of it. But Julia helped. She was a living
example of what 'Mormonism' can do for a person, and when I looked at
her, learned her thoughts through her words, and saw her life by her
every-day deeds, I said to myself, 'A system of religion that produces
such a soul, cannot be bad.' Yes; she was a wonderful help; but I repeat
that had the truth come to me by other means and other ways, I believe I
should have accepted it."

"Forgive me for the thoughtless remark," said Elder Malby.

"O, I know how justifiable you are for it, so you are forgiven."

"Did you join the Church in Utah?"

"No; I went back to Chicago. Away from Utah, from Piney Ridge Cottage
and its influence. I pondered and prayed. I found the elders there and
was baptized. Then I went to Salt Lake City, where Julia had gone to
attend school while her father was away on a mission to England."
Chester paused, looking out on the sea. "You don't blame me for falling
in love with Julia, do you?" asked he.

"I don't blame you a bit."

"But there was someone else, a young fellow who had grown up as a
neighbor to her. He also went on a mission, and then I believe Julia
discovered that she thought more of Glen Curtis than of me. I do not now
blame Julia for that. She told me plainly her feelings. I persisted for
a time, but in vain--then I went away, and have never been to Utah
since."

"And that's the end of your story?"

"Oh, no; while I was roaming aimlessly about the country trying to mend
a broken heart, mother, becoming uneasy about me, and thinking I was yet
in Utah, journeyed out west to find me. The team on the stage-coach
which took her out to Julia's home, ran away from the drunken driver,
and just before they got to Piney Ridge Cottage the wagon upset on a
dug-way, and mother was mortally hurt. She died under Julia's care, and
now lies in Mr. Elston's private graveyard near Piney Ridge Cottage
beside Mr. Elston's other wife. Let us walk a little."

The older man linked his arm into Chester's as they paced the long reach
of the promenade deck. They walked for a few minutes, then sat down
again.

"I hope you'll not think I'm a bore, to continue my personal history;
but there is something in here," said Chester, striking his breast,
"that finds relief in expression to one who understands."

"Go on; tell me all."

"Do you know, I was tempted to 'chuck it all' after I had failed with
Julia. I even went so far as to play devilishly near to sin, but