -looked her way. - -It seemed all like a horrible dream to poor Betty. - -After singing a few good, old hymns, the audience settled down -comfortably to listen to this wonderful lecturer, who was known to not -only interest, by her wonderful morbid experience, but who had the -genius to make whole audiences weep with her depiction of scenes in -"Mormon" life. - -Mrs. Webster Catt arose and then began her thirty minutes talk on -"Conditions in Utah." - -She depicted many evils in that awful Godless area of America, but, -most of all, she dwelt on the awful depravity of the women and girls, -and beseeched the women to send money to the missionaries to alleviate, -if possible, their slavedom and misery. - -As Betty listened, her blood seemed to freeze. Dell noticed her eyes -blazing indignation at the speaker, and she whispered, "Betty, didn't -you expect it? I did. Don't get so fussed. Your turn will come." - -But Dell didn't know the cyclone that was raging in Betty's heart. Here -was her ideal Easterner, found at last a traitor to Ephraim and all she -held dear! - -Mrs. Catt proceeded boldly. She told of her trip to Ephraim, the sin -that she had found there, and the awful conditions of the wives and -mothers and daughters. - -Betty could stand it no longer. - -Rising from her seat, she approached the lecturer. - -"How dare you tell these lies? My mother housed you and helped you--for -what? To have you come East and lie about us. Shame! Shame on you! How -can you be so wicked!" - -There was a murmur of disapproval throughout the audience. A man arose -importantly. - -"As a member of this congregation, I would kindly ask that this girl -leave the church. She has disturbed a public meeting!" - -Dr. McLeod arose quietly. - -"This is most unfortunate. Miss Emmit. You have embarrassed your -friends, who would have been fair to you." - -Edith quietly left her seat and approached Betty. Dell followed. - -"Come," said Edith, lovingly putting her arm about Betty's trembling -form, and leading her out before the astonished audience. - -"Edith Esterbrook! What next will she do?" thought each one, with a -feeling of tolerance or scorn, according to their like and dislike of -this strange girl, so socially well-known. - -***** - -"I think, Betty, you'll have to apologize to Dr. McLeod," said -President Gladder kindly. - -"But should I sit and hear my dear Ephraim spoken so vilely of, and -never say a word?" asked Betty surprised. - -"Dear girl, I understand just exactly how you felt. And what you -did, was prompted by the best of feelings. But, my dear, you are too -impulsive, you must hold your feelings in with a tight rein, and let -them go at the right time. You broke into a public meeting. That is not -right, you know. Suppose you had waited; can't you see the good that -you might have done in your lecture afterwards? This newspaper article -is infamous," and he pointed to the headlines--"The Boldness of a -Trained 'Mormon' Missionary." - -Betty flushed hotly, and tears of shame came to her eyes. - -"Yes, it's more than mean," continued President Gladder. "It's -cowardly. But the papers are waiting, eagerly, to find some chance to -glare a 'Mormon's' mistake. We have to watch our step or--the Church is -harmed." - -"I'm sorry, President Gladder. I'll see Dr. McLeod this afternoon. May -I go alone?" - -"Yes. And, my dear girl, then forget it. You have done more good in -your one month, than most girls do in six. Next week, I want you to go -to Boston. Will you be ready?" - -"Yes, President Gladder," said Betty with a great lump in her throat. -She mustn't let him see how hard it was for her to go. - -So Betty left the mission home for the first time really unhappy. The -affair of two days ago had upset her sensitive mind, and made it harder -to part with those that she had grown fond of. Even old Mr. and Mrs. -Esterbrook who had returned from a trip a few days ago, had won Betty's -heart by their kindness. And then there was Dr. Cadman! More and more -she anticipated his calls and his kindness. She grew daily more fond of -this wonderful friend and she realized she was deeply in love with him -in spite of her interest in her mission work. - -"Perhaps it is best that I am going away," she thought sadly, as she -neared Dr. McLeod's church. "I do want to do God's work with real zeal, -and he certainly distracts my thoughts." - -Dr. McLeod received her kindly. - -"I've come to apologize for disturbing your meeting," she said with -embarrassment. - -"I accept the apology," replied the minister smiling. "Sit down, won't -you? I have just a few minutes. Please tell me about Mrs. Catt." - -"O, Dr. McLeod, can't you please stop her awful preaching? She came to -Utah and almost every town entertained her, and she was so delighted -with everything. We all thought she was lovely,--except Sister Heller. -She is an Indian, and she warned me,--but I only scolded her for her -suspicions. Can't you do something, Dr. McLeod?" - -"The minister met her earnestness with a grave shake of the head. - -"I would like to help you, my dear girl. I don't like unfairness, -myself. I won't have her preach in my church again, but otherwise there -is nothing I can do. Prejudice runs so high here, you know." - -"But could not you defend the 'Mormons' in your pulpit, and expose Mrs. -Catt?" - -"How? I have no proof. I have never been to Utah. She has. I don't like -the woman, and I like you. That is no material for an exposure, is it? -All Christendom is against 'Mormonism.' I would only be disliked for my -trouble." - -So with great kindness Dr. McLeod bade goodbye to Betty and wished her -happiness in Boston. - -"And, girlie," he said in parting, "send me some of your literature. I -would like to know a little more about a church that owns Betty Emmit!" - -As Betty left the Parish House, her heart beat high once more. It was a -wonderful joy to do missionary work after all. She would try to take a -better spirit with her to Boston, and see how much she could accomplish. - -***** - -"All you have told me sounds very reasonable, Betty, but somehow I -have not the testimony you say I ought to have." Edith's violet eyes -met Betty's questioning ones, with a puzzled expression. "It is just -as though I had been listening to a beautiful fairy tale, and couldn't -find any fault with it, and yet"--here she paused, then added, "really, -I can't explain myself." - -"I think I understand," said Betty, eagerly. "Edith, down in your heart -you know it is the truth, but it has not become part of you yet." - -"Maybe that is it," said Edith doubtfully. "It seems as though I had -been waiting for a church like yours, and yet something holds me back." - -"Perhaps it is Mr. Hester's aversion to us that influences you," -suggested Betty quietly. - -"My dear girl, do not think Mr. Hester has an aversion to 'Mormonism,'" -replied Edith blushing. "He isn't religious, and fears my joining -anything new, because he knows how enthusiastically I go in for -everything. But if you really knew him, you would know how very -tolerant about everyone he is." - -"Yes, I know he is," said Betty, "and doubtless the time will come when -he will be interested too. You will write me regularly, won't you, -Edith? It will be so hard to leave you." - -"It will be hard for me to part with you, Betty. Of course I will write -regularly. Can't you possibly come down for my wedding?" - -"O, I wish I could! But I know I won't be allowed to leave the mission -field. But how I shall think of you at that time!" - -Edith took Betty in her arms, and, fondling her curls, kissed her again -and again. Usually, Edith was undemonstrative. - -"My little sunshine Betty, you really must come back to New York soon. -I know I shall long for you, when I'm really, truly married." - -And so Betty, loved by all, left for Boston to labor in another field. -Dr. Cadman was at the boat to see her off, and filled her arms with -flowers and candy. - -"Good luck to you, girlie," he said, fondly. "When Alma and Harold are -baptized, I'll write you all about it. I expect that will be very soon." - -During that day and the next, Betty seemed to feel his presence, though -she had left him, waving her out of sight. His tender concern of her, -seemed to enwrap her with a dreamy satisfaction, and determination to -live up to the best that was in her. - - - -CHAPTER XII. - -Indifference begets indifference. Love begets Love. - -Two months from the time that Edith announced her engagement, -her marriage took place. It was an exceedingly quiet wedding, as -Edith especially wished. George was invited, but much to Edith's -disappointed, he sent his regrets. - -Edith was radiantly happy. Howard never flagged in his absolute -devotion to her, and her very slightest wish seemed anticipated. - -Her parents, contemplating her exceptional joy, grew quite enthusiastic -over the union, and life seemed full of sunshine. - -On her return from their honeymoon, a beautiful country home awaited -Mrs. Howard Hester. - -There she spent three months, returning in the winter to a home still -more attractive. - -Edith spent the summer in a dream, extolling every act of Howard's with -an exaggeration born of her own goodness. She also laid plans for a -very busy winter, devoted to charitable work. To all, Howard smilingly -acquiesced as usual. - -His plans were of an entirely different nature. Outside of business -hours, his time would be spent in the pursuit of pleasure. He mapped -out the winter with keen delight, and Edith in turn smiled assent to -all his wishes. - -What could be more perfect than this ideal marriage,--each one ready to -let the other live an individual life. Edith would prefer not to have -so much gayety, but if Howard desired it, surely she ought to accompany -him everywhere. He was always so considerate of her! - -When Howard was occupied in business, she could do all the wonderful -things that she had dreamed of. - -Added to all this happiness, a greater happiness finally came to Edith. -This was the knowledge that she was to become a mother. For several -months she kept the secret to herself, planning a general surprise for -her husband and parents. - -Howard, she told first, and met with her first disappointment in -married life. He was not pleased, as she had expected him to be; in -fact he was quite the reverse. - -"I wish Edith, it hadn't happened so soon," he said gravely; "It will -tie us down fearfully, and after all the plans that I have made! It's -really too bad!" - -"But, Howard, just think of our having a wee little life sent to us to -care for and love. It seems so beautiful to me. I cannot understand -your not rejoicing." - -"You are quite enough for me to care for and love, my dear," he -replied, giving her a slight caress. "I can't help thinking that -children are a nuisance, but it's no use worrying over what is done." - -Seeing a shadow flittering over her face, he added quickly, "There -Edith, don't you worry about it and spoil your pretty smiles. You shall -not be tied down, never fear. I shall see that you are as free as the -air, if you have a dozen children," he said laughing. - -"I was not thinking about that, Howard," she replied quietly. "I would -so love to care for the little one--my own baby!--It seems too good to -be true! but I do wish you were as glad as I am over it!" - -"Well, perhaps I shall be, if it is as pretty as its mother, and does -not become the proverbial nuisance," he returned, smilingly dismissing -the subject. - -Edith's mind traveled back to a conversation with Betty. - -"You know, Edith dear," Betty had said, "in Ephraim, everyone has a -large family, and the parents love their children above everything -else. It makes everyone, young and old, so happy and busy." - -But Edith's disappointment found consolation in the unbounded joy -of her parents. In their anticipation of having a grandchild, they -promised all kinds of wonderful things for its reception into the -world, and its journey through it. However, they were not destined to -have their fond hopes realized. - -Two months before the eagerly looked-for date, Mrs. Esterbrook became -seriously ill. Their own family physician seemed unable to diagnose the -case. Frankly admitting the fact, he called for a consultation, after -which the doctor smilingly assured Edith and Mr. Esterbrook, that he -hoped for a speedy recovery. In spite of his optimism, Mrs. Esterbrook -became steadily worse. Specialist after specialist was called in, all -pronouncing new ailments and agreeing to disagree. These were fearfully -trying days to Edith, but she did not realize any real danger for her -mother. - -She was more concerned about her father, whose heart was hardly able to -bear the worry of his wife's long illness and suffering. - -Finally, Mrs. Esterbrook seemed to take a decided turn for the better. - -Edith returned to her home to attend to necessary duties, which she -had neglected during the month past. During that time, she had watched -almost constantly by her mother's bedside. - -It was a cold dreary day when Edith, fatigued with her day's work, -sought her pillow for a short sleep. - -"Just an hour," she said to herself, "and then I will dress and go to -mother's." - -But she could not rest. Evidently she was overtired. She lay upon her -couch, gazing dreamily through the window at the heavy snow-drifts -without. It was March, The wind blew the fluffy white specks in all -directions, and made a cold, dreary scene. Edith's heart was strangely -heavy. She ought to be joyous at her mother's change for the better, -but somehow her heart held a chill forboding, and she began to weep -softly. She felt very much alone today. Her husband had been away for -one week--a combination of business and pleasure had taken him. He was -compelled to go, but he might have returned two days sooner, if he had -not accepted an invitation to a week-end. - -Of course she could no go, but that was no reason why he should not. - -Edith agreed to this. She was always with her mother anyway. She could -not wish him to stay at home for her, yet, today she wished he had--she -was so lonely! "I never could have enjoyed it without Howard," she -thought restlessly. - -"O, but men are different," she assured herself. "I guess I am growing -selfish. He will surely come tomorrow,--" and she aroused herself from -her despondency and began to dress. - -Near the completion of her toilet, the maid entered with a card. - -She took it absently, then started when she read,--Dr. Cadman. - -"Wishes to see me?" she asked the maid, wonderingly. - -"He didn't ask to see you, madam, asked for Mr. Hester. When I said he -was not at home, he took no notice of me, but stood gazing out of the -window, just thinking like, so I thought I would bring the card to you." - -"Quite right. I will be down very soon," returned Edith, putting the -finishing touches to her toilet. - -Experiencing a warm glow of welcome for her old friend, her spirits -rose. - -She hastened down and entered the parlor softly. - -George stood with his back to her, looking gravely out of the window, -watching the storm. He did not even hear her enter. The scene seemed to -have the same fascination for him that it had for her a while ago. - -"George," she said gently. - -He started from his reverie and turned. - -Speechless he stood, with an expression never to be forgotten. - -His full direct glance shot momentarily joy intermingled with -passionate longing. Then he swept her with a look, filled with a -great penetrating compassion. His strong features were softened by -unfathomable sorrow, and Edith, not understanding, yet felt the -influence of his soul strength. - -At first came an exultant glow--a reaction from her lonely mood. Then -came a sudden fear, in answer to his great over-powering sympathy. - -"George, what has happened?" she exclaimed, feeling the surety of his -expressive countenance. - -His expression changed. He came to her, and taking her hand he said -kindly: - -"Edith, it is several months since I have seen you. It is such a -pleasant surprise to do so now. I asked for Mr. Hester, and Mrs. Hester -appears." - -She looked at him wonderingly. Could he change so in one minute? - -"George, you are evading my question. Do not keep me in suspense. What -have you to tell me?" she asked earnestly. - -"What makes you imagine that I have any news for you, Edith?" he -gravely returned. - -"I cannot tell, but I am sure that you have," she answered. - -"I came to speak with Mr. Hester," he returned evasively. - -"Howard will not be home until very late tonight, possibly not until -tomorrow." - -George received this news with a perplexed frown. - -"I'm more than sorry to hear that. It should be him and not I--Well, -it is no use denying it. I have news of a serious nature. Do you feel -strong and brave enough to hear it from my lips, instead of Howard's?" - -George was not aware of her condition, though he guessed it. But he saw -no excuse for himself to escape this trying ordeal. - -"Tell me," answered Edith, and he read in her eyes a new sadness, born -of constant anxiety. - -He took both her cold hands, and held them in his strong warm grasp. - -"Dear little friend," he said with a deep tenderness, "I wish that I -could do all your suffering for you. I only heard of your mother's -illness today. I hastened to her home to inquire concerning her. The -maid told me that she was very low. I saw your father and he asked me -to come to you." - -Edith paled, but her eyes shone brightly. - -"You should not have delayed a moment in telling me, George," she said -gravely. "I will hurry quickly." - -"You look pale. Will you allow me to accompany you?" - -"Thank you, yes," she replied, hastily leaving the room and returning -dressed for the street. - -"It's only a few minutes' walk. Your father will be glad to see you so -soon." - -"Dear father!" exclaimed Edith. "He is far from well. I hope this -relapse will be shorter than the last. I think mother bears these -spells wonderfully well, don't you?" - -He met her direct questioning glance, and he dared not meet it with an -untruth. He must tell her now--there was no alternative. - -"Would you not be glad when the time comes that will free your mother -from these awful spells of agony? If she lives, she cannot be free." - -"O, you do think there is doubt of her final recovery?" she asked -fearfully. - -"I do, indeed. How thankful we ought to be to have her at rest," he -replied. - -They were about to leave the house. She would need time to calm herself -before going to her new scene of grief. - -He drew her arm through his and gazed down into her face with a great -fondness. - -"Dear girl, be brave. You must meet the inevitable with all the -resistance of your womanhood." - -He waited for her to speak, but she was looking up at him in dumb -despair. - -His whole heart seemed conveyed in his next words. "Edith, as I entered -your old home, your mother passed to rest." - -Edith stood quite still. Her words came in little gasps. - -You--mean--that--mother--is--gone?" - -"Yes," he said softly. But your father awaits you. Be brave. We must -hasten. He needs you more than ever now!" - -She gave a smothered cry and tried to obey. But it was a futile effort. - -With a heart-rending mute appeal, she leaned toward him. - -He was eagerly ready. He caught her in his arms. - -A deadly pallor overspread her sweet, fair face. Her eyes closed. - -He looked down at her deathlike countenance, then gently carried her to -the couch. "His in joy," he murmured, "and mine in sorrow." - -***** - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - -Friendship's Claim. - -"Harold, you are getting to be quite a little man. I'm afraid you'll be -one before I get my plans made for you. How would you like to go away -to that military academy that I spoke of?" - -The boy's eyes flashed and he looked up at George Cadman with keenest -delight. - -With the exception of deep-set eyes like Will's, he was the exact -miniature of Alma. - -The three: George, Alma and Harold--were sitting at the supper table in -Alma's cozy dining-room. - -Everything looked the same as when Will had left the home. It was true -that Alma was left penniless, but it was comparatively easy for George -to disguise the fact, and not until very lately did Alma learn that he -was supporting the home with its accustomed luxury. - -With the knowledge came a feeling of intense shame. She had been so -thoughtless, leaving every business detail to George, and shutting -herself up to her own grief. - -The last few days had been full of troubled thought. How could she do -anything at all to become independent, and yet bring Harold up in the -right atmosphere? There seemed no answer to this at all. She never -realized how perfectly helpless she was until now. Brought suddenly -face to face with real living, she found herself without a resource. -She wept tears over it, but that did not solve the problem. - -She had determined tonight to talk to him about it, and beg him to show -her some way to help herself. - -When George addressed Harold, she looked up in silent surprise. Just -when she was about to carry out her resolves, he was proposing new -obligations, which her boy was only too eager to accept. - -"Dandy!" exclaimed Harold, with boyish enthusiasm. "You're a brick, -cousin George. Ain't he Mus?" - -Alma laughed confusedly. "If a brick means someone wonderfully good and -kind, then he certainly is," she replied, looking smilingly from one to -the other. "But what would poor Mus do with her dear boy away?" - -"I'll write heaps of letters, and then you have Cousin George, you -know," he returned confidently, "I'll never be a man, Mus, if I don't -go into the world a bit," he added with the gravity of ten years. - -George and Alma laughed. - -"Well, my boy, a man we must make of you, so I guess we'll have to win -Mus's consent, and persuade her to let me take good care of you." - -Alma's blush made her look like her old self. Her pretty natural pink -and white attractiveness had never returned since Will's death. More -and more she dwelt upon his memory, and only her devotion to Harold -kept her from absolute retreat. - -Edith Esterbrook brought her great comfort, and the girl's choicest -thoughts found fruitage in Alma's receptive nature. But nothing had -stifled Alma' remorse and useless longing to live again her life with -Will. - -Supper over, Harold went to George and climbed up on his knee. - -"Tell me all about the soldier place," he said coaxingly with wide -expectant eyes. - -George stroked the dark curly head, and for half an hour explained the -life and doings of the academy. - -Not once did he look toward Alma, who was regarding them intently. -Restlessly she was thinking of similar evenings when Will had held -their darling boy, and built all kinds of aircastles for his future -career. - -George grew animated, as he gazed into the boy's excited face. His -strong affection for the child was reciprocated. Harold knew no time in -his short life, when Cousin Walter was not a shining light to guide his -boyish ambitions. - -Finally the recital was over. - -"Now boy, to bed; you have to sleep and grow, if you are going to be a -soldier!" - -Harold threw two little arms around George's neck. - -"Yep!! I've got to sleep a whole lot to grow to be a big man. I want to -be just like you." - -George laughed. - -"You must be an improvement on me, Harold. Every generation must strive -to be a little better than the last." - -Harold looked puzzled. He dropped his hands before him, and twisted his -little fingers together in thought. - -"What does generation mean?" he asked wonderingly. - -"Generation? Well, let me see," replied George smiling down at him. "We -all come into the world at a different time, you know. If two men are -born at the same time, we say they belong to the same generation." - -Harold sat earnestly thinking. Then he asked hesitatingly. - -"Then do you and Mus belong to the same generation?" - -He thought a moment again, then said vaguely, "But if you and Mus -belong to just the same generation, you must belong to one another." - -"Wonderful child logic!" exclaimed George laughing. - -"He tries so hard to reason, but his conclusions are usually -deplorable," remarked Alma, stretching out her hand to Harold with a -smile of indulgence. - -Harold jumped down from George's lap, and ran to his mother's arms, -to receive the petting that he had not yet outgrown. So fond of his -mother, he was almost effeminate in his caresses of her. - -George smiled gently as he watched them. - -When Alma and he were alone in the library, he asked earnestly, "Alma, -can you think of anything that you would not do for Harold?" - -"What a foolish question! Of course not," she replied, looking her -surprise. - -"I am doubtful of your willingness to do one thing," he said gravely. - -"I tell you there is nothing," she said fervently. "He is all that I -have now." - -"Nothing? Absolutely nothing, Alma? Would you marry again,--someone who -would gladly lay his fortune at your feet, and care for you and the -child of his departed friend?" - -Alma looked at him intently, and his meaning suddenly dawned upon her. - -"Dear George," she said, and her voice trembled: "I believe that you -would sacrifice anything for Will's sake. What a friend you have been!" -she exclaimed gratefully. - -"But you do not answer my question. Would you allow such a friend to -have the only satisfaction in his life?" - -She looked at him frankly, unabashed. - -"No, George, I would not allow such a man as you to give his life for -poor, broken-hearted me. Some other woman will surely give heart for -heart, and awaken all the glorious love of your perfect manhood," she -replied earnestly. - -"Alma, it may surprise you to know that my heart is as broken a reed -as yours. I have nothing to offer you, except what you can give in -return--a lasting friendship. You have loved and lost, so have I. In -the losing, you have learned to love the lost one more deeply than -before. So have I. It is friendship for friendship, dear girl, and -marriage vows for the world's good opinion and our dear Harold's -future." - -"You have loved and lost, George? You? Irrevocably lost,--are you sure?" - -"Most irrevocably," he returned grimly. "Her marriage to another makes -it even a forbidden hope." - -"O, George, how strangely the world adjusts things! I have always -dreamed of you being possessed with every earthly joy. You of all men -deserve it!" she exclaimed. - -"Then give me what is possible, Alma. To do for you and Harold would -give me much joy in life, and help me to overcome a living death!" he -said earnestly. - -"You have suffered so, then?" she asked tenderly, placing her hand on -his, affectionately. - -"More than seems bearable at times. Will we help one another, Alma? For -Harold's sake--will you?" - -His fine eyes were eloquently persuasive. She met and seemed to lose -what little resisting power she possessed. - -"I will, George," she replied simply. - -George leaned forward and reverently kissed her brow. Then he held her -in his arms protectingly. - -"What will Harold say?" said Alma, with a happy thought at the boy's -delight. - -"He will be satisfied that we belong to the same generation," replied -George. - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - -A Contrast--The Husband and the Lover. - -"Here is a letter for you, Edith. Shall I read it?" Howard asked his -wife. - -Pale and thin she lay outstretched on a couch near him. - -"Yes, please," answered Edith. - -Howard tore open the letter and read. - - "Dear Sister Edith: I am transferred to New York, and will arrive - there tomorrow. I can't tell you how glad I will be to be near you - a few months. Your letters have been so welcome, but they are not - like our good old talks and discussions. I'm hoping you wall be a - 'Mormon' yet. I will come to see you, directly I arrive. - - "Always your loving friend, - - Betty Emmit." - -"That fanatical girl back again! I suppose now you're weak, she will -influence you." - -Edith's face flushed. - -"Please give me the letter, Howard," she said gently, and he obeyed. - -As he turned to his writing, he did not see Edith kiss the letter, and -put it in her bosom. - -"Dear, sweet girlie," she thought tenderly, "I certainly will love to -have you now." - -When Edith had fallen unconscious in George's arms, the curtain -fell upon the first act of her young life--an act untouched by any -real agony of living. But just before the curtain fell, the clouds -had gathered ominously, and warned her of the storms to come. The -blessedness of her unconscious state lasted a long time. For two weeks -she hovered between life and death. - -Howard, upon his return, was filled with horror. He was more than -grateful that George had not left her side one moment of that first -day, or night. He begged him to take the case. - -George with an absorbing intensity, studied her slightest symptom. His -was the passionate desire to save her life. He succeeded, but the shock -had destroyed all hopes of motherhood. - -The anxiety of Edith's illness, together with Mrs. Esterbrook's death, -brought several spells of heart trouble on Mr. Esterbrook. One week -from the time his wife was buried, he succumbed to heart failure, and -was laid to rest. - -George forbade the slightest mention of it to be made to Edith. As she -slowly returned to consciousness, he wondered how to prepare her for -the awful revelation of her bereavement. - -When he spoke of it to Howard, he learned the weak nature of one who -was Edith's ideal. - -"Really, Cadman, I can't possibly tell her. You are a doctor, you -know best how to do those things. Won't you relieve me of this trying -ordeal? I'm sure to make a blunder of it." - -George concealed his surprise, and calmly acquiesced. - -With all the power of his great strong sympathies, he made the telling -of it as bearable as possible. He contrived also to have Alma near to -soothe and comfort in her woman's way. - -She was only too glad to give her heart's best to Edith. And Alma found -herself constantly being lifted into realms of beauty and light, which -she had never even dreamed of in her past selfish life. - -All her old way of thinking was completely cast off,--the old garment -was replaced by a new one of shining brightness. - -Edith would never forget these two good friends. George's tactful -sympathy carried her through her crisis. Alma's woman's heart wept with -her, and so her triple loss was made less awful in its consequences. - -However, with returning health, came a fearful melancholy which neither -could alleviate. - -Howard was ordinarily kind, but seemed to fear the slightest reference -to her grief. He was away from home a great deal. Always he was -punctiliously careful to leave her well provided for and not alone, -but her illness seemed to irritate him, and she could see that, being -any length of time at her couch made him uncomfortably, restless. His -coldness hurt her with a new constant pain. - -George's watchful patience, and constant thought of her was a vivid -contrast, and she found herself looking for his visits with an -ever-increasing longing. - -It was the subtlest working of heart upon heart, which finally chilled -her love for Howard, and made his presence a source of constraint and -embarrassment. Edith did not yet acknowledge to herself that her love -was any the less. But as love generates love, so Howard's aloofness and -indifference was surely generating its own kind in his wife's mind and -heart. - -"There is Cadman's auto," Howard remarked in a relieved tone, as he -looked from the window and saluted George as he alighted. "We will get -his opinion about it." - -At the sound of George's name Edith's eyes brightened. She never -allowed herself to think of the time when his professional calls would -cease. She had a vague, unhappy fear that he would make no other calls. - -As he entered the room, she tried to rise to greet him, but she sank -back on her cushions. - -George's eyes scanned her professionally. - -"Not any better today? I expected decided improvement." - -Going to the couch, he took her hand gently and held it up for -inspection. - -"A nice shadow of a hand, is it not, Mr. Hester?" he asked, smiling. - -"A hand that was once plump and fair," replied Howard, trying to be -jocular. "I'm just telling Edith she must go away and live in fresh air -and sunshine. What say you?" - -"Yes," replied Cadman grimly; "But she needs something more than fresh -air and sunshine." - -"She has but to ask, and it is hers," said Howard; his spirits rising -at the possibility of an unpleasant situation being removed. - -"That is a greater privilege than most possess," returned George -quietly. Then he turned brightly to Edith. - -"And what would our little patient like most?" - -The violet eyes grew sadly thoughtful. - -"I'm not sure that I desire anything, only to be left alone--to die or -live, as God sees best. I would like to please Howard and go away,--but -I couldn't--O! I couldn't bear the awful lonesomeness of a strange, big -place!" - -She spoke like a frightened child, and a quick sob was controlled with -effort. - -George's heart was beating wildly. He longed to take her in his arms to -comfort her. He dared not show his excess of feeling. - -Glancing at Howard, he saw an impatient frown darken his handsome -features. - -"Edith is so indifferent to her health. I don't see what we can do," -remarked Howard coldly. - -"Yes, I understand," Cadman replied evenly. - -Then he turned to Edith again, and she read in his eyes the same -wonderful expression that had thrilled her before. Never did he drop -his gaze, and he looked untold sympathy. - -"I understand. I have known just how this would be. You must go away, -but you shall not be lonesome, I have your two best friends going with -you." - -"I don't understand," said Edith, with a show of interest. - -"Of course not," he said, smiling. "Betty Emmit arrived in New York -yesterday and telephoned me. I called upon her, and found her,--not -sick, but tired out. I think she needs a change. I then called on the -Mission President--by the way, a fine man,--and proposed that Betty -accompany you to the mountains for a week or two--mutual benefit -affair! Then I've spoken to Alma, and she is going too. How about that?" - -Edith's eyes brightened with pleasure and gratitude. - -"It seems too good to be true," she said happily. You are so -thoughtful, George. - -"You see, we professional men know the needs of our patients -beforehand," George replied, smiling gravely, "You will go?" - -"O, yes,--with Alma and Betty, and I'll try very hard to become well -again quickly." - -George arose hastily. It was hard enough for him to conceal his feeling -ordinarily, but he could hardly stand the present situation. - -"I am rushed today, so I cannot linger," he said. "There is nothing I -can do for Mrs. Hester at present," he added turning to Howard. "Mrs. -Lambert will call today, and make all arrangements. The sooner she -goes, the better." - -"Thank you, Cadman, thank you!" he exclaimed. My mind is quite -relieved." - -"Of a burden you never carried!" thought Walter. - -To Edith he smiled reassuringly. - -"We'll get you so strong, you'll never think of loneliness," he said -with great gentleness. - -When he was gone, Howard turned to Edith, all smiles. - -"You don't mind if I leave you for a few hours,--Mrs. Lambert will soon -come, and I have an important date." - -"O, no," replied Edith, dreamily closing her eyes. - -"Make any arrangements you like, and don't spare money, you know." He -leaned over and lightly kissed her forehead. Then quickly he left the -room. - -Edith, alone with her thoughts, began to feel a twinge of her sensitive -conscience. - -"Howard is generous, and I wish I could show more appreciation. But I -couldn't care for money--if he would only stay with me, sometimes." - -Then her thoughts wandered to George. - -"He always knows what I need, she murmured." He always knows and always -gives." - - - -CHAPTER XV. - -Spirit Upon Spirit. - -"I'm so glad that we did not choose a health resort!" exclaimed Alma -standing up and feasting her eyes upon the rolling hills; green -valleys, and chain of lakes. - -"Yes, this is far better than contemplating other sufferers. I do hope -that I will soon be well," returned Edith, who sat propped by pillows -in an invalid's chair. - -"Of course you will dear. This air would refresh anyone," Alma said, -taking a deep breath with keen satisfaction. "You're not really ill -now--just a poor little wilted flower that needs refreshing." - -Edith smiled sadly. - -"I hope that you are right. But somehow Alma, I feel as though -everything was slipping away from me, and that my time has come to soon -leave you all." - -"Edith dear, you must not talk so. Such thoughts keep you from getting -well," her friend replied, looking lovingly at her through a mist of -tears. - -Silently Edith gazed down the valley, and then giving a sigh as if to -turn away from her own dreaming, she turned to Alma, smiling. - -"Alma, we've been here just two days, and you have not told me your -great secret. Now is the time to confide." - -"That is just why I came to this place of seclusion this afternoon. I -am anxious to talk it out. I am not sure whether you will be pleased -with me or not. Promise me--you won't scold?" she asked playfully. - -"Scold you?" Edith said softly. "How could I?" - -"Edith, I don't know if I ever told you that Will's death left me -entirely penniless." - -"Penniless, Alma? Why didn't you tell me long ago. You have not wanted -for anything, have you?" she asked anxiously. - -"I have wanted for nothing, dear. I did not know, myself, what state my -money affairs were in. George said, when they found dear Will's coat, -that some valuable papers were in it which meant provision for me and -Harold. He told me to leave all money matters to him and not to worry. -I was glad to be relieved, and never found out until two weeks ago, -that George has supported us all this time. - -Edith's eyes flashed appreciation. - -"How noble he is!" she exclaimed. - -"Yes, indeed! When I discovered the truth, I determined to take care of -Harold and myself in the future. Other women have done it, and there -must be some way. But when I was most troubled, George asked me--to -marry him!" - -She paused a moment and dropped her eyes abashed,--as if the thought -was almost an accusation to herself. - -It is well that she did not see Edith's quick flush, which receding, -left her paler than ever. - -"I never have dreamed of marrying again. It would be impossible to ever -forget Will. I meant to be true to Will's memory and live my life for -Harold. But George's persuasion gained my consent. Do you think that it -would be wrong to marry without the proverbial love?" - -"Yes," answered Edith in low, eager voice. "How could you accept such a -noble heart and give so little in return?" - -"You are mistaken. George is giving me no more than what I am giving to -him. Suppose his heart is buried in a lost affection, and I am really -helping him, as he is helping me, to overcome a never forgotten agony -of regret? He possesses almost the love of a father for Harold, and -pleads the opportunity to care for him. Have I then done wrong?" - -As she asked the question, she looked up at Edith, with a slight -hesitancy. - -Edith lay seemingly thoughtful with half-closed eyes. She was in -reality trying to compose herself before replying. - -"I think, under such circumstances you are doing right, especially by -Harold," Edith at last replied, looking up, her eyes luminous with -excitement. "Such a friend will be a perfect husband, Alma!" she -exclaimed earnestly. - -"Such a friend will be a perfect friend always, Edith," Alma returned -firmly. "None shall ever take my dear Will's place. Walter understands -that and is satisfied. You will think me a strange woman," she added. - -"No, I think that I understand. You will always give the best that you -can to George--I am sure of that." - -"Yes. His goodness and his sorrow will always make me generous with -him. He did not confide the name of his lost love, or the time of his -loss, but whether it was ten years ago or one, he certainly suffers -still!" - -Again Edith's struggle for self-control left her weaker than ever. - -Alma suddenly noticed her pallor. - -"Why, dear girl, you're faint. O, I have talked so long, and forgotten -your condition. Forgive me, dear," and hastily adjusting Edith's wrap, -she began to wheel her chair toward the small boarding house, which was -hidden in the clump of trees only a hundred feet away. - -The little house held about fifty guests. It was situated on the -lake front, and for quiet and beauty of surroundings, it was hardly -surpassable. - -Betty and Alma were ideal companions for Edith, but both were worried -at her condition. They had been there for one week, and Edith grew -weaker and weaker. - -As Alma and Edith approached the house, Betty came out to meet them. -She looked at Edith anxiously. - -"Edith dear," she said gently; "won't you do me a great favor?" - -"Anything I can, my Betty," replied Edith. - -"Won't you let me have the elders come to administer to you?" - -"O, do!" said Alma. She and Harold had been baptized, and she was now -full of faith in the Gospel. - -"But my faith in the elders is not strong," she objected. - -"Never mind that. Will you?" - -Edith consented with a tired little smile. - -So Betty sent for the elders. They came and administered to Edith. She -immediately took a turn for the better. - -After their departure, a young "Mormon" doctor, who had been studying -in New York, came out to take a quiet vacation at the little boarding -house. He was immediately interested in Edith, and followed up the good -work of the elders by daily visiting with her, and talking about Gospel -truths, in such a way that greatly interested Edith. - -Betty and Alma were delighted, and watched their friend's rapid -restoration to health with thankful hearts. - -Alma wrote to Dr. Cadman: - - "Dear George:--Edith has suddenly taken a turn for the better, - since our elders have administered to her, and there is a Dr. Holt - here--a 'Mormon'--who is interesting her greatly. When with him, - she seems to forget everything but their conversation. When he - leaves her, one would declare he had given her some magic tonic, - instead of having talked to her for an hour. We meet every day, in - a little summer house on the lake front. There Betty and I look on, - enjoying it all." * * * - -Edith's condition improved so rapidly, that after three weeks, the -invalid's chair was dismissed, and she walked out alone. - -Betty was then called back to her mission work. - -Howard's letters were full of delight at Edith's recovery, and he -wrote continually expressing his regret at his inability to visit her -at Boonville. Some important business kept him in New York, but he -intended to spend a few days with her at the end of the month. He would -then expect her entirely well, and her old lovely self. - -Edith understood all his excuses. These letters were a bitter cup to -her, but she drained it and looked for sympathy and help elsewhere. -Religion had always been her greatest comfort, but Betty and Mr. -Holt had been the first ones to give her the full realization of the -absolute completeness of a life with God. Under Mr. Holt's guidance, -she came to see all men as the "Children of God," and so she determined -to look for the good in all. The pain from her husband's indifference -became less. She dwelt more and more on the good qualities of Howard's -character, and prayed for patience and love for him. - -Since meeting Mr. Holt, her whole life seemed focused differently. -Clear and straight seemed the path now, which before had seemed hazy -and indefinable. It is true, his personal magnetism influenced her as -strongly as his logic, but as it was the influence of goodness, she did -not try to resist. - -Borne upon the wings of spiritual thought, she soon overcame her -earthly sorrows, and rested in the contemplation of the vastness of -infinite, eternal things. The heretofore fixed realities of life became -capable of change and progress, and the hitherto unreal mysterious -realms of thought, assumed a vital reality that filled her with -wondering delight. - -At the end of the month, she was indeed her old healthy self. - -Howard appeared at the time expected. When he first met Edith, he was -struck with the change in her. Never had he seen her so lovely, and he -was puzzled at the transformation. A month in the hills could bring -health to a convalescing invalid, but there was something more--an -added sweetness and beauty which must have its origin in some cause -unknown to him. Howard thought with irritation of Edith's letters. They -had been full of friendship for a Mr. Holt--a "Mormon," too, and words -had seemed inadequate to express her opinion of him. Frankly she wrote -of her daily meetings with him and of his wonderful spiritual nature. - -Howard, glad of being rid of the ugly prospect of an invalid wife on -his hands, had read all these letters with a tolerant laugh. - -"Spiritual fiddlesticks!" he said to himself. "How women do get carried -away with this milk-sop sort of men!" - -He had a distinct contempt for all religion, but he thought it a good -fault to encourage it in women. It kept them in line and kept them more -submissive. But "Mormonism" that was the limit of fanatacism! - -But now that he saw Edith, and perceived the subtle change pervading -her whole being, a keen suspicion shot through his mind, and the -thought of meeting Mr. Holt became irritating. It was many hours before -he met this chance acquaintance of his wife, and, meanwhile, he had -ample time to mature his feelings which originated in the slighted -doubt. - -He and Edith were seated on the porch together, when a stout, little -piece of femininity appeared, and made it opportune for Edith to -introduce her, - -"Delighted to meet you, Mr. Hester! Indeed, it is time you came to look -after your lovely wife! We won't say why!" she added with a knowing -smile at Edith. - -Edith blushed at the insinuation, but Howard answered smilingly, "Mrs. -Hester is quite capable of looking after herself." - -In spite of the smile, the lady felt the rebuke of his words, and soon -left them. - -"Really, Edith, you should be more careful in a place like this. A -married woman, without her husband, cannot pick up chance acquaintances -among gentlemen. If she does, she must expect gossip to get busy," he -concluded with quick impatience. - -The rebuke hurt, but Edith had determined to let no thought of herself -intrude during Howard's short stay. - -"There are always those who cannot appreciate the good intentions of a -man like Mr. Holt. That lady is one of them," she said calmly. - -Howard gave a low, cynical laugh, and keenly eyed his wife. - -"A married lady is not supposed to appreciate any man's attention, -good, bad, or indifferent." - -Edith knew it was no good to reply, so she sat in embarrassed silence. -She was glad when Alma soon joined them. - -"Have just had a letter from George," said Alma joyously. "Harold -longs to see me, and George longs to see the miraculous change in his -patient, so both are coming to Boonville next week." - -"That is well," remarked Howard. "He can perhaps predict when Edith can -return." - -"I am ready now," she said quickly. "I am perfectly strong." - -Alma turned to Howard. - -"Really, Mr. Hester, Fate must have directed us here. Edith owes a -great part of her recovery to Mr. Holt. If he were not such a Godly -man, I would believe he had employed magic!" - -A quick frown darkened Howard's countenance, and he puffed his cigar in -short, jerky puffs. Alma did not realize how she had heaped coals upon -fire. - -When Edith and Howard were again alone, Mr. Holt appeared. When -Edith introduced them, she noticed her husband was barely polite. He -vouchsafed no pleasantry whatever, which was entirely contrary to his -usual, jovial way of meeting strangers. Mr. Holt, seemingly, did not -notice any coldness, and directed his conversation with his accustomed -earnestness. - -"Well, Mrs. Hester, I will be leaving Boonville tomorrow," he said -finally. - -Howard read disappointment in his wife's face. - -"O, I am sorry to hear that," replied Edith, with more fervor than -Howard thought necessary. "I--we will all miss you, more than you -guess." - -Mr. Holt regarded her with deep concern. - -With no excuse whatever, Howard left them, and entered the sun parlor -nearby. - -Edith followed her husband's retreat with a gaze full of troubled -surprise. Mr. Holt quietly took Howard's seat, and said, kindly: - -"We have grown very near together in all spiritual thought, have we -not? Then, let us be frank in all truth between us. Your husband, Mrs. -Hester, does not like me. No, do not gainsay the fact. I read his -thoughts in his scrutiny of me. He misjudges the "Mormon," as most -people do,--such is the way of the world's judgments!" He handed her a -book. "Read this, and learn precious truth as I could scarcely give it." - -"Thank you," she said earnestly, her embarrassment at her husband's -show of feeling making her ashamed to say many words. - -Her husband approached unnoticed. - -"Edith, I would like you to return Mr. Holt's present." - -Edith turned to meet the first real anger in her husband's eyes. - -She arose, and drawing herself to her fullest height, she faced him in -sudden indignation. - -Mr. Holt arose also, and, looking from one to the other kindly, he said -calmly: - -"I regret this, believe me. Had I known--" - -"Edith," interrupted Howard, with a slight rise in his voice, ignoring -Holt's presence entirely, "will you please oblige me?" - -Holt's steady gaze gradually drew Edith's eyes toward him. She read in -their soulful depths, only tender entreaty to obey. - -With a sudden flood of outraged dignity, she turned to Howard. - -"For the first time I must refuse you," she said firmly. "This book is -the gift of a noble friend. As such I shall prize it always." - -She held out her hand to Mr. Holt, and he took it. Reverently bowing -his head, he said quietly, "God bless you both." - -Raising it again, he looked toward Howard. His face, angry and tense, -was stubbornly averted. He looked toward Edith. She smiled at him -gently. - -"Goodbye, good friend," she said quietly. - -"Goodbye," he said, with a world of sympathy in his voice. - -Then he turned, and with slow thoughtful footsteps, walked down the -path and was lost to sight. - - - -CHAPTER XVI. - -Away From the World, Soul meets Soul. - -"I'm more than pleased with Edith's improvement," remarked George -to Alma, as they sat upon the porch awaiting Harold's return from -exploring the premises, and Edith's awakening from her daily siesta. - -"But if you had seen her one week ago," returned Alma sadly, "And, -since then, seen her fail daily, you would be as discouraged as I am." - -George looked at Alma steadily. "What has made this change? There must -be a cause, Alma; are you hiding anything from me?" - -Alma dropped her eyes evasively. Should she tell George everything? -After all, it was Edith's affairs. It savored of unfaithfulness to her -to betray her confidence. But then Edith's health! George could do -nothing for her, if he was deceived in any way. He ought to know what a -selfish, suspicious husband she had. With the thought of Howard, Alma's -face tingled. How he left at an hour's notice, without saying goodbye -to Edith! He had lingered just long enough to see Mr. Holt go. - -Suddenly Alma looked up to meet Walter's earnest gaze. - -"George, let us go to some more private spot, and I will tell you what -you ought to know." - -"I ought to know everything," replied George gravely, as they left the -chairs. "Otherwise I am useless professionally." - -They walked down the path until they reached the same little -summerhouse where Edith had laid in her chair and listened to Alma's -confidence. - -Edith, from her window at the house, saw them through the trees and -watched them enter. Then they were shut out from her view by the dense -foliage. - -She stifled a quick sob. Nervously she resumed her dressing. It was -George's first day in Boonville. She could not rest, but sought -solitude on that pretext. Now she must soon join them and act her part. -Slowly she dressed, delaying the ordeal as long as possible. Her toilet -at last completed, she seated herself near the open window and looked -out upon the lovely lake view. - -Her thoughts today had tortured her almost beyond endurance. - -"Would that I could lose myself in its depths," she said, wearily, and -a great melancholy superseded her sterner mood. - -"That is a wrong thought," she said to herself; "Mr. Holt would call it -the result of the selfishness that makes for sin." - -Her eyes wandered to the table near by where lay the chief cause of her -distraction--the book--the one resented gift from a friend. As yet, she -had not even unwrapped it. A peculiar feeling made her decide to leave -it untouched until her husband's anger had passed. Howard had shown no -signs of relenting. Not a word had he written since his return to New -York. Her check was sent as usual--that was all. Money! That was all he -seemed to think that she needed! She tried to regard him kindly. She -tried to be generous. - -She failed. Mr. Holt had gone. His influence was withdrawn. In his -place had come George--noble George, for whom her heart beat wildly. -Yes, she acknowledged it to herself. Now that it was too late, she knew -the error that she had made. When free, she had refused his love. Now -that it was a sin to acknowledge his supremacy over her heart, she was -forced to realize it most painfully. - -Mr. Holt's goodness had temporarily lifted her above her sinful -longings, even; he had brought her to a state of mind where she really -desired to love Howard in the same old easy way that she had always -cared for him. - -But now her good angel had left her side--just at the time that she -most needed him and his help, and the influx of passionate longing and -regret for the unconquerable past was overpowering. - -How weak she was! Had she fallen from all her highest ideas of right! -She tried to pray, but her lips were as dumb as her heart. - -Suddenly, she arose and straightened herself in stern resolve. Heart -and mind were aroused in a desperate determination to overcome. She -left her retirement and sought the porch, there to await the rest of -the party. - -Though she was not the girl of bloom that she had been on her husband's -arrival, her health was assuredly regained in spite of Alma's anxious -fears. - -She espied Harold first, coming toward the house with an armful of -branches. - -"Just the kind that you can make dandy, white whips with," he informed -Edith as he neared the porch. Coming up the steps, he threw the whole -bunch down at her feet. - -"That will be enough, I guess. Where's cousin George? He promised to -make them for me." - -Edith stroked his curly head gently. - -"Your cousin is taking a walk with your mother. Come sit with me -awhile." - -Harold eyed her with boyish frankness. - -"I'd rather get cousin. You can't make those, you know. I'll find them -pretty quick, all righty!" - -Just as he turned to go, Edith espied George and Alma appearing to view. - -"There they are, Harold!" she said brightly. - -"Bully!" exclaimed Harold, and with eyes dancing with delight, he ran -down the path to meet them. - -George saw the boy coming. He held out his hand as usual, but his -face remained set and stern. Alma was flushed and excited. Neither -expressions did the child notice. - -"Just going to hunt for you," he cried boyishly. "Lots of whips for you -to make, Cousin George! Whole heap!" - -Alma looked toward George, anxiously. - -"Cousin George doesn't feel like being bothered, dear." - -"Oh, but he promised!" the boy exclaimed, with a face suddenly full of -miserable disappointment. - -George forced a smile. "There, Harold, don't sulk! You know I don't -like that. I'll make you a few now--a whole lot tomorrow." - -"Thanks!" he cried boisterously, throwing his cap in the air, and then -turning to run back to his precious find. - -They were all soon seated in a circle, George busy whittling. Alma -realized it was the last thing he wished to do. She had witnessed a -display of feeling from him that she never guessed his calm nature -capable of. "His friendship for Edith must indeed be very strong," she -thought. She was sure he was placing his feelings under constraint at -the present time. Perhaps he would like to be alone with Edith to study -her, and judge for himself just how far her troubles were influencing -her health. - -"Harold," she exclaimed suddenly, "wouldn't you like Mus to show you -some lovely deer?" - -"Where?" asked Harold, quickly. - -"O, Mus can show you," she answered, nodding her head mysteriously. -"Cousin George can take Mrs. Hester out on the lake in the meantime. -Then when we have seen the lovely deer, we'll follow them in another -boat, and see if you can row as well as Cousin George." - -"Whew!" returned Harold, with a low whistle, more expressive than words. - -George looked up, gratefully to Alma. - -"Would you like to go, Edith," he said quietly. - -"Yes, indeed," replied Edith, with a thrill of genuine pleasure. - -"Hurry, boy, away with the whips. Hide them safely, sir, until -tomorrow." - -Harold was only too ready to obey, and in ten minutes the little group -was divided. - -Silently, Edith walked by George's side, down to the lake. George -noticed her embarrassment, and talked of the place and surroundings. - -Once seated in the cushioned stern of the boat, Edith gave herself up -to this pleasure with a dreamy joy, overcoming her lonely strivings. -For a few minutes, only the light splash of the oars broke the silence. - -When they had almost lost the house from view, George looked around -upon the big expanse of water. - -"This is your first outing on the lake?" he asked gently. - -"Yes, my first. It is delightful," she replied softly. - -"Then you cannot direct me which way to row," he asked. - -"That little bend," she answered, nodding her head toward an outlet a -hundred feet in advance, "leads to the next lake. There is a perfect -chain of six lakes, six miles in all, and each as beautiful as this -one, so they say." - -"Not dangerous in a storm?" asked George, watching carefully a few -approaching clouds. - -"They say not, except in case of a wind storm. Then the lakes shut in -by the hills, get the full force of the wind. That is a rare occasion, -though." - -Thus ordinary conversation put them more at ease. - -On they conversed, and on they rowed, passed the first three lakes, -disguising from one another the keen delight each one felt, at this -drifting alone together through the calm stillness of nature. - -Several times George stopped and listened for the sound of oars which -would signify Alma's coming. But each time all was silent, and on they -spun. - -Edith was surprised at her own happiness. Was it nature's whispering or -George's strong, manly presence, that made her feel so sure of herself, -and subdued her restless spirit? - -Finally, the fourth lake was reached. Its shores were wild and lonely, -unlike those of the other lakes. Not a bungalow could be seen. Here and -there an opening appeared, where open camp had been kept. Otherwise it -was a perfect wilderness of pine and brush. - -"Would you like to land and rest awhile?" George asked. "The clouds -have gathered slightly, but it promises no rain for several hours." - -Edith gave consent and George made for one of the camp openings. - -When they had alighted and fastened the boat to an old stump, of a tree -George looked about the clearing. - -"I have it!" he exclaimed, and, leaving Edith, he returned in a few -moments with two logs. - -"Rather rustic, isn't it?" he said. "Best we can do, however. There! -Sit on this, and rest yourself against the tree. Are you comfortable?" - -"Very, thank you," she replied. "And you?" - -"Shall do the same," he said, adjusting the log and leaning against the -tree opposite to hers, with a full sigh of satisfaction. - -For a few moments he feasted his eyes upon her loveliness. The green -forest and open camp made an odd setting for Edith's pale beauty. - -There was nothing in his glance to embarrass Edith. Far too honorable -to convey his feelings through even unspoken language, he simply gazed -at her with open, friendly scrutiny. - -She smiled back at him. - -"Do you pronounce me well?" she asked. - -"To all appearances--yes. After two weeks, you can return to New York -any time you wish." - -"After two weeks? Why not in a few days?" - -"We want your good condition to be lasting. Mrs. Lambert tells me you -looked better one week ago than you do now. Did you feel better then?" - -It seemed unkind for George to ask her such a question. But he was -determined to see for himself how deep a trouble was hers. His eyes -regarded her intently. He noticed the sudden droop of the eye-lids to -hide the shadow beneath them. Her lips quivered in spite of herself, -and her hands toyed nervously with the lace of her dress. - -A sudden rush of pity destroyed his own self-control. Leaning toward -her, he laid one strong hand on her two small fair ones. - -"Edith, look at me! Tell me--your old friend, little girl--what -troubles you?" - -Compelled, she raised her eyes to his. The violet in them seemed -deeper and darker with a great overpowering sadness. It expressed such -melancholy depression, that George's whole being thrilled with the pain -of it. - -"Thank you for your sympathy George. If you are my friend, you will ask -me nothing." - -"You will not confide in me?" he pleaded, his whole heart's love -unconsciously vibrating in his voice. - -The touch of his hand and his compassionate voice filled her with an -eagerness that frightened. - -She longed to lay bare her heart,--to seek solace from this man who had -awakened the only real love her heart had known. Why couldn't she have -this consolation at least? He would never know that she loved him. She -would always be true to Howard--George would despise her if she were -not. - -George's eyes were asking her to answer--asking her to confide in -his great heart. She felt their power. She drank in their intense -sympathy--then suddenly she grew deadly pale. She shrank away from him -like a frightened child. - -"Edith, what have I done? Speak! Surely you cannot fear me?" he asked -gently. - -Afraid of him? No! But she dared not tell him she feared her own poor, -weak self. - -"Don't, George, O don't!" she said pitifully. "Ask me nothing. I am not -strong, that is all. I ought not to have come. Let us get home quickly. -Alma may become alarmed." - -He drew away and contemplated her with surprise and concern. - -"Poor child! Whatever troubles you, let it be your own sorrow then, -dear girl. I never wished to worry you about it, Edith." - -"O, I knew you did not," she replied miserably. - -She arose, and for a moment, weakly leaned against the tree. - -"Let me help you," he said gently. - -She allowed him to assist her into the boat. - -When he had rearranged her cushions, and seen that she was comfortably -seated, he took the oars and started the boat quickly. - -A feeling of intense shame kept her face averted. Neither spoke for -some time. - -The setting sun was entirely hid by heavy ominous clouds. Small ones -were gathering from every direction. - -"I hope we get ahead of this storm," remarked George anxiously. "These -mountain lakes are so treacherous." - -Suddenly, little ripples and currents appeared upon the glassy surface -of the lake. They were about a quarter of a mile from the shore. - -George stopped rowing and scanned the heavens intently. - -"We must make for shelter until this is over," he said decisively. -"See! There is an apology of a log cabin over there. It will protect us -from the rain, anyway." - -He quickly swung the boat about and headed for the small encampment. - -A sudden squall caught the boat sideways. - -Edith caught the rim of the boat to steady herself. - -"Not a minute to lose," said George grimly. - -Hardly had he spoken when a second squall struck the frail craft. With -a suddenness almost incredible, the boat was lifted almost entirely out -of the water and then with a heavy splash, it completely reversed. - -So quickly had the wind accomplished its treachery, that Edith realized -nothing until she felt herself rising to the surface of the water, -while a strong arm grasped her own with an effort. - -George kept her above water with one hand while he held on to one end -of the boat with the other. The wind was blowing strong, but no rain -had as yet fallen. - -Edith felt little or no fear, and with almost a smile she asked George. - -"Now what can we do?" - -"You are not afraid?" he asked in doubtful surprise. - -"Not with you," she answered quickly. - -"Then we must swim ashore. Another squall and the boat may strike us," -he said fearfully. - -"I cannot swim," she said, for the first time feeling the fear of the -dark water around them. - -"No need. Hold on to my shoulder. Don't let go--not even if we go under -a wave. I will bring you up safely again. You understand?" - -"Yes," she obeyed, and with a strange feeling of perfect protection, -she gave herself up to his guidance. - -George struck out in a bold stroke. For a time he swam with rapid -progress. Then his stroke slackened and he made decided effort. - -Edith had been watching the fast nearing shore. Now she watched his -face. It was growing white and drawn. She gave a little scream and -unconsciously tightened her hold. By a desperate effort George kept -them above water. - -"Relax your hold!" he shouted, hoarsely, and she could see the words -wasted precious strength. - -She tried to calm herself. Her heart beat wildly. Never once did she -look from George's deathlike face. - -On he swam, straining every nerve and muscle. At times his eyes almost -closed. - -Finally the shore was reached. Wading through the shallow water, he -dragged Edith quickly to the dry beach. - -"Safe!" he exclaimed. Then with a low cry of pain he staggered forward. - -Edith caught him by the arm. With a strength born of the hour, she -prevented him from falling to the ground. Quickly she sat beside him -and lifted his head upon her lap. - -"George, you are hurt," she cried fearfully. - -"Yes, please unloosen my vest. The boat struck me here," he said, -touching his chest to denote the spot. - -Carefully she uncovered the wound. Blood covered shirt and vest. - -"O! George! George!" she sobbed piteously. - -George struggled to a sitting position. - -"Edith, don't waste time with me. It is my finish. Go around to the -point where you can be seen. They will surely come for us some time. -Go! It is almost dark!" - -She leaned over him, until her fair hair touched his own. - -"Leave you now? Never!" - -Her tone fascinated him and he looked at her with growing intensity in -his now sunken eyes. Soul met soul in that long, hungry gaze. - -Behind them the storm raged through the forest. Before them the waves -beat wildly. The time and place completely separated them from the -world. - -Alone with death--and George. - -The fearful past was entirely obliterated. The eternal future--what -might it bring? Only the fleeting now was surely hers! - -She watched his face becoming gray. His eyes still shone upon her. - -"George," she murmured, putting both arms around his drooping head, "we -shall die together." - -His eyes closed, and she uttered a cry of misery. - -"George! speak! speak! You must tell me once more you love me!" - -His eyes opened upon her with a great joy. - -"Edith, you--mean--that?" - -"Yes! Yes!" she answered, and her gaze so intense, seemed to thrill him -to life. He struggled to his feet. She arose to support him. - -With sudden new strength he held her off. - -"No! No! You are his--his by right. God help me!" - -Edith leaned forward eagerly. - -"George, I was his in life--now death unites us both! I love you, -George! I love you!" - -"God bless those dear words!" she heard him whisper. - -Then with hands imploringly outstretched, he fell at her feet. - - - -CHAPTER XVII. - -Edith's Release. - -"He will live," gravely pronounced the old Boonville doctor of forty -years' good repute. "Only just in time," he added. "Fearful case of -exhaustion and loss of blood. Needs careful nursing--very careful. Who -can take care of him here?" - -"O, I will take every care," exclaimed Alma, coming forward from the -little circle surrounding the doctor for information. - -"Well! Well! We need have no fear then," he said kindly. - -"And poor Mrs. Hester?" asked one sympathetic onlooker. - -"Wonderfully controlled, considering the shock. Almost too much -control! I would be glad to see the tears come. A little hysterics now, -a little spell of woman's weakness would be a good thing for her," he -said, with a broad smile at the ladies. "Good-day, everyone, good-day," -and the old man passed on to his carriage. - -Many voices gave vent to satisfaction at the good doctor's report. The -rest of the day little was talked of among the borders, but George's -and Edith's narrow escape and rescue. - -When found, Edith was lying unconscious beside George, who was taken -up for dead. With the hope of saving Edith, they had sought aid in the -quickest possible manner, and immediate attention was given to both. - -Alma, alternately by the side of George and Edith, scarcely knew the -hours pass, until she stood with the group to await the doctor's -verdict. - -For the first time she breathed freely. She turned to little Harold, -who stood near with round, wide eyes and parted lips. - -"Be Mother's good boy, and take care of yourself, dear," she said -gently, "Mus has her hands full now." - -"You bet!" he returned with grave emphasis--and with this assurance, -Alma sought Edith's room. - -Entering, she stepped quietly to the bedside. - -Edith lay motionless, her eyes wide open, staring fixedly at the -ceiling. Two hectic spots burned in her cheeks. Slowly she turned her -gaze toward Alma. - -Not once in these long hours, had she asked for George. The doctor -advised them to avoid any mention of his name. She was not delirious, -but a little might make her so. - -Alma took Edith's hand and stroked it gently. - -"You will be all right again very soon, dear." - -Edith smiled sadly. "No, Alma dear, I will not be well again. I have -not long to live. Will you do something for me quickly?" - -"O, Edith, don't talk that way?" exclaimed Alma, greatly distressed. -"You know I would not deceive you. The doctor says you are doing -wonderfully." - -"Yes, Alma, but the doctor does not know all. I'm glad to die, -dear,--and God will use me on the other side for His great work." She -paused in her weakness, and then continued, "Alma, don't lose one -moment. I want Betty. Don't get me a nurse. I want Betty. I'm going -soon, and Howard--send for him too." - -"Edith dear," persisted Alma gently, "you're not going to leave us; do -put that thought from you. But I'll have Betty here before night, and -Howard too." - -Edith did not reply, but closed her eyes, as if to sleep. - -Alma telegraphed to Howard, who replied, that if it was not really -serious, he could not come for two days on account of important -business. - -Betty, however, took the next train to Boonville, and arrived there -about dark. - -"Alma," she said, "I told President Gladder all about this sad affair, -and he said I could stay to help you until both were better." - -"O, I'm so thankful!" exclaimed Alma, relieved. "Edith has a wrong idea -that she is going to die. You must talk it out of her directly." - -Betty was pale but calm, when she approached Edith's bedside. For a -moment she silently gazed at the sweet face on the pillow. The closed -eyelids slowly opened, and Edith looked at her with a great fondness. - -"So you've come, Betty dear? I knew you would." - -Betty knelt down by the bed and, taking both hot hands in hers, she -kissed them again and again. - -"My Edith! dearest, of course I came! Now I'll stay with you until I've -helped you get quite well. President Gladder said I could." - -"He's kind, Betty, God will bless him. But, Betty, I'm not going to get -well." - -"Whatever has put such an idea into your head?" asked Betty smiling, -and controlling herself with effort. - -"God has told me so, Betty--in a wonderful vision. No, I'm not -delirious dear--my mind is clear. I've only a little while to be with -you dear. I want you to talk to me of the gospel; all the time that is -left. I know it is true, now that it is too late to be baptized. Betty -promise me, you'll be baptized for me when I'm gone?" - -This was too much for Betty. The tears came as she looked into the eyes -of this dying friend, who had done so much for her. - -"O, dearest, I would promise to do anything, but you must try to get -well. We need you--you must try!" - -"I wouldn't be much use here," returned Edith, "but"--then her eyes -shone with a sudden happy light--"I'm going to do a great work when -I pass over. Listen--my vision was so plain. I was in a strange -country--I saw hundreds of stricken people pass me by; they were -captives in chains, and they were dragging along, with faces, Betty, -those sad faces! They looked at me beseechingly, with sunken eyes that -held such a haunted hopeless expression. I tried to speak to them, but -could not. On, on they passed. Their number seemed endless. I felt -stifled by their misery, and uttered a low cry. Then I looked up to see -an angel standing by me. He pointed to the passing crowds. "You who -have loved the destitute," he said, "do not be afraid to die. God has -ordained you to preach the Gospel to these waiting spirits--now hungry -for the truth.' That was all. The vision vanished, but it was enough. -It wasn't a dream. It was a message from God, Betty. Tell Alma it was a -real vision." - -Betty felt that Edith spoke the truth. A sad certainty threatened to -overcome her. Silently she prayed for strength. - -Edith's effort had exhausted her. Gently Betty stroked her head as she -fell asleep. - -Then she sought Alma and told her all. - -"Alma, it is best to face the worst. Let us be brave. Perhaps it was -a dream, but Edith is so sure. Let us pray for strength to accept -whatever comes." - -Toward morning Edith grew weaker. The doctor came. - -"Is she in danger?" asked Alma anxiously. - -"A big change for the worse," replied the doctor gravely. "Keep her -very quiet. I'll come again about noon." - -Betty sent for the elders to come as soon as possible. But soon Edith -feebly called Betty and Alma to her side. - -"Betty, hold me up in your arms. Alma, come close. I can't see very -well." - -Betty held her gently, Edith's fair head resting on her shoulder. - -"Now, kiss me, Betty--and Alma," said Edith with a happy smile. - -As they kissed her, she murmured, "Goodbye, dear friends, goodbye." - -Then her lovely eyes lit up with an unearthly rapture. Her spirit was -freeing itself of mortal frailty. - -"Look! Mother! Father! Yes, I'm coming--coming--" and with a last faint -gasp, she passed away, leaving Betty holding her lifeless body, in -agony of grief, and Alma kneeling sobbing by their side. - - - -CHAPTER XVIII. - -The Dream of the Past. - -Time heals all wounds. It did so with Betty. Her great faith reconciled -her to Edith's death, though the loss of her friendship was a keen -sorrow for a long time. - -George's marriage to Alma--this was a trial to Betty that threatened to -culminate her mission. President Gladder was worried about her health. - -"You seem very unwell, Betty," he said kindly. "Would you like to go -home?" - -But Betty pleaded not to be released. "I'll be better soon," she said, -bravely. "I do love my mission, so it will help me." - -So Betty stayed, and gave her whole heart to her mission work. It was -not long before she was her old bright, sunny self. - -Fortunately George and Alma went on a prolonged trip to Europe. Betty's -love for George was unchanged, but she, finally, found an unselfish joy -in thinking of his happiness with Alma and Harold. - -With this overcoming of self, Betty became a woman, and an added -sweetness was hers. Everywhere her mission work was a great success. -When her release came, which was just before George and Alma returned -from Europe, President Gladder parted with her with deep regret. - -"Betty, when you are gone, I shall miss a great power in the mission." - -Betty flushed with pleasure. - -"Whatever has been done, has been done through me, and not by me," she -replied humbly. - -***** - -It was a beautiful, clear day, when Alma, now Alma Cadman, entered her -old home with George and Harold. The boy was in excellent spirits after -seeing the wonderful world, and his constant, eager questions about -what he had seen and heard, made the homecoming void of serious thought. - -It was Alma's wish to keep the home untouched by any changes. George, -quick to read her thoughts, knew that she lived much with Will's -memory, and longed to keep the old surroundings. - -George respected her devotion. It did not make her morbid, for -Harold was her living joy, and in him she found her new thoughts and -activities. Her fondness for George was as it always had been, and his -companionship destroyed her loneliness, and she was able to smile and -be happy once more. - -Alma went eagerly from room to room, George and Harold following. - -"Let the library be last," said George smiling. - -"Why?" asked Alma surprised. - -"My wedding present was to greet you on my return, was it not?" - -"Just what I'm looking for," she replied laughing, though in reality -not having thought of it until this moment. - -"It is in the library," answered George quietly. "We will inspect all -the house first." - -"How clean it all looks! Who did you trust to keep it like this? I -expected to find it all cob webs?" - -"Betty begged me to leave the keys with her, so that she could see to -it herself. It was her secret, you know." - -"Dear Betty! Always doing something kind! I must see her tomorrow, -surely." - -At last they reached the library. - -"May I?" she asked, with her hand upon the door knob. - -"Yes or no, would be the same to an inquisitive little woman," he -answered, laughing down at her. - -She opened the door and they entered. The light was just strong enough -to show the room, cosy and inviting as they had left it. - -Alma looked around wonderingly. - -"I don't see it, she said, turning to George. - -"O! Mus! Look! Look!", cried Harold, who had ran across the room, and -stood staring up at the wall in open-mouthed wonder. - -Alma turned. With a cry of painful joy, she stood transfixed. - -Over the mantle of the fireplace, hung a life-size painting of Will -Lambert. The massive gold frame was a brilliant setting for a perfect -likeness, which looked down upon them with the direct glance which -gives a picture the semblance of life. - -For a few moments she gazed into Will's fine dark eyes. - -Harold, not removing his eyes from their new discovery, gradually edged -up to his mother, and slipped his hand into hers. - -"Mus, it's Daddy!" he said in an awed whisper. "Will he come back to -us?" - -Alma's arms encircled the boy and she pressed his curly head close to -her without answering. - -George came forward, and touched the boy's arm. - -"Come, Harold. You know you promised to show Cousin George all your -wonderful toys. I'm going to live here now." - -"Always?" asked Harold eagerly, leaving his mother's arms. - -"Always, if you are very good to me, sir!" - -George took Harold's hand, and led him from the room. Gently closing -the door, he left Alma alone with his gift to her. - -Long she looked at her Will. Memories, tender, and suffused with a -passionate regret, swept over her being. - -"O Will! Will! Do you forgive me? But for my selfish, shallow life, you -would be here now!" - -His eyes seemed to smile soothingly, and she could not seem to take her -gaze from him. - -Then suddenly Alma thought of the giver of this gift. - -How good and noble George was! She had not even thought to thank him. - -She was just about to leave the room, when a letter on the table -attracted her attention. - -"Betty's hand-writing!" she exclaimed in delight. - -Opening it she read, - -"Dear friends:--Welcome home again! May every happiness be yours! - -"I'm so sorry I could not see you before going West. I have just been -released from my mission. However, I am soon coming back to New York to -study dramatic art, and hope then to see you. - -"With love to you all, as ever, - -"Betty." - -*********** - - - -CHAPTER XIX. - -Betty Finds Her Opposite. - -Betty stayed in Ephraim only three weeks, and then returned to New -York, to study. She determined to give all her spare time to the -missionaries, and she was welcomed back joyously. - -She made her home in a quiet little boarding-house, not far from the -Mission Home. There were only a few boarders. Miss Allen and Miss May -were two kindly women, unmarried and middle-aged. A Mr. Mellor was as -mild as his name, and though a devout Catholic, he overlooked Betty's -faith, and was her enthusiastic admirer. - -Then there was a Mr. Edgeway, a young man with a blond attractiveness. -Sometimes Betty was inclined to laugh at his mischievous moods, and at -other times she would pity his shallow conceptions of life, and manner -of living it. - -This morning he had joined her before she had gone to school. - -"And won't you even take in the Henrick Hudson Celebration?" asked his -persuasive voice, while the eyes of the speaker looked at Betty with a -laugh that defied too serious an answer. - -Betty returned his glance with a smile. - -"Mr. Edgeway, you seem determined to make me spend my time frivolously. -Well, this once I shall surprise you. I shall be delighted to accept -your invitation, for this should be an event of interest to every -American." - -"Spoken like an oracle!" exclaimed Edgeway with a careless laugh. "But, -really, I am glad you will let me take you out, just once." - -Betty regarded him with a queer little smile. She rather liked this -man with his completely boyish manners. There was an undercurrent of -serious thought in him, which she could not always follow, but she felt -sure that most of his flippancy was assumed, to hide sterner feelings. - -"You know I would love to go out with you many times, but I haven't the -time," she said to him, kindly. - -"Time! You have twenty-four hours in the day--the same as anyone. -You mean you prefer to use your time differently?" he asked with a -semicomic expression. - -"Exactly!" she responded, laughing. "I would not be such a spendthrift -with the hours as you!" - -"All a matter of opinion. Methinks you are wasting the precious days -of your youth, fussing over religion with people who can't possibly -appreciate you, while here I am, languishing for attention!" - -He regarded her in mock misery, as she fastened her coat. - -"If they needed my attention as little as you do, I might not give them -my time," she returned gravely. "O, I would love to see you make some -use of your life!" - -"Well, I like that!" he exclaimed, and he opened the door for her to -pass out. He was in the habit of accompanying her as far as their way -lay together. "Here am I going to a hard day's work, and you talk to me -about using my life," he added ruefully. - -"Yes, but you work for the sole purpose of getting money to spend in -the pursuit of pleasure." - -"How horribly frank you are!" he said good-humouredly. "Well, do you -know what might make me change into the most active 'Mormon?'" - -"What?" she asked him, facing him in wondering interest. - -"You!" he said, with a little shake of the head. "If you would just get -interested in me, enough to go out with me now and then, to keep me -from getting 'lonesome, oh, so lonesome,' I would devote all my time to -investigating your Gospel." - -Betty looked her delight. "O? I will indeed. Everything I will do to to -help you!" she returned earnestly, and they parted with bright smiles -of friendship. - -"Queer girl!" he muttered to himself, grimly, as he left her. "Just -thinks I am about to be reawakened," and he gave a little laugh of -amusement. "I wonder if she will ever"--and then he drew out a cigar, -and puffed seriously while he thought. - -"Just as those little rings of smoke form perfectly to ascend to the -heavens, and then vanish into nothingness, so my aspirations for your -hand, fair lady!" And he quickened his pace to suit his impatience at -the flatness of things. - -That same evening, at the supper table, all seemed in excellent spirits -and talkative. - -"What great weather!" exclaimed Frank Edgeway, with a deep sigh of -satisfaction, as he started to eat of the bountiful repast spread -before him. - -"Do say something original," said Mr. Mellor, with his quiet little -laugh. "I have remarked that fact at least ten times today." - -"Worthy of repetition," returned Edgeway, brightly. "And now, good -friends, I'm going to make you all fairly jump with surprise." - -"What now?" mildly interrogated Miss May, fastening her sharp little -gray eyes upon him, while the rest smiled without comment, so -accustomed were they to his jokes. - -"Miss Emmit has consented to let me escort her just once to the -Hudson-Fulton Celebration. Just think of her indulging in such -frivolity!" - -All eyes turned to Betty with mild amusement. - -"You will certainly pay for the pleasure, by being tormented by the -giver," remarked Mr. Mellor. "And, ladies, since the spirit is in the -air, you must promise to give me the pleasure," he added, turning with -courtesy to the two other ladies. - -"Bravo!" exclaimed Edgeway. "The true patriotic spirit stirreth the -masses!" - -During the next week, the celebration was the main topic of -conversation at the table. The spirit of patriotism pervaded the city. -Betty's anticipation was full of delight. - -New York suddenly awakened from its slumbering pride in its wonderful -history of achievement. All classes, rich and poor, seemed enthused to -the point of childish glee. The preparations were marvelous. Groups of -men and women stopped to point to the million tiny bulbs, everywhere -being prepared to make New York the gayest illuminated city of the -world. Children chatted, as they went to school, each longing to be one -of the favored to march in the great children's carnival, something -long to be remembered as one of the gala days of their youth. - -The days sped by rapidly, and the great festival opened with -unprecedented enthusiasm. - -On the Sunday morning, Betty and Mr. Edgeway went to church. - -Coming home, Betty asked him if he enjoyed it. - -"Yes, indeed," he replied. "I'm thankful for a few hour's relief from -Sunday's stupid monotony!" - -"You have found Sunday stupid then?" - -"Most abominably, I always do. Everyone parades the streets, stiff to -the neck with Sunday clothes and faces to match, that look as though -they were starched for the occasion. I always hated Sunday, from the -day my mother put on my stiff collars and made me sit straight and -solemn in the family pew for two hours!" - -He was evidently in a dissatisfied mood. - -"The impressions of your childhood were unfortunate," she said gravely. -"Mine were so different. I suppose it was no virtue in me to have loved -Sunday, arid looked for its coming. But today! Any church should be -interesting, even to you. All are celebrating the event, and you could -hear something attractive almost anywhere." - -"Attractive! Yes, to those who live on the surface of things. What -does all this hubbub and show mean after all? When the city is poor, -and needs money to help those who are striving to keep above water, it -calmly appropriates half a million for--what? A world-renowned pageant! -The people can look on; yes, look with fascination upon the boastings -of a city that grinds them down to the depths, those depths you and I -know well. Then the churches hold festivals to applaud all this! I do -not profess to be a Christian, but how you, with your spirit of one, -can look upon this as you do, is beyond my understanding!" - -Betty had met before this pessimistic spirit in Edgeway. There were few -that knew its existence, but somehow, coming in contact with Betty's -purity of thought, the smothered discontent of his own nature seemed -ever rising to the surface to defy her criticism. At times, he wondered -at himself cynically. With the world, he shrank from uncovering his -real self, and hid his gloom with a gay mask. With her, he dropped it -entirely, said what was uppermost in his mind, and though he longed for -her good opinion, he laid his unattractive thoughts before her with -careless defiance. - -For a few moments Betty was lost in deep thought; then she turned to -him with a bright smile. - -"Such thoughts seem at first utterance to be true, and they sow -discontent among many of our people. But they are first thoughts -and not the deepest. We cannot lay too much stress upon true -sentiment--especially public sentiment. This grand carnival carries -with it a spirit of homage to peace and progress more enthusiastic -and sincere than the great war pageantries of victory. Increase -public sentiment, and we increase public good. True, the city might -appropriate that half a million, and distribute it to the poor, but -in a city of such great want, it would be of little account. It would -soon be forgotten, and in a year would need to be repeated, to recall -to mind that it had ever been given. But in this appropriation, -the city has purchased a huge mass of public sentiment. It will be -distributed to rich and poor alike, in fact, the whole world will feel -the influence of this tribute to peace and industry. As all things of -spirit, time increases instead of diminishing its good." - -Betty paused in her earnestness, for him to answer. - -"Don't stop, until you have exhausted your thoughts," he said. - -"Do you remember," she continued, "the Bible story about the woman -anointing Christ's feet with precious ointment, purchased with her -entire wealth? There were those then, who asked if it would not have -been better for her to have given her money to the poor. But our Master -rebuked them, saying, "The poor ye have always with you, but me, ye -have not always." The woman's wealth was a mere penury compared to the -great public influence spread abroad in every land by her tribute to -sentiment." - -"Completely out-argued!" exclaimed Edgeway, at once assuming his easy -good-natured manners. "I shall never try to defend slothful public -spirit again!" - -That evening Betty walked with Mr. Edgeway, enjoying the illuminations. -She preferred to walk, winding their way through crowded thoroughfares, -watching the eager faces, and contemplating the panorama of varied -characters with a keen appreciation of a great cosmopolitan city. - -Their conversation consisted mostly of exclamations. But each enjoyed -the scene too much to lose any passing effect by ordinary conversation. - -It was eleven o'clock when they returned home. - -A carriage stood outside the door. - -"It looks like the doctor's," Betty remarked, as they ascended the -steps of the house. - -As they entered the door, they met Miss Allen and Miss May, excitedly -running here and there. - -"A boy hurt," they explained hurriedly. "Was knocked over in the crowd. -Mr. Mellor and a Salvation man brought him here." - -"Can I be of assistance?" asked Betty eagerly. - -"I guess the doctor won't let any more about him at present. He's -unconscious--in Mr. Mellor's room." And so, the two women hurried back -to the scene of disaster. - -Betty had just entered her own room when a tap came at her door. It was -Mr. Mellor. - -"I have come to ask a great favor of you," he said. "The little chap -I picked up hurt, is very low, and I thought you might sit with him, -until his father and mother come. We are going to telephone to them -now. Miss Allen and Miss May have both been kind, but the doctor -won't have any excitable people around, and they act like a couple of -flustered hens disturbed from their nest." - -"O, yes indeed! I will come directly. How did you know where to -telephone?" she asked as they left her room. - -"That is the strange part of it," he answered. "I will tell you about -it before you go to him. I was making my way through a crowded corner, -when suddenly I felt myself thrown violently to the side. I escaped -falling, by catching a post; but several around me were thrown to the -ground. Among them was this boy, who was evidently separated from his -folks. He fell face downward, and hit his temple against the sharp -curbstone. A big fellow fell on top of him, nearly crushing him. -There was a Salvation Army man trying to get through the jam, and he -was pinned up against me. He and I extricated the youngster, then -unconscious. He evidently knew the boy. He turned the ashiest kind -of color, and almost fell over him. Then he controlled himself, and -said he would hold him fast, if I could get an ambulance. We could -not do this, so we carried him here, and sent for the nearest doctor. -He says he has a broken limb and that the cut in his head is serious. -The Salvationist won't move from his bedside, and eyes him with such -absolute absorption and tenderness, that I know there is some hidden -link in their lives. He said he knew his parents slightly, and would -inform them." - -"Strange," answered Betty, with ready sympathy, "Poor child, I hope he -will live." - -As they reached Mr. Mellor's door, the Army man came out. He met -Betty's gaze with a far-away look of intense pre-occupation. - -"You will surely send word directly?" asked Mellor. - -"Assuredly," he answered, in a husky voice. - -As he made his answer, Betty looked once more in the face of the -stranger. Again their eyes met. A scarlet flush surmounted to his -temples. He turned hastily and made a hurried exit. - -Betty stood thoughtful. - -"You know him?" asked Mellor, surprised. - -"Yes, and no, his eyes are so perfectly familiar. I must have met him -somewhere. I can't place him, though." - -"Come, you are getting fanciful," said Mellor gently, and he led her to -his room. - -Upon the bed lay out-stretched the long slim figure of a boy of -fourteen. His dark curly hair was a striking contrast to the white -handsome face, so death-like in its unconscious state. - -Betty approached the bed softly. One moment she looked at the still -form. Her own face became deathly white. In consternation, Mellor took -her arm. - -"What is it?" he exclaimed. - -Unheeding his question, she slipped to the side of the bed and sank to -her knees. - -"Harold! Harold!" she cried in sudden anguish. - -Then her head bowed in prayer. - -Reverently Mellor lowered his eyes, and stood awaiting her in silence. - -Betty prayed with her while heart and strength. Finally, Mellor left -the room, and closed the door gently. - -"Some great sorrow is hers," he said wondering. - -At midnight, the bell rang sharply. - -Edgeway, guessing it to be the parents of the boy, opened the door. - -"I have come in response to a telephone saying my boy is hurt, and has -refuge here," said the man who confronted him. - -"I am glad you have come quickly. The doctor attending him will return -any minute. He thinks the case is extremely serious. This way, please," -and he led George up to the room where Harold lay. - -"One moment," he said, as he reached the door. - -Opening it carefully, he discovered Betty still at prayer. She did not -even hear the opening of the door. - -"Miss Emmit," he said softly, "the boy's father is here." - -Betty started. Summoning all her strength of mind, she arose slowly, -and stood by the bed. - -"Come in," said Edgeway kindly. - -Hurriedly George entered. Eagerly his eyes scanned the form upon the -bed. He did not instantly perceive Betty. From the prostrate Harold, he -glanced up at the woman standing near by. - -"It can't be you, Betty!" he exclaimed, with his eyes thrilling her -with their warm welcome. - -"It is Betty," she returned gravely, her lips quivering with strong -emotion. "O, George, forget my presence. Fetch Alma, it may be that -Harold won't live. This is Mr. Edgeway," she added, suddenly realizing -they were not alone. - -The two men shook hands. - -Then, leaning over Harold, George examined him carefully. - -"He will live," pronounced George with a great sigh of relief. "It is -serious, but I have handled many such cases with sure success. Betty, -Alma was so upset when we lost Harold in the crowd, that I didn't tell -her he was hurt. Simply reported the telephone message that he was -found, and left her rejoicing." - -Turning to Edgeway, he asked, "How long has he been unconscious?" - -"Ever since Mr. Mellor picked him up." - -"Ah! It was lucky then that Miss Emmit knew him. How came you here -Betty?" - -"This is my home," she answered. "I have boarded here since my return -from Ephraim. It was indeed a wonderful chance that brought Harold our -way, though it was not through me, Mr. Mellor telephoned to you." - -"No? Through whom, then?" he asked surprised. - -"A Salvation Army man who helped to carry your boy home. He was quite -overcome over the accident, and said he knew you slightly." - -"Strange!" returned George, wonderingly. "It must be someone Mrs. -Cadman has helped." - -The doctor soon arrived, and while he and George consulted, Betty -turned to Frank Edgeway who was sitting on the other side of the room, -contemplating her seriously. - -Surely this friend deserved some explanation of the mysterious -happenings. - -"Mr. Edgeway, this boy's mother is a very dear friend of mine. When a -widow, she married Dr. Cadman. But he cares for her child as if it were -his own." - -Edgeway received this explanation with no comment. He had witnessed her -meeting with George. He felt certain this man held control of Betty's -feelings. With a reckless despair, he awaited the next move. - -George re-entered the room. - -"Betty, could you manage to stay with Harold while he is here?" - -"You may be sure I will not leave his side," replied Betty, "and I -will go with him tomorrow, and stay with Alma a few hours," she added -impulsively, putting self-consideration aside. - -"Thank you," said George, simply. - -Edgeway escorted both doctors to the door. - -With a hurried "goodbye," they left the house. - -The doctor's auto stood outside. - -"You will, of course, let me take you home?" - -George was glad to accept, and he jumped in. - -The doctor lingered a moment, to examine his tire. - -As he did so, a man, coming forward out of the darkness, accosted him. - -George leaned forward slightly, as he distinguished the Salvation Army -uniform. His face was quite indistinctly seen. - -"Will you kindly tell me if the boy is out of danger?" he asked in a -low, eager voice--so low that George did not catch the words. - -"I think so," the doctor answered. "I guess his father would like to -thank you for your share in the rescue," he added, nodding toward -George. "There he is!" - -One moment he looked toward George. Then, without a word, he turned -hastily, and walked rapidly away. - -Something in his familiar gait, made George tremble. With a sudden -impulse, he jumped to the ground. - -"You will excuse me, I must talk with him," he said quickly. "Thank -you, just the same for your wish to accompany me home." - -The doctor stared after George in surprise, then jumped into his auto, -and started off. - -The Army man had turned the corner, but George hurried on, possessed -with a determination not to let him escape. - -"Hunting a spectre!" he said to himself grimly. "I must be a fool, -but--" - -He turned the corner sharply, and looked ahead. - -The object of his pursuit, thinking himself safe, had slackened his -pace, and was not far ahead of him, walking slowly, with head bowed in -thought. - -Quickly, George came up to him. - -"I would like to speak with you," he said, grasping him by the shoulder. - -The man wheeled about suddenly. - -As he did so, the street lamp shone full upon his face. - -With a cry of horror, George let go his hold. - -Almost fiercely the man grasped George's hands. - -"I'm dead, George! You understand? I'm dead to the world! This -miserable chance has brought my spirit across your path!" - -*********** - - - -CHAPTER XX. - -The time we deem ourselves the strongest, we are often reminded of our -weakness. - -Before Edgeway retired for the night, he went back to see Betty. - -Harold was beginning to stir restlessly, and she was leaning over him, -stroking his hands lovingly. - -"Miss Emmit, if you don't mind, I would like to keep watch with you -tonight. There must be something I can do for you, and I hate the idea -of leaving you up alone when you are so tired." - -"O, I am used to this," she returned, smiling gravely. "I feel no -fatigue whatever. Thank you for offering to stay." - -"O, if you don't want me!" said Edgeway, in such a sudden bitterness, -that Betty looked up in troubled surprise. - -"I have not offended you?" she asked anxiously. - -"You? O, no, only Fate! She has a knack of always boosting me -out--therefore she displeases me! You understand?" he asked with a -slight smile. - -She nodded her head smiling. - -"I think I do. You are just a trifle lonesome, aren't you? We will -have a good heart to heart talk on Tuesday. I have not forgotten your -promise to study 'Mormonism.'" - -"On condition, you know," he answered, the smile becoming genuine. - -Edgeway went to his own room, with a restless spirit that promised -little sleep. - -"She understands?" he said to himself. "The deuce she does!" - -On the broad arm of his chair lay a book. He took it up for inspection. - -"Book of Mormon!" He fingered the leaves, half amused, half serious. -Curiously he began to read. - -"Simple trash! How can she be led away by such fancies," he thought -cynically, after reading a few pages. - -"But the language is pretty good," he admitted. However, he kept on -reading. Gradually his interest was awakened. Then it became stronger -and stronger. The night wore on, but still he sat, absorbed and -wondering. - -Meanwhile, Betty knelt in fervent prayer. Thus she spent the entire -night. - -At stated intervals, Betty gave Harold the medical aid that George had -ordered. - -Harold's restlessness soon ceased. By daybreak, he opened his eyes full -upon Betty with clear gaze, as if awakening from a sweet sleep. - -"How did you come here?" he asked Betty in surprise. "Where is Mus? -Where am I?" he asked, looking around the room in wonder. - -"Don't be alarmed, dear," she answered, taking his hand fondly. "You -had a slight hurt, and were brought in here. Cousin George will take -you home today. Mus is all right." - -The boy was full of questions, all of which Betty answered soothingly. -The sun was just peeping in his window, and the darkness of night had -flown. - -George came early in the morning. He expressed considerable surprise at -Harold's condition. - -The boy was so rejoiced at seeing him, he begged him to stay. But -George pleaded urgent cases demanded his time. - -"Where's Mus?" asked the boy disappointed. - -"Mus is busy preparing things for your return home. She is quite -worried about you." - -"Poor Mus," said Harold, regretfully. - -"Betty," said George in a professional tone, "you look tired. You must -take a little rest yourself." - -She looked up at him. His usual healthful countenance was drawn and -haggard. Doubtless he had been greatly shocked with Harold. - -"And you?" she returned anxiously. "I never saw you look so worn. Have -you been up with a case all night?" - -"Yes, a very serious one," he returned with a shadow of perplexity. He -leaned over Harold fondly. - -"Be a little man, sonny. I'll come for you this afternoon." - -The boy nodded gravely, and Walter turned to Betty. - -"Goodbye," he said. - -His tone sounded cold and formal. - -She crossed to the door with him, and was about to accompany him -downstairs, when he turned to her and said: - -"Don't trouble to come farther, thank you. Goodbye." - -How unnatural he was! His manner cut her, and she stood silent, -embarrassed with the fervor of her own feelings. - -He glanced at her quickly. - -"What is the matter?" he asked, almost sternly. - -"You seem so changed, Dr. Cadman. Have I done wrong?" - -"You--done--wrong?" he said, in the same hard tone. "No! But when a man -wrestles with the hardest problem of his life,--One which tears at his -very heart-strings in its solution, he must be stern or completely lose -himself!" - -He held out his hand to her and she took it. - -A momentary thrill from his warm pressure,--then a great loneliness -engulfed her heart, and she knew it was because he had left her -presence. - -"Will I never cease striving?" she asked herself fearfully, as she -turned back to Harold. - -That afternoon there was some commotion in the neighborhood, when an -ambulance-coach drew up in front of the boarding-house, and Harold was -carried out and placed in it. - -Betty and Dr. Cadman accompanied him. - -When they reached home, Alma awaited them. - -"And Betty, my dear Betty,--this has brought you to us once more! You -don't know how I have longed for you!" And the two women embraced -fondly. - -"And this gentleman who saved Harold--I must see him soon," continued -Alma, busily fussing about Harold. - -Betty saw plainly that she was extremely nervous and hysterically -joyous. - -"Are you going to stay with us now?" asked Alma. - -"I will stay a few hours," returned Betty, smiling. - -"Only a few hours!" exclaimed Alma, disappointed. - -"Yes, Alma, but I shall come often, until Harold is better." - -When Edgeway called for Betty, she went down to him directly. - -"Come into the library a moment," she said. "Dr. and Mrs. Cadman will -be down very soon. I want you to meet them." - -She led the way, and he followed her. Betty had not been in this -room, since she had directed the men in the hanging of Will Lambert's -picture, George's gift to his bride. With this thought, she -unconsciously turned toward the portrait. - -First she looked casually, then her gaze concentrated. She stopped -abruptly in a remark to Edgeway. - -"What has struck you?" he asked quickly. "You look as though--" - -"Those eyes!" she exclaimed, excitedly clutching his arm,--then she -stood speechless. - -He turned and followed her gaze. Will's eyes looked at them both with a -life-like expression. - -"Why, Miss Emmit," exclaimed Edgeway in surprise. "That is the picture -of the Salvation Army man!" - -Betty made no reply. She stood staring at the portrait, too dazed to -think. - -George entered unobserved, and stood watching them keenly. - -Finally Betty turned to Edgeway. - -"You must be mistaken," she said in a voice little above a whisper. -"That is Harold's father; he is dead." - -"Then I've seen his ghost!" returned Edgeway, unpersuaded. - -Betty's heart beat quickly. The longer she looked, the more certain she -felt she had seen Will Lambert. - -"How could it be?" she asked falteringly. - -George came forward quickly. - -"Betty!! Mr. Edgeway! Be careful! Say nothing before Mrs. Cadman. The -shock would kill her now. What you surmise is true. Will Lambert lives!" - -A fearful cry made them turn. - -Rigid as a statue, white as death, they beheld Alma! Her lips moved, -but she uttered no words. Her eyes gradually roved from their excited -faces to the picture smiling on all. - -For a moment her gaze was fixed and burning. - -"Will!" she cried in a wild ecstasy. - -Then she quivered piteously. As she fell, George caught her in his arms. - -*********** - - - -CHAPTER XXI. - -The Efficacy of Faith. - -That night George and Betty never left Alma's bedside. White and still -she lay, and George's anxiety was great. - -A trained nurse had already arrived for Harold, so he tried to persuade -Betty to return home with Edgeway. - -But she refused, and as she said "good-bye" to Edgeway, she said, - -"You can understand how I am needed here tomorrow. I am sorry to break -my engagement with you." - -"O, that is of little account," he replied with genuine sympathy. -"Perhaps Thursday you can go with me to witness the great military -parade." - -"We will see," she said with a grave smile. "I can think of nothing but -her now." - -And she returned to watch by Alma. - -George observed her endurance with wonder. - -The following morning there was no change in Alma. - -"I fear the worst," he said to Betty, in a husky voice. "The shock was -more than she could stand. I shall call a consultation." - -Betty's eyes filled with tears, but she made no answer. - -"Are you able to keep up?" he asked of her. - -"O, yes, for anything I can do!" she replied earnestly. - -"Then go to Harold for awhile, and try to make him think lightly of -this. The nurse says he is constantly asking for his mother." - -Betty went to Harold, and stayed with him a long time. - -Meanwhile the doctors consulted together in fearful earnestness. - -When she finally heard them leave the house, she went softly to Alma's -room. - -George was leaning over Alma, gazing at her with a countenance so full -of sorrowing, that Betty guessed the decision. - -He looked up at her as she entered. - -"We agree there is no hope," he said with that stern gravity she -understood now. - -"You can do nothing?" she asked quickly. - -"Absolutely nothing. It is just a question of time. Her heart is very -weak." - -Betty approached him and laid one hand upon his arm pleadingly. - -"O, Dr. Cadman," she said earnestly,--and he thought he had never seen -her so radiantly beautiful before--"You can do nothing, you say,--but -with God all things are possible!" - -"Yes," he said, not fully understanding, "we must leave her to Him now. -All human efforts are in vain." - -"But did not Christ command us to heal the sick? If it were impossible, -why would he tell us to do so?" - -For a moment he looked at her curiously. - -"You are pleading for your Mormon Elders?" he asked gently. - -"Yes. Cannot they come? Alma would wish it." - -Her eyes, luminous with faith, thrilled him. - -"I do not believe very firmly in that kind of healing, but I appreciate -your enthusiasm." - -"But will you give your permission?" she asked eagerly. - -"Why not pray yourself?" he returned. - -"Let us take God's way," she replied with sincere humility. - -"As you wish, Betty," he returned tenderly. - -"O, thank you," she said with a great joy,--and in her zeal to save -Alma, she forgot her own struggles entirely. - -*********** - -George was alone in the library, pondering over the advisability of -bringing Will to see Alma. It would complicate matters greatly, for -Will to be seen at the house, and he might not even get to her in time -to see her alive. But it was right to call him. He could not argue -that fact away. He decided to go, himself, and bring Will as soon as -possible. - -Just at the moment of his decision, Betty entered. - -"Dr. Cadman," she said with a great calm joy, "our dear Alma has -awakened from her long sleep. She asks for you." - -For a moment he looked at her incredulously. Then eagerly he took her -hands. - -"Thank God!" he exclaimed earnestly, and hastened to Alma. - -As he approached her bed-side, the pale face on the pillow smiled up at -him. - -"Am I ill?" she asked, lifting a weak hand from the coverlet. - -He took it and kissed it gently. - -"Just a little," returned George soothingly, "Don't waste strength by -talking, dear." - -She looked at the elders standing by, regarding the scene with -sympathy; then her gaze wandered to Betty. - -"Dear Betty, always with us in trouble," she murmured. - -Her brow contracted, and she tried to think. - -Then she looked around with a bright smile. - -"Ah! I remember now--the shock of Harold's accident upset me awfully, -did it not? No wonder! But the dear boy is safe now." - -She closed her eyes in weakness. - -"Try to sleep dear," Walter said. - -In silence they watched her sink into a quiet, restful slumber. - -George carefully listened to her heart--then he walked towards the door -and beckoned the others to follow. - -When they were outside the room, he said to them: - -"She remembers nothing of the cause of her prostration. I have had -cases where they do not recall it for weeks. We must not allude to -it in any manner. There certainly is great hope now. Her heart is -stronger--and no stimulants! Assuredly your prayers have been answered!" - -"To God be the glory!" exclaimed one of the elders fervently. - -George looked at his shining countenance with a puzzled admiration. - -"And do you really believe, that had you two not administered to Mrs. -Cadman, her condition would have remained unchanged?" - -"That is not for me to say," he answered gravely. - -"Well, to put it differently, how can your prayers change the course of -nature?" - -"It is not given to us to know God's methods," returned the elder -promptly. "He is the creator of all--does he not, therefore, control -his own? It is simply our part to obey. Christ's commands are simple, -unquestionable. His is the power and the glory that we but reflect!" - -From this man's speaking with the tone of authority, George turned to -Betty. Her expressive countenance glowed with enthusiasm. - -"Your arguments are good,--and your faith is enviable," said George, -impressed. - -The next few days Alma steadily improved. But Betty did not leave her -until she was almost herself. By that time, Harold was wheeled into her -room daily. - -There they talked and read of the Hudson-Fulton celebration, and the -hours passed quickly for the active boy. - -It was Sunday when Betty at last returned home. Everyone of the little -group greeted her warmly. - -In her room, she found a beautiful bunch of American Beauties--the card -attached was Edgeway's. - -A knock at the door seemed to answer her thought,--for, with a pleasant -"Come in," Edgeway entered. - -"Is this evening mine?" he asked smiling. - -"O yes! Will you take me out for a nice long walk? I would appreciate -the fresh evening air immensely." - -"And my company, too," he said laughing. - -"Of course," she returned brightly. - -After tea, at which time her friends were unusually lively and -talkative, she left the house with Edgeway. She did not feel in harmony -with the eager crowds and gay brilliancy of the illuminated city, but -she felt anxious to please him, so she put all thoughts of George and -Alma temporarily from her. - -Edgeway was in one of his gayest moods. - -"This is great!" he exclaimed as they started. "To really, really feel -the realism of your presence!" - -She looked up at him smiling. In these moods, he seemed to her, like a -big, happy boy. - -"I'm glad such a little makes you joyous," she returned. - -"Such a little! Perhaps if you knew the immensity of my pleasure, you -would not regard it so lightly," he said gaily. - -It seemed to Betty, he could hardly contain his exuberance of spirits. -Talking rapidly, remarking every detail of the illuminations and the -crowd, he completely engrossed her attention, and she was surprised at -her own enjoyment of the evening. - -They returned about eleven o'clock, and not until they were nearing -home, did Edgeway cease to be lively. - -For several minutes he did not speak, and she looked up into his face, -to discover a gloom gathering in his eyes. - -"What troubles you?" she asked, kindly. - -"All good things have an end," he returned with a sigh. "This evening -seemed quite long when it began,--but it's gone already," he added -crossly. - -"What a spoiled boy you are," she said laughing, amused at his erratic -moods. "There is always another beginning, you know. I will go again, -and again, and again!" - -"Will you?" he asked eagerly, and the sunny smile came back. - -*********** - -Monday morning, Betty resumed her regular school work. On her return in -the evening, a special delivery awaited her. - -She knew George's hand-writing, and opened it quickly. - - "Dear Betty, - - "I have determined suddenly to take Alma and Harold away for a - change. Will start tomorrow morning early. We may be gone a long - time, so try to call tonight. We wish to bid you 'good-bye.' - - "Yours in haste, - - "George." - -With an odd mixture of feelings, Betty went to Alma's home. - -She found her anxiously awaiting Betty. - -"I was so afraid you might miss our letter, dear," she said. "I -couldn't be happy in going, without saying 'Good-bye' to you." - -"Are you going for long, then?" Betty asked, feeling a sudden -lonesomeness coming over her. - -"I don't know. The truth is, Betty, I am nearly strong, but I find -myself so continually lost in a painful effort at thinking,--I'm trying -to remember something--I don't know what,--but it worries me, until I -almost cry with disappointment. George says it is my nerves, and if he -does not take me away directly, he fears I will be ill again." - -Betty took her hands lovingly. - -"Perhaps it is best. Dr. Cadman always knows best," she said with -a slight flush. "You must write to me often, dear, and let me know -directly you return." - -That night George took Betty home. When they reached the door, he said, - -"I will not come in, for I have much to prepare for the trip." - -"I hope it will benefit you all," returned Betty, suddenly realizing -that their going was a new trial to her. - -"I expect great things to happen before I see you again," he said -earnestly, "It would not be honorable for me to even mention my plans, -but"--he stopped abruptly, and held out his hand "Good-bye," he said, -gravely. - -"Good-bye," she said, trembling. - -He held her hand for a moment; then, dropping it slowly, he reached -over and rang the bell. - -Quickly the door was opened by Edgeway. - -George, raising his hat, walked rapidly away. - -"I have been waiting for you," said Edgeway, smiling down at her. - -She looked up at him with sudden pity. - -"He seems always lonesome for me," she thought, "and now I am lonesome, -too." - -Then she said impulsively, "The rest of this week is yours." - -"Thank you," he said warmly, and his eyes shone with a fervor that -suddenly brought a question to her mind. - - - -CHAPTER XXII. - -To Save a Soul. - -"Reaction follows all exceptional enthusiasm,--even be it of a -religious nature. We may try to plead an exception in religion, but we -deceive ourselves, if we do. - -"The time following a great spiritual effort, is the hardest to meet. -If we conquer ourselves, we rise to loftier planes. If we fail, we are -worse off than before the exaltation. There is a proverb, "Success is -built on failure." True, but the reverse also holds good. "Failure is -built upon success." The idea of one grand moment of conversion when -the soul of man is roused to great things, never to become earthly -again, is at best an idle dream. The ladder to perfection must be -climbed slowly and with care. The rounds of that ladder are marked -either "Success" or "Failure." Often our feet are resting surely upon -the one, when we go to step higher, and we feel the painful contact -with the other." - -Betty laid down the tract which she had been reading, and arose from -her chair with a deep sigh. - -She had been resting a few moments, before dressing to go out with -Edgeway. - -George and Alma had been gone just five days, and in that time, she -had come to realize that the past late experiences with George had not -only re-awakened her love, but, if possible, made it stronger and more -unconquerable. - -She had kept her promise and had gone out every evening with Edgeway. -He had been more than grateful, but she began to see that his -attentions were more than friendly ones. - -How dull she had been, to remain blind to the fact! She blamed herself -greatly. - -"Poor Edgeway!" she said, taking up one of his roses, and fastening -it on her dress. "You are suffering for a hopeless love, and--I also. -George is so fond of Alma--poor Alma--she needs all the love possible, -if she remembers the cause of her shock. Probably George will make it -appear to her like a dream. Will Lambert will vanish again, and she -will never know the real tragedy of her life." - -She began to dress her hair slowly. - -"Perhaps," she thought on, "if I think of others, I will forget myself. -I thought I had conquered selfishness, but it seems not." - -That evening Edgeway was quiet, and possessed none of the animation of -previous evenings. - -They witnessed the grand display of fireworks with slightly aroused -enthusiasm, but it subsided instantly when the excitement was over. - -"Miss Emmit, this is the last night of the celebration we will enjoy -together. Won't you favor me by prolonging it with a little supper?" - -She acquiesced, and they were soon seated in a private room, as far -apart from the world, in this big hotel, as if they were at the north -pole. - -The subdued, red glow of the candelabra, and the distant strains of the -orchestra, were restful after the glare and noise of the streets. - -"I suppose," said Edgeway gravely, "that from now on, your mind will be -only upon your art." - -"I hope so," she returned earnestly. "I find myself strangely -unbalanced in my thoughts, when I lose the thread of my life." - -"Suppose there was one person, who needed to be saved from absolute -uselessness, and you were the only one who could influence him. Would -you try very hard?" - -"What a question! Of course I would!" she returned earnestly. - -"How much would you sacrifice for one soul?" - -"Almost anything." - -He looked into her fair, pure face, and his own flushed hotly. - -"I believe you would," he said eagerly. "But I feel almost ashamed to -acquaint you with such a one. You would sacrifice too much." - -"Tell me of any one I can help," she returned. "I especially need to -think of others, now." - -At that moment the supper was served. - -"Eat," said Edgeway, "I will talk of him later." - -Edgeway ate little, but regarded Betty with a wistful despondency. - -She felt his mood and tried to brighten him with light comments on the -evening's display. - -At last they finished, and Betty looked at him with a grave smile. - -"You must not forget to tell me who needs me so much." - -"Miss Emmit, it is none other than poor, unfortunate I." - -Betty colored crimson. There was no mistaking his words, and the look -that accompanied them. - -"Yes," he continued, "without you, my life will be a useless hollow -affair. With you, I believe it would be worth while. Your very presence -exalts me to better things. O, could you,--could you stoop to poor -insignificant me?" - -His humility was genuine, and Betty beheld the absolute prostration of -a man's heart at her feet. - -She gazed at him with a look of great sorrow. - -"Oh, have I led you to this?" she asked gently. "I shall never forgive -myself to have let you so misunderstand me!" she exclaimed in sudden -self blame. - -"Misunderstand you?" he said, and there was a slight bitterness in -his tone. "I would not dream that _you_ could love _me_! I only ask -permission to love _you_!" he declared passionately. "You--my salvation -from life's pitiful 'Nothingness!'" - -She regarded him with pity and surprise. - -"You ask no love from me in return?" she asked tremulously. - -"None!" he pleaded, "Perhaps some day my devotion may give it birth, -but I shall expect nothing! Don't, don't refuse me, or--I'm a lost -soul! I possess no strength in myself. I know it. I have lived to learn -my cradle's curse. But I have the power of loving--poor dog-like trait! -You could strike me now, and I would still turn to lick your hand!" - -His wild devotion made her tremble. Did she indeed hold this man's soul -in her hands? Was he really weak and helpless without her? Perhaps God -had sent him to her for her care to save. - -She was confused, almost tortured with her thoughts. - -"Ask me no answer tonight," she said trembling. "I must think -and--pray." - -"You do not scorn me, then?" he asked with a great joy lighting his -eyes. - -"Scorn you? It will be my happiness to arouse you to a real sense of -your worth!" - -*********** - -One month later, Betty announced her engagement to Frank Edgeway. - -She had thought and prayed over it, and he had not ceased his -persuasions. It did not seem quite natural to be contemplating marriage -with another, when her heart's idol was surely George. But George -belonged to another, and the hopelessness of her own love, gave her -greater sympathy for Edgeway. - -"Frank, sometimes I think you love me too much," said Betty, "are you -sure that you will not be disappointed in my poor return?" - -"Disappointed? O, if you only know what you have done for me. I -thought it impossible to ever be really content. I hardly know myself. -The world is a very different affair with my Betty. My Betty!--How -strangely beautiful those words sound! Just to repeat them over and -over again gives me untold joy!" - -She looked into his adoring eyes, and felt a certain delight in the -thought of his satisfied longings. She smiled at him happily. - -"To make one heart so perfectly transformed with happiness is indeed a -privilege," she said, running her hand through his abundance of hair -with almost a maternal caress. - -Another month passed happily, and Edgeway seemed indeed transformed. -He needed no gay mask to cover his cynicism now--it had all entire -vanished. - -Suffused with the light from Betty's radiant nature, he suddenly -developed all his latent aspirations. They read and talked together, -and he felt her spirit touch all things. - -Sometimes he asked himself if this dream could possibly last. Would -Betty be satisfied always? Then his complete happiness would chase away -the doubt. - -One night when she and Edgeway were alone together, the post brought a -letter from Alma. - -"Ah," she said delighted, "I have wondered why she did not write?" - -She opened it quickly and was surprised to find only a note. - -"Dearest Betty:--George returns alone tomorrow. You may expect to see -him very soon. He will tell you all--I dare not trust myself to write -now. We are all well and oh! So happy! My darling girl, my heart's best -to you. - -"Devotedly, - -"Alma." - -Betty handed the letter to Edgeway in astonishment. - -"Is that not a strange note? What could have happened?" - -Edgeway read, and re-read thoughtfully. Then he handed it back saying, - -"Something unusual, surely. Maybe Dr. Cadman has had their marriage -annulled, and your friend is reunited with her first husband. That Dr. -Cadman has brains enough to engineer a case like that successfully." - -"You think it possible?" she asked in an awed voice. - -He took her hands and pressed them hard. - -"Does it concern you, if he did?" he asked quickly, his eyes compelling -hers with sudden fear. - -"I'm not sure that it would be best," she answered evasively, and he -read in her eyes a shrinking from his scrutiny of her. - -Turning the conversation, he talked of their future life together, but -the light had died from his eyes, and Betty noticed the effort of all -his remarks. - -That night and the next day, she never ceased to think of Alma's note, -and Frank's surmise. - -"Yes, all things are possible of George. Perhaps even"--then she -stifled the thought. A sudden misery that seemed unbearable, demanded -all her strength to overcome. She was bound in honor to Edgeway. How -dared she even run her fancy so far! - -In the evening she was dressing to go out again with Frank, when the -maid announced Dr. Cadman. - -Trembling, she grasped the chair. With effort she finished her toilet, -almost too dazed to think. A vague fear possessed her. - -"I am weak," she said hopelessly. "O God, give me strength!" - -Her prayer was answered. She found herself descending to the parlor -with an outward calm covering her inner pain. - -Dr. Cadman stood awaiting her. - -As she entered, he took her outstretched hand. - -"A long time away, Betty," he said, holding it fast, "but a short time -considering all that has been accomplished. Alma wished me to come and -tell you everything." - -"Yes?" she asked in a low tone. "You must tell me all about it. How is -our dear Alma?" - -She sat down as she spoke, and he drew a chair near to hers. - -"Our Alma is well and ever so happy! Can you possibly realize it when I -tell you she is re-united with Will!" - -Betty caught her breath and looked at him fearfully. - -"You are not glad for her?" he asked in surprise. - -"Yes, but--" she could not say anymore, but gazed at him piteously. - -"You are not glad, Betty?" - -Neither saw Edgeway at the door. George's back was to him, and Edgeway -saw Betty's eyes looking at George with infinite longing. - -Edgeway turned, and slowly and thoughtfully went to his room. - -"Yes, I am very glad," said Betty. - -"You don't look it," he said gently. "Tell me girlie, what troubles -you?" - -She smiled up at him bravely. - -"I have good news, too, not bad. I'm engaged to be married." - -"You? Why, who is the lucky man?" - -"Mr. Edgeway." - -"Well, my dear girl, I do wish you all the happiness in the world. You -are sure you are happy, though?" he asked in deep concern. - -Betty dropped her eyes in confusion. - -At that moment, Mr. Mellor and the ladies entered the parlor, so -Betty and George were no more alone. He did not stay long. As he said -goodbye, he added, "Betty, you are hiding something from me. I must -know what. I have to return to Chicago to arrange some details. When I -come back, I shall call again." - -And so he left her, standing pale, but determined--determined to be -true to Edgeway and save a soul. - - - -CHAPTER XXIII. - -"'Tis better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all." - -"Has Mr. Edgeway gone away for long?" asked Mr. Mellor of Betty. - -"He did not say for how long," returned Betty. "He said he was called -away very suddenly, and would write me as soon as he reached his -destination, and tell me particulars. I am expecting a letter tonight -surely--it is two days now since he went." - -Betty's mind dwelt little with Frank. She wondered slightly what could -have called him away, but she was rather relieved at his absence. Her -thoughts of George were so intense, and her conflicting emotions so -difficult to contend with, that she feared she might betray her secret -to Frank, who seemed ever watching her every word and look. Sometimes -she almost believed he held some suspicion of her trial. She was -determined to be true to him, and make him the man he was capable of -becoming. - -Her sacrifice was great, and as yet, the days were too young, for her -to feel much joy in her resolve. She seemed groping in the dark, sure -that the course she had taken was right, but seeing no light ahead. But -she knew that the day would come, when she would enjoy the happiness of -right doing. - -When Frank had said goodbye, he had been unusually calm and gentle. His -wild love for her seemed subdued. She felt its power, more than that of -his usual passionate adoration. His last words came to her with sudden -force: - -"Betty, you have taught me how to live. What greater thing could a man -ask from the woman he loves?" - -A letter awaited her as she surmised. When she went to her room, with a -new interest she turned to the letter before dressing for supper. - -"I must be more interested in you, dear boy," she thought rather -regretfully, "I hope I can learn to give you more and more." - -She opened and read: - -"My own beautiful good one:--This is the last time I may write 'My -Own.' Yes, dearest Betty, you are too beautiful and good to be -sacrificed upon the altar of one man's selfishness!" - -"From this day I shall glory in your freedom. Yes, poor, selfish me has -suddenly found out the joy of forgetting self,--a strange, new joy, -emanating from your own lovely self! - -"At first I was mad with the joy of loving you. But the mad joy wore -itself out. Then I beheld my loved one, fair and pure, dragging through -life a bleeding heart! - -"The vision never left me, night or day. It tortured me and I knew no -rest, even in your sweet presence. - -"Then, the fire of a greater love kindled in my heart. I desired to -see you glowing with perfect happiness. This desire grew stronger and -stronger until it evolved a way by which it could be satisfied. That -way has been accomplished. I am far, far away from the dearest girl on -God's fair earth. She will never see me again, but the vision of her -shall be the inspiration of my life! - -"Soon you will forget the man to whom you have given new life and -strength to bear all things. - -"Your Frank." - -Betty laid the letter down with a sense of relief at her release. Then -a sudden pity for Frank brought a mist to her eyes. But she seemed to -hear him say again, - -"You have taught me how to live--what more could a man ask from the -woman he loves?" - -The words comforted her, she had not harmed him, then, - -"God keep him strong and good!" she said fervently. - -Slowly and thoughtfully she dressed. Then she noticed another letter -which she had not seen before. It was from Ephraim. With great anxiety -she read, that her mother was very ill, and she must come home directly. - -So Betty's mind instantly planned for her sudden departure for the West -and once more, her own trials were forgotten in thinking of others. - -*********** - - - -CHAPTER XXIV. - -Unalloyed Love. - -In a small, modest apartment in a section of Chicago, which is -inexpensive but respectable, Alma began her new life with Will and -Harold. - -This afternoon she was alone for the first time. Will had taken Harold -out to see more of the great city, while she was busy preparing for -George's return from New York. - -He had left them just two weeks ago, promising to return and visit them -for a few days. - -Alma prepared supper with a happy heart. She had refused all -persuasions to keep a maid. Her strength had returned, and she was so -supremely happy that no work seemed an effort to her, and she gloried -now in taking a really active part in the world and helping Will to -rise again from the lower rounds of the ladder. - -It was nearing six o'clock, and Alma looked the daintily set table -over, with a glow of pride and satisfaction. - -"I never thought it could be such a pleasure for a woman to prepare -things herself. It's almost like playing house." She laughed softly. -"Riches after all, are not everything." - -She went to the window, and drew aside the curtain to look out. There -was no sign of her loved ones yet. They were going to meet George. -Maybe the train was late. So she sat down to wait. But she did not -rest long. It seemed impossible for her not to keep busy with some -preparation. - -Could this be Alma? Pleasure-loving, indolent Alma of the past? No! -This was the Alma of later years,--strong, eager, loving, beginning a -new life upon the ashes of heart-aches past! - -It was long past six, when Harold and Will returned alone. George had -not arrived on the train expected. - -"Never mind," said Alma, "We three will have our cozy little supper -together. When George comes, I can prepare something, too." - -Will's arms encircled her as they went to the table. Fondly he looked -down into Alma's happy face. - -"I can't get used to this wonderful life," he said gently. - -"Nor I," she replied with an answering smile. "I sometimes pinch myself -to wake up." - -Will's face was somewhat lined and he was partly gray. Otherwise, he -was the same Will with the kind, dark, deep-set eyes. - -Harold ate his supper hurriedly. - -"I'm going to the depot, again, to meet Cousin George," he explained. - -"Very well," said Alma, but don't stay too late." - -With a boy's caress for both parents he was gone. - -Alma and Will together cleared away the supper. - -When they had finished, they retired to the sitting-room. Will seated -himself in a big arm-chair, and gently pulled Alma down upon his knee, -in the same old, loving manner. - -She nestled up to him, and, resting her head upon his breast, she -looked up into his face in quiet rapture. - -His eyes looked down at her with the gaze of a hungry soul, not yet -satisfied. - -"I cannot bear to be away from you one hour, dearest," he said. "I am -always fearing something will snatch you from my arms again. We are not -out of the woods yet." - -"How foolish, Will," she said, smiling brightly, "You must trust -George. He can do anything, you know." - -"George! What a friend! I wonder you did not completely forget your -Will, when by his side!" - -She sighed gently at the thought of those days. - -"Ah, Will! There was never a day, when I did not go alone to the -library, to sit before your picture, and gaze into your loving eyes. -George is great and good, but Will is the one love of my life!" - -She pressed her soft cheek against his, and thus they sat, too filled -with ecstasy to speak. - -Suddenly his eyes became troubled, and a mist gathered in them. - -"Dearest, how can you ever forgive me for causing you so much -suffering?" he asked brokenly. - -"How can you ever forgive me?" she replied. - -"Sh! You must not say that!" he returned, sealing her lips with a kiss. - -Just then Harold's quick ring of the bell was heard. - -"George, too, or he would not be so soon back," exclaimed Will. - -She arose, and opening the door, hand in hand they waited for George -and Harold to ascend the stairs. - -"I've got him," said Harold delightedly, as Will and Alma each grasped -the hand that George extended to them. - -"O, George, we were so afraid something might keep you away," said -Alma, and as they ushered him in, she slipped away to the little -kitchen, where the kettle seemed always to sing to her, "Home, sweet -home." - -Quickly she poured a cup of chocolate, and setting it on a dainty tray, -she placed with it the cream, sugar and muffins, temptingly. This she -took in to George. - -He took it and looked from one to the other with a bright sympathy. - -"I made these muffins myself," said Alma, laughing. - -"Yes, and you ought to have seen Mus," said Harold, "She read the cook -book about a dozen times, and then made three tins of muffins before -they came out fluffy like. They're bully, though!" - -When the tray was taken away, and Alma once more rejoined them, George -said happily, - -"I have only good news for you all. Everything is settled -satisfactorily. Will, nothing will ever be brought up against you in -any way. The bank officials sent their good wishes, and hope for your -future success. I've also got a letter of introduction for you to -present to a big firm here, which promises to give you a fair start in -this city, where your name can be made anew." - -He drew the letter from his pocket and handed it to Will. - -Taking it, Will grasped George's hand in silence. He was too overcome -for words. - -Alma's eyes filled with happy tears. - -"O, I knew you could do anything!" she exclaimed gratefully. - -Harold looked on with a big lump gathering in his throat. With an -effort he cleared it away; then he went over to George with a glowing -face. Laying one hand on his shoulder, he said with boyish fervor, - -"You always were a brick, Cousin George!" - -He turned to the boy and looked at him with a shade of regret, "You -won't forget me, little man?" he asked tenderly. - -"Forget you?" returned the boy, "Never!" And taking one hand of Will's -and one of George's he looked frankly from one to the other. - -"It's 'nick and tuck' between you and father!!" he declared earnestly. - -Both men looked at each other understandingly. - -"It must always be so, Harold," said Will gravely. - -Later in the evening, when Harold had retired, Alma asked: - -"Did you find Betty well and happy?" - -"Yes, and she is engaged to Mr. Edgeway." - -"I'm not surprised," answered Alma. "I do hope that he is good enough -for her." - -"He seems a good sort," answered George thoughtfully, "But I think -Betty could have done better. She is an exceptionally fine little -woman. By the way, are there any letters for me here? I gave this for -my address. - -"Yes, one--and it looks like Betty's handwriting, but I am not sure." - -George opened it and read aloud. - -"Dear Dr. Cadman:--You will be very much surprised to know that I am -going to Ephraim. Mother is very ill, and has sent for me. If I did -not have to hasten home, I would stop over in Chicago to say goodbye -to Alma and you, but I cannot see you until I return to New York to -complete my studies--which may not be for a long time. - -"My engagement to Mr. Edgeway has been broken. - -"Give my love to Alma and Harold. I hope to hear from you all. - -"Praying that God will bless each one of you, - -"I am, your Ephraim friend, - -"Betty Emmit." - -"A short lived engagement!" exclaimed Alma. - -"I am not sorry," returned George. "I felt worried over her. She didn't -seem happy." - -There was a moment's silence, then Alma said kindly, - -"George, you don't look well. What are you going to do now?" - -"I'm only tired out, Alma. I think that I will take a trip to somewhere -for a good rest--away from New York and excitement for a time. I almost -feel like making a hermit of myself for a while." - -"Why not visit Ephraim?" asked Alma, "The change of climate and quiet -would do you good, and you couldn't be lonesome with Betty there." - -"That's a first class idea, Alma, I'll surprise Betty. I think her -company would be a splendid antidote for my unsettled mood. At all -times, she's a comfort, isn't she?" - -Alma looked at him keenly. - -"George, did it ever occur to you how fond you are of Betty?" - -"Why, of course," he replied promptly, "I've always loved the child, -since I first met her, a small, eager youngster, ready to do big -things." - -"But she is not a child now, George, she is a woman, and--free." - -George looked his surprise, then laughed. - -"Why, Alma, are you trying to marry me off already? How Betty would -laugh!" Then he became serious. "You know Edith was my love, and always -will be." - -"Yes, George, but you can be true to Edith, and yet love another!" - -"Is that a 'Mormon' idea?" he asked with a grave smile. "I never could -forget Edith, so you see I'm doomed to be a bachelor. However, Ephraim -is just the place for me now, and I'll come back in a month, my old -self." - -*********** - -It was a beautiful clear autumn day! One must visit the Rocky Mountain -regions at this time of year to fully appreciate what that means in -Ephraim. No place on God's earth, has a clearer atmosphere, a bluer -sky, or a more beautiful combination of color effects in trees and -mountains, to gladden the artistic mind. - -Betty stood on the broad piazza of her home, and took in a deep breath -of the keen and refreshing air. - -She was rather tired after a long siege of nursing her mother, Mrs. -Emmit was at last out of danger, and convalescing. Betty was now going -to leave her for the first time--to go to the Manti Temple and fulfil -her promise to be baptized for Edith. - -She was very pale, but a calm joy was reflected on her countenance as -she contemplated this act for her departed friend. - -"Dear Edith," she thought, "I feel you very near to me today." With a -thrill of happiness she went down the steps and entered her car. She -was entirely alone, and drove her car slowly, while thinking of her -past, wonderful experiences. - -"How calm and serene Ephraim is after all the excitement of my last -three years!" she thought. "I wonder if I'll ever see Alma again--and -George." - -A shade of sadness passed over her face. The very thought of him was -painful yet. But time would doubtless make her love a thing of the -past. She must have patience. But, try as she would, George occupied -her thoughts until she reached the temple. Every scene with him was -quickly rehearsed, and with each, came a sharp pang of regret for the -inevitable. - -But on entering the holy temple, peace came to her, and as she came out -of the waters of baptism, that great happiness that comes to all who do -vicarious work, lifted her far beyond her troubled thoughts, and her -ride home was a quiet restful one. - -All Nature seemed to sing of God's coming peace on earth, and Betty's -heart was attuned to the harmony of the Invisible. - -When she arrived home, she sought her room for a little rest. When she -lay down, she found herself unable to sleep, but she closed her eyes to -relax. - -Hardly had she done this, when she felt a presence in her room. -She opened her eyes--was she dreaming? No,--by her mantle, stood -Edith,--Edith, more gloriously beautiful than ever before,--with the -same fond expression in her violet eyes, as she looked upon Betty. - -"Edith!" exclaimed Betty, sitting up in trembling delight. - -Edith raised her hand as if for silence--then she smiled with gratitude -for Betty's promise kept. - -Betty stretched out her arms, but Edith slowly shook her head,--still -smiling, she pointed to her own picture on the mantle, and then to -George's. - -"You will?" she whispered softly. - -"I don't understand," answered Betty gently. - -"You will, dear," came the reply, and before Betty could again speak, -Edith vanished from her sight. - -It was the first vision Betty had ever had, and for awhile she -lay trembling and weak. Finally she grew calm, but knowing it was -impossible to rest, she arose and went downstairs to her mother. - -"Betty, dear," Mrs. Emmit said, brightly, "Your father just brought you -a letter from Chicago." - -With a sudden, almost painful joy, she recognized Dr. Cadman's -handwriting. Opening the letter, she read aloud. - -"Dear Betty: I am wondering if your folks could take in a tired -Easterner for a month? I'm just longing for the hills of Ephraim and -the wonderful rest that only your peaceful home could give me in my -present state of mind. - -"Will tell you all when I see you. If I would inconvenience any of you, -don't hesitate to say so. - -"Kindest regards to all, your old friend, - -"George Cadman." - -Betty's heart beat with such wild delight, she could scarcely finish -reading the letter. - -"Of course he shall come!" declared Mrs. Emmit, happily. "And we'll -show him how we appreciate his kindness to you on your mission. Answer -him right now, child--don't lose any time to tell him he is more than -welcome." - -*********** - -"And so, Betty, now I have told you my life's story," concluded George -seriously, looking out upon the glorious view of the mountains from the -little knoll where he and Betty sat. This was their favorite resting -place, a few miles from town, to which they were accustomed to walk -every evening at sun down. - -Betty did not answer. She was trying to adjust herself to the -revelations. So it was Edith he had loved after all--not Alma! - -"And," continued George, breaking the silence, "I'll surprise you when -I tell you--I want to be baptized." - -Betty turned to him in delight. "You mean it? O! I am so thankful!" - -He looked at her tenderly. "Yes, I mean it. I had to suffer to really -appreciate religion. And when it comes to choosing one, I don't have -to compare long, what you offer me and what the world has to offer. -And Betty,--I've awakened to another truth that I have been blind to -before." - -"What truth?" asked Betty. - -"The fact that I love you, little woman, and want you to be my wife." - -Betty looked at him first, with unfeigned joy,--then drew away and -regarded him with speechless wonder. - -"Couldn't you love me, little one?" he asked, taking her hands -tenderly, and trying to draw her to him. - -She held him off. - -"But--Edith--you just told me--you love her as always!" - -"I do," returned George smiling. "But I love you none the less. I can't -quite understand it, myself." - -"But I do," returned Betty suddenly. "Now, I understand why dear Edith -came to me,--the vision I told you of--she wishes to be sealed to you, -George, for all eternity!" - -"And you?" asked George, incredulously. - -"Will do the temple work," returned Betty, smiling happily. - -For a moment, George regarded her glowing countenance with reverence. -Then he said earnestly, - -"Is it possible you could do this without jealousy?" - -"Perfect love knows no jealousy, George," she said gravely. "I want my -love for you to be perfect." - -Tenderly, George took her in his arms. - -"And may I be worthy of such Perfection!" he replied, his whole being -suffused with the happiness of Unalloyed Love! - -THE END. - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Great Experience, by Julia Farr - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GREAT EXPERIENCE *** - -***** This file should be named 51714.txt or 51714.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/1/7/1/51714/ - -Produced by the Mormon Texts Project -(http://mormontextsproject.org/), with thanks to McKayla -Hansen and Rachel Helps for proofreading. - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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