r as usual in his arms, and she clung to him closer than she
had ever done before.

"Chester," she said, "I can't yet _feel_ that there is any difference in
our relationship. You are yet my lover, are you not?"

"Yes, Lucy; and you are my sweetheart. Somehow, I am not condemned when
I say it. What can it be--"

"Something that whispers peace to our hearts."

"The Comforter, Lucy, the Comforter from the Lord."

CHAPTER XVII.

The delay in getting back to Kildare Villa was making Uncle Gilbert
nervous. In his own mind, he blamed Chester Lawrence for being the cause
of much of the present trouble, though in what way he could not clearly
tell. The young man's presence disturbed the usual placid life of the
minister. Why such a disturber should be so welcomed into the family,
the brother could not understand. Perhaps this new-fangled religion
called "Mormonism" was at the root of all the trouble.

In his confusion, Uncle Gilbert determined on a very foolish thing: he
would get his brother and Lucy away with him to Ireland, leaving Chester
behind, for at least a few days. Of course, a young fellow in love as
deeply as Chester seemed to be, would follow up and find them again, but
there would be a respite for a time. With this idea in mind, Uncle
Gilbert, the very next day, found Chester at his lodgings; and
apparently taking him into his confidence, told him of his plan. Chester
was willing to do anything that Uncle Gilbert and "the others" thought
would be for the best. Chester was made to understand that "the others"
agreed to the plan, and although the thought sent a keen pang through
the young man's heart, he did not demur.

It must also be admitted that Uncle Gilbert was not quite honest with
Lucy, for when he proposed to her to get her father to Ireland as soon
as possible, she understood that Chester was lawfully detained, but
would meet them perhaps in Liverpool. Though she, too, felt keenly the
parting, yet she mistrusted no one.

So it came about that Lucy and her father were hurried to the station
early next morning to catch a train for Liverpool. The minister was
physically strong enough to stand the journey, but he mutely questioned
the reason for this hasty move. Chester had absented himself all the
previous day, and he did not even see them off at the station. Lucy
could not keep back the tears, though she tried to hide them as she
tucked her father comfortably about with cushions in the first