ng that in the life beyond we would go on and bring that love to a
perfect consummation."

The minister looked closely again at the young man. Then, giving voice
to his thoughts, asked: "Have you studied for the ministry? Are you now
a 'Mormon' missionary?"

"I am not an authorized 'Mormon' missionary. My studying has been no
more than is expected of every 'Mormon.' Every member of our Church is
supposed to be able to give a reason for the hope that is within
him,--and I think I can do that."

"Do you live in Utah?"

"No, sir; my home is in Chicago."

"Chicago!--well, I--are there 'Mormons' in Chicago?"

"A few, as I suppose there are a few in Kansas City. I joined the
'Mormon' Church in Chicago, but I was converted in Utah."

"You have been to Utah, then?"

"O, yes; I spent some time there and got very well acquainted with the
people; and they are a good people, I tell you, sir. I know--"

"Yes, well, Mr.----, Lucy did tell me your name, but I have forgotten
it."

"My name is Lawrence--Chester Lawrence."

The minister had arisen as if about to go, but he now sat down again.
Chester did not understand the strange twitching of the minister's lips
or the pallor of his face. What had he said or done to agitate the man
so much?

"Chester Lawrence!" repeated Mr. Strong under his breath.

"You have never met me before, have you? Perhaps--"

"No; I have never met you before. No, no; of course not. There was just
something come over me. I'm not very well, and I suppose I--"

He stopped, as if he lacked words.

"May I get you anything, a drink of water?" suggested Chester.

"No, no; it was nothing. Sit down again"--for Chester also had
arisen--"and tell me some more about yourself. I am interested."

"Well, my life has been very uneventful, and yet in a way, I have lived.
As a boy in Chicago, I suppose, my young days passed as others; but it
was when I went out west and met the 'Mormons' that things happened to
me."

"Yes, yes."

"I don't mean that I had any adventures or narrow escapes in a physical
way. I lived in the mountains as a miner for a time, but there are no
wild animals or Indians there now, so my adventures were those of the
spirit, if I may use that expression,--and of the heart. Isn't that your
daughter coming this way?"

Sure enough, Lucy had found them, and came up to them beaming. Chester
failed to see in her any symptoms for the worse, as her father had
indicated. In fact, there cer