eady to take all
the household to meeting.
"Are we all ready?" he asked as he came into the house.
"Just about," replied his wife who was putting the finishing touches to
the baby's bonnet. "Here, hold him." She placed the baby in Glen's arms.
The father somewhat awkwardly tossed him up and down.
"Now be careful," admonished the mother, "don't muss his clothes up like
that. Today is his first public appearance, you know."
"Your coming out, eh?" he asked of the baby. "Well, we'll have to be
good, won't we."
This was in the front room. Thomas Strong sat, hat in hand, ready, while
he smiled at the bear-like antics of the happy father with his first
baby. Then when the mother came in with hat on, the old man arose
slowly, went to the organ and looked at a photograph of Chester
Lawrence, which had recently been framed and now held the place of honor
on the organ. The Bishop, seeing the movement, lifted the baby to the
picture.
"I believe there _is_ a resemblance," he remarked. The old man only
smiled.
Hugh Elston now drove up to the door. The young mother climbed into the
front seat, and then was given the baby. Grandpa Elston took a back seat
by Thomas Strong, while the Bishop sat by his wife to drive. Then they
were off.
"Did I tell you," said Mr. Strong to his companion, "that I got a letter
from my brother last evening?"
"No; you did not."
"Well, he's been recently to London and visiting with Elder Malby. It
seems he can't keep away from that man, and I must say Elder Malby is a
wonder. Such a spirit he has with him--"
"The missionary spirit, Brother Strong--the spirit of the Lord."
"Yes, yes," mused the man--"strange--and he but a hard-working farmer--I
wouldn't be surprised if Brother Gilbert came to America and out west
here. He intimated as much in his letter. Poor brother, he also has
suffered."
"If he comes, give him our invitation to visit with us."
"Thank you, that I shall."
"Perhaps he will accompany Elder Malby when he is released."
"Invite them both," said the other. "We shall all like to see them very
much."
There was a brief silence, as the horses trotted along. Thomas Strong's
gaze roved across the Flat to the mountains, then rested again on his
companion. Presently, he said:
"Brother Elston, the other day you were speaking of vicarious work for
the dead, 'temple work' you called it. I understand the doctrine of
baptism for the dead, but some other things are not q
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