ADDED UPON

A Story

by

NEPHI ANDERSON

Author of "The Castle Builder, ""A Daughter of the North, ""John St. John, " "Romance of a Missionary, " etc. 

 "_And they who keep their first estate shall be added upon; . . . And they who keep their second estate shall have glory added upon their heads for ever and ever_. "

Ninth EditionThe Deseret News PressSalt Lake City, UtahCopyright 1898By Nephi Anderson. Copyright 1912By Nephi Anderson. All Rights Reserved. 

PREFACE TO THE THIRD EDITION. 

A religion, to be worth while, must give satisfactory answers to thegreat questions of life: What am I? Whence came I? What is the object ofthis life? and what is my destiny? True, we walk by faith, and not bysight, but yet the eye of faith must have some light by which to see. Added Upon is an effort to give in brief an outline of "the scheme ofthings, " "the ways of God to men" as taught by the Gospel of Christ andbelieved in by the Latter-day Saints; and to justify and praise theseways, by a glance along the Great Plan, from a point in the distant pastto a point in the future--not so far away, it is to be hoped. 

On subjects where little of a definite character is revealed, the story, of necessity, could not go into great detail. It is suggestive only; butit is hoped that the mind of the reader, illumined by the Spirit of theLord, will be able to fill in all the details that the heart may desire, to wander at will in the garden of the Lord, and dwell in peace in themansions of the Father. 

Many have told me that when they read Added Upon, it seemed to have beenwritten directly to them. My greatest reward is to know that the littlestory has touched a sympathetic chord in the hearts of the Latter-daySaints, and that it has brought to some aching hearts a little ray ofhope and consolation. 

Nephi Anderson. 

Liverpool, November 5, 1904. 

PREFACE TO THE FIFTH AND ENLARGED EDITION. 

This story of things past, things present, and things to come has beenbefore the Latter-day Saints for fourteen years. During this time, itseems to have won for itself a place in their hearts and in theirliterature. A reviewer of the book when it was first published said that"so great and grand a subject merits a more elaborate treatment. " Manysince then have said the story should be "added upon, " and the presentenlarged edition is an attempt to meet in a small way these demands. Thetruths restored to the earth through "Mormonism" are capable ofillimitable enlargement; and when we contemplate these gloriousteachings, we are led to exclaim with the poet:

 "Wide, and more wide, the kindling bosom swells, As love inspires, and truth its wonders tells, The soul enraptured tunes the sacred lyre, And bids a worm of earth to heaven aspire, 'Mid solar systems numberless, to soar, The death of love and science to explore. "

 N. A. 

 Salt Lake City, Utah, May, 1912. 

PART FIRST. 

 "The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. 

 "I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. 

 "When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water. 

 "Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth:

 "While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world. 

 "When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth:

 "When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep:

 "When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:

 "Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him. "--_Prov. 8:22-30. _

ADDED UPON

 "Where was thou when I laid the foundations of the earth?. . . When the morning stars sang together, and all the Sons of God shouted for joy?"--_Job 38:4, 7. _

The hosts of heaven--sons and daughters of God--were assembled. The manyvoices mingling, rose and fell in one great murmur like the rising andfalling of waves about to sink to rest. Then all tumult ceased, and aperfect silence reigned. 

"Listen, " said one to another by his side, "Father's will is heard. "

A voice thrilled the multitude. It was clear as a crystal bell, and sodistinct that every ear heard, so sweet, and so full of music that everyheart within its range beat with delight. 

"And now, children of God, " were the words, "ye have arrived at a pointin this stage of your development where a change must needs take place. Living, as ye have, all this time in the presence of God, and under thecontrol of the agencies which here exist, ye have grown from children inknowledge to your present condition. God is pleased with you--the mostof you, and many of you have shown yourselves to be spirits of power, whom He will make His future rulers. Ye have been taught many of thelaws of light and life, whereby the universe is created and controlled. True, ye have not all advanced alike, or along the same lines. Some havedelighted more in the harmonies of music, while others have studied thebeauties of God's surrounding works. Each hath found pleasure and profitin something; but there is one line of knowledge that is closed to youall. In your present spiritual state, ye have not come in contact withthe grosser materials of existence. Your experiences have been whollywithin the compass of spiritual life, and there is a whole world ofmatter, about which ye know nothing. All things have their opposites. Yehave partly a conception of good and evil, but the many branches intowhich these two principles sub-divide, cannot be understood by you. Again, ye all have had the hope given you that at some time ye wouldhave the opportunity to become like unto your parents, even to attain toa body of flesh and bones, a tabernacle with which ye may pass on toperfection, and inherit that which God inherits. If, then, ye everbecome creators and rulers, ye must first become acquainted with theexistence of properties, laws, and organization of matter other thanthat which surround you in this estate. 

"To be over all things, ye must have passed through all things, and havehad experience with them. It is now the Father's pleasure to grant youthis. Ye who continue steadfast, shall be added upon, and be permittedto enter the second estate; and if ye abide in that, ye shall be furtherincreased and enlarged and be worthy of the third estate, where gloryshall be added upon your heads forever and ever. 

"Even now, out in space, rolls another world--with no definite form, andvoid; but God's Spirit is there, moving upon it, and organizing theelements. In time, it will be a fit abode for you. "

The voice ceased. Majesty stood looking out upon the silent multitude. Then glad hearts could contain no more, and the children of God gave agreat shout of joy. Songs of praise and gladness came from the mightythrong, and its music echoed through the realms of heaven!

Then silence fell once more. The Voice was heard again:

"Now, how, and upon what principles will your salvation, exaltation, andeternal glory be brought about? It has been decided in the councils ofeternity, and I will tell you. 

"When the earth is prepared, two will be sent to begin the work ofbegetting bodies for you. It needs be that a law be given these firstparents. This law will be broken, thus bringing sin into the new world. Transgression is followed by punishment; and thus ye, when ye are borninto the world, will come in contact with misery, pain, suffering, anddeath. Ye will have a field for the exercise of justice and mercy, loveand hatred. Ye will suffer, but your suffering will be the furnacethrough which ye will be tested. Ye will die, and your bodies willreturn to the earth again. Surrounded by earthly influences, ye willsin. Then, how can ye return to the Father's presence, and regain yourtabernacles? Hear the plan:

"One must be sent to the earth with power over death. He will be theSon, the only begotten in the flesh. He must be sinless, yet bear thesins of the world. Being slain, He will satisfy the eternal law ofjustice. He will go before and bring to pass the resurrection from thedead. He will give unto you another law, obeying which, will free youfrom your personal sins, and set you again on the way of eternal life. Thus will your agency still be yours, that ye may act in all things asye will. "

 * * * * *

A faint murmur ran through the assembly. 

Then spoke the Father: "Whom shall I send?"

One arose, like unto the Father--a majestic form, meek, yet noble--theSon; and thus he spoke:

"Father, here am I, send me. Thy will be done, and the glory be thineforever. "

Then another arose. Erect and proud he stood. His eyes flashed, his lipcurled in scorn. Bold in his bearing, brilliant and influential, Lucifer, the Son of the Morning, spoke:

"Behold I, send me. I will be thy son, and I will redeem all mankind, that not one soul shall be lost; and surely I will do it; wherefore, give me thine honor. "

Then spoke one as with authority:

"Lucifer, thy plan would destroy the agency of man--his most pricelessgift. It would take away his means of eternal advancement. Your offercannot be accepted. "

The Father looked out over the vast throng; then clearly the words rangout:

"I will send the first!"

But the haughty spirit yielded not. His countenance became fiercer inits anger, and as he strode from the assembly, many followed after him. 

Then went the news abroad throughout heaven of the council and theFather's proposed plan; of Christ's offer, and Lucifer's rebelliousactions. The whole celestial realm was agitated, and contention andstrife began to wage among the children of God. 

Returning from the council chamber of the celestial glance through thepaths of the surrounding gardens, came two sons of God. Apparently, thelate events had affected them greatly. The assembly had dispersed, and, save now and then a fleeting figure, they were alone. They were engagedin earnest conversation. 

"But, Brother Sardus, " said one, "how can you look at it in that light?Lucifer was surely in the wrong. And then, how haughty and overbearinghe was. "

"I cannot agree with you, Homan. We have a right to think and to act aswe please, and I consider Lucifer in the right. Think of thismagnificent offer, to bring back in glory to Father's presence, everyone of His children, and that, too, without condition on their part. "

"There! He, and you with him, talk about your rights to think and act asyou please. Have you not that right? Have you not used it freely inrefusing to listen to Father's counsel? Do not I exercise it in that Ilisten and agree with Him? But let me tell you, brother, what yourreasoning will lead to. "

"I know it--but go on. "

"No, you do not; you do not seem to understand. "

"Perhaps you will explain, " said the other haughtily. 

"Brother, be not angry. It is because of my love for you that I speakthus. It is evident that we, in that future world of experience andtrial, will retain our agencies to choose between the opposites thatwill be presented to us. Without that privilege, we should cease to beintelligences, and become as inanimate things. How could we be provedwithout this power? How could we make any progress without it?"

"I grant it all. "

"Then, what would Lucifer do? He would save you from the dangers of theworld, whether you would or not. He would take away any need of volitionor choice on our part. Do what we would, sink as deep into sin as wecould, he would save us notwithstanding, without a trial, without apurging process, with all our sins upon us; and in this condition we areexpected to go on to perfection, and become kings and priests unto Godour Father, exercising power and dominion over our fellow creatures. Think of it! Evil would reign triumphant. Celestial order would bechanged to chaos. "

The other said not a word. He could not answer his brother's array ofarguments. 

"Dear brother, " continued Homan, "never before have I received suchsorrow as when I saw you follow that rebellious Son of Morning. Henceforth quit his company. I fear for him and his followers. "

"But he has such power over me, Homan. His eloquence seems to hold me, and his arguments certainly convince me. But I must go--and brother, come with me to the assembly which we are to hold. Many will be therefrom far and near. Will you come?"

"I cannot promise you, Sardus. Perhaps I may call and see what is saidand done. "

Then they parted. 

Homan went to the gathering of which Sardus had spoken, and as had beenintimated, he met many strange faces. Everywhere in the conversation, serious topics seemed to be uppermost. The singing was not as usual. Themusic, though always sweet, was sadder than ever before, and a discordseemed to have crept into the even flow of life's sweet strain. Homanhad no desire to talk. He wandered from group to group with a smile forall. Sardus was in a heated discussion with some kindred spirits; butHoman did not join them. Under the beautiful spread of the trees and bythe fountains, sat and walked companies of sons and daughters of God. Ah, they were fair to look upon, and Homan wondered at the creations ofthe Father. No two were alike, yet all bore an impress of the Creator, and each had an individual beauty of his own. 

Strolling into an arbor of vines, Homan, did not observe the fairdaughter seated there until he turned to leave; and then he saw her. Sheseemed absorbed in thought, and her eyes rested on the shiftingsthrongs. 

"A sweet face, and a strange one, " thought he, as he went up to her andspoke:

"Sister, what are you thinking about?"

She turned and looked at him, and then a pleased smile overspread herface. 

"Shall I tell you?"

"Do, I beg of you. May I sit here?" He seated himself opposite. 

"Yes, brother, sit. My thoughts had such a strange ending that I willtell you what they were. I have been sitting here looking at these manyfaces, both new and old, and studying their varied beauties; but noneseems to me to answer for my ideal. So I have been taking a little fromeach face, putting all together to form another. I had just completedthe composition, and was looking admiringly at the new form when youcame and--and--"

"Drove away your picture. That I should not have done. "

"No; it was not exactly that. It is so odd. " She hesitated and turnedaway her head. Then she looked up into his face again and said: "Mydream face seemed to blend with yours. "

They looked at each other strangely. 

"Do you often make dream pictures?" asked he. 

"Yes, of late; but I sometimes think I should not. "

"Why?"

"Because of them any great events that are taking place around us dailywhich need our careful thought and consideration. I have been trying tocomprehend this great plan of our Father's in regards to us. I haveasked Mother many questions, and she has explained, but I cannot fullyunderstand--only, it all seems so wonderful, and our Father is so goodand great and wise;--but how could He be otherwise, having Himself comeup through the school of the eternities?"

Her words were music to Homan's ear. Her voice was soft and sweet. 

"Yet it is very strange. To think that we shall forget all we know, andthat our memories will fail to recall this world at all. "

"Yes, it is all strange to us, but it cannot be otherwise. You see, ifwe knew all about what we really are and what our past has been, mortalexperiences would not be the test or the school that Father intends itto be. "

"That is true; but think of being shut out, even in our thoughts, fromthis world. And then, I hear that down on earth there will be much sinand misery, and a power to tempt and lead astray. O, if we can butresist it, dear brother. What will this power be, do you know?"

"I have only my thoughts about it. I know nothing for a certainty; butfear not, something will prompt us to the right, and we have this hopethat Father's Spirit will not forsake us. And above all, our ElderBrother has been accepted as an offering for all the sins we may do. Hewill come to us in purity, and with power to loose the bands of death. He will bring to us Father's law whereby we may overcome the world andits sin. "

"You said the bands of death. What is death?"

"Death is simply the losing of our earthly tabernacles for a time. Weshall be separated from them, but the promise is that our Elder Brotherwill be given power to raise them up again. With them again united, weshall become even as our parents are now, eternal, perfected, celestialized beings. "

As they conversed, both faces shone with a soft, beautiful light. Thejoy within was traced on their countenances, and for some time it wastoo deep for words. Homan was drawn to this beautiful sister. All werepleasing to his eye, but he was unusually attracted to one who took suchpleasure in talking about matters nearest his heart. 

"I must be going, " said she. 

"May I go with you?"

"Come. "

They wandered silently among the people, then out through thesurrounding gardens, listening to the music. Instinctively, they clungto each other, nor bestowed more than a smile or a word on passingbrother or sister. 

"What do you think of Lucifer and his plan?" asked she. 

"The talented Son of the Morning is in danger of being cast out if hepersists in his course. As to his plan, it is this: 'If I cannot rule, Iwill ruin. '"

"And if he rule, it will still be ruin, it seems to me. "

"True; and he is gaining power over many. "

"Yes; he has talked with me. He is a bewitching person; but hisfascination has something strange about it which I do not like. "

"I am glad of that. "

She looked quickly at him, and then they gazed again into each other'seyes. 

"By what name may I call you?" he asked. 

"My name is Delsa. "

"Will you tell me where you live? May I come and talk with you again? Itwill give me much pleasure. "

"Which pleasure will be mutual, " said she. 

They parted at the junction of two paths. 

II. 

 "How art thou fallen from heaven, O, Lucifer, son of the morning. "--_Isaiah 14:12. _

Never before in the experiences of the intelligences of heaven, had suchdire events been foreshadowed. A crisis was certainly at hand. Luciferwas fast gaining influence among the spirits--and they had their agencyto follow whom they would. The revolting spirit had skill in argument;and the light-minded, the discontented, and the rebellious were wonover. 

To be assured eternal glory and power without an effort on their part, appealed to them as something to be desired. To be untrammeled withlaws, to be free to act at pleasure, without jeopardizing their futurewelfare, certainly was an attractive proposition. The pleasures in thebody would be of a nature hitherto unknown. Why not be free to enjoythem? Why this curb on the passions and desires? "Hail to Lucifer andhis plan! We will follow him. He is in the right. "

Many of the mighty and noble children of God arrayed themselves on theside of Christ, their Elder Brother, and waged war against Lucifer'spernicious doctrine. One of the foremost among them was Michael. He wasunceasing in his efforts to bring all under the authority of the Father. The plan which had been proposed, and which had been accepted by themajority, had been evolved from the wisdom of past eternities. It hadexalted worlds before. It had been proved wise and just. It was foundedon correct principles. By it only could the spiritual creation go on inits evolution to greater and to higher things. It was the will of theFather, to whom they all owed their existence as progressive, spiritualorganizations. To bow to Him was no humiliation. To honor and obey Himwas their duty. To follow the First Born, Him whom the Father had chosenas mediator, was no more than a Father should request. Any other planwould lead to confusion. Thus reasoned the followers of Christ. 

Then there were others, not valiant in either cause, who stood onneutral ground. Without strength of character to come out boldly, theyaided neither the right nor the wrong. Weak-minded as they were, theycould not be trusted, nor could Lucifer win them over. 

Meanwhile, the earth, rolling in space, evolved from its chaotic state, and in time became a fit abode for the higher creations of God. 

Then the crisis came. The edict went forth that for many of the sons anddaughters of God the first estate was about to end, and that the secondwould be ushered in. Lucifer had now won over many of the hosts ofheaven. These had failed to keep their first estate. Now there would bea separation. 

A council was convened, and the leading spirits were summoned. Allwaited for the outcome in silent awe. 

Then came the decision, spoken with heavenly authority:

"Ye valiant and loyal sons and daughters of God, blessed are ye for yourrighteousness and your faithfulness to God and His cause. Your reward isthat ye shall be permitted to dwell on the new earth, and in tabernaclesof flesh continue in the eternal course of progress, as has been markedout and explained to you. "

Then, to the still defiant forms of Lucifer and his adherents this wassaid:

"Lucifer, son of the morning, thou hast withdrawn from the Father manyof the children of heaven. They have their agency, and have chosen tobelieve thy lies. They have fallen with thee from before the face ofGod. Thus hast thou used the power given thee. Thou hast said in thyheart, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God. . . . I will be likethe Most High! Thou hast sought to usurp power, to take a kingdom thatdoes not belong to thee. God holds you all as in the hollow of His hand;yet He has not restrained thine agency. He has been patient andlongsuffering with you. Rebellious children of heaven, the Father'sbosom heaves with sorrow for you; but justice claims its own--yourpunishment is that you be cast out of heaven. Bodies of flesh and bonesye shall not have; but ye shall wander without tabernacles over the faceof the earth. Ye shall be 'reserved in everlasting chains under darknessunto the judgment of the great day. '"

Thus went forth the decree of the Almighty, and with it the force of Hispower. Lucifer and many of the hosts of heaven were cast down. The wholerealm was thrilled with the power of God. The celestial elements werestirred to their depths. Heaven wept over the fallen spirits, and thecry went out, "Lo, lo, he is fallen, even the Son of the Morning. "

III. 

 "For thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. "--_John 17:24. _

There was a calm in heaven like unto that of a summer morning after anight of storm. 

Throughout the whole strife, the dark clouds of evil had been gathering. In the fierce struggle, the spirits of heaven had been storm-tossed ason two contending waves; but when Lucifer and his forces were cast out, the atmosphere became purged of its uncleanness, and a sweet peacebrooded over all. Save for sorrow for the lost ones, nothing marred theperfect joy of heaven. All now looked forward to the consummation ofthat plan whereby they would become inhabitants of another world, fittedfor their school of experience in the flesh. All prepared themselveswith this end in view. 

None was more grateful to his Father than Homan. In the midst of thestrife, he had done what he could for what he thought was right. All hisinfluence had been used with the wavering ones, and many were those whoowed him a debt of gratitude. But his greatest reward was in the peacewhich dwelt within him and the joy with which he was greeted by all whoknew him. 

Through it all, Homan's thoughts had often been with the fair sisterDelsa; and often he had sought her and talked with her. It pleased himgreatly to see the earnestness and energy with which she defended thecause of the Father. He was drawn to her more than to the many otherswho were equally valiant. As he thought of it, its strangeness occurredto him. Why should it be so? He did not know. Delsa was fair; so wereall the daughters of God. She had attained to great intelligence; so hadthousands of others. Then wherein lay the secret of the power which drewhim to her?

The vastness of the spiritual world held enough for study, research, andfor occupation. None needed to be idle, for there were duties to beperformed, as much here as in any other sphere of action. In theFather's house are many mansions. 

In the one where Delsa lived, she and Homan sat in earnest conversation. Through the opening leading to the garden appeared the stately form ofSardus. Homan sprang to meet him and greeted him joyously:

"Welcome, Brother Sardus, welcome!"

Delsa arose. 

"This is Brother Sardus, " said Homan, "and this is Sister Delsa. "

"Welcome, brother, " said she. "Come and sit with us. "

"Sardus, " continued Homan, "I thought you lost. I have not met you for along time. You remember our last conversation? Sardus, what joy to knowthat you are on the safe side, that you did not fall with Lucifer--"

"S--h, that name. Dear brother, he tempted me sorely, but I overcamehim. "

"But we are shortly to meet him on new ground, " continued Homan. "Asseducing spirits, he and his followers will still fight against theanointed Son. They will not yield. Not obtaining bodies themselves, theywill seek to operate through those of others. "

"Now we know how temptation and sin will come into the world, " saidDelsa. "God grant that we may overcome these dangers again, as we oncehave done. "

They conversed for some time; then Sardus departed to perform some duty. 

"I, too, must go, " said Delsa. "A company of sisters is soon to leavefor earth, and I am going to say farewell to them. "

"Delsa, you do not go with them? You are not leaving me?"

"No, Homan, my time is not yet. "

"May we not go together?--but there--that is as Father wills. He willordain for the best. There are nations yet to go to the earth, and weshall have our allotted time and place. "

 * * * * *

A group of persons was engaged in earnest conversation, when a messengerapproached. He raised his hand for silence, and then announced:

"I come from the Father on an errand to you. "

The company gave him close attention, and he continued: "It ispertaining to some of our brothers and sisters who have gone before usinto earth-life. I shall have to tell you about them so that you mayunderstand. A certain family of earth-children has fallen into evilways. Not being very strong for the truth before they left us, theirexperiences in the other world have not made them stronger. This family, it seems, has become rooted in false doctrine and wrong living, so thatthose who come to them from us partake also of their error and unbeliefof the truth. As you know, kinship and environment are powerful agenciesin forming character, and it appears that none of the Father's childrenhave so far been able to withstand the tendency to wrong which isexerted on all who come to this family. "

The messenger paused and looked around on the listening group. Then hecontinued: "The Father bids me ask if any of you are willing to go inearth-life to this family, become kin to those weak-hearted ones--fortheir salvation. "

There was a long pause as if all were considering the proposition. Themessenger waited. 

"Brother, " asked one, "is there not danger that he who goes on thismission might himself come under the influence you speak of to such anextent that he also would be lost to the good, and thus make a failureof his mission?"

"In the earth-life, as here, " replied the messenger, "all have theiragency. It is, therefore, possible that those who take upon themselvesthis mission--for there must be two, male and female--to give way to thepower of evil, and thus fail in their errand. But, consider this: theFather has sent me to you. He knows you, your hearts, your faithfulness, your strength. He knows whom He is asking to go into danger for the sakeof saving souls. Yes, friends, the Father knows, and this ought to beenough for you. "

The listeners bowed their heads as if ashamed of the doubting, fearfulthought. Then in the stillness, one spoke as if to herself: "To be asavior, --to share in the work of our Elder Brother! O, think of it!"Then the speaker raised her head quickly. "May I go, may I?" shequestioned eagerly. 

"And I, " "and I, " came from others. 

"Sister, you will do for one, " said the messenger to her who had firstspoken. "And now, we need a brother--yes, you, brother, will do. " Thisto one who was pressing forward, asking to be chosen. 

"Yes, yes, " continued the messenger, as he smiled his pleasure on thecompany, "I see that the Father knows you all. "

"But, " faltered the sister who had been chosen, "what are we to do? Maywe not know?"

"Not wholly, " was the reply. "Do you not remember what you have beentaught, that a veil is drawn over the eyes of all who enter mortality, and the memory of this world is taken away; but this I may tell you, that by the power of your spiritual insight and moral strength you willbe able to exert a correcting influence over your brothers and sistersin the flesh, and especially over those of your kin. Then again, whenyou hear the gospel of our Elder Brother preached, it will have afamiliar sound to you and you will receive it gladly. Then you willbecome teachers to your households and a light unto your families. Again, not only to those in the flesh will you minister. Many will havepassed from earth-life in ignorance of the gospel of salvation when youcome. These must have the saving ordinances of the gospel performed forthem, so that when they some time receive the truth, the necessary riteswill have been performed. This work, also, is a part of your mission--toenter into the Temples of the Lord, male and female, each for his andher kind, and do this work. "

A sister, pressing timidly forward near to him who had been chosen, tookhis hand, and looked pleadingly into the face of the messenger. "May notI, too, go?" she asked. "I believe I could help a little. "

The messenger smiled at her, seeing to whose hand she clung. "I thinkso, " he said; "but we shall see. "

"When do we go?" asked the brother. 

"Not yet. Abide the will of the Father, --and peace be with you all. "

He left them in awed silence. Then, presently, they began to speak toeach other of the wonderful things they had heard and the call that hadcome to some of them. 

Times and seasons, nations and peoples had come and gone. Millions ofthe sons and daughters of God had passed through the earthly school, andhad gone on to other fields of labor, some with honor, others withdishonor. God's spiritual intelligences, in their innumerable gradationswere being allotted their times and places. The scheme of thingsinaugurated by the Father was working out its legitimate results. 

Homan's time had come for him to leave his spiritual home. He was now totake the step, which, though temporarily downward, would secure him afooting by which to climb to greater heights. Delsa was still in herfirst estate. So also was Sardus. They, with a company, were gathered tobid Homan farewell, and thus they spoke:

"We do not know, " Homan was saying, "whether or not we shall meet onthe earth. Our places and callings may be far apart, and we may neverknow or recognize each other until that day when we shall meet again inthe mansions of our Father. "

"I am thankful for one thing: I understand that a more opportune time inwhich to fill our probation has never been known on the earth. TheGospel exists there in its fulness, and the time of utter spiritualdarkness has gone. The race is strong and can give us sound bodies. Now, if we are worthy, we shall, no doubt, secure a parentage that will giveus those powers of mind and body which are needed to successfully combatthe powers of evil. "

It was no new doctrine to them, but they loved to dwell upon theglorious theme. 

"We have been taught that we shall get that position to which ourpreparation here entitles us. Existence is eternal, and its variousstages grade naturally into one another, like the different departmentsof a school. "

"Some have been ordained to certain positions of trust. Father knows usall, and understands what we will do. Many of our mighty ones havealready gone, and many are yet with us awaiting Father's will. "

"I was once quite impatient. Everything seemed to pass so slowly, Ithought; but now I see in it the wisdom of the Father. What confusionwould result if too many went to the earth-life at once. The experienceof those who go before are for our better reception. "

"Sardus, " said Homan, "I hear that you are taking great delight inmusic. "

"That is expressing the truth mildly, dear Homan. Lately I can think ofnothing else. "

"What is your opinion of a person being so carried away with onesubject?" asked one. 

"I was going to say, " answered Homan, "that I think there is danger init. Some I know who neglect every other duty except the cultivation of acertain gift. I think we ought to grow into a perfectly roundedcharacter, cultivating all of Father's gifts to us, but not permittingany of them to become an object of worship. "

"Remember, we take with us our various traits, " said Delsa. "I think, Homan, your view is correct. It is well enough to excel in one thing, but that should not endanger our harmonious development. "

"I have noticed, Delsa, that you are quite an adept at depicting thebeautiful in Father's creations. "

"I?" she asked; "there is no danger of my becoming a genius in thatline. I do not care enough for it, though I do a little of it. "

Thus they conversed; then they sang songs. Tunes born of heavenly melodythrilled them. After a time they separated, and Homan would have gonehis way alone, but Delsa touched him on the arm. 

"Homan, there is something I wish to tell you, " she said. "May I walkwith you?"

"Instead I will go with you, " he replied. 

They went on together. 

"I, too, soon am going to earth, " she said. 

"Is it true?"

"Yes; Mother has informed me and I have been preparing for some time. Dear Homan, I am so glad, still the strange uncertainty casts a peculiarfeeling over me. Oh, if we could but be classmates in the futureschool. "

"Father may order it that way, " he replied. "He knows our desires, andif they are righteous and for our good He may see that they aregratified. Do you go soon?"

"Yes; but not so soon as you. You will go before and prepare a welcomefor me. Then I will come. " She smiled up into his face. 

"By faith we see afar, " he replied. 

"Yes; we live by faith, " she added. 

Hand in hand, they went. They spoke no more, but communed with eachother through a more subtle channel of silence. Celestial melodies rangin their ears; the celestial landscape gladdened their eyes; the peaceof God, their Father, was in their hearts. They walked hand in hand forthe last time in this, their first estate. 

PART SECOND. 

 "Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting; The soul that rises with us, our life's star, Hath had elsewhere its setting, And cometh from afar. Not in entire forgetfulness And not in utter nakedness, But trailing clouds of glory do we come From God who is our home. "

--_Wordsworth. _

 "Two shall be born the whole wide world apart, And speak in different tongues and have no thought Each of the other's being, and no heed; And these o'er unknown seas and unknown lands Shall cross, escaping wreck, defying death; And all unconsciously shape every act And bend each wandering step to this one end-- That, one day, out of darkness they shall meet And read life's meaning in each other's eyes. "

--_Susan Marr Spalding. _

I. 

 "Even a child is known by his doings. "--_Prov. 20:11. _

How it did rain! For two long months the sky had been one unchangeablecolor of blue; but now the dark clouds hung low and touched the horizonat every point dropping their long-accumulated water on the thirstybarrens, soaking the dried-up fields and meadows. The earth was thirsty, and the sky had at last taken pity. It rained all day. The water-ditchesalong the streets of the village ran thick and black. The house-wife'stubs and buckets under the dripping eaves were overrunning. The dust waswashed from the long rows of trees which lined the streets. 

It rained steadily all over the valley. The creek which came from themountains, and which distributed its waters to the town and adjacentfarm-lands, was unusually muddy. Up in the canyon, just above the town, it seemed to leap over the rocks with unwonted fury, dashing its brownwaters into white foam. The town below, the farms and gardens of thewhole valley, depended for their existence on that small river. Throughthe long, hot summer its waters had been distributed into streams andsub-streams like the branches of a great tree, and had carried thelife-giving element to the growing vegetation in the valley; but now itwas master no more. The rain was pouring down on places which the rivercould not reach. No wonder the river seemed angry at such usurpation. 

About two miles from town, upon the high bench-land which lay above thewaters in the river, stood a hut. It was built of unhewn logs, and had amud roof. Stretches of sagebrush desert reached in every direction fromit. A few acres of cleared land lay near by, its yellow stubble drinkingin the rain. A horse stood under a shed. A pile of sagebrush with ax andchopping block lay in the yard. 

Evening came on and still it rained. A woman often appeared at the doorof the hut, and a pale, anxious face peered out into the twilight. Shelooked out over the bench-land and then up to the mountains. Through theclouds which hung around their summits, she could see the peaks beingcovered with snow. She looked at the sky, then again along the plain. She went in, closed the door, and filled the stove from the brush-woodin the box. A little girl was sitting in the corner by the stove, withher feet resting on the hearth. 

"I thought I heard old Reddy's bell, " she said, looking up to hermother. 

"No; I heard nothing. Poor boy, he must be wet through. "

The mud roof was leaking, and pans and buckets were placed here andthere to catch the water. The bed had been moved a number of times tofind a dry spot, but at last two milk pans and a pail had to be placedon it. Drip, drip, rang the tins--and it still rained. 

The mother went again to the door. The clang of cow-bells greeted her, and in a few minutes, a boy drove two cows into the shed. The motherheld the door open while he came stamping into the house. He was a boyof about fifteen, wearing a big straw hat pressed down over his brownhair, a shabby coat, blue overalls with a rend up one leg, ragged shoes, but no stockings. He was wet to the skin, and a pool of water soonaccumulated on the floor where he paused for an instant. 

"Rupert, you're wet through. How long you have been! You must get yourclothes off, " anxiously exclaimed his mother. 

"Phew!" said he, "that's a whoopin' big rain. Say, mother, if we'd onlyhad this two months ago, now, on our dry farm, wouldn't we have raised acrop though. "

"You must get your clothes off, Rupert. "

"Oh, that's nothin'. I must milk first; and say, I guess the mud'swashed off the roof by the looks of things. I guess I'll fix it. "

"Never mind now, you're so wet. "

"Well, I can't get any wetter, and I'll work and keep warm. It won't doto have the water comin' in like this--look here, there's a mud puddleright on Sis's back, an' she don't know it. "

He laughed and went out. It was quite dark, but the rain had nearlyceased. With his wheel-barrow and shovel he went to a ravine close byand obtained a load of clay, which he easily threw up on the roof of thelow "lean-to"; then he climbed up and patched the holes. A half hour'swork and it was done. 

"And now I'll milk while I'm at it, " he said; which he did. 

"I've kept your supper warm, " said his mother, as she busied with thetable. "It's turned quite cold. Why did you stay so long today?"

Rupert had changed his wet clothes, and the family was sitting aroundthe table eating mush and milk. A small lamp threw a cheery light overthe bare table and its few dishes, over the faces of mother, boy, andgirl. It revealed the bed, moved back into its usual corner, shone onthe cupboard with its red paint nearly worn off, and dimly lighted thefew pictures hanging on the rough whitewashed wall. 

It was a poor home, but the lamplight revealed no discontent in thefaces around the table. True, the mother's was a little pinched andcareworn, which gave the yet beautiful face a sharp expression; but theother two countenances shone with health and happiness. The girl wasenjoying her supper, the bright sagebrush fire, and the story book bythe side of her bowl, all at the same time. She dipped, alternately, into her bowl and into her book. 

The boy was the man of that family. He had combed his hair well back, and his bright, honest face gleamed in the light. He was big and strong, hardened by constant toil, matured beyond his years by theresponsibility which had been placed upon him since his father's death, now four years ago. In answer to his mother's inquiries, Rupertexplained:

"You see, the cows had strayed up Dry Holler, an' I had an awful time afindin' them. I couldn't hear any bell, neither. Dry Holler creek isjust boomin', an' there's a big lake up there now. The water has washedout a hole in the bank and has gone into Dry Basin, an' it's backed upthere till now it's a lake as big as Brown's pond. As I stood and lookedat the running water an' the pond, somethin' came into myhead--somethin' I heard down town last summer. An' mother, _we_ must doit!"

The boy was glowing with some exciting thought. His mother looked at himwhile his sister neglected both book and bowl. 

"Do what, Rupert?"

"Why, we must have Dry Basin, an' I'll make a reservoir out of it, an'we'll have water in the summer for our land, an' it'll be just thething. With a little work the creek can be turned into the Basinwhich'll fill up during the winter an' spring. There's a low place whichwe'll have to bank up, an' the thing's done. The ditch'll be the biggestjob, but I think we can get some help on that--but we must have the landup in Dry Holler now before someone else thinks of it an' settles on it. Mother, I was just wonderin' why someone hasn't thought of this before. "

The mother was taken by surprise. She sat and looked wonderingly at theboy as he talked. The idea was new to her, but now she thought of it, itseemed perfectly feasible. Work was the only thing needed; but could sheand her boy do it?

Five years ago when Mr. Ames had moved upon the bench, he had beenpromised that the new canal should come high enough to bring water tohis land; but a new survey had been made which had left his farm farabove the irrigation limit. Mr. Ames had died before he could move hisfamily; and they had been compelled to remain in their temporary hutthese four long, hard years. Rupert had tried to farm without water. Alittle wheat and alfalfa had been raised, which helped the little familyto live without actual suffering. 

 * * * * *

That evening, mother and son talked late into the night. Nina listeneduntil her eyes closed in sleep. The rain had ceased altogether, and themoon, hurrying through the breaking clouds, shone in at the littlecurtained window. Prayers were said, and then they retired. Peacefulsleep reigned within. Without, the moonlight illumined the mountains, shining on the caps of pearly whiteness which they had donned for thenight. 

II. 

 "He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread; but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding. "--_Prov. 12:11. _

Widow Ames had homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of governmentland in Dry Hollow. That was a subject for a two days' gossip in thetown. There was speculation about what she wanted with a dry ravine inthe hills, and many shook their heads in condemnation. However, it setsome to thinking and moved one man, at least, to action. Jed Bolton, the same day that he heard of it, rode up into the hills above town. Sure enough, there was a rough shanty nearly finished; some furrows hadbeen plowed, and every indication of settlement was present. Mr. Boltonbit his lip and used language which, if it did not grate on his ownears, could not on the only other listener, his horse. 

Rupert was on the roof of his shanty, and Mr. Bolton greeted him as herode up. 

"Hello, Rupe, what're ye doin'?"

"Just finishin' my house. It looks like more rain, an' I must have theroof good an' tight. "

"You're not goin' to live here?"

"Oh, yes, part of the time. "

"What's that for?"

"To secure our claim. Mother's homesteaded one hundred and sixty acresof this land. "

"What in the world are you goin' to do with it?"

"We'll farm some of it, of course, an' we'll find some use for anotherpart after awhile, I guess. "

Then Mr. Bolton changed his tactics. He tried to discourage the boy bytelling him that it was railroad land, and even if it wasn't, his ownadjacent claim took it all in anyway; Rupert did not scare, but said, "Iguess not, " as he went on quietly fitting and pounding. 

The man had to give it up. "That Ames kid" had gotten the best of him. 

This was four years ago, and wonderful changes had taken place sincethen. Rupert had begun work on his reservoir the spring after they hadtaken possession. He had a most beautiful site for one; and when themelting winter snows and spring rains filled Dry Hollow creek, most ofit was turned into the Basin. It slowly spread out, filled the deepravines, and crept up to Rupert's embankment. Then he turned the streamback into its natural channel again. Many came to look at the wonder. Some of his neighbor "dry-benchers" offered to join him and help him fora share in the water. The reservoir could be greatly enlarged, and thecanal leading from it around the side-hills to the bench had yet to bedug; so Rupert and his mother accepted the offers of help and the workwent on rapidly. The next year Dry Bench had water. New ground wasbroken and cleared. Trees were set out. There was new life on the farm, and new hopes within the hearts of Widow Ames and her children. 

Dry Bench farm had undergone a change. A neat frame house stood in frontof the log hut, which had been boarded and painted to match the newerpart. A barn filled with hay and containing horses and cows stood at aproper distance back. A granary and a corn-crib were near. The newcounty road now extended along the fronting of the Ames place, and aneat fence separated the garden from the public highway. On the left wasthe orchard, a beautiful sight. Standing in long, symmetrical rows werepeaches, apples, pears, and a dozen other varieties of fruit, now justbeginning to bear. At the rear, stretching nearly to the mountains, werethe grain and alfalfa fields. Neighboring farms also were greatlyimproved by the advent of water, but none showed such labor and care asthe Ames farm. Rupert grew with the growth of his labors, until he wasnow a tall, muscular fellow, browned and calloused. Nina was fastoutgrowing childish things and entering the young-lady period. Abeautiful girl she was, and a favorite among her schoolmates. She hadattended school in town for the past three winters, and her brother wastalking of sending her to the high school. 

Practically, Rupert was the head of the family. Always respectful to hismother, and generally consulting with her on any important matter, henevertheless could not help seeing that everything depended on him, andthat he was the master mind of Ames farm. And then the neighbors came tohim for advice, and older and presumably wiser men counseled with him, and so it suggested itself to Rupert that he was the master mind of allDry Bench besides. Everybody called him a "rustler. " When he had leisurefor school, he was beyond school age; so, nothing daunted, he set out tostudy by himself. He procured the necessary books, and went to them withan energy that made up for the lack of a teacher. Nina kept pace withhim for a time, but the ungraded village school curriculum was too slowfor Rupert; and when one spring the young reservoir projector appearedat the county teachers' examination and passed creditably, all, as hesaid "just for fun and practice, " the people talked again--and electedhim to the board of trustees. 

A beautiful spring morning dawned on Dry Bench. A cool breeze came fromthe mountains and played with the young leaves of the orchard. Theapricots were white with blossoms, and the plums and peaches were justbursting into masses of pink and white. The alfalfa and wheat fieldswere beautifully green. Blessed Morning, what a life promoter, what adispeller of fears and bringer of hopes, thou art!

Rupert was out early. After tossing some hay to the horses and cows, heshouldered his shovel and strode up the ditch, whistling as he went. Hisstraw hat set well back on his head. His blue "jumper" met the blueoveralls which were tucked into a pair of heavy boots. His tune was amerry one and rang out over the still fields and up to the hills. 

Rupert's thoughts were a mixture that morning, and flew from one thingto another: the ditch which he was to clean and repair; the condition ofthe reservoir; the meeting of the school board; the planting of thegarden; the dance at the hall in town; the wonderful spreadingproperties of weeds--so on from one subject to another, until he came toa standstill, leaning on his shovel and looking over his farm and downto the town, fast growing into a city. From a hundred chimneys smoke wasbeginning to come, befouling the clear air of the valley. 

"It is a beautiful sight, " said he to himself. "Six years ago and whatwas it? Under whose hand has this change grown? Mine. I have done mostof the work, and I can lawfully claim most of the credit. Then it wasworthless, and just the other day I was offered five thousand dollarsfor the place. That's pretty good. Father couldn't have done anybetter. "

Rupert was not given to boasting, but it did seem lately that everythinghe set his hand to prospered exceedingly. This had brought someself-exalting thoughts into his mind; not that he talked of them toothers, but he communed with them to himself, nevertheless. 

That morning, as he rested his chin on his hands that clasped the end ofhis shovel, such thoughts swelled the pride in his heart, and his workwas left undone. The sun came suddenly from behind the peak and floodedthe valley with light; still Rupert stood looking over the fields. Inthe distance towards the left he caught sight of a horse and buggycoming at a good pace along the new country road. He watched it drawingnearer. A lady was driving. Her horse was on its mettle this morning andthe reins were tight. They were at that ugly place where the roadcrosses the canal--he was to repair it that morning--He awoke from hisdreaming with a start, but too late; the horse shied, a wheel went intothe ugly hole, and the occupant was pitched into the dry bottom of thecanal. Rupert ran down the road shouting "whoa" to the horse whichgalloped past him. The lady scrambled up before Rupert reached her. 

"Are you hurt?" he inquired. 

"No--no, sir, " she managed to say. She was pale and trembling. "Can youcatch my horse? I think he will stop at that barn. "

"I'll get your horse, never fear; just so you're not hurt. Let me helpyou out of the ditch. "

She held out a gloved hand and he assisted her up the bank. She was justa girl, and he could have carried her home, had it been necessary. 

"Thank you, sir, but could you get my horse, please? There, he isstopping at that house. "

"That is where I live. I'll bring him to you, if you will wait. "

"Oh, thanks; but I can walk that far. The fall has just shaken me up alittle. I shall soon get over it. "

They walked down the road to the gate. 

"You must come in and rest, " said he, "and I'll take care of yourhorse. " She remonstrated, but he insisted, and brought her into thekitchen where his mother was busy with breakfast. Rupert explained, andhis mother instantly became solicitous. She drew a rocking chair up tothe fire and with gentle force seated the stranger, continuously askingquestions and exclaiming, "Too bad, too bad. "

Rupert readily caught the runaway animal, and, leading him into theyard, fastened and fed him. 

"Take off your hat, Miss, " said Mrs. Ames, "your head'll feel easier. Iknow it must ache with such a knock as that. I believe you're cold, too. Put your feet on the hearth--or here, I'll open the oven door--there!You must take a cup of coffee with us. It'll warm you. You haven't hadbreakfast yet, I dare say. "

The stranger thanked her and leaned back in the chair quite content. Thefall had really shaken her severely and a pain shot, now and then, intoher head. Rupert foolishly fidgeted about outside before he could makeup his mind to come in. Nina now made her appearance. The coffee waspoured out and the stranger was invited to sit up. Once, twice, Mrs. Ames spoke to her, but she sat perfectly still. Her face was pale, hereyes half closed. 

"What's the matter, Miss?" asked the mother, looking into the girl'sface. 

"Mother, I believe she has fainted, " said Nina. 

The three bent over the still form. Mrs. Ames rubbed the cold hands, Nina became nervous, and Rupert looked down into the pale, beautifulface. 

"Yes, she has fainted. It is too warm in here. We must get her in thesitting-room on the sofa. Rupert, help us. "

Rupert stood at a distance. The mother and Nina tried to lift her, butthey failed. 

"You'll have to carry her in, Rupert. Come, don't stand there as if youcouldn't move. It's too close in this kitchen. "

But the young fellow still hesitated. To take a strange, fair girl inhis arms--such a thing he had never done--but he must do so now. He puthis strong arms under her and lifted her as he would a child, andcarried her into the next room, where he laid his burden on the sofa. The cool air had its effect, and she opened her eyes and smiled into thefaces that were bent over her. 

"Lie still, my dear, " said Mrs. Ames. "You have been hurt more than youthink. "

"Did I faint?--yes, I must have--but I'm not hurt. " She tried to rise, but with a moan she sank back on the pillow which Nina had brought. 

"I'll go for the doctor, " said Rupert, and off he went. When he andDoctor Chase came in an hour later, the girl was again sitting at thetable with Mrs. Ames and Nina. 

"I met with a slight accident down the road, " she explained to thedoctor. "I wasn't quite killed, you see, but these good people aretrying to finish me with their kindness;" and she laughed merrily. 

Her name was Miss Wilton. She was a school teacher, and was on her wayto answer an advertisement of the Dry Bench trustees for a teacher. Shehoped the doctor would pronounce her all right that she might continueher journey, as she understood it was not far. 

"You have had a severe shaking up, Miss Wilton, but I don't think youneed to postpone your journey more than a few hours, " was the doctor'sdecision. 

About noon, Rupert drove Miss Wilton's horse around to the front doorand delivered it to her. With a profusion of thanks, she drove away inthe direction of the chairman of the school trustees. Neither Nina norher mother had said anything about Rupert's being on the board. Mrs. Ames had once seemed to broach the subject, but a look from Rupert wasenough to check her. When the school teacher disappeared down the road, Rupert again shouldered his shovel, and this time the ugly hole wherethe road crossed the canal was mended. That done, he returned home, hitched a horse to his cart and drove to town. 

III. 

 "Favor is deceitful and beauty is vain. "--_Psalms 31:30. _

Miss Virginia Wilton was engaged to teach the spring term of school atthe Dry Bench schoolhouse. Why that upland strip bordering the mountainsshould be called "Dry Bench, " Miss Wilton, at first, did not understand. If there was a garden spot in this big, ofttimes barren Western country, more beautiful than Dry Bench, she had in all her rambles failed to findit. But when the secret of the big reservoir up in the hills came to herknowledge, she wondered the more; and one member of the school boardfrom that moment rose to a higher place in her estimation; yes, wentpast a long row of friends, up, shall it be said to the seat of honor?

Miss Wilton gave general satisfaction, and she was engaged for the nextschool year. 

For one whole year, the school teacher had passed the Ames farm twiceeach day. She called often on Mrs. Ames, and Nina became her fastfriend. During those cool May mornings and afternoons, when the sky wascloudless and the breeze came from the mountains, the young schoolteacher passed up and down the road and fell to looking with pleasure onthe beautiful fields and orchards around her, and especially at theAmes farm the central and most flourishing of them all. Perhaps it wouldnot be fair to analyze her thoughts too closely. She was yet young, onlytwenty-two--Rupert's own age; yet Miss Wilton's experiences in thisworld's school were greater than that of the simple young farmer's. 

Had she designs on the Ames farm and its master? She had been in theplace a year only. How could such thoughts arise within such a littlehead? How could such serious schemes brood behind such laughing lips andsparkling eyes? Strange that such should be the case, but truth isofttimes strange. 

Since the railroad had been extended through the valley, the town ofWillowby had grown wonderfully. Its long, straight streets enclosing therectangular squares, had not crept, but had sped swiftly out into thecountry on all sides, and especially towards the mountains, until nowthe Ames place was within the corporated city limits. Willowby soonbecame a shipping point for grain and fruits to the markets which themining towns to the north afforded. The Ames orchard consisted of thefinest fruits which commanded a high price. Yes, the property was fastmaking its owners rich. 

Rupert Ames was a "rising young man, " lacking the finished polish of ahigher education, no doubt, but still, he was no "green-horn. " Even MissWilton had to acknowledge that, when she became acquainted so that shecould speak freely with him. He was a shrewd business man and knew howto invest his growing bank account. It was no secret that city lots andbusiness property were continually being added to his possessions. 

As to home life at the farm, Miss Wilton was always charmed with thekind hearted mother, the bright, cheerful Nina, and the handsome, soberhead of the family. Such a beautiful spirit of harmony brooded over theplace! Even within the year, the observant young woman could see signsof culture and coming wealth. The repairing of old buildings, and theerecting of the new ones; the repainting and decorating of rooms; theaddition of costly pictures and furniture; the beautifying of theoutside surroundings--all this was observed, and a mental note taken. 

For a time Rupert Ames was quite reserved in the presence of the youngschool teacher. Naturally reticent, he was more than ever shy in thecompany of an educated lady from the East. Rupert never saw her but hethought of the day of her arrival on Dry Bench and the time when he heldher in his arms. Never had he referred to the latter part of theepisode, though she often talked of her peculiar introduction to them. 

At the end of the first year, Miss Wilton had so far shown that she wasbut common flesh and blood that Rupert had been in her company to anumber of socials, and they had walked from church a few times together. Dame gossip at once mated the two, and pronounced it a fine match. 

Early in September they had a peach party at the Ames farm. Willowby'syoung folks were there, and having a good time. When the sun sankbehind the hills on the other side of the valley, and the cool air camefrom the eastern mountains, Chinese lanterns were hung on the trees, andchairs and tables were placed on the lawn. There were cake and ice-creamand peaches--peaches of all kinds, large and small, white and yellow, juicy and dry; for this was a peach party, and everybody was supposed toeat, at least, half a dozen. 

The band, with Volmer Holm as leader, furnished the music; and beautifulit was, as it echoed from the porch out over the assembly on the lawn. When the strains of a waltz floated out, a dozen couples glided softlyover the velvety grass. 

"That's fine music, Volmer, " Rupert was saying to the bandmaster, as themusic ceased. 

"Do you think so? We've practiced very much since our new organizationwas effected. Will it do for a concert?"

"You know I'm no judge of music. I like yours, though, Volmer. What doyou say about it, Miss Wilton? Mr. Holm wishes to know if his music isfit for a concert?"

"Most certainly it is, " answered the young lady addressed, as shestepped up with an empty peach basket. "Mr. Holm, I understand that lastpiece is your own composition? If so, I must congratulate you; it ismost beautiful. "

"Thank you, " and he bowed as he gave the signal to begin again. 

"Mr. Ames, more peaches are wanted--the big yellow ones. Where shall Ifind them?"

"I'll get some--or, I'll go with you. " He was getting quite bold. Perhaps the music had something to do with that. 

He did not take the basket, but led the way out into the orchard. It wasquite a distance to the right tree. 

"That is beautiful music, " said she. "Mr. Holm is a genius. He'll makehis mark if he keeps on. "

"Yes, I understand that he is going East to study. That will bring himout if there is anything in him. "

There was a pause in the conversation; then Rupert remarked carefully, as if feeling his way:

"Yes, there's talent in Volmer, but he makes music his god, which Ithink is wrong. "

"Do you think so?" she asked. 

What that expression meant, it was hard to say. 

"Yes, I think that no man should so drown himself in one thing that heis absolutely dead to everything else. Mr. Holm does that. Volmerworships nothing but music. "

Rupert filled the basket and they sauntered back. 

"A more beautiful god I cannot imagine, " she said, half aloud. 

Rupert turned with an inquiring look on his face, but he got nothingmore from her, as she was busy with a peach. Her straw hat was tiltedback on her head, and the wavy brown hair was somewhat in confusion. School teaching had not, as yet, driven the roses from her cheeks, northe smiles from her lips. There was just enough of daylight left sothat Rupert could see Miss Wilton's big eye looking into his own. Howbeautiful she was!

"Mr. Ames, before we get back to the company, I wish to ask you aquestion. Mr. Holm has asked me to sing at his concert, and I shouldlike to help him, if the school trustees do not object. "

"Why should they, Miss Wilton?"

"Well, some people, you know, are so peculiar. "

"I assure you they will not care--that is, if it will not interfere withyour school duties. "

"As to that, not a moment. I need no rehearsals as I am used to--that isI--you see, I will sing some old song. "

Miss Wilton's speech became unusually confused, and Rupert noticed it;but just then Nina and her escort joined them, and they all went back tothe lawn. 

"Miss Wilton's going to sing at the concert, " Volmer told Rupert laterin the evening. "'Twill be a big help. She's a regular opera singer, youknow. She's been in the business. I heard her sing in Denver two yearsago, and she was with a troupe that passed through here some time since. I remember her well, but of course I wouldn't say anything to her aboutit. No doubt she wishes to forget it all. "

"What do you mean?" asked Rupert, quite fiercely. 

"I mean that her company then was not of the choicest, but I believeshe's all right and a good enough girl. Rupe, don't bother about that. Perhaps I shouldn't have said anything to you. "

"Oh, that's all right. I'm glad you mentioned it. "

Still a dull, miserable pain fastened itself in Rupert Ames' heart therest of the evening; and even when the company had gone, and Miss Wiltonhad lingered and sweetly said "Good-night, " and the lights were out, strange thoughts and feelings drove from his eyes the sleep that usuallycame peacefully to him. 

Rupert Ames was in love. The fact became the central idea of hisexistence. 

During Rupert's busy life, love affairs had not occupied much of hisattention. Of course, he, in common with the rest of young mankind, thought that some day he would love some girl and make her his wife; butit was always as a far-away dream to him, connected with an angelicperfection which he always found missing in the workaday world. His wifemust be a pure, perfect creature. Marriage was a sacred thing--one ofthe great events in a person's life. Not that these views had nowchanged altogether, for Miss Virginia Wilton came nearer his ideal thananyone he had yet met. Still, there was considerable of the tangiblepresent about her. She was educated, businesslike, and a leader, and he, ambitious of attaining to something in the world, would need such awoman for his wife. But that sting which Volmer Holm had given him! Hiswife must be beyond suspicion. He could not afford to make a mistake, for if he did, it would be the mistake of his life. But was it a sin fora girl to sing in an opera? Certainly not. Anyway, he would not condemnher unheard--and then, he was sure he loved her. It had come to himunbidden. It was no fault of his that this girl should have come intohis common life, and, seemingly, completely change it. 

The autumn days passed. With the work of harvesting and marketing therewas no time for social gatherings. The school teacher had changed herboarding place, and her path lay no longer past the Ames farm. So Rupertmingled his thoughts with his labors, and in time there emerged fromthat fusion a fixed purpose. 

That fall Rupert's time as school trustee expired. At the first meetingof the new board, Miss Wilton's position was given to a male teacher. The reason given for the change was that "It takes a man to governboys. " Other reasons, however, could be heard in the undercurrent oftalk. 

The first Sunday after he heard of it, Rupert found Miss Wilton, andtogether they walked up the canyon road. It was a dull, cloudy day, andnot a breath moved the odorous choke-cherry bushes which lined the dustyroad. Never mind what was said and done that afternoon. 'Tis an old, oldstory. Between woman's smiles and tears, the man gained hope andcourage, and when that evening they came down the back way through thefields and orchards, Virginia Wilton was Rupert Ames' promised wife. 

IV. 

 "O Lord, lead me in a plain path. "--_Isaiah 27:11. _

The scene shifts to a land afar off toward the north, Norway--away upinto one of its mountain meadows. The landscape is a mixture of grandeurand beauty. Hills upon hills, covered with pine and fir, stretch awayfrom the lowlands to the distant glacier-clad mountains, and patches ofgreen meadow gleam through the dark pine depths. 

The clear blue sky changes to a faint haze in the hilly distance. Thegentle air is perfumed with the odor of the forest. A Sabbath stillnessbroods over all. The sun has swung around to the northwest, and skimsalong the horizon as if loth to leave such a sweet scene. 

Evening was settling down on the Norwegian _saeter_, or summer herdground. Riding along the trail through the pines appeared a young man. He was evidently not at home in the forest, as he peered anxiouslythrough every opening. His dress and bearing indicated that he was not awoodsman nor a herder of cattle. Pausing on a knoll, he surveyed thescene around him, and took off his hat that the evening breeze mightcool his face. Suddenly, there came echoing through the forest, fromhill to hill, the deep notes of the _lur_. The traveler listened, andthen urged his horse forward. Again and again the blast reverberated, the notes dying in low echoes on the distant hills. From another rise, the rider saw the girl who was making all this wild music. She wasstanding on a high knoll. Peering down into the forest, she recognizedthe traveler and welcomed him with an attempt at a tune on her long, wooden trumpet. 

"Good evening, Hansine, " said he, as his horse scrambled up the pathclose by, "your _lur_ made welcome music this evening. "

"Good evening, Hr. Bogstad, " said she, "are you not lost?"

"I was, nearly, until I heard you calling your cows. It is a long way uphere--but the air and the scenery are grand. "

"Yes, do you think so? I don't know anything about what they call grandscenery. I've always lived up here, and it's work, work all thetime--but those cows are slow coming home. " She lifted her _lur_ to herlips and once more made the woods ring. 

Down at the foot of the hills, where the pines gave place to small, grassy openings, stood a group of log huts, towards which the cows werenow seen wending. 

"Come, Hr. Bogstad, I see the cows are coming. I must go down to meetthem. "

They went down the hill together. The lowing cows came up to thestables, and as the herd grew larger there was a deafening din. A girlwas standing in the doorway of one of the cabins, timidly watching thenoisy herd. 

"Come, give the cows their salt, " laughingly shouted Hansine to her. 

"And get hooked all to pieces? Not much. "

"You little coward. What good would you be on a _saeter_? What do youthink, Hr. Bogstad?"

As the girl caught sight of the new arrival she started and the colorcame to her face. He went up to her. "How are you, Signe?" he said. "Howdo you like life on a _saeter_?"

"Well, I hardly know, " she said, seemingly quite embarrassed. 

"Oh, I'll tell you, " broke in the busy Hansine, as she came with a pailfull of salt. "She just goes around and looks at and talks about whatshe calls the beauties of nature. That she likes; but as for milking, orchurning, or making cheese, well--"

Then they all laughed good naturedly. 

Hansine was a large, strong girl, with round, pleasant features. She andthe cows were good friends. At the sound of the _lur_ every afternoonthe cows turned their grazing heads towards home, and, on their arrival, each was given a pat and a handful of salt. Then they went quietly intotheir stalls. 

It was quite late that evening before the milk had been strained intothe wooden platters and placed in rows on the shelves in the milk house. Hr. Bogstad and Signe had proffered their help, but they had beenordered into the house and Signe was told to prepare the evening meal. When Hansine came in, she found the table set with the cheese, milk, butter, and black bread, while Signe and Hr. Bogstad sat by the largefireplace watching a pot of boiling cream mush. 

The object of Hr. Bogstad's visit was plain enough. He had been devotinghis attentions to Signe Dahl for some time, and now that he was homefrom college on a vacation, it was natural that he should follow herfrom the village up to the mountains. 

Hr. Bogstad, though young, was one of the rich men of Nordal. He hadlately fallen heir to a large estate. In fact, Signe's parents, with agreat many more, were but tenants of young Hr. Henrik Bogstad; andalthough it was considered a great honor to have the attentions of sucha promising young man--for, in fact, Henrik was quite exemplary in allthings, and had a good name in the neighborhood--still Signe Dahl didnot care for him, and was uneasy in his company. She would rather sailwith some of the fisher boys on the lake than be the object of envy byher companions. But Signe's slim, graceful form, large blue eyes, clear, dimpled face, light silken hair, combined with a native grace andbeauty, attracted not only the fisher boys but the "fine" Hr. Bogstadalso. She was now spending a few days with her cousin Hansine in themountains. Her limited knowledge of _saeter_ life was fast beingaugmented under her cousin's supervision, notwithstanding Hansine'sremarks about her inabilities. 

The cabin wherein the three were seated was of the rudest kind, buteverything was scrupulously clean. The blazing pine log cast a red lightover them as they sat at the table. 

"So you see nothing grand in your surroundings?" asked Hr. Bogstad ofHansine. 

"How can I? I have never been far from home. Mountains and forests andlakes are all I know. "

"True, " said he, "and we can see grandeur and beauty by contrast only. "

"But here is Signe, " remarked Hansine; "she has never seen much of theworld, yet you should hear her. I can never get her interested in mycows. Her mind must have been far away when she dished up the mush, forshe has forgotten something. "

"Oh, I beg pardon, " exclaimed the forgetful girl. "Let me attend to it. "

She went to the cupboard and brought out the sugar and a paper of groundcinnamon, and sprinkled a layer of each over the plates of mush. Thenshe pressed into the middle of each a lump of butter which soon meltedinto a tiny yellow pond. 

"I should like to hear some of these ideas of yours, " remarked thevisitor to Signe, who had so far forgotten her manners as to be blowingher spoonful of mush before dipping it into the butter. 

"I wish I were an artist, " said she, without seeming to notice hisremarks. "Ah, what pictures I would paint! I would make them so naturalthat you could see the pine tops wave, and smell the breath of the woodsas you looked at them. "

"You would put me in, standing on The Look-out blowing my _lur_, wouldn't you?"

"Certainly. "

"And I have no doubt that we could hear the echoes ringing over thehills, " continued Hansine, soberly. 

"Never mind, you needn't make fun. Yes, Hr. Bogstad, I think we havesome grand natural scenes. I often climb up on the hills, and sit andlook over the pines and the shining lake down towards home. Then, sometimes, I can see the ocean like a silver ribbon, lying on thehorizon. I sit up there and gaze and think, as Hansine says, nearly allnight. I seem to be under a spell. You know it doesn't get dark allnight now, and the air is so delicious. My thoughts go out 'Over thehigh mountains, ' as Bjornson says, and I want to be away to hear and seewhat the world is and has to tell me. A kind of sweet loneliness comesover me which I cannot explain. "

Hr. Bogstad had finished his dish. He, too, was under a spell--the spellof a soft, musical voice. 

"Then the light in the summer, " she continued. "How I have wished to gonorth where the sun shines the whole twenty-four hours. Have you everseen the Midnight Sun, Hr. Bogstad?"

"No; but I have been thinking of taking a trip up there this summer, ifI can get some good company to go with me. Wouldn't you--"

It was then that Signe hurriedly pushed her chair away and said: "Thanksfor the food. "

Next morning Signe was very busy. She washed the wooden milk basins, scalded them with juniper tea, and then scoured them with sand. Shechurned the butter and wanted to help with the cheese, but Hansinethought that she was not paying enough attention to their visitor, soshe ordered her off to her lookout on the mountain. Hr. Bogstad wouldhelp her up the steep places; besides, he could tell her the names ofthe ferns and flowers, and answer the thousand and one questions whichshe was always asking. So, of course, they had to go. 

But Signe was very quiet, and Henrik said but little. He had come to theconclusion that he truly loved this girl whose parents were among thepoorest of his tenants. None other of his acquaintances, even among thehigher class, charmed him as did Signe. He was old enough to marry, andshe was not too young. He knew full well that if he did marry her, manyof his friends would criticise; but Henrik had some of the Norsemanspirit of liberty, and he did not think that a girl's humble positionbarred her from him. True, he had received very little encouragementfrom her, though her parents had looked with favor upon him. And now hewas thinking of her cold indifference. 

They sat down on a rocky bank, carpeted with gray reindeer moss. 

They had been talking of his experiences at school. He knew her desireto finish the college education cut short by a lack of means. 

"Signe, I wish you would let me do you a favor. "

She thought for a moment before she asked what it was. 

"Let me help you attend college. You know I am able to, besides--besides, some day you may learn to think as much of me as I doof you, and then, dear Signe--"

Signe arose. "Hr. Bogstad, " she said, "I wish you would not talk likethat. If you do, I shall go back to Hansine. "

"Why, Signe, don't be offended. I am not jesting. " He stood before herin the path, and would have taken her hand, but she drew back. 

"Signe, I have thought a great deal of you for a long time. You know wehave been boy and girl together. My absence at school has made nodifference in me. I wish you could think a little of me, Signe. "

"Hr. Bogstad, I don't believe in deceiving anyone. I am sorry that youhave been thinking like that about me, because I cannot think of youother than as a friend. Let us not talk about it. "

If Henrik could not talk about that nearest his heart, he would remainsilent, which he did. 

Signe was gathering some rare ferns and mosses when Hansine's _lur_sounded through the hills. That was the signal for them, as well as thecows, to come home. 

Early the next morning Hansine's brother came up to the _saeter_ to takehome the week's accumulation of butter and cheese. Signe, perched on thetop of the two-wheeled cart, was also going home. Hr. Bogstad, mountedon his horse, accompanied them a short distance, then rode off inanother direction. 

V. 

 "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?"--_Amos 3:3_

It was nearly noon when Signe Dahl sprang from the cart, and with herbundle under her arm, ran down the hillside into the woods, following awell-beaten trail. That was the short cut home. Hans had found her poorcompany during the ride, and even now, alone in the woods, the seriouscountenance was loth to relax. A ten minutes' walk brought her to thebrow of a hill, and she sauntered down its sloping side. Signe hadnearly reached home, and being doubtful of her reception there, shelingered. Then, too, she could usually amuse herself alone, for shealways found some new wonder in the exhaustless beauty of hersurroundings. 

She threw herself on a green bank, and this is the picture which shesaw: Just before her, the greensward extended down to a lake, whosewaters lost themselves behind cliffs and islands and pine-clad hills. Here and there in the distance towards the north, there could be seenshining spots of water; but towards the south the hills closed inprecipitously, and left room only for the outlet of the lake to pourover its rocky bed into another valley below. On the farther shore, fivemiles distant, a few red farm houses stood out from the plats ofgreen--all the rest was forest and rock. The sky was filled with soft, fleecy clouds, and not a breath stirred the surface of the lake. Signegazed towards a rocky island before her. Only the roof of the houseupon it could be seen, but from its chimney arose no smoke. That waswhere Signe had been born, and had lived most of the eighteen years ofher life. The girl walked down the hillside to the lake and again seatedherself, this time on a rock near the edge of the water. She took a bookfrom her bundle and began to read; but the text was soon embellishedwith marginal sketches of rocks and bits of scenery, and then bothreading and drawing had to give place to the consideration of thepictures that came thronging into her mind. 

Hr. Bogstad had actually proposed to her--the rich and handsome Hr. Bogstad; and she, the insignificant farmer girl, had refused him, hadrun away from him. Signe Dahl, she ruminated, aren't you the mostfoolish child in the world? He is the owner of miles and miles of theland about here. The hills with their rich harvest of timber, the riverswith their fish, and even the island in the lake, are his. To bemistress over it all--ah, what a temptation. If she had only loved Hr. Bogstad, if she had only liked him; but she did neither. She could notexplain the reason, but she knew that she could not be his wife. 

How could such a man love her, anyway? Was she really so very goodlooking? Signe looked down into the still, deep water and saw her ownreflection asking the question over again. There! her face, at least, was but a little, ordinary pink and white one. Her eyes were of thecommon blue color. Her hair--well, it was a trifle wavy and more glossythan that of other girls, but--gluck! a stone broke her mirror into ahundred circling waves. Signe looked up with a start. There was Hagbertstanding half concealed behind a bush. 

"Oh, I see you, " she shouted. 

He came down to the water, grinning good-naturedly. 

"Well, " said he, "I didn't think you were so vain as all that. "

"Can't a person look at the pebbles and fish at at the bottom of thelake without being vain?" and she laughed her confusion away. "Say, Hagbert, is your boat close by?"

"Yes, just down by the north landing. "

"Oh, that's good. I thought I would have to wait until father came thisevening to get home. You'll row me across, won't you?"

"Why, certainly; but I thought you had gone to the _saeter_ to stay, atleast a week. "

"Yes, but--but, I've come home again, you see. "

"Yes, I see, " and he looked oddly at her. He had also seen Hr. Bogstadset out for the mountains two days before, and now he wondered. 

Hagbert fetched the boat, took in his passenger, and his strong armssoon sent the light craft to the other bank. 

"A thousand thanks, Hagbert, " she said, as she sprang out, and thenclimbed up the steep path, and watched him pull back. He was a strong, handsome fellow, too, a poor fisherman, yet somehow, she felt easier inhis company than in Hr. Bogstad's. 

Signe found no one at home. Her mother and the children had, no doubt, gone to the mainland to pick blueberries; so she went out into thegarden to finish her book. She became so absorbed in her reading thatshe did not see her mother's start of surprise when they came home withtheir baskets full of berries. 

"Well, well, Signe, is that you? What's the matter?" exclaimed hermother. 

"Nothing, mother; only I couldn't stay up there any longer. " And thatwas all the explanation her mother could get until the father came homethat evening. He was tired and a little cross. From Hans he had heard abit of gossip that irritated him, and Signe saw that her secret was notwholly her own. She feared her father. 

"Signe, " said he, after supper, "I can guess pretty well why you camehome so soon. I had a talk with Hr. Bogstad before he went to the_saeter_. "

The girl's heart beat rapidly, but she said nothing. 

"Did he speak to you about--why did you run away from him, girl?"

"Father, you know I don't like Hr. Bogstad. I don't know why; he is niceand all that, but I don't like him anyway. "

"You have such nonsensical ideas!" exclaimed the father, and he pausedbefore her in his impatient pacing back and forth. "He, the gentleman, the possessor of thousands. Girl, do you know what you are doing whenyou act like this? Can't you see that we are poor; that your father isworked to death to provide for you all? That if you would treat him asyou should, we would be lifted out of this, and could get away fromthis rock-ribbed island on to some land with soil on? Our future wouldbe secure. Can't you see it, girl? O, you little fool, for running awayfrom such a man. Don't you know he owns us all, as it were?"

"No, father, he does not. "

"The very bread you eat and the water you drink come from hispossessions. "

"Still, he does not own us all. He does not own me, nor shall he as longas I feel as I do now, and as long as there is other land and otherwater and other air to which he can lay no claim. "

It was a bold speech, but something prompted her to say it. She wasaroused. The mother came to intercede, for she knew both father anddaughter well. 

"I tell you, girl, there shall be no more foolishness. You shall do as Iwant you, do you hear!"

Signe arose to go, but her father caught her forcibly by the arm. 

"Sit down and listen to me, " he said. 

The girl began to cry, and the mother interposed: "Never mind, father;you know it's useless to talk to her now. Let her go and milk the cow. It's getting late. "

So Signe escaped with her pail into the little stable where the cow hadbeen awaiting her for over an hour. But she was a long time milking, that evening. 

VI. 

 "Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, into a land that I will show thee. "--_Gen. 12:1_. 

Signe Dahl sat in the little coupe of the railroad train which wascarrying her to Christiania. She was the sole occupant of thecompartment, her big valise resting on the opposite seat. Out throughthe lowered window she looked at the flying landscape, a mingling ofpine hills, waters, and green meadows. An hour ago she had boarded thetrain at Holmen, the nearest station to Nordal. Early that morning shehad tearfully kissed them all good-by and had begun her journey to thathaven of rest from old country oppressions--America. She and her motherhad planned it, and the father had at last given his consent. It was allthe outcome of Hr. Bogstad's persistent devotions to the family on theisland in the lake. 

Tiring of the scenery, Signe took from a bundle a letter. It had beenhanded her by the postmaster at Nordal that morning as she drove past, and was from Hr. Bogstad, who was in the North with a party of tourists. She opened it and read:

"I wrote you a letter about a week ago, describing our trip up to thattime. I hope you have received it. You know I have no eye for thebeautiful, but I did the best I could. You should have been along andseen it all yourself. 

"And now I write you again, because, dear friend, I have heard a rumorfrom home that you are going to America. It is news to me if it is true. Dear Signe, don't. Wait, at least, until I can see you again, because Ihave something to tell you whether you go or stay. I am coming home asfast as steam can carry me. Please, don't run off like that. Why shouldyou? I ask myself. But there, it's only rumor. You're not going, andI'll see you again in a few days, when I shall tell you all about therest of the trip. "

A smile played on Signe's face, but it soon changed to a more soberexpression. What was she to cause such a commotion in the life of a manlike Hr. Bogstad? That he was in earnest she knew. And here she wasrunning away from him. He would never see her again. How disappointed hewould be! She could see him driving from the station, alighting at theferry, springing into a boat, and skimming over to the island. Up thesteep bank he climbs, and little Hakon runs down to meet him, for whichhe receives his usual bag of candy. Perhaps he gets to the house beforehe finds out. Then--?

Surely the smile has changed to a tear, for Signe has wiped one awayfrom her cheek. 

To Signe, the journey that day was made up of strange thoughts andexperiences. The landscape, the stopping at the stations, the coming andgoing of people, Hr. Bogstad's letter, the folks at home, the uncertainfuture, --all seemed to mingle and to form one chain of thought, whichended only when the train rolled into the glass-covered station atChristiania. 

With a firm grasp on her valise, she picked her way through the crowdwith its noise and bustle, and placed herself safely in the care of ahackman, who soon set her down at her lodgings. 

At the steamship office she learned that the steamer was not to sail forthree days. So Signe meant to see what she could of the city. It was herfirst visit to the capital, and perhaps her last. She would make thebest of her time. She had no friends in the city, but that did nothinder her from walking out alone. In the afternoon of the second day, Signe went to the art gallery, and that was the end of her sightseeingto other parts. She lingered among the paintings of the masters and thebeautiful chiseled marble--the first she had seen--until the attendantreminded her that it was time to close. 

That evening the landlady informed her that a visitor had been inquiringfor her during the day, a gentleman. Who could it be? He was described, and then Signe knew that it was Hr. Bogstad. He had said that he couldcall again in the evening. 

Signe was troubled. What should she do? He was following her, but theymust not meet. It would do no good. The steamer was to sail tomorrow, and she would go on board that night. She called a carriage and wasdriven to the wharf. Yes, it was all right, said the steward, and shewas made comfortable for the night. 

Among the crowd of people that came to see the steamer sail, Signethought she caught sight of Hr. Bogstad elbowing through the throng toget to the ship. But he was too late. The third bell had rung, thegangplank was being withdrawn, and the vessel was slowly moving away. Signe had concealed herself among the people, but now she pressed to therailing and waved her handkerchief with the rest. 

Farewell to Norway, farewell to home and native land. Signe's heart wasfull. All that day she sat on deck. She had no desire for food, and thecrowded steerage had no attractions. So she sat, busy with her thoughtsand the sights about the beautiful Christiania fjord. 

Early the next morning they steamed into Christiansand, and a few hourslater, the last of Norway's rocky coast sank below the waters of theNorth Sea. 

All went well for a week. Signe had not suffered much from seasickness, but now a storm was surely coming. Sailors were busy making everythingsnug and tight; and the night closed in fierce and dark, with the seaspray sweeping the deck. 

Signe staggered down into the dimly lighted steerage. Most of the pooremigrants had crawled into their bunks, and were rolling back and forthwith each lurch of the ship. Signe sat and talked with a Danish girl, each clinging to a post. 

"I don't feel like going to bed, " said the girl. 

"Nor I. What a night it is!"

"Do you think we shall get safely across?"

"Why, certainly, " replied Signe. "You mustn't be frightened at astorm. "

"I try not to be afraid, but I'm such a coward. "

"Think about something pleasant, now, " suggested the other. "Rememberwhere you're going and whom you are going to meet. "

The girl from Denmark had confided to Signe that she was going to joinher lover in America. 

The girl tried to smile, and Signe continued: "What a contrast betweenus. I am running away; you are going to meet someone--"

Crash! A blow struck the ship and shook it from end to end; andpresently the machinery came to a full stop. Then there was hurrying offeet on deck, and they could hear the boatswain's shrill pipe, and thecaptain giving commands. The steerage was soon a scene of terror. Thosewho rushed up the stairs were met with fastened doors, and werecompelled to remain below. Women screamed and prayed and raved. Then thesteward came in, and informed them that there was no danger, and thescene somewhat quieted down. On further inquiry it was learned that theyhad collided with another ship. Some damage had been done forward, butthere was no further danger. However, very few slept that night, andwhen morning broke, clear and beautiful, with glad hearts they rushed upinto the open air. 

The second class was forward. Three of the passengers had been killedand quite a number injured. 

If Signe had not been so poor, and had not refused help from Hr. Bogstad, she would have taken second class passage. But now, thank Godfor being poor and--independent!

In another week they landed at New York, and each went her own way. Signe Dahl took the first train for Chicago. 

VII. 

 "The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away. "--_Job 1:22_. 

The news startled the young city of Willowby from the Honorable Mayor tothe newest comer in the place. The railroad company had found a shorterroute to its northern main line, and it had been decided to remove, or, at least, to abandon for a time, the road running through the valley. The short cut would save fifty miles of roadbed and avoid some heavygrades, but it would leave the town of Willowby twenty-five miles fromthe railroad. Everybody said it would be a death-blow to the place. Petitions and propositions from the citizens to the railroad companyavailed nothing. 

The most diresome predictions came true. After the change, the life ofthe young town seemed to wither away. Its business almost ceased. Thespeculator whose tenement houses were without roof, hurriedly closedthem in, and so let them stand. Safer is the farmer, in such times. Hisfields will still yield the same, let stocks and values in real estaterise and fall as they will. 

Alderman Rupert Ames had been attending the protracted meetings of thecity council; this, with other business, kept him away from home for aweek. This was the explanation which he gave to his mother when he atlast came home. 

"Rupert, " she said to him, "you must not worry so. I see you aresick--you're as pale as death now. Is there anything the matter, myboy?"

Rupert seated himself on the sofa, resting his face in his hands, andlooked into the fire. He was haggard and pale. 

"Mother--yes, mother, something's the matter but I cannot tell you, Icannot tell you. "

The mother sank beside him. "Rupert, what is it, are you sick?"

"No, dear mother, I'm not sick--only at heart. " He put his arms aroundher neck and resting his head on her shoulder, began to sob. 

It had been a long time since she had seen her boy shed tears. 

"Mother, " he sprang to his feet and forced himself to talk, "I must tellyou. The bank has failed and--and--I have not always told you of mybusiness transactions, mother. I now owe more than we are worth in thisworld. I have been investing in real estate. I paid a big price for theRiverside Addition, and the paper I asked you to sign was a mortgage onthe farm to secure a loan. Mother, I thought it was a good investment, and it would have been had the railroad remained, but now property hassunk so low that all we own will not pay my debts. And the bank hasfailed also--O mother!"

"My son, do not carry on like that. If the worst comes, we still havethe farm, haven't we?"

"You do not understand, mother; our creditors can take that, too. "

Then she also broke down, and at sight of her tears the son gainedcontrol of his own feelings, and tried to comfort his mother. She shouldnever want as long as he had two strong hands with which to work, heassured her. All would be right in the end. "What I have done, I can doagain, mother; and though if it comes to the worst, it will be hard, Iam young yet, and have life before me. "

For an hour they sat on the sofa with their arms around each other, talking and planning; and then when they became silent, the picturesthey saw in the glowing coals partook of a log house, a dreary sagebrushplain, and the building of canals and reservoirs. 

The worst did come. They could, perhaps, have retained a part of Amesfarm, but they decided to give up everything, pay their debts, and facethe world honorably. So, before Christmas, everything had been clearedup, and Widow Ames was installed in a neat three-roomed house nearertown, for which they paid a monthly rental. 

Miss Virginia Wilton was on a visit to her "folks in the East. " Rupertboth longed and feared for her return. In his letters he had saidnothing about the change in his affairs. He would wait until her return, and then he would explain it fully to her. He had decided, for her sake, to propose to her the postponement of their marriage until spring. Hewould certainly be better prepared then. It would be a sacrifice on hispart, but Virginia would be wise enough to see its advisability. Yes, they would counsel together, and Virginia's love would be the power tohold him up. After all, the world was not so dark with such a girl asVirginia Wilton waiting to become his wife. 

The day after her return to Willowby, Rupert called on her. Mrs. Worth, the landlady, responded to his knock, and said that Virginia had goneout for the day. She was, however, to give him this note if he called. 

Rupert took the paper and turned away. He would find her at someneighbor's. He carefully broke the envelope and read:

 _Dear Mr. Ames_:

 As I have accepted a position to teach in another state, I shall have to leave Willowby tomorrow. I shall be too busy to see you, and you have too much good sense to follow me. Forget the past. With kindest regards, I am, _Virginia Wilton_. 

 * * * * *

Nina was married on the first of the year. Widow Ames died about twoweeks after. 

And so life's shifting scenes came fast to Rupert Ames; and they weremostly scenes of dreariness and trial; but he did not altogether giveup. Many of his friends were his friends still, and he could havedrowned his sorrow in the social whirl; but he preferred to sit at homeduring the long winter evenings, beside his fire and shaded lamp, andforget himself in his books. He seemed to be drifting away from hisformer life, into a strange world of his own. He lost all interest inhis surroundings. To him, the world was getting empty and barren andcold. 

The former beautiful valley was a prison. The hills in which his boyhoodhad been spent lost all their loveliness. How foolish, anyway, he beganto think, to always live in a narrow valley, and never know anything ofthe broad world without. Surely the soul will grow small in suchconditions. 

Early that spring, Rupert packed his possessions in a bundle which hetied behind the saddle on his horse and bade good-bye to his friends. 

"Where are you going, Rupe?" they asked. 

But his answer was always, "I don't know. "

VIII. 

 "No chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless, afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them that are exercised thereby. "--_Heb. 12:11_. 

Rupert Ames had ridden all day, resting only at noon to permit his horseto graze. As for himself, he was not tired. The long pent-up energy hadbegun to escape, and it seemed that he could have ridden, or walked, orin any way worked hard for a long time without need of rest. Move, movehe must. He had been dormant long enough; thinking, thinking, nothingbut that for months. It would have driven him mad had he not made achange. Where was he going? No one knew; Rupert himself did not know;anywhere for a change; anywhere to get away, for a time, from the scenesand remembrances of the valley and town of Willowby. 

At dark he rode into a village at the mouth of a gorge. Lights gleamedfrom the windows. A strong breeze came from the gorge, and the treeswhich lined the one stony street all leaned away from the mountain. Rupert had never been in the place before, but he had heard of Windtown. Was there a hotel? he asked a passer-by. No; but they took lodgers atSmith's, up the hill. At Smith's he, therefore, put up his horse andsecured supper and bed. Until late at night he walked up and downWindtown's one street, and even climbed the cliffs above the town. 

Next morning he was out early, and entered the canyon as the sun beganto illumine its rocky domes and cast long shafts of light across thechasm. A summer morning ride through a canyon of the Rockies is alwaysan inspiration, but Rupert was not conscious of it. Again, at noon, hefed his horse a bag of grain, and let him crop the scanty bunch-grass onthe narrow hillside. A slice of bread from his pocket, dipped into theclear stream, was his own meal. Then, out of the canyon, and up themountain, and over the divide he went. All that afternoon he rode over astretch of sagebrush plain. It was nearly midnight when he stopped at amining camp. In the morning he sold his horse for three twenty-dollargold pieces, and with his bundle on his back, walked to the railroadstation, a distance of seven miles. 

"I want a ticket, " said he to the man at the little glass window. 

"Where to?"

"To--to--well, to Chicago. "

The man looked suspiciously at Rupert, and then turned to a card hangingon the wall. 

"Twenty-eight-fifty, " he said. 

Two of the gold pieces were shoved under the glass, and Rupert receivedhis ticket and his change. 

In the car, he secured a seat near the window that he might see thecountry. It was the same familiar mountains and streams all that day, but the next morning when he awoke and looked out of the car windows, astrange sight met his gaze. In every direction, as far as he could see, stretched the level prairie, over which the train sped in straight linesfor miles and miles. "We must be in Kansas, " he thought. "What a sight, to see so much level land. "

But what was he going to do in Chicago? To see the world, to mingle inthe crowd, to jostle with his fellow-beings--what else, he did not know. 

Chicago! What a sight to the man of the mountains! Streets, houses, people and the continuous din and traffic of the city nearly turned hishead for a time. What an ideal place in which to lose one's self. Ruperthad a bundle no longer, but in his pocket just fifteen dollars and tencents. He kept well out of the clutches of the sharpers in the city, and lived quite comfortably for a week, seeing the sights of thewonderful city. Then, when his money was getting low, he tried to getwork, as he wished to remain longer. But Rupert was a farmer, and theywere not in demand within the city limits. Outside the city, Rupert fellin with a body of travelers who were going West--walking, and riding onthe trains when they had a chance. He joined them. Somehow, he hadceased to consider what his doings might lead to, and as for misgivingsas to the company he was keeping, that did not trouble him. For manydays there was more walking than riding. Rupert was not expert atswinging himself under the cars and hanging to the brakebeams, so hetraveled with the more easy-going element, who slept in the haylofts atnight and got what food they could from farmhouses, though Ruperthoarded his little store of money and usually paid for what he got. Thenhe lost all track of time. It must have been far into the summer whenRupert separated from his companions, and found himself at the base ofthe mountains. Here he spent his last cent for a loaf of bread. 

That night Rupert felt a fever burning within him, and in the morning hewas too weak to travel. He, therefore, lay in the hay which had servedhim for a bed until the sun shone in upon him; then he again tried toget out, but he trembled so that he crawled back into the loft and therelay the whole day. Towards evening he was driven out by the owner of thebarn. Rupert staggered along until he came to another hayloft, which hesucceeded in reaching without being seen. All that night he tossed infever and suffered from the pains which racked his body. The next day afarmer found him, and seeing his condition, brought him some food. Thenon he went again. His mind was now in a daze. Sometimes the mountains, the houses, and the fences became so jumbled together that he could notdistinguish one from the other. Was he losing his mind? Or was it butthe fever? Was the end coming?--and far from home, too--Home?--he had nohome. One place was as good as another to him. He had no distinctrecollection how he got to the usual hayloft, nor how long he lay there. It was one confused mass of pains and dreams and fantastic shapes. Thenthe fever must have burned out, for he awoke one night with a clearbrain. Then he slept again. 

On awakening next morning and crawling out, he saw the sun shining onthe snow-tipped peaks of the mountains. He had dreamed during the nightof his mother and Virginia and Nina, and the dream had impressed himdeeply. His haggard face was covered with a short beard; his clotheswere dirty, and some rents were getting large. Yes, he had reached thebottom. He could go no further. He was a tramp--a dirty tramp. He hadgot to the end of his rope. He would reach the mountains which he stillloved, and there on some cliff he would lie down and die. He would doit--would do it!

All that day he walked. He asked not for food. He wanted nothing fromany man. Alone he had come into the world, alone he would leave it. Hisface was set and hard. Up the mountain road he went, past farmhouse andvillage, up, farther up, until he reached a valley that looked like onehe knew, but there was no town there, nothing but a level stretch ofbench-land and a stream coursing down the lower part of the valley. Groves of pines extended over the foothills up towards the peaks. Upthere he would go. Under the pines his bones would lie and bleach. 

He left the wagon road, and followed a trail up the side of the hill. The sun was nearing the white mountain peaks. An autumn haze hung overthe valley and made the distance dim and blue. The odor from the treesgreeted him, and recalled memories of the time when, full of life andhope, he had roamed his native pine-clad hills. He was nearing home, anyway. The preacher had said that dying was only going home. If therewas a hereafter, it could be no worse than the present; and if deathended all, well, his bones would rest in peace in this lone place. Thewolf and the coyote might devour his flesh--let them--and their nighthowl would be his funeral dirge. 

Far up, he went into the deepest of the forest. The noise of fallingwaters came to him as a distant hymn. He sat on the ground to rest, before he made his last climb. Mechanically, he took from his pocket asmall book, his testament--his sole remaining bit of property. He openedit, and his eyes fell on some lines which he had penciled on the margin, seemingly, years and years ago. They ran as follows:

 "'Tis sorrow builds the shining ladder up, Whose golden rounds are our calamities. "

And the passages to which they pointed read:

 "My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him; for whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye receive chastenings, God dealeth with you as with sons, for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?"

The book dropped from the reader's trembling grasp. It was then that theAngel of Mercy said, "It is enough, " and touched the young man's heart. The long pent-up spring burst forth, and Rupert sobbed like a child. Bya huge gray rock sheltered by the pines, he uttered his first prayer toGod. For a full hour he prayed and wept, until a peaceful spiritoverpowered him, and he slept. 

Rupert awoke with a changed heart, though he was weak and faint. Eveningwas coming on and he saw the smoke curling from the chimney of afarmhouse half a mile below. Painfully, he made his way down to it. 

A young man was feeding the cows for the night, and Rupert went up tohim, and said:

"Good evening, sir; have you any objection to my sleeping in your barntonight?"

The man eyed him closely. Tramps did not often come to hisout-of-the-way place. 

"Do you smoke?"

"No, sir. "

"Then I have no objection, though I don't like tramps around the place. "

"Thank you, sir. "

The man moved off, but turned again. "Have you had any supper?" heasked. 

"No; but I do not care for anything to eat, thank you. "

"Strange tramp, that, " said the man to himself, "not to want anything toeat. Well, go into the shanty and warm yourself, anyway. "

In the shanty, Rupert found an old stove glowing with a hot fire, by theside of which he seated himself. The night was chilly in that highaltitude, and Rupert spread out his palms to the warmth. Inside thehouse, he heard the rattle of dishes and the voices of women. Thenstrains of songs floated out to him, and he became an intent listener. Soon from out the humming came two sweet voices, singing. Rupert sat asone spellbound, as the song seemed to melt into his soul:

 "O my Father, thou that dwellest In the high and glorious place! When shall I regain thy presence, And again behold thy face? In thy holy habitation, Did my spirit once reside; In my first primeval childhood, Was I nurtured near thy side. 

 "For a wise and glorious purpose Thou hast placed me here on earth, And withheld the recollection Of my former friends and birth; Yet ofttimes a secret something Whispered, You're a stranger here; And I felt that I had wandered From a more exalted sphere. 

 "I had learned to call thee Father, Through thy Spirit from on high; But until the Key of Knowledge Was restored, I knew not why. In the heavens are parents single? No; the thought makes reason stare. Truth is reason; truth eternal Tells me I've a mother there. 

 "When I leave this frail existence, When I lay this mortal by, Father, mother, may I meet you In your royal courts on high? Then, at length, when I've completed All you sent me forth to do, With your mutual approbation Let me come and dwell with you. "

The door opened, and a young woman came out with a small tin pail in herhand. At sight of Rupert she gave a startled cry and backed to the door. Just then the young farmer passed through the shanty and explained thatit was only a "traveler" warming himself. The young woman lookedsteadily at Rupert. The fire shone out from the open door of the stove, and the light danced on the rough board walls, throwing a halo of redaround the girl. 

"What a sweet picture, " instantly thought Rupert. 

Then she slowly advanced again, and, instead of pouring the contents ofthe pail into a larger dish as was her errand, she placed it on thetable by Rupert, and said, smilingly:

"Vil you have a drink of varm milk?"

"Thank you, thank you. "

Then she went back. 

Warm milk! What could be more delicious? Rupert sipped the sweet fluid. How it invigorated him and surcharged him with new life. And given bysuch hands, with such a smile! It was a glimpse of past glories. 

In the morning Rupert was asked if he wanted a job. 

"Yes, " was the answer. 

"Can you work on a farm?"

"I've been a farmer all my life, " was the reply. "I'm not a tramp, asyou understand that term. "

"Well, stay around today and I'll see what I can do. I want some help, but I cannot pay high wages. "

"Never mind the wages, " said Rupert, "we'll agree on that after awhile. "

The young farmer saw that he had no common tramp to deal with, althoughhe looked rough and travel-stained. 

"I have been sick for the past few days, " explained Rupert, "and if youcan trust me, I should like to rest up a bit before I go to work. I'mtoo weak to do you much good yet. "

"That'll be all right, " was the answer. "I see you need something to eatthis morning, even if you weren't hungry last night. Come with me to thehouse. "

So Rupert Ames remained with the farmer and did the chores around thehouse until he became stronger, when he helped with the harder work. Hewas treated kindly by them all, and it was not long before he mingledfreely with the family. 

During this time Rupert realized that his right senses, as he calledthem, were coming back to him, and every night he thanked God in vocalprayer for his deliverance from a dark pit which seemed to have yawnedbefore him. 

The Jansons were newcomers in the West, and had much to learn aboutfarming. Mr. Janson was a Swede who had been in the country twentyyears. His wife and her cousin were from Norway, the former having beenin the country long enough to become Americanized; it was two years onlysince the latter had emigrated from her native land, so she spokeEnglish with a foreign accent. Her name was Signe Dahl (first namepronounced in two syllables, Sig-ne). She attracted Rupert's attentionfrom the first. She had a complexion of pink and white, blue eyes, soft, light hair; but it was not her peculiar beauty alone that attracted him. There was something else about her, an atmosphere of peace and assurancewhich Rupert could feel in her presence. Naturally, she was reticent atfirst, but on learning to know Rupert, which she seemed to dointuitively, she talked freely with him, and even seemed pleased withhis company. 

Two weeks went by, and Rupert proffered to remain with Mr. Janson andhelp him with his harvesting. The latter gladly accepted the offer, forhe had by this time learned that Rupert Ames could give him manypractical lessons in farming. 

The song that Rupert heard that first evening continually rang in hisears. He remembered some of the words, and, as he thought of them, strange ideas came to him. One evening they were all sitting around thefire in the living room. Rupert had been telling them some of hishistory, and when the conversation lagged, he asked the two cousins tosing that song about "O my Father. " They readily consented. 

"A most beautiful song, " said Rupert at its close; "and so strange. Itseems to bring me back for an instant to some former existence, if thatwere possible. What does it mean:

 'In thy holy habitation, Did my spirit once reside; In my first primeval childhood Was I nurtured near thy side. '

"What does it mean?"

"Signe, you explain it, " said Mr. Janson. "You know, you're a betterpreacher than I am. "

Signe made no excuses, but went to the little bookshelf and took from ittwo books, her English and her Norwegian Bibles. She read for the mostpart from the English now, but she always had the more familiar one athand to explain any doubtful passage. 

"I vill do wat I can, Mr. Ames. I cannot read English good, so you mustdo de reading. " She opened the book and pointed to the fourth verse ofthe thirty-eighth chapter of the book of Job. Rupert read:

 "Where wast thou when I laid the foundation of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. * * * When the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?"

"Yes, " said the reader, "that is a great question, indeed. Where wasJob? Why, he was not yet born. "

"Who are de sons of God?" asked Signe. 

"I suppose we--all of us, in a sense. "

"Of course; and ve all shouted for joy when God He laid de foundation ofde earth; so, ve must have been der, and known someting about it. "

"Yes, but how could we? We were not yet born. "

"No; not in dis world; but ve lived as spiritual children of our Faderin heaven. "

"I don't know about that, " remarked Rupert, doubtfully. 

"Of course you don't. Dat's why I tell you. "

They all smiled at that. Signe again turned the leaves of her Bible. "Read here, " said she. 

This time it was the first chapter of St. John. He read the firstfourteen verses. 

"Dat vil do; now read here. " She returned to the sixth chapter, sixty-second verse, and he read:

 "What and if ye see the Son of man ascend up to where He was before. "

She turned to another. It was the twenty-eighth verse of chaptersixteen:

 "I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world and go to the Father. "

Still she made him read one more, the fifth verse of the seventeenthchapter:

 "And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. "

"Now, vat does it all mean, Mr. Ames?"

"I see your point, Miss Dahl. Christ certainly existed as an intelligentbeing before He came to this earth--yes, even before the world was. "

"Certainly; our Savior vas himself as ve. He vas born, He had a body asve, and He also had a spirit. God is de Fader of His spirit and itexisted long ago, as you said. Christ is our Elder Broder. Ve are of desame family. If He existed before de vorld, why not ve? Dat's right, isn't it?"

"But couldn't Christ have been the only one who had a pre-existence? Ibelieve something is said in your book about the Savior being the onlybegotten of the Father. "

"Yes, in de flesh; dat is true, but God is de Fader of all spirits whohave come to dis world to take a body. I can find you many passages toprove it. "

"Well, I have never thought of these things before, but it must be trueif the Bible means what it says. That's a grand principle, Mr. Janson. "

"It certainly is, Mr. Ames. Many people object to it; but I cannot see, if we are to exist in a spiritual state after we leave this body, why wecould not have existed before we entered it--but Signe, here, is thepreacher. Her only trouble is with the w's and th's. She can't get themright yet. "

Signe smiled. "No, Mr. Ames, I'm no preacher. It's all so plain to me. De Bible says ve have a Fader in heaven, and I believe it. I alsobelieve ve have 'a moder der, ' as de song says. I can't prove it from debook, but I just use my reason on dat. "

It was a new experience for Rupert to hear a fair lady expound suchdoctrine. The whole thing charmed him, both the speaker and that whichwas spoken. A new light seemed to dawn upon him. What if this life wasbut a school, anyway, into which eternal souls were being sent to beproved, to be taught. 

"Have you any other quotations on the subject?

"Oh, yes; it is full, " said she. "When you get time read Heb. 12:9, Jer. 1:4-5, Eph. 1:3-5 and John 9:1-3. I do not remember more now. "

Rupert took them down, and read them that night before he went to bed. And each day he saw a new horizon; and the sweet-faced Norwegian was notthe least factor in this continued change of mental vision. "God blessher, " he said to himself, "God has sent her to me for a purpose;" and hebegan to add to his prayers that he might so live that he would beworthy of the blessings which, seemingly, were coming his way. 

IX. 

 "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone"--_James 2:17. _

Chamogo Valley lies on the edge of the great arid region of America. Atthe time of Rupert Ames' arrival in the valley, full crops were nevercertain, and during some years, rain was so scarce that there were nocrops at all. The Chicago real estate dealer who had sold Mr. Janson hisland had not enlightened him on this fact, and so he had already lostthe best part of two years' work by failure of crops. Rupert Ameslearned of all this from Mr. Janson, and then he wondered why advantagewas not taken of the stream in the bottom of the valley for irrigationpurposes. 

One day--it was near the end of the harvest, and they were pitting theirlast potatoes--Rupert asked Mr. Janson if the adjoining lands could bebought. 

"Why, yes, " was the reply. "I was offered nearly the whole valley for asmall sum, but I have all the land I care to handle. You see, thisregion would be different if we could rely on the moisture, but wecan't, and I am nearly tired of it myself. Do you want to buy me out?"This with a laugh. 

"Can you raise money enough to buy this whole valley?" asked Rupertseriously. 

"Yes; I could get it. "

"Then I am going to propose something to you. "

Whereupon Rupert pointed out that the rich bench lands on each side ofthe river could be brought under cultivation, and crops secured everyyear by bringing the water from the stream in canals, and watering, orirrigating them. Mr. Janson listened with wonder at Rupert's descriptionof Dry-bench reservoir, and how simple it would be to construct canalsby which to water Chamogo valley. 

"This valley can be made to support a good-sized population, " saidRupert. "By securing the land and digging canals to it, and thenselling it out in farms again--well, if you don't make a hundred percent on your investment, I am mistaken. "

They had many talks on the scheme, and at last it was decided to try it. Rupert would supervise the construction of the canals. He would remainduring the winter, do what work could be done before the snow came, andthen continue the work in the spring. 

The land was secured at a small outlay. The canal was surveyed and alittle digging was done that fall. When the snow came, Rupert rodetwenty-one miles to the county seat, took the teachers' examination, received a certificate, and obtained the Chamogo district school for thewinter. It was a new experience for him, and a trying one at first. Thebig boys came to school to get out of the storm, and incidentally, tolearn something of the three R's. They were often wild, but Rupertmanaged them without doing any "licking, " the usual mode of discipline. He now wrote to his sister Nina, and told her that he was located forthe winter; that he expected to get back to Willowby, but not for atime. 

So the winter months passed. Rupert studied his own lessons when he wasnot preparing for his day's work. He made frequent visits to theJansons, though it was a good three miles' drive. He was always receivedas a friend, and, indeed, was treated as one of the family. 

Was it strange that a tie should grow between Rupert Ames and SigneDahl? Was it anything out of the way that Rupert's trips became morefrequent, and that the fair-haired Norwegian looked longingly down theroad for the school-master's horse?

Rupert did not try to deceive himself. It had been a year only since hisexperience with Virginia Wilton. He had thought that he never would getover that, but even now he could look back on it with indifference, yes, even with thankfulness. This love which seemed to be coming to him wasdifferent from that first experience. He could not explain thisdifference, but he knew that it existed. Rupert had no misgivings. Signedid not thrill him, did not hold him spell-bound with her presence. No;it was only a calm, sweet assurance that she was a good girl, that heloved her, and that she thought well of him. Their conversations weremostly on serious, but deeply interesting subjects. Signe, in commonwith her cousin and Mr. Janson, had religious views of her own, whichwere peculiar, at least to Rupert. Nothing more than the commondoctrines of the Christian denominations had Rupert ever heard. Signeknew her Bible well, and she could find wonderful things within itslids, teachings which were new to Rupert, but which opened to him afuture, a bright, glorious future, full of possibilities. Besides, theyexplained to him many of the mysteries of life and answered many of itshard questions. 

Thus one evening--it was Friday, and he lingered longer on thatevening--Mr. And Mrs. Janson were visiting neighbors, and Rupert andSigne were alone. They sat by the kitchen stove, and the blazing pinewood made a lamp unnecessary. Signe had received a letter from homewhich she had translated to Rupert. Her father had long since forgivenher. The few dollars she sent home now and then multiplied to quite afew _kroner_ by the time they reached Norway, and they helped thestruggling family. After old country topics had been exhausted, theconversation had drifted to religious themes, and especially to thedoctrine expressed in the song "O my Father;" but they now sat silentlylooking into the fire. Their chairs were not far apart, and it was aneasy matter for Rupert to lay his hand over Signe's fingers that restedon the arm of her chair and draw them closely into his big palm. 

"Signe, " he said, "if we ever lived as intelligent beings in apre-existent state--and I now can not doubt it, --we two knew each otherthere. Perhaps we were the closest friends, and I have just been lettingmy imagination run wild in contemplating the possibilities. "

"Let me tell you someting--thing. Did I get tha-at right?"

"You get the th as well as I, and the w's trouble you no more. "

"Only sometimes I forget, I was going to say, you remember the firstnight you came here?"

"I certainly do;" and he pressed her fingers a little closer. 

"Well, I seemed to know you from the first. Though you looked bad andlike a tramp, I knew you were not, and I felt as if I had known youbefore. "

They were silent again, "reading life's meaning in each other's eyes. "

Signe filled the stove from the box beside it. 

"You remember that book you gave me to read the other day, Signe?"

"Yes; what do you think of it?"

"I have been thinking considerably about it. It sets forth gospeldoctrine altogether different from what I have ever heard; still itagrees perfectly with what Christ and His disciples taught. You know, Ihave always been taught that man is a kind of passive being, as regardsthe salvation of his soul; that everything has been done for him; that, in fact, it would be the basest presumption on his part to attempt to doanything for himself; that man is without free agency in the matter;that he is simply as a lump of clay, and with little more intelligenceor active powers. "

"I know all about such teachings, " said Signe, as she went for herBible. "They were drilled into me in the old country. "

"Now, " continued he, "I see that such doctrines lower man, who is, infact, a child of God. I cannot perceive that an Allwise Parent wouldthus take away the agency of His children. We have a motto in schoolwhich says: 'Self effort educates, ' and I believe that to be the onlyprinciple upon which we can safely grow, if we are to become like untoour Eternal Father. "

"Yes, " answered Signe, "but you must remember one thing, that 'as inAdam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. ' Theresurrection from the dead comes through Christ without any effort onour part. We were not responsible for Adam's transgression, therefore weare redeemed from its effects through the atonement of Christ, allmankind are, both good and bad--all will arise and stand before God tobe judged by the deeds done in the body. "

"Yes; I admit all that; but it is hardly plain to me what we must do tobe freed from our individual sins. We are in the midst of sin. We are ina mortal state and partake of our surroundings. Now, there must be aplan by which we may be rid of these imperfections, for if we are everto live in the presence of God, it seems to me that we must be pure andholy, without sin. "

Signe had her book open. "I will read here an answer to your question, "she said. "You remember that on the day of Pentecost when the HolySpirit was given, Peter preached to a large crowd of people. Many ofthem believed, and being pricked in their hearts, they said: 'Men andbrethren, what shall we do?' You know they are not the only ones whohave asked that question. "

"No, you are right. "

"'And Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you inthe name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receivethe gift of the Holy Ghost. ' That's plain enough, isn't it? Words canmake it no clearer. When Peter saw that they had faith, he told them torepent, then be baptized for the remission of their sins, then theywould get the Holy Ghost. "

"And the promise was to them and to their children and to them that wereafar off. Signe, is it not to us also?" Rupert asked, eagerly, "whyshouldn't it be?"

"The promise is not limited--it is to you and to me. I, Rupert, haveobeyed Peter's word, and have received the promise. You may do the same, and the same blessings will follow. The gospel is a law, a natural law, and oh, such a beautiful one!"

"Why haven't I heard this before?" exclaimed he. "Why isn't it writtenin our books, and taught us in our childhood? Signe, I am a bitbewildered yet. "

"Rupert, " said she, with a smile that had something of sadness in it, "the world is 'Ever learning but never able to come to the knowledge ofthe truth. ' 'Darkness has covered the earth and gross darkness thepeople. ' 'And as with the people, so with the priest. ' 'The earth alsois defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressedthe laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant. ' Isthere any wonder that you have not heard these doctrines before? Thoughyou may read about them in the Bible, the world has been without theirliving presence for many hundreds of years. But a new time has come tothe world. The gospel in its fulness and purity has been restored. Weread here that John, on the Isle of Patmos, saw that in the latter daysan angel would 'fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlastinggospel to preach to them that dwell on the earth. ' That angel has come, Rupert, that gospel has been restored; and what I have been telling youare the teachings of that gospel. Man is again endowed with power fromon high to preach the gospel and administer its ordinances to those whobelieve. "

Rupert listened with deepest interest. He became as a disciple at herfeet. They talked far into the night, and when Mr. And Mrs. Janson camehome they found them bending low over the fire reading from the "goodold book. " Their heads were close together, the dark-brown one and theone of soft, silken tresses. 

X. 

 "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. "--_II Tim. 4:7. _

Rupert was now continually thinking of the great questions of life. Never before had he been so stirred in his feelings; never before had hecontemplated life in the light which now came to him. His heart was fullof love, gratitude, and praise which swelled within him, and seemed totake possession of his whole being. 

The winter passed, and Rupert closed his school. He came to theconclusion that school teaching was not his forte, though the peoplewere satisfied with his work. He longed to be out digging ditches. Heliked it far better, and conjectured that in this world his mission wasto make the physical deserts to blossom as the rose. 

During the summer, Chamogo valley did undergo a change. One side of thevalley was brought under irrigation, and a number of farms were sold ata good profit. Mr. Janson did right by Rupert, and together they workedand prospered. 

And that which now filled Rupert's cup of happiness was the fact that hehad rendered obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ, and had receivedthe promised gifts and blessings following. The light that leadeth intoall truth was his. With Signe and her co-religionists, he could now seeeye to eye, all having the same glorious hope for the future. 

One more winter passed; and when nature had spread her robe of greenover Chamogo valley, preparations were made for the ceremony that wouldmake Rupert and Signe husband and wife. Rupert longed to see Willowbyand Dry Bench once more, so it was decided that after they had visitedthe Temple of God and had been sealed to each other for time and alleternity, they would take a trip to Rupert's old home. They were marriedin the Temple. Within its sacred walls they experienced more fully thanever before what still sweetness there is in the ministrations of theSpirit of God. 

They reached Willowby late in September. He had written Nina when hewould be there, and she and her husband were at the station to meetthem. 

There were tears in their eyes at the meeting. 

"Nina, this is my wife, " said Rupert. "Signe, my sister, Mrs. Furns. "

A number of Rupert's old friends were there who now came forward andwelcomed him home. 

Then they rode through the valley behind two spirited grays. Nina hadnot changed much, but she declared that had she met her brother on thestreet, she would not have known him. 

"What has changed you so, brother?" asked she. 

"Experience, Nina, experience with the world I have lived a long time inthe two and a half years that I have been away--but never mind that now. Everything looks the same hereabouts. I seem to have been absent but afew days. How strange it is! Signe, there you see Willowby, on thatrise; quite a town yet. How's Dry Bench, James?"

"Much the same, Rupe. No improvements since you left. "

"And the reservoir?"

"As you left it, though it needs repairing badly. "

In the few moments of silence that followed, Rupert contrasted hiscondition now with what it was when he left the place. What a change! Hewas wiser if not much older. And then he had a wife--and he lookedlovingly at her as he thought of all she had done for him. As they droveinto town, friends greeted him and seemed pleased at his return. Married? Yes; that is his wife. Not so dashing as Miss Wilton, but farmore charming, was the general expression. 

That evening there was quite a social gathering at Nina's. 

Early next morning, before others of the household were astir, Rupertand Signe went up to Dry Bench. A beautiful morning greeted them. Theywalked up towards the hill that they might get a good view of the farm, and when they turned, Dry Bench was before them. The trees had grown, but otherwise it was the same scene that he had looked upon many andmany a time. The memory of a particular morning came to him--the morningwhen Miss Wilton's horse had run away. Miss Wilton had never been heardof since she left Willowby. 

"How beautiful!" exclaimed Signe. "Do you know, Rupert, it reminds me ofa scene in Norway. I must make a sketch here before we leave. "

"Sit down on this rock, " said he, "while I tell you something. Here's myovercoat. " He made a seat for her and he stood by her side. 

"Signe, nearly six years ago, I stood here on this spot. I was the ownerof the farm that you see. In fact, I dug this ditch. I set out thatorchard, I planned and built the reservoir that has made all thispossible; and then I stood here, and in the pride of my heart I said:'All this is mine. I have done it all. ' Now I understand that God put meon trial, lent me some of His riches to try me, and then, seeing that Iwas not in a condition to stand such favors, took them all from me. Yes, it was a blessing in disguise. Darling, for this knowledge I am indebtedto you, " and he leaned over and kissed her. 

"There you are wrong again, " she said; "what about God above?"

"You are right. 'Tis He only who should have our gratitude. You havebeen but an instrument in His hand. I see it all. O Father, forgive myfoolish thoughts. " He uncovered his head, as if in prayer. 

He sat down with her on the stone. The smoke began to rise from thechimneys of the town below, and soon the Dry Bench farm-houses showedsigns of life. He pressed her cheek against his own. 

"Sweetheart, " said he, "'When love has blended and molded two beings inan angelic and sacred union, they have found the secret of life;henceforth they are only the two terms of the same destiny, the twowings of one mind. Love and soar. ' That is from Victor Hugo; how true itis. "

After a time they went down to the old home. A Mr. Temming was livingthere, as a renter. He was not acquainted with Mr. Ames, and was notdisposed to show much courtesy, so they left. 

"What do you think of the place?" he asked. 

"I like it. "

"Could you live there?"

"All my life, I could. Rupert, I see you in every tree, fence, andditch. "

He laughed at that. 

"I can now buy the place. Shall I?"

"Yes, do. "

"You don't object? Would you really like to live there?"

"I think, my dear, that you can do much good here. We ought to livewhere we can do the most good. "

And so it was settled. Next day Rupert inquired after the owner of thefarm which once was his, and learned that it was in the hands of a realestate dealer. He made his way to the office and knocked at the door, which was partly open. A man was sitting at a desk, but he evidently didnot hear, so Rupert stepped into the room, at the same time giving thedoor another loud rap. Still the man did not hear. 

"Good morning, sir, " said Rupert. 

The man turned. 

"Volmer, Volmer Holm, is it you?"

"Rupert Ames, I'm pleased to see you. When did you come to town? Have achair. "

"Are you in the real estate business?"

"I can't hear very well, and you'll have to speak at close range, Rupe. "

So they put their chairs close together, and Rupert repeated his lastquestion. 

"Yes, a man must do something; but there's nothing going on now--nothingin our line. "

Rupert looked in pity at his friend. Quite shabbily dressed he was, anda careworn expression on his face made him look ten years older. He woreglasses, which he pushed up on his forehead, and then took a good lookat Rupert. 

"Well, well, Rupe, and where have you been keeping yourself? An' I'vehad luck, I tell you--you haven't heard, perhaps?"

"No; I haven't. What's it been, Volmer?"

"Was getting fifty dollars a week leading the orchestra at the Grand inChicago, when I got sick. Don't know what it was, Rupe--the doctorsdidn't know. Got into my ears, and that knocked me--couldn't tell onenote from another; so, of course, that let me out. Hard luck, Rupe, hardluck. Tough world this, Rupe. Why God Almighty crams a fellow's headfull of music, and then disables him so's he can't make use of it, Idon't know--I don't know. "

Rupert sympathized with his friend, and then told him of his errand. Aray of sunshine seemed to enter the musician's life. The property wasfor sale, yes, and cheap, dirt cheap; so the transaction was partlyarranged, and Volmer Holm went home to his wife and four children withquite a happy heart that day. 

"It's too bad about Volmer Holm, " said Rupert to his sister. "I had notheard of his misfortune. Such a genius in music, too. "

"Well, I don't know, " answered Nina, "it may be all for the best. Rumorhad it that he was fast getting into bad ways in Chicago; and some menare better off by being poor, anyway. "

"Yes, that's so, " was all he said. 

 * * * * *

Rupert Ames was again the owner of Dry Bench farm, and the next springthey moved into the old home. Mr. And Mrs. Janson came with them tovisit, but their interests in Chamogo would not allow of a protractedstay. Signe was already in love with her new home. With her taste forthe artistic, she soon had the place comfortable, and Rupert was nevermore satisfied than when he came in where his wife's adept fingers hadbeen at work to adorn. It was the dear old home to him with an addedbeauty, lacking only his mother's presence to make it perfect. 

Then they sent for Signe's family. It was hard for the father to makeends meet in his native land, and Rupert needed just such help as Hr. Dahl could give. In due time they arrived, and were installed in acottage near Rupert's farm. 

In peace and prosperity, the days, months, and years went by; andRupert Ames became a light to the surrounding world, and a teacher ofrighteousness to his brethren. 

 * * * * *

It was the sixth year after Rupert's return that the citizens of theBench decided to enlarge the reservoir in Dry Hollow. Rupert was giventhe work to supervise, and he entered upon the task with his usualenergy. 

That morning in September, when he gave his wife the usual departingkiss, the children--four of them, were hanging about his legs andclinging to his coat in great glee. 

"Now papa must go, " said he, as he tried to shake them off. 

"A kiss, another kiss, " "A tiss, some more tisses, " they shouted. 

So he lifted them up, one by one, and kissed them again. Then his armwent around his wife's neck, and he drew her face to his. 

"Goodbye, sweetheart, " said he, "take care of the children, and don'tforget me, " and he tried to hum a song as he walked to the gate. Signestood watching him. The tune which floated back to her was, "O, myFather. " Then a peculiar feeling came over her, and she sat down crying, while the children climbed over her with questions and comforting words. 

 * * * * *

Terrible news from Dry Hollow! A blast, prematurely exploded, hadseriously injured some of the workmen, and Rupert Ames had beenkilled--hurled down the ravine and nearly buried under falling rock. 

Break the news gently to his wife and children. Do not let them see thatbruised, bleeding form. Spare them all you can. 

Yes; it was all done--all that lay in human power was done; and hundredsof people to whom Rupert Ames had opened up new light, and in theprovidence of God, had given them a tangible hope of the future, gathered around his body and mingled their tears with those of hischildren's. 

Another immortal soul's earthly mission was ended. Life's school hadclosed for him. Into another sphere he had gone. The Great Schoolmasterhad promoted him. 

And Mrs. Signe Ames, after it all, simply said:

"God knows best. He has but gone before. He was my husband for time, heis my husband for eternity. His mission is there, mine is here. In themorrow, we shall meet again. "

XI. 

 "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. "--_Mark 16:15. _

Hr. Henrik Bogstad leaned back in his chair before the fire in greatrelief. He had just shown out a young man who was distributing religioustracts dealing with some "new-fangled religion" lately imported fromAmerica, that land of all new-fangled things. All the day, Hr. Bogstadhad been adjusting some difficulties among his tenants, and that eveninghe was somewhat ill-humored. His treatment of the missionary, was, therefore, harsher than he was wont to treat either strangers orfriends. 

His conscience smote him a little as he thought of what the youngAmerican had said. He could find no fault with the religious doctrinesadvanced, but why should he be bothered with religion anyway? He hadcares enough; for a great responsibility had come to him since he hadbeen put in charge of the estate left by his father's death. Just nowwas the season of gaiety in Christiania, and here he was missing a goodmany things by his enforced visit to his country home. 

After musing for some time, he got up and went to the window. Outside, the snow covered everything--the fields, the roads, the frozen lake andriver. The houses were half hidden, and the pines on the hill bore upgreat banks of snow. From the window the view was beautiful in itssolemn whiteness. From the white level of the distant frozen lake, broken patches of brown protruded. These were the islands on one ofwhich Signe Dahl had lived. Henrik wondered what had become of her, andwhere in the big America she had taken up her abode. He had heard thatshe was well and happy, but further than that he had not set himself tolearn. Long ago he had put behind him philosophically his affair withSigne. He had ceased to think of her as anything more than a sweet, yetstrange girl who could resist such an offer as he had extended to her. 

As Henrik was looking out of the window, he saw the young stranger whohad visited him less then an hour ago, returning down the road. Just ashe was about to pass, Henrik hailed him and asked him to come in again, meeting him at the door. 

"Come in, " he said; "I want to talk with you. "

The missionary placed his grip on a chair and seated himself on another. 

"I was somewhat cross with you when you called, " said Henrik. "I don'twant you to think that I am rude, especially to strangers. "

"I was not the least offended, " smiled the other. 

"I'm glad to hear it. Now I want you to tell me something about America. I've never been there, though I expect to go some day. I have somefriends and a good many relatives over there. From what part do youcome?"

"I am from Wyoming. "

"That's away out west, isn't it?"

"Yes. "

"Two uncles of mine live in Minnesota, but that's a long way fromWyoming. Where are you staying here, for the night?"

"I am a traveling minister of the gospel and I stay wherever there is anopportunity. "

"Then you'll stay with me tonight. I am not much on religion, but if youwill mix a little information about America with your preaching, I shallbe pleased to listen to you. "

These conditions were easily agreed to. So, after a good supper, the twoyoung men seated themselves comfortably by the shaded lamp on thelibrary table. The missionary spread out his book of views and explainedeach of the pictures. He told of the great stretch of arid land inwestern America, of the ranches, of the high mountains, of the fertilevalleys made fruitful by irrigation, and of the wonders of the greatSalt Lake. 

"This is the Temple. "

"Yes; and what is that for?"

The purposes of temples were explained. 

"You say you baptize for the dead?" enquired Henrik, "How is that?"

"Well, as I was telling you when I called on you some time ago--"

"Pardon me, but I must confess that I did not pay enough attention towhat you said to remember. I was thinking about those quarreling tenantsof mine. Tell me again. "

The other smiled good-naturedly, and did as he was asked. Henriklistened this time, and was indeed interested, asking a good manyquestions. 

"Now, about the Temple, " continued the missionary--"we believe thatevery soul that has ever lived on the earth, that is living now, or thatwill ever live must have the privilege of hearing this gospel of JesusChrist. There is only one name given under heaven by which men may besaved, and every creature must hear that name. Now, the great majorityof the human race has never heard the gospel; in fact, will not hear itin this life. "

"Where, then, can they hear it?"

"In the great spirit world. Christ, when He was put to death went andpreached to the spirits in prison--those who were disobedient in thedays of Noah and were destroyed in the flood; and no doubt the savingpower of Christ has been proclaimed in that spirit world ever since. Among those who hear, many will believe. They have faith, they repent oftheir sins, but they can not be baptized in water for the remission oftheir sins. "

"No; of course not. "

"And yet Christ definitely said that unless a man is born again of waterand of the spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. What is to bedone?"

The listener, leaning over the table, merely shook his head. 

"Paul speaks in I Cor. 15:29 of some who were baptized for the dead--andthat is a correct principle. The living may be baptized for the dead, sothat those who have left this world may receive the gospel in the spiritworld and have the birth of the water done for them vicariously bysomeone in the flesh. "

"This is strange doctrine. "

"Temples are used for these baptisms. The Latter-day Saints are busytracing back as far as possible their lines of ancestry, and then theyare going into their temples--for they have already four of them--andare doing this work for their dead. In this way is being fulfilledMalachi's prediction that Elijah the Prophet should come before thegreat and dreadful day of the Lord, 'and He shall turn the heart of thefathers to the children, and the heart of the children to theirfathers, ' lest the Lord come and smite the earth with a curse. You willfind this in the last chapter of the Old Testament. "

The lamp burned late into the night as these two men sat by it talking;and the conversation was not, as one of them had planned, for the mostpart about the land of America and its material opportunities. 

XII. 

 "Whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. "--_Luke 14:33. _

"I cannot understand him, " Frue Bogstad was saying. "His actions are sostrange. "

"It's simply wicked of him, " added Froken Selma Bogstad. "He is bringingthe whole family into disrepute. "

The mother did not reply, but turned her face thoughtfully away from theangry daughter. 

"The boy is completely carried away with this American religion, "continued the girl, pacing nervously back and forth in the room. "PastorTonset called to see him the other day, and you ought to have heardthem! The pastor, as our friend, came to advise him; but do you thinkHenrik would take any advice? Why, he even argued with the pastor, saying that he could prove the truth of this religion from theScriptures. "

"Has he talked to you about it?"

"Yes; and he wanted me to accompany him to Osterhausgaden where thesepeople hold meetings. I told him definitely and forcibly that I didn'twant him to mention religion to me. "

"He seems to be in such deep earnest. "

"And that's the pity of it. It does no good to talk to him. He takes itfor granted that he should be persecuted. I believe he is ready to giveup everything for this creed that has him in its grasp. "

A violent ringing of the bell brought Selma to the door. It was Henrik, who had forgotten his latch key. He hung up his hat, wiped theperspiration from his face, for it was a warm evening; then he saidcheerily:

"Spring is coming; I feel it in the air. I'll be glad to get out toNordal--there is so much to do this summer--"

"Young man, " interrupted the sister, "we have been talking about you. "

"About my wickedness, I suppose. "

"About your foolishness. It isn't very pleasant for us--what you'redoing. "

"What am I doing? That which is unkind to you, mother?" He placed hisarms lovingly around her shoulders, but she sat without replying, herface in her handkerchief. He turned to Selma. 

"What have I done?" he asked. "Do I drink? Do I gamble? Do I steal? Do Ilie? Do I profane? Do I treat any of you unkindly? Am I disrespectful tomy mother or my sister?"

"You associate with a people known everywhere as the scum of the earth, "snapped the sister, as she stood in front of him. "You are disgracingus--the whole Bogstad family--you--but what's the use of talking toyou. "

"Not a bit of use that way, dear sister. Suppose you answer some of myquestions. You accuse, but never bring proof. You would rather believeuninformed people than me. You accept hearsay, but will not listen tothe truth I wish to tell you. I have asked you to point out some of thebad things taught by the Latter-day Saints, but so far you have nevertried. I have invited you to go with me--"

"Do you think I would thus disgrace myself to appear in their meetings!"

"You will not even read a simple tract; you close your eyes and ears. You push God from you when you say that He does not reveal Himself anymore; and so does Pastor Tonset and all his followers. Because I amwilling to receive light, even though it comes from a 'sect everywherespoken against, ' I am a bad man. I tell you, my sister, and also you, mymother, I may be looked upon as a disgrace to the Bogstad family, butthe time will come when you and all that family will thank the Lord thatone member of the family heard the truth, and had courage enough toaccept it!"

Selma walked to the door, and now passed out without replying. Henriksat down by his mother, and the two continued to converse in low, quiettones. 

The mother's hair was white, the face pinched from much suffering, thehands shrunken. Selma's talk disturbed her, as did that of a score ormore of interested relatives; but when she talked with Henrik alone shewas at peace, and she listened quietly to what he told her. She was soold and weak and traditionated in the belief of her fathers that shecould grasp but feebly the principles taught her by Henrik; but this sheknew, that there was something in his tone and manner of speech thatsoothed her and drove away the resentment and hardness of heart left bythe talk of others. 

"You know, mother, " Henrik was saying, "this restored gospel answers somany of life's perplexing questions. It is broad, full of common sense, and mercy. Father, as you well know, was not a religious man. When hedied, Pastor Tonset gave it as his opinion that father was a lostsoul--"

"Father was a good man. "

"I know he was, mother; and to say that because he could not believe inthe many inconsistencies taught as religious truths, he is everlastinglylost, doesn't appeal to me--never did. Father, as all of us, willcontinue to learn in the spirit world to which all must go; and when thetime comes, he will, no doubt, see the truths of the gospel and acceptthem. And here is where the beauty of true religion comes in: it teachesthat there is hope beyond the grave; that salvation is not limited tothis life; that every soul will have a chance, either here or hereafter. You, mother, have worried over father's condition. Don't do it any more;he will be all right. " He felt like adding that she had more reason toworry over the living, but he said no more. 

Selma came in with the coffee, and no further discourse was had onreligious topics. Although Henrik had quit using coffee with his meals, he occasionally sipped a little in the company of his mother. Thisevening he took the proffered cup from his sister, who soon withdrewagain, and then Henrik and his mother continued their talk. It was alongthe lines of the old faith, grounded into them and their forefatherssince Christianity had been "reformed" in their country. As a boy, Henrik had not been religious, as that term was understood by hispeople, but nevertheless he had in him a strain of true devotion whichthe message of the American missionary had aroused. However, thisrevival within the young man did not meet with the favor of his friends, and he was looked upon as having come under the influence of some evil, heretical power, much to their regret. 

"Marie is here, " announced Selma from the door. 

Henrik arose. "Where is she? I did not know she was in town. "

"She is in the east room. "

"Tell her to come in. "

"She says she wants to see you alone. "

"All right. Good night then, mother. Pleasant dreams to you. "

Henrik found Marie sitting by the open window looking over the tops ofthe shrubbery in the garden. The light from the setting sun bathed herin its glow, increasing the beauty of an already beautiful face. Henrikstepped up behind the girl and placed his hands under her chin. She didnot turn her head. 

"This is a surprise, " he said, "but I am _so_ glad to see you. Did youhave a pleasant time at Skarpen?"

There was no reply. The young woman still surveyed the garden and thedarkening shadows on the lawn. 

"What is the matter, little girl?" he asked. He felt the trembling ofher chin as she removed his hands. 

"No, " she replied, "I did not have a good time. "

"I'm sorry. What was wrong?"

"You were not there--you were somewhere else, where your heart is morethan with me--you were, no doubt at Osterhausgade. " She hardened hertone as she proceeded. 

"Oh, I'm not there all the time, " he laughed. 

"You think more of the people you meet there than you do of me, at anyrate. "

"What makes you think so?"

"You, and your actions. O, Henrik, could you but hear the talk--I hearit, and people look so strangely at me, and pity me . . . I can't standit!" She arose as if to escape him, walked across the room, then satdown by the center table. He closed the window blind, then lighted thegas, and seated himself opposite her by the table. There was a pausewhich she at last broke by saying:

"I hear that you are actually going to join those horrid people--is thattrue?"

There was another long silence as they looked at each other across thetable. 

"Yes, " he said. 

"Next week?"

"That was my intention--yes. "

"And we were to be married next month?"

"Yes--"

"Well, I want to tell you, Henrik, that if you join those people thewedding day will have to be postponed. "

"For how long?"

"For a long, long time. "

"Well--I had thought to be baptized next week; but, of course, I canpostpone it. "

"For good, Henrik--say for good. "

"No; I can't say that; for a little while--to please you, to let youthink a little longer on the matter. I want you to choose deliberately, Marie. There need be no undue haste. I don't want you to make up yourmind unalterably to reject me because of the step which I am going totake. "

"I have already made up my mind. "

"Marie!"

"You must choose between me or--"

"Don't say it, don't; you'll be sorry some day, if you do; for the lesssaid, the less there is to retract. "

Marie arose. "I'm not going to take anything back, " she answered withforceful anger. "I thought you loved me, but--I--have been mistaken. Ishall not annoy you longer. Good night. "

He arose to follow her. "You need not come with me, " she added. "Ishall see Selma, and she will accompany me home--not you. "

"Very well, Marie. "

She turned at the door. "Will you not promise?"

"Promise what?"

"Not to do as you said--not to disgrace--"

"Marie, where the light shines, I must follow; where the truth beckons, I must go. I--"

With a low cry the girl turned and fled from the room. 

XIII. 

 "The Lord alone did lead him. "--_Deut. 32:12_. 

One beautiful summer evening, Henrik Bogstad was baptized in the watersof the Christiania fjord. After that, the truths of the gospel appearedclearer than ever, and still whisperings of the Spirit, to which he nowhad legal right, testified to his spirit that he was in the way ofsalvation, narrow and straight perhaps, but glowing with a light thatcomforted and cheered. 

He told none of his family or friends of his baptism. They had alreadyrejected him as far as they could, and they asked him no questions. Hissister would hardly speak to him, and Marie cut him openly. His manyuncles, aunts, and cousins were cold and unfeeling. His mother, thoughfeeble, and sinking slowly, was the only one of his family that he couldtalk to. She seemed to understand and believe him. He felt that inspirit they were one, and he received great comfort from the thought. 

About Midsummer the mother died. Then Henrik spent most of his time atNordal. There was peace in the solitude of the pine-clad hills, therewas comfort in the waving fields of grain and the clear-flowing streams. The lake spread out to his view from his window, and he gazed at itsbeauty, sometimes his mind wandering from the Dahl home on the islandwestward to unknown America. And America had a new meaning for him now. Before, it had been simply a new wonder-land, with untold possibilitiesin a material way; but added to this there was now the fact that inAmerica the Latter-day Zion was to be built; there the people of Godwere gathering, were building temples, preparatory to the gloriouscoming of the Lord. 

Henrik soon caught the spirit of gathering, but he quenched it as muchas possible. His brethren in the gospel advised him to remain where hewas and do his full duty to his sister and their interests. This hetried to do. He would not quarrel with Selma, but was exceedinglypatient and considerate. He would "talk religion" with any of hisfriends who expressed a desire to do so, but he would not contend. 

Henrik mingled more freely with his tenants at Nordal, and they soonbecame aware of a change in him. He gave them good treatment. Sometimes, there were Sunday services in the large parlor of the Bogstad residence, and the people were invited to attend. They turned out, it must beadmitted, more because of Hr. Bogstad's invitation than because of anyenthusiasm on their part. 

Henrik, during this period of comparative loneliness, read much. Healways carried a book in his pocket when out among the hills and fields, and many a moss-covered stone became his reading table. He had procureda number of English books which he delighted in, for they brought to himmuch that had not yet been printed in his own language. 

After the harvesting was over that summer, Henrik directed his attentionto another line of work, pointed out to him by the New Light. Hegathered the genealogy of his forefathers. His was a large family, andwhen he searched the old church records at Nordal, at Christiania, andat a number of other places he found that the family was an old andprominent one, reaching back to the ancient Norsemen. He derived apeculiar satisfaction in this work, and he extended his researches untilhe had a large list of names on his mother's side as well as on hisfather's. "Among these there are many noble and true, " thought Henrik. "Many will receive the gospel in the spirit world, and all will have theopportunity. I shall have the necessary earthly work done for them. Ifmy labors for the living will not avail, my dead ancestors shall havetheir chance. Who knows but even now the gospel is being preached tothem, and many of them are looking eagerly for someone to do their workfor them. " The thought filled him with enthusiasm. 

The following spring Selma married, which left Henrik quite alone. Hemet Marie at the wedding festivities. She was silent and quiet. He madeno strong efforts to win her back to him, so they drifted apart again. Then Henrik arranged his affairs so that he could remain away for somemonths. He said he was going to America to visit his uncles inMinnesota, --and yes, very likely he would go farther west. His friendsshook their heads misgivingly, but he only smiled at their fears. 

Henrik sailed from Christiania in company with a party of hisfellow-believers, and in due uneventful time, landed in the New World. He found America a wonderfully big and interesting country. He wentdirectly westward first, crossing the great plains and rugged mountainsto the valleys beyond. Here he found and visited many of his formerfriends. He lived with the Latter-day Saints in their homes, and learnedto know their true character and worth. 

Then he saw the temples in which the Saints were doing a saving workboth for the living and the dead. While in conversation with some of thetemple workers, he told them of what he had in the way of genealogy, which they commended highly, telling him that he had an opportunity todo much good for his family. 

"I am glad to hear you say that, " replied he, "for you know, this workfor the dead was what first impressed me in the gospel. It came to menaturally, it seems, for I had no trouble in accepting it. "

Henrik learned much regarding the manner of procedure in this templework. He could do the work for the male members of his family, but awoman must officiate for the female members. This was the true order, he found. 

"Your sister or your wife or any other near relative would be the personto help you in this, " said his informant. 

Henrik shook his head. "I am the only member of the family that hasreceived the gospel, " he replied. 

"Then, of course, any other sister in the faith will do; but theblessings for doing this work belongs to the nearest kin, if they willreceive it. Have you no relatives in America?"

"Yes; a lot of them are up in Minnesota, but none that I know areLatter-day Saints--but I'll go and find out, " he added as anafterthought. 

And that is what Henrik did. Within a month he was on his way. He foundhis Uncle Ole living not far from St. Paul. He was a prosperous farmerwith a family of grown-up sons and daughters who were pleased to seetheir kinsman from the homeland. All the news from all the family had tobe told from both sides. Henrik was shown the big farm with itsup-to-date American machinery and methods. He was driven behind bloodedhorses to the city and there introduced to many people. They knew thatHenrik was a person of some importance back in Norway, and they wantedto show him that they also were "somebody. " That seemed to be theprinciple upon which they lived. The father and mother still belonged tothe Lutheran church. The three daughters had joined a Methodistcongregation because their "set" was there. The two boys attended nochurch. 

Henrik was disappointed. He saw plainly that here was no help for him. All these were entrapped by the world. At first, Henrik said nothingabout his own religious faith, but after a time he spoke of the subjectto one of his girl cousins. She was not the least interested. He triedanother with the same result. Then, one day at the table, he told themall plainly what he believed and what he was called. They were merelysurprised. "That's all right, " said his cousin Jack who voiced theuniversal opinion, "we live in a free country, you know, where one'sreligion isn't called into question. "

Henrik's other uncle lived in the city. He was a mechanic, having workedfor years in the railroad shops. Some months previous he had beendischarged, and since then he had operated a small "tinker" shop of hisown. Uncle Jens lived in a small rented house. Uncle Ole's visits to hisbrother were far between. "Brother Jens is shiftless, " Uncle Ole said. 

Henrik was, however, made welcome in the humble home, and he soon foundthe family a most interesting one. His uncle was a religious man, having, as he put it, "got religion" some years ago at a Baptistrevival. He had joined that church and was an active member in it. Thewife and some of the children were devout believers. They indulged inlong family prayers and much scriptural reading. This branch of theBogstad family called the wealthy farmer and his children a "godlesslot. "

Uncle Jens' oldest daughter, one about Henrik's own age, did not liveat home, therefore he did not see her. He was getting well acquaintedwith the others, but Rachel he did not know. 

"I must meet Rachel, too, " he said one day to his uncle. "Where can Ifind her?"

"She works in a down-town department store; at night she stays with somefriends of hers. The fact is that Rachel is peculiar. She is not onewith us. She has been led astray--"

"Oh!" cried Henrik. 

"She is not a bad girl--no, no; but she has been led away into a falsereligion, and as she will talk and argue with us all, I thought it bestthat she stay away from our home until she comes to her senses; but--"

"What is this religion that has caused her to err so badly?"

"Why, she calls herself a Latter-day Saint. "

"What!"

"Yes; I've tried to reason with the girl, but it's been no use. "

"I want to see her--now, today, " said Henrik. "Give me her address. "

"Shall I go with you?"

"No, I can find her, --you need not bother. "

Henrik obtained the proper directions, and set out immediately. Wasthere then one other of his family that had received the gospel--onethat could help him? He boarded a car, getting off at the store. Goingto the department in which she worked, he asked the floor-walker wherehe could find Miss Bogstad. Then he saw her behind a counter, restingfor a moment, unoccupied. Though she was an American, Henrik could seethe Norwegian traits in his fair cousin. She was of the dark type, withround, rosy lips and cheeks, and heavy, brown hair. 

"I am your cousin Henrik from Norway, " he said as he shook her hand. 

Her smile burst into a soft, merry laugh as she greeted him. "I am gladto see you, " she said. "I heard you were here, but thought perhaps Imight not get to meet you. "

He held her hand a long time, as he looked into the pretty, sweet face. Had he been an American, he would, no doubt, have kissed her then andthere; but being a Norwegian, he only looked his wonder and pleasure. 

They could not talk much because customers had to be served; but Henriklingered until closing time, saying he would walk home with her thatthey might talk. She expressed her pleasure at the proposition; andpromptly at the closing gong, she donned her wraps and joined him. Theday was warm, and he suggested a walk around by the park, where theymight sit down on a bench under the trees. 

It was a difficult matter for seriously minded Uncle Jens and his familyto laugh, and even a smile was seldom seen on their faces; but here wasone who seemed bubbling over with merriment--one whose countenance shoneas if from an inner light of happiness. 

"Rachel, " said Henrik, "your father has told me about you. "

"Yes, " she replied with sobering face, "they think I am a very badgirl, --but--"

"Look here cousin, don't make any apologies. I know, and understand. "

He asked her some questions about herself, all of which she answeredfrankly. Then he told her about himself, which she first met with anastonished stare. He narrated his experiences in Norway, of his tripwestward, and the real purpose of his coming to Minnesota. She heard hisstory with alternating smiles and tears, as it touched her heart. Theysat thus for a long time, oblivious to the singing birds above, of thecurious passers-by, or the fast falling night. They walked home in thelighted streets, and it was late when he bade her goodnight at the gate. 

The next day Henrik had a talk with Uncle Jens which ended in theuncle's closing with a bang the open Bible on the table out of whichthey had been reading, and then in uncontrolled rage ordering his nephewout of the house. Henrik tried to make peace with his uncle, but itproved useless, so he took his hat and left. 

Henrik met Rachel again that evening, and again they sat on the benchunder the trees. Once again they became lost to all outward disturbancesin the deep concerns which brooded in their hearts and found utterancein their speech. 

"I shall remain here a few days more, " said he in conclusion, "because Iwant to get better acquainted with you; and then we must talk over ourplans further. Then I shall go back to Norway. In a few months I shallcome back, and we two shall go westward where the Temples are, and therebegin the work that is ours--the work that the Lord has called us to do. What do you say to that?"

"Thank you, " she replied simply, and with her usual smile; "I shall beready. "

XIV. 

 "Rend your heart and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness. "--_Joel 2:13. _

On Henrik's arrival in Norway, the harvesting was in full swing, and hebusied himself with that. His friends, some of whom were surprised athis return, asked him what he had found in America, and he told themfreely. Had he discovered the delusion in his American religion? No, hereplied, his faith had been made stronger. Selma had relented somewhat, she making him welcome at her home in Christiania. Here he also metMarie. Henrik treated her as a friend with whom he had never haddifferences. When she saw him back again, browned and hardy, but thesame gentle Henrik, Marie wondered, and by that wonder her resentmentwas modified, and she listened to his accounts of America and hisrelatives in Minnesota with much interest. As he spoke with an addedenthusiasm of his cousin Rachel, the listeners opened their ears andeyes. He told them freely of his plans, and what he and Rachel weregoing to do. 

"Yes, " he said, "I can see the hand of the Lord in my findingRachel. "--Marie had her doubts, but she said nothing. --"It is all sowonderful to me, and I am only sorry that you folks can't see it!" Butthey replied nothing. 

Henrik wrote often to Rachel, and the letters which he received in replyhe usually handed to Selma, and Marie, if she was present. Theypronounced them fine letters. "She must be a jolly girl, " they said. 

"She is, " he affirmed; "the most religious and yet the merriest girl Ihave ever met. That seems a contradiction, but it isn't. " Then he wenton explaining, and they could not help listening. Henrik studied the twoyoung women to see what impression he might be making. On Selma therewas very little, but he believed Marie was overcoming some of herprejudice. Selma told him that Marie loved him as much as ever, and thatif he deserted her, it would break her heart. 

"But Selma, " he exclaimed, "I have never deserted her. It was she whobroke the engagement. "

"How could she do otherwise;--but she has been waiting, and will stillwait in hope. "

"I, too, shall do that, " he said. 

 * * * * *

That fall Henrik again sailed for America. Going westward by way ofMinnesota, he called for Rachel and took her with him. In one of theTemple cities they found lodgings with some of his friends, and thenthey entered upon their work for their ancestors. Henrik had a long listof them, and so they were kept busy nearly all the winter. At the endof three months, Henrik asked Rachel if she was tired and wanted a rest. 

"Oh, no, " she said; "I believe I can do this work all my life. It isn'talways easy, but there is so much joy and peace in it. I believe theangels are with us, and I don't want better company. "

And so these two were very much contented. They sent letters hometelling of the "glorious" time they were having, and the work they weredoing. At the opening of spring, Henrik left Rachel to continue thework, he having to go back to Norway. He asked her if she desired toreturn to her folks in Minnesota, but she said no, not yet. 

The early spring months found Henrik in Christiania. He made a trip toDenmark on genealogical research which proved quite successful. Thefirst of June found him back to Nordal. 

Midsummer Night came clear and cool. Henrik was in Christiania, and wasto be one of a party to spend the night on the hills above the city. Marie was not with them, and Henrik enquired the reason. 

"She is ill, " said Selma. 

"Ill? Where is she?"

"At home. I think you should go and see her. "

"Does she want me?"

"Yes. "

Henrik excused himself from the party and went immediately to Marie. Hefound her on the veranda, reclining on a couch. The lamp-light from anopen window fell on a pale face, startling in its changed expression. Hesilently took her hand, her fingers tightening in his grasp. She lookedhim steadily in the face, her swimming eyes not wavering. Then Henrikknew that he loved this girl yet. For a long time he had tried to forgether, tried to root out his love for her, tried to think that she was notfor him. "I'll not try again, " he had thought, "for twice now have Ibeen disappointed;" but now a flood of compassionate love engulfed him, and he, too, clung to the fingers in his grasp. 

"I am sorry to see you like this, " he said, "what is the matter?"

"I don't know. "

"Doesn't the doctor know?"

She shook her head with a faint smile. "Sit down, Henrik, I want to talkto you, " she said. 

He took the low chair by her side. The mother looked at them from thedoor-way, but did not come out. 

"I want you to forgive me, " she said. 

"That has been done long ago. "

"Thank you--now listen. I have been wrong, wickedly wrong, it seems tome--listen! I have not been honest, neither with you, nor myself, norwith the Lord--which is the worst of all. I understood much that youtaught me of the restored gospel--It seemed so easy to my understanding;but my pride was in the way, and I would not accept the light. I pushedit away. I kept saying to myself, 'It isn't true, ' when I knew all thetime that it was. That's the sin I have committed. "

"My dear--"

"You remember that book you asked me to read? Well, I read it through, though I led you to believe that I did not. It is a beautiful book, andtrue, every word. * * * Perhaps you will not believe me when I tell youthat I have been a number of times to your meetings in Osterhausgade. Once when you were there--I thought you would see me, " she smiled. "AndI could find no faults, though at first I went looking for them * * *Now, I've told you. You have forgiven me, you say; but will the Lord?"

"Yes; the Lord is good. "

"When I get better--if I do--I am going to join the Church as you havedone. That is the right thing to do, isn't it?"

"Yes. "

"And then, may I go to where you and your cousin Rachel are working forthe dead? When--when are you to be married?"

"Married? To whom?"

"Why, to your cousin Rachel. Are you not going to marry her?"

"Certainly not--never thought of it for a moment. "

"Oh, dear, I must have made another mistake. Forgive me. " She lay backon her cushions. 

"Marie, when I get married, it's you I want for my wife. I have told youthat before, and I haven't changed my mind. You shall be mine, if youwill come back to the sweet days of long ago. Will you?"

He leaned over the couch, and she drew his face to hers. "Yes, " shewhispered. 

At the end of an hour's conversation wherein much had been said, Marieasked: "May I go with you to the temple and there help you in the workyou are doing? I believe I could help a little. "

It was at that moment that the curtain lifted from the eyes of themortal, and Henrik saw for an instant into the pre-existent world. Agroup of spiritual beings was eagerly engaged in conversation, and fromout that group he heard the voice of one answering Marie's question. 

"Yes; I think so; but we shall see. "

XV. 

 "A friend of mine in his journey is come to me. "--_Luke 11:6. _

The next time Henrik went to the valleys of the mountains in westernAmerica, Marie accompanied him. They were married in the Temple, mademan and wife for time and eternity by the authority of the Priesthood. That event was among their supremely happy ones. Rachel witnessed theceremony, and the smile on her face was sweeter than ever. 

After that, Marie helped in the temple work as she had desired. Thethree then labored together until Henrik's list of names was nearlyexhausted. After a very pleasant visit among friends, Henrik and Mariewent back to Norway and to Nordal. They made a new home from the ancientone on the hillside by the forest, and for them the years went by inpeace and plenty. Sons and daughters came to them, to whom they taughtthe gospel. In time many of his kin also believed the truth andaccepted it, and thus the seed that was sown in humility, and at firstbrought but small returns, gave promise of a bounteous harvest. 

Once every four or five years, Henrik and Marie visited the Saints inthe West, and spent some time in the temple. These were happy times forRachel, who continued to live alone, not making many intimateacquaintances. Henrik was glad to provide for her simple necessities, sothat she could continue her life's work in behalf of the dead. 

Rachel did not marry. Once in Minnesota, a young man had made love toher, but she could not return that love, so she was in duty bound not toencourage him. Rachel was hard to get acquainted with, a number of youngmen had said. She was always happy and smiling, and yet a closerknowledge of her character disclosed a serious strain that puzzled heradmirers--for Rachel had admirers. A number of times good men had beenabout to make love to her in earnest, but each time some strange feelinghad checked them. The young woman was "willing" enough but what couldshe do? There was without doubt a "man" for her, but she could not go insearch of him. As the years went by, and with them her youth andsomewhat of her beauty, she was often sad, and sometimes heart-hungry;and at such times she found no peace until she had poured out her heartto her heavenly Father, and said, "Thy will be done--but make mesatisfied. "

After an absence of three years Rachel visited her home in Minnesota. She was received kindly, the parents being no doubt grateful that shehad escaped alive from the clutches of those "terrible people" whom shehad been among. She could still smile and be happy, be more patient thanever, taking in good part the ridicule and sometimes the abuse directedtoward her. She talked on the gospel with those who would listen, andafter a time she found that she was making a little headway. Her father, at the first, told her emphatically that she was not to "preach herreligion" in his house; but he would sometimes forget himself and askher a question, which in being answered would lead to a gospeldiscourse. Then, awakening to what was going on, he would say, "Thatwill do. I thought I told you that we wanted none of your preaching, " atwhich Rachel would smilingly look around to the others who were alsosmiling at the father's inconsistencies. 

During this visit the good seed was planted, from which in due time theLord gave an abundant harvest from among the Bogstad family and its manyramifications. 

One day in the temple Rachel met Signe Dahl Ames. It was Rachel's customto keep a lookout for sisters who were new to the work that she mightassist them. Signe had not been in the Temple since the day she wasmarried, and now she had come to do some work for her family. Rachel mether in the outer room with a pleasant greeting. 

"I am Sister Bogstad, " she said; "and what is your name?"

"Bogstad, did you say--why--why, my name is Ames. "

"Yes, Bogstad, " replied Rachel, noticing the sister's surprise. "Wehaven't met before, have we?"

"No; I think not. The name is not common, and I used to know a gentlemanby that name--that's all. "

"You're a Norwegian, " said Rachel. 

"Yes. "

"So am I; though I was born in this country, it may be possible that Ibelong to the family which you know. "

"I used to know Henrik Bogstad of Nordal, Norway. "

"That's my cousin. We have been doing work here in the temple. "

Signe was greatly surprised, and Rachel led her to a corner where theytalked freely for some time. During the day they found occasion tocontinue their conversation, and that evening Signe went home with hernew-found friend. 

This was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Rachel knew enough ofHenrik's little romance with Signe to make the acquaintanceshipunusually interesting; besides, there came to be a strong affinitybetween the two. Rachel accompanied her friend to Dry Bench, and theresoon became "Aunt Rachel" to Signe's four beautiful children. Then shewrote to Henrik, telling him of her wonderful "find. " He replied that attheir next visit to America, they would surely give Dry Bench a call. 

Henrik, Marie, and two of the older children came that fall when thepeaches were ripe and the alfalfa fields were being cut. And suchdelicious peaches, and such stacks of fragrant hay they found! Amid thebeautiful setting of the harvest time, their several stories were told, in wonder at the diverging and the meeting of the great streams of Life. The Bogstad children practiced their book-learned English, while theAmes children were willing teachers. The boys bathed in the irrigationcanal, rode on the loads of hay, and gorged themselves with peaches. Thegirls played house under the trees. And were it part of this story, itmight be here told how that, later, Arnt Bogstad and Margaret Ames lovedand mated--but it is not. 

Henrik and Marie lived happily together for twelve years, and then Mariewas called into the spirit world. Henrik was left with five children, the youngest but a few months old. With ample means, he could obtainplenty of household help, but money could not buy a mother for hischildren. A number of years went by, bringing to Henrik new and variedexperiences. Then on one of his visits to the West he found anotherhelpmate for himself and children--a kind-hearted, sweet-souled youngwoman, born of Danish parents, and reared among the Saints in thevalleys of the mountains. Then the westward call became so strong thatHenrik disposed of most of his interests in Norway and moved with hisfamily to America, taking up his abode in a town not far from Dry Bench. Here they enjoyed the association of the Saints, and his children hadthe advantage of companionship of children of the faith. 

Time, and the world with it, sped on. Peace and prosperity came to thepeople of this story. As years were added to years, their good worksincreased, until the Lord said to each of them, Enough. Then in theirown time and place, they passed into the Paradise of God. 

PART THIRD

 Ye worlds of light and life, beyond our sphere; Mysterious country! Let your light appear. Ye angels, lift the veil, the truth unfold, And give our seers a glimpse of that bright world; Tell where ye live, and what is your employ, Your present blessing, and your future joy. Say, have you learned the name, and tuned the lyre, And hymn'd the praise of Him--the great Messiah? Have love's emotions kindled in your breast, And hope, enraptured, seized the promised rest? Or wait ye still the resurrection day, That higher promise of Millenial sway? When Saints and angels come to earth again, And in the flesh with King Messiah reign? The spirits answered as they soared away-- "We're happy now, but wait a greater day, When sin and death, and hell, shall conquered be, And earth, with heaven enjoy the victory. "

 --_Parley P. Pratt. _

I. 

 "They shall be gathered together as prisoners are gathered in the pit, and shall be shut up in prison, and after many days shall they be visited. "--_Isaiah 24:22. _

The Lord God created all things "spiritually before they were naturallyupon the earth. " He created "every plant of the field before it was inthe earth, every herb of the field before it grew. " Before this"natural" creation "there was not yet flesh upon the earth, neither inthe water, neither in the air;. . . But spiritually were they created andmade according" to the word of God. In this second or "natural" creationall things were clothed upon by earthly element, or in other words, thespiritual was materialized so that it became discernible to the naturalsenses. The spiritual and the natural are, therefore, but differentstates of the same forms of life. In the natural world there are men, women, beasts of the field, fowls of the air, and vegetation inboundless and varied forms. These exist before the natural is added uponthem; they exist after the natural is laid down by the death of thebody. 

In like manner we find in the spirit world men, women, beasts of thefield, fowls of the air, and vegetation in boundless and varied forms. These things are as natural there as they are in earth-life. Theyappeal to spirit nature the same as the "natural" prototype appeals tothe mortal senses; and this is why we may speak of our earth-knownfriends who are in the spirit world and of their surroundings in themanner of mortality. 

And what a big world it is! Here are nations, tribes, races, andfamilies much larger than in earth-life, and just as varied in all thatmade them different in mortality. Here, as in all of God's creations, like assemble, dislike keep apart; "for intelligence cleaveth untointelligence; wisdom receiveth wisdom; truth embraceth truth; virtueloveth virtue; light cleaveth unto light; mercy hath compassion onmercy, and claimeth her own. " The righteous in Paradise have no desireto mingle with the wicked in the regions of darkness; therefore they gothere only as they may be called to perform some duty. 

To the industrious there can be no true pleasure or rest in idleness;therefore, Paradise furnishes employment to all its inhabitants. A worldof knowledge is open to them into which they may extend theirresearches. Thus they may continue in the ever-widening field oflearning, finding enough to occupy their time and talents. 

An arrival in the spirit world brings with him just what he is when heleaves mortality. The separation of the spiritual part of the soul fromthe earthly body does not essentially change that spirit. A person takeswith him the sum total of the character he has formed up to that time. Mortal death does not make a person better or worse; it simply adds tohim one more experience which, no doubt, has a teachable influence onhim. At death, no person is perfect, even though he is a Saint, andpasses into the Paradise of God. There he must continue the process ofeliminating the weaknesses which he did not wholly overcome inearth-life. Death will not destroy the tendency to tell untruths, orchange the ungovernable temper to one which is under perfect control. Such transformations are not of instant attainment, but are the resultof long, patient endeavor. 

As there are gradations of righteousness and intelligences in the spiritworld, there must be a vast field of usefulness for preaching thegospel, training the ignorant, and helping the weak. As in the world ofmortality, this work is carried on by those who have accepted the gospeland who have conformed their lives to its principles; so in the spiritworld, the righteous find pleasant and profitable employment in workingfor the salvation of souls. 

And as they work they must needs talk of the glories of the great planof salvation, made perfect through the atonement of the Lord Jesus. Thatwhich they look forward to most keenly, that about which they talk andsing most fervently is the time when they also shall follow their Saviorthrough the door of the resurrection which He has opened for them, --whentheir souls shall be perfectly redeemed, and they shall be clothed uponwith a body of the heavenly order, a tabernacle incorruptible andimmortal with which to go on into the celestial world. 

Though the future is most glorious to these people, the past is alsobright. The hopes of the future are well grounded on the facts of thepast. An ever-present theme is that of Christ's first visit to thespirit world, when, having died on the cross, He brought life and lightand immortality to the world of spirits, entering even into the prisonhouse where the disobedient had lain for a long time, and preached thegospel to them. 

And among these who gloried both in the past and in the future wereRupert and Henrik. Often they conversed on themes near to their hearts:

"It must have been a place of darkness, of sad despairing hearts, thatprison house, before Christ's visit to it, " said Rupert. "There, as in apit, dwelt those who in earth-life had rejected the truth, and who, sinking low in the vices of the world, permitted themselves to be ledcaptive by the power of the evil one. Noah in his day preached to them, but they laughed him to scorn and continued in their evil ways. Othersof the prophets in their generations had warned them, but without avail;so here were found Satan's harvest from the fruitful fields of theearth. "

"I can well imagine that long, long, night of darkness, " added Henrik. "No ray of hope pierced the gloom of their abode. The prison wallsloomed around and above them, shutting out any glimpse of heaven. Thesehad rejected the truth, which alone can make men free. They themselveshad shut out the light when it would have shone in upon their vision. They had chosen the evil, and the evil was claiming its own. Outside theprison were their fellows who had chosen to do the right, basking in thelight of a clear conscience, enjoying the approval of the Lord. Thesefaithful ones were going on to eternal perfection. How long would ittake the prisoners, if they ever were released, to overtake those ahead?Between these was a great gulf fixed, which, in the ordinary order ofthings, could never be lessened or bridged. "

"But at last the time of mercy and deliverance came. I remember how theevents of the time have been described to me. Just before the coming ofthe Lord, a peculiar, indescribable tremor ran through this spirit worldas if one pulse beat through the universe and that pulse had beendisturbed. The spirits in prison looked in awe at one another, manycrouching in terror, fearful that the day of judgment had come. The vastmultitude of the ignorant wondered what the 'peculiar feeling' couldmean. The righteous, who had been looking wistfully for somemanifestation of the coming of the Lord, whispered to each other, 'TheLord is dying for the sins of the world!'

"Yes; the prophets of every dispensation had labored faithfully toprepare the world of spirits among whom they lived for the coming of theLord and Savior. There were Adam, Noah, Abraham, with those who followedthem; there were Lehi, Nephi, Mosiah, and the others of their race;there were the prophets who had lived among the lost Ten tribes; thesehad all been valiant in earth-life, and were faithful yet in the spiritworld. The burden of their message in mortality had been the coming ofChrist the Redeemer, and now they still looked forward with the eye offaith to Him who should die for the sins of the world, and who shoulddeliver them from the bondage of the grave. They understood that thebody of flesh which had been given them in mortality was necessary fortheir full salvation. Christ would bring to pass the resurrection, sothat bodies would be restored to them, not corruptible as before, butperfected, immortal and glorious, a fit tabernacle for the immortalspirit with which to go on into the eternal mansions of the Father. "

"But oh, that time, brother, when the Son of God was dying on the cross!While the earth was shrouded in darkness, and the bulk of it trembled insympathy with the death throes of its Maker, the spirit world alsoreceived the imprint of the terrible event on Calvary as for a momentthe whole spiritual creation lay in tense expectancy. The usualoccupations were suspended. Speech became low and constrained. Songsended abruptly, and laughter ceased. There were no audible sobs, neithersighing. Bird and beast were stilled, as if the end had come, andnothing more mattered. Then, in a little while, the tenseness relaxed, and everything went on as before, though much subdued. The righteous inthe Paradise of God quietly gathered themselves together in their usualplaces of worship. They clasped each other's hands, and looked withtrembling gladness into each other's faces. There was no fear here: theywere ready. "

"And then His actual coming! That which had been fore-ordained frombefore the foundation of the world was about to be fulfilled; that whichhad been the theme of the prophets from the beginning was at the door;that which the seers of all times and nations had beheld in vision wasnow to be realized; that about which poets had sung; that for whichevery pure heart had yearned; that for which the ages had waited, wasnow here! A feeling of sweet peace filled the righteous, which expresseditself in songs of praise and gladness. Thus they watched and waited. "

"Then Jesus stood in their midst, and they beheld the glorious presenceof their Lord. Then there came to their hearts a small, sweet, penetrating voice, testifying that this was Jesus Christ the Son of Godwho had glorified the name of the Father; who was the life and the lightof the world; who had drunk of the bitter cup which the Father had givenhim; and had glorified the Father in taking upon Himself the sins of theworld, in which He had suffered the will of the Father in all thingsfrom the beginning. The multitude fell down at his feet and worshiped. "

"I have been told that as Jesus entered the prison of the condemned inthe spirit world, a murmur of greeting welcomed Him. It was timid andfaint at first, but it increased in volume and force until it became ashout. 

"'Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be ye lifted up, ye everlastingdoors. '"

"'Hail, hail, to the Lord. '"

"'And the King of Glory shall come in. '"

"'Who is the King of Glory?'"

"'The Lord, strong and mighty. '"

"'The Lord, will not cast off forever; but though He cause grief, yetwill He have compassion, according to the multitude of His mercies. '"

"'I will not contend forever, neither will I be always wroth. '"

"'Come and let us return unto the Lord: for He hath torn and He willheal; He hath smitten and He will bind us up. '"

"'I will heal their back slidings, I will love them freely; for mineanger is turned away. '"

"'Who is a God like unto Thee, that pardoneth iniquity. He retaineth notHis anger forever, because He delighteth in mercy. '"

"'Say to the prisoners, Go forth; to them that are in darkness, showyourselves. I am He that liveth and was dead; and behold I am aliveforevermore, anew: and I have the keys of hell and death. '"

"And thus the gates were lifted, and the King of Glory entered. And whata radiance shone in the gloom! The shades of darkness fled, the chainsof error dropped asunder, the overburdened heart found glad relief, forthe Lord brought the tidings of great joy to the spirits in prison, offering them pardon and peace in exchange for their broken hearts. "

"Then they sang:

 '"Hark, ten thousand thousand voices Sing a song of Jubilee! A world, once captive, now rejoices, Freed from long captivity. Hail, Emanuel! Great Deliverer! Hail, our Savior, praise to thee! Now the theme, in pealing thunders, Through the universe is rung; Now in gentle tones, the wonders Of redeeming grace is sung. "'

"For three days, as counted by earth-time, the Redeemer ministered inthis spirit world, preaching the gospel, giving instructions, and makingplain the way of His servants to follow. Joy and gladness filled manyhearts. Then, when the time had fully come, the great Captain ofSalvation led the way against the enemy of men's souls. He laid low theMonster that had for ages kept grim watch at the Gates of Death. Hebroke through the grave to the regions of life and light andimmortality. The Hope of Ages thus went forth conquering; and those whofollowed Him through the resurrection from the dead sang:

 "'Death is swallowed up in victory! O, death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?'"

II. 

 "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. "--_Gal. 6:7, 8_. 

In the spirit world are Rupert, Signe, Henrik, Marie, Rachel and allour friends in their time and place. These are employed in joyousactivity, as they see their field of usefulness continually widen. Rupert had done a great work before the others had come. He had preachedthe gospel to many people, mostly his ancestors, among whom there hadbeen at the time of his arrival among them an awakening and a desire forthe truth. He had traced his family back to those who on earth had beenknown as the Pilgrim Fathers, thence through many generations to theNorsemen of northern Europe. His wife's family he had also searched out, and he had discovered, greatly to his delight, that her family and hismet in a sturdy, somewhat fierce, Viking chief. Rupert had sought himout, and had told him of Christ and His gospel--and the Viking had beenwilling to be taught. When Signe had come, Rupert had brought her tovisit her many-times-great-grandmother, who was a beautifulflaxen-haired, blue-eyed woman, whom Signe herself somewhat resembled. 

Then when Rupert met and became acquainted with Henrik, Marie, andRachel, he told them of what he had done, and how that their vicariouswork for the dead had fitted so nicely in with his preaching, in thatmany of those for whom they had been baptized were those whom he hadconverted. "We have been working in harmony and in conjunction, "exclaimed Rupert, "and God's providence is even now clearly justified. "What joy was there when Henrik and his friends met those for whom theyhad performed the necessary earthly rites! Many of these had long agobelieved the gospel, and their hearts had been turned to theirchildren--their descendants living on the earth--that they wouldremember their fathers who had gone before; and these were overjoyedwhen they met their "saviors, " as they called them. Then, there wereothers who had not accepted the work done for them, and these were, naturally, not so enthusiastic in their greetings. Others there were whowere yet in ignorance of Christ, of His plan of salvation, and the workthat had been done for them. These would have to be taught and given achance to accept or reject what had been done. 

"You enjoy a happiness that does not come to me, " said a brother toHenrik, "in that you receive the love and joyous greetings of those forwhom you did work in mortality. "

"Had you no opportunity to do such work?" asked Henrik. 

"Yes; but I had no names of ancestry, and the truth is, I did not try toget any. "

"You did not do all in your power?"

"No; I was careless in the matter. "

"If you had only tried, the way would have been opened. That is a trueprinciple. We do not know what regions of usefulness lie before us if wedo no exploring. "

Signe and Rachel were closely associated, and they performed missionstogether to their less enlightened sisters whose condition was not sofavorable. These were of the frivolous and foolish women who had beentaken captive by earthly things. All their treasures had been of earth, so on earth they had to be left, for none could be taken into the spiritworld; these, therefore, were poor indeed. They had nothing with whichto occupy themselves: in earth-life, wealth, fashion, the gratificationof depraved appetites and passions, and the pampering of worldlyvanities had been their chief concern; and now that earthly things wereno more, these women were as if lost in a strange world, having no surefooting, groping about in semi-darkness, hungering and thirsting, butfinding no means by which they might be satisfied. They laughed andappeared to make merry because it was their nature so to do, but theirlaugh was empty, and their merriment rang hollow and untrue. 

"I am more than ever thankful, " said Signe to Rachel when they hadlabored long with a group of frivolous women, "that the gospel reachedus in earth-life. "

"And that we accepted it, " added Rachel. 

"Yes; many of these sisters of ours are not evil; they are justweak, --empty of good. Their earthly training was at fault. And then someof them have told me that they were very much surprised to find thatdeath had not worked a transformation in them: they have still the samefeelings, desires and thoughts as before. "

"Some foolish things were taught in earth-life, " said Rachel, "one ofthem being deathbed repentance. Common sense, if not reason, ought tohave told us that a change of heart coming when a person is in fullpossession of his faculties is far better than the confessions made infear of death. Repentance should have come further back, for the soonerwe turn about on the right way, the further we get on the road toperfection. "

Rachel finished her little speech with a smile--the simple sweet smile, fixed into her nature for all time. A strange sister came up to her, whowas greeted pleasantly. 

"I want to know more of you two, " she said. "There is something aboutyou different from me or my mates. When you mix with us and talk withus, I can feel it, but I don't know what it is. You appear to me to be, lilies-of-the-valley among weeds--yes, that's it. "

"And isn't a weed just a useful plant grown wild?" asked Signe. "All itneeds is careful cultivation. Come with us as we walk along. We shall bepleased to talk with you. We are not very wise, but we may always askthe brethren who are wiser, for more light. "

And so these three went slowly along the beautiful paths of spirit-land, conversing as they went. The hazel eyes of the brown-haired strangeropened in wide astonishment at what her sisters told her. Sometimes sheasked questions, sometimes she shook her head in disbelief. She had beena "worldly" woman, she told them, never thinking that there would be anylife other than the one she was living while on the earth; and so shehad shaped her daily conduct by that narrow standard. Her earth-life hadended sadly, and existence had been bitter ever since, "Restless andhopeless, I have wandered for a long time, " she said. "I have seen youtwo a number of times and have heard you talk to the women. Your wordsseemed to bring to me a glimpse of something better, but I never had thecourage to speak to you until now. "

Signe put her arms around her, drew her close, and kissed her cheek. "Let us do you all the good we can, " she said. "We are going now toattend a meeting where my husband is to speak. Come with us. "

Rachel linked her arm into that of the stranger's who willinglyaccompanied them. "Is your husband also a preacher?" she asked ofRachel. 

"I have no husband, " was the reply. "I did not--I mean, he did not findme, has not found me yet. " Rachel was somewhat confused but she smiledas ever. 

"She means, " explained Signe, "that she did not marry while inearth-life, for the very good reason that she had no chance--"

"None such that I could accept, " added Rachel. Then as the newly-foundfriend looked at her inquiringly, she continued:

"I have always believed, and I believe now, that I have a matesomewhere, but he has not yet been revealed. Frequently I asked the Lordabout it in earth-life, and the answer by the spirit always was 'Wait, patiently wait'; so I am still waiting. "

"And you still have faith, " asked the stranger, "that the God of heavenwill answer your prayers and bring about all things for the best?"

"Why, certainly. "

"I wish I could believe that. Had I in earth life had some such beliefto anchor to, perhaps I would not have made so many mistakes. I marriedtwice, and they were both mistakes. The one chance I had of getting aman--I mean, one who does not belie the word--I threw away, because hewas poor in worldly goods; but I suffered through my foolish errors. . . . I have heard of people praying about many things, but never have I heardof the Lord being asked about love affairs. "

"That may be true, " said Signe; "and it shows how foolish we were. Whyshould people importune the Lord about small trials and petty ailments, and at the same time neglect to ask His guidance on matters of love andmarriage which make or mar one's life?"

There seemed to be no immediate answer to this query, so the threepassed along in silence. Presently the newcomer spoke again:

"I am getting more light and hope since I associate with you two. Ibelieve my faith is being kindled, and O, it feels so good to get alittle firm footing. "

"Yes, dear sister, " said Rachel. "The tangled threads of earth-life arenot all straightened out yet. It will take time, and we must havepatience. "

Arriving at the place of meeting, the three women took positions nearthe platform upon which the speakers sat. Rupert was the principalspeaker. He began by telling his listeners something about hisexperiences in earth-life. He spoke of his boyhood days, of the trialsand difficulties he had encountered, and how near he had come to beinglost to all good. Then he told how the Lord had rescued him, and broughthim to a knowledge of the gospel of salvation. "And the Lord's chiefinstrument in this work of rescue, " the speaker said, "was a beautiful, good woman, who became my wife. O, you women, what power you have forgood or evil! See to it that you use your powers for the purposes ofgood. "

Rachel smiled at Signe while they listened, for Rupert's and Signe'sstory was quite familiar to her. All the time Rupert had been speaking, the woman who had come with them sat as if spellbound, her big eyesfixed on the speaker. When Rupert closed, Signe said to her friend:

"That is my husband. Let us go up to him; he will be glad to meet you. "

But the woman drew back as if afraid. "I can't, " she whispered. "Forgiveme, but I must go"--and with a faint cry she retreated and disappearedin the crowd, the two women looking after in wonder and astonishment. 

Just then Rupert stepped up to them. Seeing their wonder, he asked thereason. Signe explained. 

"I think I can guess who it was, " said Rupert. "Well, well, " he murmuredas if to himself, "I had nearly forgotten her. "

"Yes, I believe it was she, " added Signe. 

"Was who?" inquired Rachel. 

But Rupert stopped any reply that his wife might wish to make byinterrupting with:

"I saw an impressive sight not long ago--Come let us be getting on ourway home, and I shall tell it to you. "

They were willing to listen as they journeyed. "We were out, " beganRupert--"a brother and I--getting some information needed in one of thetemples on earth for a brother who had gone as far as he could with hisgenealogy. As we were talking to a group of sisters a man rushed in uponus. With quick, eager words he asked us if we had seen someone whom henamed and described. At the sight of him, one of the women shrunk backas if to hide in the crowd, but he saw her, and exclaimed:

"'Is that you? Yes--Oh, have I found you at last!'"

"The sister put forth her hand as if to ward him off, as he pressedthrough the crowd to her. 'How did you get here?' she asked. 'Keepaway--you are unclean--keep away. '

"He paused in some astonishment at this reception. Then he pleaded withher to let him accompany her; but she retreated from him, crying, 'Youare unclean; do not touch me. '

"'Yes, ' he acknowledged, 'I suppose I have been a sinner; but listen tomy justification: I sinned to drown my sorrow when you died. I, also, wanted to die. My heart was broken--I could not stand it--it was becauseI loved you so--'

"'No; you did not love me. Love is pure--made purer by sorrow. Had youtruly loved, you would not have sinned so grievously. Your sorrow neededto be repented of. Sorrow cannot be drowned in sin--no, no; go away. Please go; you frighten me. '

"The man stood rigid for some time, and the expression on his face wassomething terrible to see. The cold, clear truth had for the first timeburst upon him to his convincing. He had a 'bright recollection of allhis guilt, ' and his torment was 'as a lake of fire and brimstone. ' Thewoman, recovering somewhat from her fright, stood before him withinnocent, clear-shining eyes, with half pity and half fear showing inher beautiful countenance--for the woman was beautiful. The man stoodfor a moment, which seemed a long time to all who witnessed the scene, then his head dropped, his form seemed to shrivel up as he slouched outof our company and disappeared from sight. "

There was silence. Then Rupert added, "And yet some people tried to makeus believe that there is no hell. "

Rachel, even, forgot to ask further questions regarding the identity ofthe woman with hazel eyes and auburn hair, for just then Henrik andMarie appeared. With them was another woman, and the three were sopreoccupied that they were oblivious to all others. 

"You are too late for the meeting, " said Rupert. 

"I did intend to get there in time, " replied Henrik, "but don't you seewho is here?"

Rupert did not recognize the woman who stood by Marie with arms abouteach other, but Signe cried in joyous greeting, "Clara, Clara, is thatyou?"

"This is Clara, " said Marie to Rupert, "she who came to Henrik after Ileft him, --who helped him so much, and who was so good to my children. She has just come, and has brought us much good news from them. I am soglad. " Marie's arm drew tight around the newcomer as she kissed hercheek. 

"I, also, am glad to welcome you, " said Rupert. "Brother Henrik, " headded, "your excuse for non-attendance at our meeting is accepted. "

III. 

 "The Lord . . . Will fulfill the desire of them that fear him; he will also hear their cry. "--_Psalms 156:19. _

Rachel found continual delight in all the wonders of spirit-land. Hercircle of acquaintances enlarged rapidly, as those for whom she had donetemple work were glad to know her, and to know her was to love her. These brought her in touch with many others; thus her sphere ofusefulness extended until she, too, could say that she was busier thanever in joy-giving activities. 

Sometimes Rachel went on what she called "excursions of exploration. "Usually she went alone, for the habit of doing things of herself stillclung to her. Frequently, in the throngs of people with whom shemingled, she was accosted by someone who recognized her. Rachel did notremember faces easily, but (she was on one of her excursions) she knewthis woman who touched her on the arm, and said:

"You are Sister Rachel, are you not?"

"Yes; and you--yes, I know you. I am glad to meet you. How are you? Hasthe Lord shown you, --has He satisfied you? You see I remember you well. "

The woman showed her gladness at Rachel's recognition. "The Lord hasshown me abundantly and graciously, " she replied; "but come with me awayfrom the crowd. I shall be pleased to tell you all about it. " Rachelaccompanied the woman, who led her out into some quieter streets, thenceto a beautiful home under tall trees. Flowers bloomed and birds sang inthe garden. The two women seated themselves by a playing fountain. 

"I am glad you have not forgotten me. My name you may not remember--itis Sister Rose. "

"Your face, dear sister, your beautiful face marked with that deepsorrow, no one could forget;" said Rachel, "but now the sorrow is gone, I see, and the beauty remains. "

Sister Rose took the other's hand caressingly. "That day in the temple, "she said, "I came there as a place of last resort. I was suffering, andhad tried everything that I could think of to ease my troubled soul. Ihad prayed to God to give me some manifestation regarding my boy. I cameto the temple to get a great favor, and I obtained a blessing. Insteadof receiving some miraculous manifestation, you came to me and led megently to a seat by ourselves. And there you talked to me. It was not somuch what you said, but the spirit by which you said it that soothed andquieted and rested me. You repeated to me some verses, do you remember?I had you write them out, and I committed them to memory. "

"Do you remember them yet?"

"Listen:

 "Thou knowest, O my Father! Why should I Weary high heaven with restless prayers and tears! Thou knowest all! My heart's unuttered cry Hath soared beyond the stars and reached Thine ears. 

 Thou knowest--ah, Thou knowest! Then what need, Oh, loving God, to tell Thee o'er and o'er. And with persistent iteration plead As one who crieth at some closed door. "

"That day I went away comforted and strengthened. Do you recollect?"

"Yes; but what was your trouble? I do not remember that. "

"My son, my only child, was taken so cruelly from me. He was the hope ofmy life, and when he answered the call to go on a mission to the islandsof the sea, I let him go gladly, because it was on the Lord's business. Then some months later the news came that he had died. I was crazed withgrief. I could not understand why the Lord would permit such a thing totake place. Was my boy not in His service? Why did not the Lord takecare of His own?"

"And so you suffered, both because of your loss and because of yourthoughts, " said Rachel. "Poor sister, --but now?"

"He is with me now, and it has all been explained. We live in thishouse. Do you care to hear the story?"

"If you desire to tell it, yes. "

"You seem so near and dear to me that I may tell it to you. My boy, while on his mission, was tempted. He has told me all about it--he wastempted sorely. He was in great danger, and so the Lord, to prevent himfrom falling into the mire of sin, permitted him to be taken away. Theybrought his lifeless body home to me, but his spirit went back to itsMaker pure and unspotted from the sins of the world, --and thus I foundhim here, a big, fine-looking man as he was. You ought to see him. "

"Mother, " someone called from the direction of the house. 

"That is he now, " said the mother, rising. 

"Mother, where are you? Oh!" the son exclaimed as he caught sight of thetwo women. He came up to them and rested his arm tenderly on hismother's shoulder. He was big and handsome, and Rachel's eyes droppedbefore his curious gaze. 

"David, this is Sister Rachel, whom I first met in earth-life in thetemple. I think I have told you about her and what a comfort she was tome. "

"I am very glad to know you, " said he, as he clasped Rachel's hand. Thenthere was a pause which promised to become awkward, at which David said:

"Mother, I want to show you something in the back garden. You know Ihave been experimenting with my roses. I believe I have obtained somewonderful color effects. You'll come also?" he asked Rachel. 

The three walked on together into the garden where David exhibited andexplained his work. When, at length, Rachel said it was time she wasgoing, the mother urged her to come again. 

"I'm going along with Sister Rachel to her home, and to find out whereshe lives, " explained David, as he stepped along, unbidden, by Rachel'sside. 

And so these two walked side by side for the first time. They talkedfreely on many topics, she listening contentedly. They smiled into eachother's eyes, and at the end of that short journey, something hadhappened. True love had awakened in two hearts. Through all the shiftingscenes of earth-life, nothing like this had ever come to this man andthis woman. Love had waited all this time. The power that draws kindredsouls together is not limited to the few years of earth-life. While timelasts, God will provide sometime, somewhere, in which to giveopportunity for every deserving soul. Here were two whose hearts beat asone; but one must needs have left mortality early in his course, whilethe other went on to the end alone. The reason for this was difficult tosee by mortal eyes, but now--

"I'm coming again to see you, " said David, as he prepared to depart. "Ihave so much to tell you; and you, --you have said very little. I musthear your story too. "

"I have no story, " said she. "My earth-life was very uneventful. I justseemed to be waiting--"

"Yes?"

But Rachel was confused. Her simple heart had spoken, and true toearthly habit, she now tried to cover up her tell-tale words; but he sawand understood, and as they stood there, his heart burned with a greatjoy. 

"Good-bye, " he said, as he took her hand, "may I come again soon?"

"Yes;" she answered. "I shall be pleased to see more of your beautifulflower garden. "

This was the beginning of a courtship, not the less sweet because it hadbeen postponed for so long; not the less real, from the fact that theman and the woman were spiritual beings. "Sin, " said the apostle, "iswithout the body;" so love and affection are attributes of the spirit, whether that spirit is within or without a tabernacle of flesh. And thiscourtship did not differ to any great extent from all others which hadtaken place from the beginning of time. There were the same timidapproaches and responses; the getting acquainted with each other, wherein each lover's eyes glorified every act in the other; thetremulous pressure of hands; the love-laden looks and words; the thrillof inexpressible joy when the two were together. Neither was thiscourtship exceptional. Among the vast multitude in the spirit worldthere are many who did not mate in the brief time allotted to them inthe earth-life; therefore, congenial spirits are continually meeting andreading "life's meaning in each other's eyes. "

Rachel, though she claimed to have no "story" to tell, interested Davidgreatly in her account of how the Lord had chosen her as one of a familyto become a savior on Mt. Zion. The work for the dead had not interestedhim. He, in connection with the youth of his time, had neglected thatpart of the gospel plan; and now, of course, he saw his mistake. 

"Yes, " David acknowledged to Rachel, "I see my error now, as usual, whenit is too late to remedy it. You who were faithful rank above me here. "

"Don't say that, " she pleaded. 

"But it is true. Your good deeds came before you here and gave you astanding. Some of the treasures you destined for heaven were detainedhere, and you are now reaping benefits from them. Do I not see it allthe time? When we meet new people, you are received with delight--I amunknown. "

"David, what comes to me, you partake of also, because--"

"Because you shall belong to me. Yes, dear one; that is the blessedtruth. The Lord has brought us together, and all else should beforgotten in our gratitude to Him. . . . Rachel, we would have known eachother in earth-life had I behaved myself. Our lives were surely trendingtoward each other, and our paths would have met. We would have loved andhave wedded there, had it not been for my--"

"Say no more. Let us forget the past in thinking of and planning forthe future. I am happy now, and so is your mother. "

"And so am I. "

IV. 

 "Whatsoever God doeth it shall be forever. "--_Eccl. 3:14. _

David and Rachel were out walking when they saw another couple whoselovelike actions were noticeable. As they met, the couple stopped andthe man said, "Pardon me, but we are somewhat strange in this new world. May we ask you some questions?"

"Let us sit down here together, " suggested David, and he led the way toa place where they could sit quietly. "Are you in trouble?"

"Well, I hardly know, " replied the man. "Anna and I are together, andperhaps we ought to be satisfied; but somehow we are not. There issomething lacking. "

"Yes?"

"You see, we left the earth-life, so suddenly--we were so poorlyprepared for this. " His companion clasped his arm as if to be protectedfrom some impending danger. "We were boating on the lake, the boatoverturned, and here we are. . . . We were to have been married the nextday, but now--now what is our condition? We are not husband and wife;neither, I suppose, can we be, for we were taught back in that worldfrom where we came, that there is no married condition here. Yet youtwo are husband and wife, are you not?"

"Not yet, " replied David, "but we expect to be. "

"I don't understand; you seem to know; teach us. May we be marriedhere?"

David explained the principle of celestial marriage as it had beenrevealed to them in earth-life, and contrasted that doctrine with whatwas usually taught. "So you see, " said he, "even if you had been marriedon that day appointed in mortality, it would have been only until deathdid you part. You have passed through death, and so, the contractbetween you would have come to an end, and you would not now be husbandand wife. "

"But you said that you two were to be married. How?"

"Had we been married in earth-life, it would have been for time andeternity, because it would have been performed by the authority of theLord. What God does, is forever. Marriage must be solemnized on theearth. As our earth-days are past, we cannot go back, so the ceremonymust be done for us by someone else living on the earth. Sister Rachelhere, while in earth-life, did for thousands who had gone before whatthey could not do for themselves. Now, someone, in the Lord's own duetime, will stand for her, and do for her what she did not do forherself. "

The two new acquaintances listened attentively while David and sometimesRachel instructed them on the principles of the gospel, and theirapplication to those who were in the spirit world. They spoke to themof faith and repentance, principles which all men everywhere couldreceive and exercise. They explained the ordinance of baptism for theremission of sins, an earthly rite, which could be believed in andaccepted by those in the spirit world, but would have to be performedfor them vicariously by someone on earth. Marriage for eternity was alsofurther explained. 

"It is true, " concluded David, "that in the resurrection there isneither marrying nor giving in marriage. All that must be attended tobefore the resurrection, which for all of us--luckily--is yet in thefuture. We know for a surety that if we do our part the best we know, the Lord will take care of the rest. "

These four people did not part until David and Rachel had promised tomeet their friends again soon, and continue the talk which had sofavorably begun. When the two had left, David turned to Rachel and said:

"Did you see the lovelight glowing in their eyes when their hearts weretouched with the truth?"

"Yes, as it did in yours when you were speaking. "

"And in yours, too, my dear, when it was your turn. "

"It's good to be a missionary--always a missionary, isn't it, as long asthere is one being in need of guidance and instruction. "

"It is very good, indeed, David. "

"Rachel, glad news for us. We, you and I, are soon to follow ourparents and our older brothers and sisters, up through the gates of theresurrection, which our Lord so graciously opened. . . . Yes, yes, it istrue. . . . Into the celestial kingdom, with bodies of celestial glory andgo on to our exaltation. . . . And, dear, the work is being done for us inthe Temple of our God. . . . Yes, right now, it is being done. Come, Rachel, let us go and be as near as we can. . . . Yes, we havepermission. . . . This is the Temple. God's messengers are here, and HisSpirit broods in and around the holy place. That Spirit we also incommon with mortality, may feel. You, Rachel, ought to be at home here, more so than I. Let us follow the man and the woman who are doing thework for us. . . . Do you see them clearly, Rachel?. . . Yes; we shall notforget them when they, too, come to us in the spirit, but we shall givethem a welcome such as they have never dreamed of. . . . Now they are bythe altar. Kneel here by me, Rachel, --your hand in mine, like this. Listen, can you hear? 'For and in behalf of, '. . . You and me. . . . It isdone. We are husband and wife. You are mine for eternity, mine, mine. . . . O, Eternal Father, we thank Thee!"

David holds the fair form of his wife in his arms. He kisses her cheeks, her eyes, her lips. Then there is silence. 

PART FOURTH. 

 Freedom waves her joyous pinions O'er a land, from sea to sea, Ransomed, righteous, and rejoicing In a world-wide jubilee. 

 O'er a people happy, holy, Gifted now with heavenly grace, Free from every sordid fetter That enslaved a fallen race. 

 Union, love, and fellow feeling Mark the sainted day of power; Rich and poor in all things equal, Righteousness their rock and tower. 

 Mountain peaks of pride are leveled, Lifted up the lowly plain, Crookedness made straight, while crudeness Now gives way to culture's reign. 

 Now no tyrant's sceptre saddens; Now no bigot's power can bind. Faith and work, alike unfettered, Win the goal by heaven designed. 

 God, not mammon, hath the worship Of His people, pure in heart: This is Zion--oh, ye nations, Choose with her "the better part!"

 Crown and sceptre, sword and buckler-- Baubles!--lay them at her feet. Strife no more shall vex creation; Christ's is now the kingly seat. 

 Cities, empires, kingdoms, powers, In one mighty realm divine. She, the least and last of nations, Henceforth as their head shall shine. 

 'Tis thy future glory, Zion, Glittering in celestial rays, As the ocean's sun-lit surging Rolls upon my raptured gaze!

 All that ages past have promised, All that noblest minds have prized, All that holy lips have prayed for, Here at last is realized. 

 --_Orson F. Whitney. _

I. 

 "Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. * * * And the Gentiles shall come to thy light and kings to the brightness of thy rising. "--_Isaiah 60:1, 3. _

The sun in its downward course had reached the hazy zone, which, boundedby the clear blue above and the horizon below, extended around the greenearth; in the west, the round disk of the sun shone through it, andtinged the landscape with a beautiful, mellow light. 

It was midsummer. The sun had been hot all the day, and when on thatevening two men reined in the horses they were driving, and paused onthe summit of a small hill, a cool breeze reached them, and they baredtheir heads to the refreshing air. Not a word was spoken as they gazedon the scene before them; its grandeur and beauty were too vast forwords. 

Before them, to the west, lay the city, the object of their longjourney--before them, it lay as a queen in the midst of hersurroundings. At first sight, it seemed one immense palace, rather thana city of palaces, as the second view indicated. Street after street, mansion after mansion, the city stretched away as far as the eye couldreach, mingling with trees and gardens. 

Rising from the center of the city was the temple. Its walls shone likepolished marble, and its towers seemed to pierce the sky, as aroundabout them a white cloud hung. This cloud extended from the temple as acenter, over the whole city, and seemed as it were a covering. 

The sun sank behind the horizon; still the cloud glowed with light, asif the sun's rays still lingered there. 

For ten minutes the carriage had paused on the elevation, and the twomen had gazed in silence. Then the driver, as if awakening from a dream, gave the horses the word to go, as he said:

"We must drive on. "

"Yes; night is coming on. "

The second speaker was a middle aged man of commanding bearing. Heleaned back in the carriage as they sped onward. 

"So this is the world renowned city, " he said, "the new capital of theworld to which we all must bow in submission; within whose borders sitjudges and rulers the like of which for power and wisdom have never yetappeared. Truly, she is the rising light of the world. What say you, Remand?"

"'Tis indeed a wondrous sight, your majesty. The reality far exceeds anyreports that have come to us. "

"It is well, Remand, that we chose this slower mode of coming into thecity. Electricity would have brought us here in a fraction of the time;but who would miss this beautiful drive?"

They were already within the outskirts of the city. Although all thatday they had driven through a most beautiful region of cities and fieldsand gardens, the latter being gorgeous with flowers and fruit, yet theglory of this city far surpassed anything they had yet beheld. Over thesmooth, paved roadway, their carriage glided noiselessly. The bloomingflowers and trees shed sweet odors in the air. Buildings and gardens, arranged in perfect symmetry, delighted the eye. The song of birds andthe hum of evening melodies charmed the ear. Men, women and children andvehicles of all kinds were continually passing. 

The shades of night crept over the landscape; still the cloudy coveringof the city glowed with brilliant light. The darker the night became, the brighter became the cloud, until the palace, built of marble andprecious stone, appeared in its soft, clear light like the colors of therainbow. 

"Your majesty, must we not soon seek some place to rest for the night?"

"Yes, you are right. Do you think anyone will suspect our truecharacter?"

"No one save ourselves, within thousands of miles, knows that you arethe king of Poland. "

"I do hope so, Remand, for I wish to see these things from the point ofview of a commoner. See, there is the pillar of fire spoken about. Truly, my good friend, the glory of the Lord is risen upon this place. "

Hardly were the words spoken before the carriage drew up to a gateway, or open arch, which spanned the road. A man appeared and inquired of thetravelers where they were going. On being informed that they werestrangers come to see the city, the man bade them wait a few minutes. Soon he returned. 

"As you are strangers and wish to rest for the night, you will pleasealight and receive that which you need. Your horses will be taken careof. Come. " They drove along a road leading to a large house. Grooms tookcharge of the horses, and they themselves were ushered into a room, which, for convenience and beauty of finish, was not surpassed even bythe king of Poland's own palaces. Soon fruits and bread were placedbefore them, and they were shown couches where they would rest for thenight. 

Though weary with their day's journey, the travelers could not sleep. The strangeness of it all bewildered them, and they talked about it farinto the night. 

Next morning they were awakened by song birds that had taken position ina tree near their open window, and were now pouring forth a chorus ofwelcome. How beautiful was the morning! Earth and sky were full of theperfume of flowers and the song of birds. The cloud still hung over thecity. 

From the garden they were called into the dining room, where a meal wasspread before them. Fruits and fruit preparations of a dozen kinds;breads, cakes and vegetables, drinks from the juice of fruits: this wasthe bill of fare. 

After they had eaten, the person who had met them the evening before, entered, and announced that their carriage was ready for their drive;or, if they chose to take the cars, they would get within the city muchquicker, but, of course, would miss some interesting sights. 

"We prefer to see all, " replied the king. 

"Then come with me. "

The king and Remand followed into another room where they met a youngman who was to be their escort. The first now retired, and the young manadvanced and shook their hands. 

"Be seated for a moment, " said he. "My name is Paulus. I am to conductyou into the city, and be your guide for the day. Such is the rulehere. " The speaker also took a seat by the table. The king and hiscompanion sat opposite. 

"In this city, " continued Paulus, "there can be no hypocrisy, no deceitof any kind. I am instructed, therefore, to tell you that your truename, character, and mission is known. You are the king of Poland, andyou his counselor and friend. "

The king started, changed color, and looked towards Remand. 

"How--how is that?" he stammered. 

Paulus smiled. "Do not be alarmed, my dear sir. You were known beforeyou entered the first gate yesterday. These people have entertained youwith a full knowledge of what you are; nevertheless, the treatment youhave received has been in no wise different from that which is given toevery honest man who comes to this city for righteous purposes, nomatter be he high or low, rich or poor, in the estimation of the world. You see, true worth and righteousness are the only standards of judgmenthere. Again, you are safer here than in the house of your best friendin Poland, or surrounded by your old-time host of armed warriors; forviolence is no more heard in this land, neither wasting nor destructionwithin our borders. Our walls are Salvation; our gates, praise; and theinhabitants of this city are all righteous. It is their inheritanceforever, for they are a branch of the Lord's planting, the work of Hishands, wherein He is glorified. "

Neither of the strangers spoke. The words seemed to thrill them intosilence. 

"Come, then, let us be going. "

The carriage was awaiting; but it was not the travelers' own. 

"No, " was Paulus' answer to their inquiry, "your horses will rest. Thisis our equipage. "

They drove into the city. 

"'Walk about Zion, and go round about her; tell the towers thereof. Markye well her bulwarks, consider her palaces, that ye may tell it to thegenerations following, '" said Paulus. 

"You quote from the writings of the ancient Hebrews, " said Remand. 

"Yes; these 'holy men of God spake as they were moved by the HolyGhost, '" was the answer. 

An hour's drive through indescribable grandeur brought them to a gate inthe wall which surrounded the temple, where they alighted. An attendanttook charge of the horses. Paulus led the way. A word to the keeper ofthe gate, and they were permitted to pass. Surrounding the centralbuilding, was a large open space laid out in walks, grass plats, ornamental trees, and flowers. People were walking about. Guides andinstructors were busy with strangers, who seemed to have come from allnations, by the varied manner of dress displayed, and the differentlanguages spoken. 

"This, " said Paulus, "is the sanctuary of freedom, the place of thegreat King. From this center go the righteous laws that govern nationsand peoples. It is not time yet to proceed further, so we will walkabout the gardens. "

"Is the great King here today?" asked Poland's ruler. 

"I do not know; but the council will sit and transact all neededbusiness. And now I will tell you another thing: All whom you have metor seen have appeared to you as mortal beings, as you or I; but inreality, in our drive through the city, you have seen many immortal, that is, resurrected, men and women; for you must remember that now therighteous live to the age of a tree, and when they die, they do notsleep in the dust, but are changed in the twinkling of an eye. Thesevisit with us, abide with us for a time to instruct us. Because you area ruler among the nations, you will be permitted to see the assemblingof the council, and receive instruction from it. The time is drawingnigh. Let us be going. "

Great crowds of white-robed men were flocking into the temple. The threefollowed. The king and Remand gazed in wonder at those who had beenpointed out as being resurrected beings, and their wonder increased whenthey could see no marked difference between them and the rest ofmankind, save perhaps in the calm, sweet expression of the face, andthe light which appeared to beam from the countenances of the immortals. They certainly were not unreal, shadowy beings. 

Entering a wide hallway, they soon arrived at the council chamber. Itsglory dazzled the beholders. In the midst of this room was a vast throneas white as ivory, and ascended by seventy steps. On each side of thethrone were tiers of seats, rising one above the other. The seats wererapidly being filled, but the throne remained vacant. 

"The King is not here today, " whispered Paulus. 

Then a soft, sweet strain of music was heard. It increased in volumeuntil a thousand instruments seemed to blend into one melody. Suddenly, the vast assembly arose as one man and joined in a song of joy andthanksgiving. 

"Guide--dear friend, " whispered the king of Poland, "I am overcome, Icannot remain. "

"I feel faint, " said Remand, "I fear I shall perish. "

"Come, then, we had better go, " answered Paulus. "This is all we shallsee at present. We shall now go into another room and wait the council'sadjournment; then you will have an interview with one delegated to talkwith you. "

From the hallway they entered a smaller room, decorated with beautifulpictures and adorned with statuary. Books, newspapers and magazines wereat hand, and when the visitors were tired of gazing, they sat down by atable. 

They had not long to wait before word came that the king and hisfriends should enter another room close by. Paulus would wait for theirreturn. The two found a venerable looking man awaiting them, who, upontheir entrance, arose and said:

"Welcome, welcome, to the Lord's house. I may not call you king ofPoland--there is but one King on this earth--but I will call youservants of the King, as we all are. Be seated. 

"I am instructed to tell you that, as a whole, the King is pleased withthe manner you are conducting your stewardship. The Spirit of our Lordmoved upon you to take this journey to his capital, and you chose tocome as you did. That is well enough. Tyrants do not enter this city, and your presence here is assurance to you that you are justified. 

"It is well that you have disbanded your armies, and that yourinstruments of war have been made into plows and pruning hooks. Rememberthe law that the nation and kingdom that will not serve the Lord shallperish. The King grants to all His subjects their free agency in thematter of religion, forcing no one to obey the gospel law; still He isthe King of the earth; it is His, and He made it, and has redeemed it;and He now wills that all nations shall come under one governmentorganized by Him in righteousness. For a thousand years the earth mustrest in peace; then comes the great and dreadful day of the Lord. 

"And now, another thing. There have been some complaints from yourcountry that the servants of the Lord who have been sent to preach thegospel to your people, have not had that perfect freedom which isdesired. Please see to it that they are not molested while peaceablypromulgating religious doctrines. "

"I shall see to it, " answered the king of Poland. 

For some time they counseled together; then the two withdrew, and joinedPaulus, who conducted them out into the city. 

II. 

 "The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; * * * and a little child shall lead them. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. "--_Isaiah 11:6-9. _

The next day Paulus with his two visitors walked about the city. Hedescribed and explained the many deeply interesting scenes, and answeredthe numerous questions directed to him. The foreigners did not fail tonote the wonderful advances made in the arts and sciences and theirpractical application to everyday affairs. They had thought their owncountry not behind in improvements, but here their own were farsurpassed. 

"We will ride out on the ether-line to one of our schools, " remarkedPaulus. "You will be pleased with the children. "

"This is an improvement on electricity, " said their director, as seatedin an elegant car, they were carried through the city without noise orjostle. "This line is rather crude yet. I was reading in the newspaperthe other day that some very important improvements were shortly to bemade. You have noticed, ere this, our method of heating and lighting. Don't you think it is an advancement on the old way?"

"It certainly is, though we use some steam and considerable electricityyet in our country. "

"I suppose so--but here we are. "

Although nothing in the city was cramped or crowded for room, the placewhere they now alighted was planned on an unusually large scale. Immensebuildings stood upon a large tract of land, planted with trees, grass, and flowers. Here were breathing room and playground. A number ofstreams of clear water flowed through the grounds, and small ponds werealive with fish and swimming birds. Fountains played, and statues ofmarble gleamed through the foliage. 

"See, what is that?" exclaimed Remand, as he caught sight of a huge, shaggy beast lying under a tree. 

"Just a brown bear, " said Paulus. "We have some lions and few of therarest animals on these grounds--but I am forgetting that these scenesmust be strange to you. In Poland you have not wholly shaken off the oldworld and its way. It takes time of course. "

"Well, " replied Remand, "although the enmity between man and beast isnearly gone, we have not yet adopted bears and lions as pets for ourchildren to play with. "

"Well, we have, you perceive. "

A bevy of children came dancing through the grounds. Beautiful childrenthey were, full of life and gladness. They caught sight of bruin, stretched under the tree, and with a shout they stormed him. The animalsaw them coming, and extending himself at full length on the ground, seemed to enjoy the children's tumbling over his shaggy sides. When theypatted him on the head and stroked his nose, he licked their hands. 

"We haven't reached quite that far, " remarked the king. 

"Neither do we behold such sights, " added his companion, as he pointedto a tiger crouching on the grass, and gazing with no evil intention ata lamb quietly feeding by. 

"You will in time, " said Paulus. "The earth is being filled with theknowledge of God. Hate, envy, and destruction are fast disappearing, andyou see the natural results: the wolf lying down with the lamb, andchildren playing with once savage beasts. In this way, Satan is beingbound, and the whole earth will soon be released from his power. "

They came to another group of children, gathered on the shore of a smalllake, who were eagerly listening to a man in their midst. 

"We will hear what the lesson is today, " said Paulus, and they went upto the group. The instructor was holding up a flower which he hadplucked from the margin of the water, and was illustrating somepeculiarity of vegetable formation to the class. 

"It is botany today, " said Paulus. "I hoped that it would be hisfavorite theme. "

"And what is that?"

"The improvements on these grounds are the work of his planning andsupervision, and he delights to give lessons on earth and waterformations. He often sets a class to digging trenches and waterways. Hesays that he learned all about such things when he went to school, meaning when he was on the earth before. "

"Is he a resurrected being?" asked Remand in a low voice. 

"He is, " was the reply. "Many of our instructors are. You willunderstand without argument the advantages they have over others. "

"Certainly, certainly. "

"I see he is through with the recitation. Let us speak to him. "

As they came up, the children recognized them with a smile and a salute, and the instructor said:

"Welcome, brothers, welcome, Brother Paulus. "

"You are dismissed. Go to your next lesson, " he said to the children, and they quietly walked away. 

"Now, " said he, "I have some leisure. Will you all come with me into thereading room? I have something to show you, Paulus, and it may interestour visitors. "

"Need we no introduction?" asked the king, as they followed into a largebuilding. 

"Not at all. He knows who you are. "

The reading room was a compartment beautifully adorned and furnished. Itwas filled with tables, chairs, bookracks, etc. Hundreds of childrenwere there reading. Perfect order reigned, though no overseers orwatchers were seen. The three followed the instructor into a smallerroom, seemingly arranged for private use. Chairs were placed, and thenhe opened a newspaper which he spread on the table. 

"Have you seen the last edition of today's paper?"

None of them had. 

"Well, I found something here of more than usual interest. It seems thatsome workmen, excavating for a building, came across the ruins of anineteenth century city. In a cavity in a stone they found some coins ofthat period, also a number of newspapers. It was a common practice inthose days to imbed such things in the corner stones of buildings. Extracts from those papers are reproduced here, and they are of interestto the children of today in showing the condition of the world whenunder the influence of that fallen spirit who rebelled against God inthe beginning. Let me read you a few extracts, principally headingsonly. "

"'Yesterday this city was visited by a most destructive fire. One-halfof the business part was swept away. Thousands of dollars of propertywere lost, and it is supposed that about fifty persons have perished inthe flames. '

"'The great strike. Thousands of workmen out of employment. Childrencrying for bread. Mobs march through the streets, defying the police, and demolishing property. The governor calls out the state militia. '

"Here is another:

"'War! War! England, Germany, France, Russia and the United States arepreparing!'

"Yes, you have read your histories. You know all about that. What do youthink of this?"

"'Millions of the people's money have been expended by those in officeto purchase votes. A set of corrupt political bosses rule the nation. '

"Still another:

"'A gang of tramps capture a train--'"

The reader did not finish, but laid the paper down and looked out of theopen door. He did not speak for some time; then turning, said:

"Brothers, thank God that you live in the Millennium of the world. Myheart grows sick when my mind reverts back to the scenes of long ago. Ipassed through some of them. I learned my lessons in a hard school; butGod has been good to me. He has known me all along, and has given mejust what I needed. Shall we visit the buildings? Shall we see thechildren who grow up without sin unto salvation? Come with me. "

From room to room, from building to building, they went. Children, children, everywhere--bright, beautiful children. Oh, it was a grandsight! Hark! They sing--a thousand voices; and such music!

"Are there special visitors today?" asked Paulus. 

"Yes; come let us go outside and see them. "

They stepped out on to a portico where they could see the throng ofchildren standing on a large lawn outside. They were singing a song ofwelcome, and through the trees could be seen three men approaching. Thechildren made way for them, and they walked through towards thebuilding. 

"Look well at them as they pass, " said the instructor; "you mayrecognize them. "

They walked with the sprightliness of youth though their hair was whiteas snow. They smiled at the children as they passed. 

"Two of the faces are familiar, " remarked Remand, "but the third isstrange. Surely, surely--"

"Surely you did not expect to see George Washington and Martin Luther inthe flesh, walking and talking as other men?"

"Never. "

"It is they. "

"And the third?"

"The third is Socrates of old. "

"What is their mission?"

"They are about to speak to the children. They have been at the schoolof the prophets all morning, and now they come from the high schoolyonder. You see what advantages today's students of history have. "

"Has the knowledge of God exalted men to the society of resurrectedbeings?"

"Your senses do not deceive you, " was the reply. 

"Now I must go, " said the instructor. "Farewell, and peace be withyou. "

He went into the house again, the three following directly, but they sawnothing more of him. 

III. 

 "Every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills * * * for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof. "--_Psalms 50:10, 12_. 

The King of Poland and his counselor lodged that night in the city. Early next morning, Paulus came again for them. 

"What do you wish to see, today?" he asked. 

"Take us to some or your workshops and mills, " replied the King; "wewould like to learn more of your social and industrial conditions, aboutwhich we have heard. "

A car soon took them to a part of the city where the workshops weresituated. The buildings were not great, black-looking structures withrows of small windows in the walls; but they were handsome, spaciousbuildings, resembling somewhat the finest of the public buildings withwhich the visitors were acquainted in their own country. Remand notedthe absence of smoking chimneys, and inquired about them. 

"We have done away with all that, " explained Paulus. "Pure air is one ofthe essentials to life. One of the crudest imperfections of the past wasthe wilderness of smoking chimneys which belched forth their blacknessand poison into the atmosphere. As you have noticed, our city is clean, and the air above us is as clear as that above forests or fields. "

"I suppose you use electricity for light and power, " remarked Remand;"but you need heat, too. "

"We use electricity for heat also, " was explained. "We get it directfrom the earth, also have it generated by water power, both from fallsand the waves of the sea, and transmitted to us. Some of these powerstations are hundreds of miles away among the mountains, and by the sea. We have also learned to collect and conserve heat from the sun; so, yousee, we are well supplied for all purposes. This building, " said theinstructor, pointing to the one in front of which they had stopped, "isa furniture factory. Would you like to see it in working operation?"

"Yes; very much, " said the King. 

They entered clean, well-lighted, airy rooms where beautiful machinerywas being operated by well-dressed and happy-looking workmen. Thevisitors passed from section to section, noting, admiring, and askingquestions. 

"Whose factory is this?" asked Remand of the guide. 

"You mean who has charge--who is the steward?" corrected Paulus. 

"No; not exactly that. This magnificent plant must have an owner, eitheran individual or a corporation. I asked for the ownership of theproperty. "

The guide looked strangely at his companions. Then he realized thatthese men had come from the parts of the earth where the celestial orderhad not yet been established. The old ideas of private property rightswere still with them. 

"My friends, " he said, "The earth is the Lord's, and the fulnessthereof. He is the only proprietor. How can weak, mortal man own anypart of this earth! No, ownership is for a future time, a future state. Now we are only stewards over the Lord's possession. "

"But someone must have charge here, " said the king. 

"Certainly. A master mechanic is steward over this factory, and herenders an account of all its doings to the Bishop, who is the Lord'srepresentative. In this building, as you have seen, are manydepartments, and these are also stewardships, given to those in whosecharge they are. Likewise, each workman has a stewardship for which heis responsible and accountable to the Lord. "

They came to the wood-carving department where beautiful designs werebeing drawn and executed. 

"Each man, as far as possible, does the kind of work best suited to histastes and abilities. Here, for instance, those who are skilled carversof wood find employment for their talent, and they turn out some finearticles of furniture. Of course, we have machines that stamp and carvewood; but the pleasure derived from the use of the skilled hand is notto be denied the well-trained mechanic and artist. "

"I don't quite understand what you mean by stewardships, " said Remandas they passed into a rest room. 

"Let us sit down here, " replied Paulus, "and I shall try to explainfurther. You must know that all this order, beauty, peace, and plentyhas been attained by an observance of celestial law. And the celestiallaw as pertaining to temporal things is that no man shall have more thanis required for his and his family's support. In this respect all menare equal according to their needs. In olden times, this law was calledthe order of Enoch, because we are informed that Enoch and his cityattained to a high degree of righteousness through its observance. Laterit was called the United Order. It has been revealed to and tried by menin various periods of the earth's history, but never has it had such achance to redeem the world as it is having now. According to this law, no man can accumulate unto himself the wealth created by the work ofothers, as was the case in former times with us, and still prevails tosome extent among other nations. All surplus which a worker accumulatesbeyond his needs is turned into the general storehouse of the Lord. Thuseach man becomes equal in temporal things as well as in spiritualthings. There is no rich or poor: each man obtains what he requires, andno more. "

"What is the extent of this surplus?" asked the King. "Is it large?"

"Yes; because of the nearly perfect condition of our industrial system, a great amount of wealth flows into the general storehouse. You willunderstand, of course, that all public institutions receive theirsupport from this fund, so that the old order of taxes is done awaywith. You have noticed our beautiful city. You have not seen palaces ofthe rich and hovels of the poor, but you have seen magnificent publicbuildings, parks, and thoroughfares. These institutions that are for allalike have been built and are sustained by the surplus; and this citydoes not represent all of what the people of the Lord are doing. TheLord's work is being extended throughout this land and to lands beyondthe sea. Not the least of our duties is the building of temples and theperforming of the work for our dead in them. So you see, we have need ofmuch wealth to carry on our work. "

"Yes; I understand, " remarked Remand; "but in our country and time, asindeed, it has been in the past, many have tried plans of equality, butthey have been more or less failures. Why have you succeeded so well?"

"The chief cause for the past failures of the world in this industrialorder lies in the supposition that unregenerated men, who have notobeyed the gospel of Jesus Christ, and who are, therefore, full ofweaknesses and sins incident to human nature without the power toovercome them--I say the mistake lies in the supposition that such mencan come together and establish a celestial order of things, an orderwherein the heart must be purged from every selfish thought and desire. No wonder that a building erected on such a poor foundation could notstand. We have succeeded because we have begun right. We have had faithin the Lord and His providences, have repented of our sins, have beenborn again of water and of the Spirit, and then we have tried to live byevery word that proceeds from the mouth of God. We have done this prettywell, or we could never have succeeded in this work of equality that yousee and admire. People who do the things that you observe around youmust have the Spirit of God in their hearts. This celestial order isGod's order, and those who partake of its blessings must be in harmonywith God's mind and will. High law cannot be obeyed and lived byinferior beings who are not willing to submit to the first principles ofsalvation and power. "

The three sat in quiet contemplation for a time. Then the King said:"Tell us about the wages of these workmen. The proper adjustment ofwages has always been a source of much trouble with us. "

"Yes, in the days when every man had to look out for himself and had nothought for his neighbor, it was a continual struggle to get as much aspossible for one's work and to give as little as possible for the workof another. Such conditions were natural under a system of greed andselfishness, and they brought on much contention and trouble, which, happily are now ended. In the beginning, " explained the speaker, "thosewho enter this order of equality are required to consecrate all theirproperty to the Lord. Then each is given a stewardship according to hisneeds and his ability to manage and to work. Children have a claim upontheir parents for support until they are of age, when they also aregiven a stewardship. "

"Are the wages equal to all?"

"No; and for the very good reason that the needs of all are not alike. According to the old order, the superintendent of these works, forinstance, would draw a salary of perhaps $5000. 00 a year, while the menwho do the manual labor would get less than a tenth of that sum. "

"True, " remarked Remand, "supply and demand regulates these things. Superintendents are scarce, but common workmen are plentiful. "

"But, my dear friend, we have no common workmen. It is just as importantthat a table should be put together properly, and that it be wellfinished as that there should be a superintendent of the works. No manin our industrial system can say to another, 'I have no need of thee. 'Each is important, each has his place, each supports the other. Thepolisher or the sawyer, therefore, should have his needs supplied, andso should the overseer--but no more. What would he do with more, anyway?Tell me. "

"Why, why, " replied Remand, "He could save it, put it in the bank, invest it. "

Paulus smiled. "What good would hoarded wealth be to a man whose needsare all provided for as long as he lives, as also his children afterhim. We have but one bank here--the Lord's storehouse, and all profitsderived from investments are there deposited. But speaking again ofwages, I happen to know that the superintendent of this factory is aman with a wife only to support, and they are very simple in theirtastes. The wood-carver whom we spoke of has a large family of children. His needs are greater than the superintendent's, therefore he receivesmore for his portion. That is just, is it not?"

"Yes, " replied Remand, "the theory seems to be all right but itsapplication, among us at least, would bring endless complications to beadjusted. "

"Perhaps so, " replied Paulus. "We are not perfect, even here. While weare in mortality, we have weaknesses to contend with; but you mustremember that we look on every man as a brother and a friend, and as Ihave stated, we have the spirit of the Master to help us. When this helpproves insufficient by reason of our own failure to do the right, and inour weakness we are unjust or overbearing, or oppressive, then there isthe Lord Himself whose throne is with us. He balances again the scalesof justice, and metes out to every man his just deserts. "

Paulus arose, and the others followed him reverently out into thepark-like space surrounding the factory. They walked slowly along thepaths as they talked. 

"The argument usually urged against all orders of equality, " remarkedRemand, "is that it takes away man's incentive to work. "

"Have you seen any idle men in or about Zion?" asked the guide. 

They acknowledged that they had not. 

"The new order has not taken away incentives to work; it has simplychanged the incentive from a low order to a higher. We can not afford towork for money as an end. Wealth, with us, is simply a means to an end, and that is the bringing to pass of saving righteousness to the race, individually and collectively. Wealth is not created to be used forpersonal aggrandizement; and, in fact, its power to work mischief istaken away when all men have what they need of it. The attainment ofworldly wealth was at one time the standard of success. It was, indeed, a low standard. "

"What is your standard?" asked the king. 

"Among us the greatest of all is the servant of all. He who does hisbest along the line of his work, and contributes the results of hisefforts to the general good, is successful. Quantity is not always thetest, for the gardener who supplies us with the choicest vegetables iscounted just as successful as he who digs from the mountain histhousands in gold. . . . Who, in your country, is counted the greatestsuccess in history?"

Neither Remand nor the King replied to this query. 

"I will not confuse you by urging a reply, " said Paulus. "You, ofcourse, understand our view of that matter. He who did the greatest goodto the greatest number made the greatest success. That was the Lord andMaster. 'If I be lifted up, I shall draw all men to me, ' he said; andthat is being fulfilled. In like manner the greatest among us is he whoserves us best. "

They seated themselves on a bench and watched the workers flock fromthe workshop homeward to their mid-day meal. It was an interesting sightto the two visitors. The people appeared so happy and contented that theking noticed it and commented on it. 

"Yes, " replied Paulus; "why should they not be happy? When I think ofthe times in the past--how so many of the human race had to struggledesperately merely to live; how men, women and children often had to begfor work by which to obtain the means of existence; how sometimeseverything that was good and pure and priceless was sold for bread;while on the other hand many others of the race lolled in ease andluxury, being surfeited with the good things of the world--I say, when Ithink of this, I can not praise the Lord too much for what He now hasgiven to us. "

"What are these men's working hours?" asked Remand. 

"The hours vary according to the arduousness of the work, though it isnow much more easy and pleasant, owing to our labor-saving machinery. From three to four hours usually constitute a day's work. Some prefer toput in their allotted time every day, and then spend the remainder inother pursuits. Others work all day, perhaps for a week, which wouldgive them a week to do other things. Others, again, who wish moreleisure for their self-appointed tasks, keep steadily on for a year, thus earning a year for themselves. "

"And what is done with this leisure?" asked the king. 

"Most of it is devoted to working in the temples of the Lord, where thesaving ordinances of the gospel are performed for those who had not theprivilege to do them for themselves in this life; but many other thingsare done. For instance, he who thinks he is an inventor, devotes histime to perfecting his invention; those who wish to pursue a certainline of study, now have time to do so; some spend time in traveling. "

"Is there no competition among you?" said Remand. "Such a condition, itseems to me, would bring stagnation. "

"We have the keenest kind of competition, " was the reply--"a competitionof the highest order that brings the most joyous life-activity into ourwork. Each steward competes with every other steward to see who canimprove his stewardship the most and bring the best results to thegeneral storehouse. For example, you noticed as you came into the citythe beautifully kept gardens and farms lying for miles out into thecountry. These are all stewardships, and there is the keenestcompetition among the farmers and gardeners to see who can make the landproduce--first the best crops, and then the most of that best. One manlast year who has a small farm turned into the storehouse as his surplusone thousand bushels of wheat. It was a remarkable record which thisyear many others are trying to equal or exceed. This sort of rivalry isfound among all the various businesses and industries in Zion and herstakes; so you see, that even what you term the wealth producingincentive is not lost to us, but is used as an end to a mighty good, and not to foster personal greed. "

 * * * * *

The three strolled farther away from the large factory building, outinto a section where residences stood here and there among the trees inthe park-like grounds. Approaching a beautiful sheet of water borderedby flowering bushes, lawns, and well-kept walks, they saw a man sittingon a bench by the lake. As his occupation seemed to be throwing breadcrumbs to the swans in the water, the King and his companion concludedthat here, at last, they had discovered one of the idle rich, whom theystill had in their own country. Remand expressed his thought to theguide. 

"He idle?" was the reply. "Oh, no; he is one of our hardest working men. That is one of our most popular writers, and in many people's opinion, our best. We must not disturb him now, but we will sit down here andobserve him. We are told that when he is planning one of his famouschapters of a story, he comes down to this lake and feeds the swans. "

"And do you still write, print, and read stories?" asked Remand. 

"Certainly. Imaginative literature is one of the highest forms of art. This man has most beautifully pictured the trend of the race, hisspecial themes being the future greatness and glory of Zion. Why shouldhe not paint pictures by words, as well as the artist who does the sameby colors and the sculptor by form? If you have not read any of hisbooks, you must take some of them home with you. See, he is movingaway. Would you like to meet him?"

They said they would. The author was soon overtaken, and he received hisvisitors graciously. 

"Yes, " he laughingly acknowledged to Paulus, "you caught me fairly. Iwas planning a most interesting scene of the book on which I am nowengaged, and the swans are a great help. "

He led his visitors into the grounds surrounding his home, and then intohis house. He showed them his books, his studio, and his collection ofart treasures. From an upstairs balcony he pointed out his favorite bitof landscape, a mixture of hill and dale, shining water, and purple hazein the distance. 

"Yes, " he said, in answer to an inquiry, "I have read how, in formertimes, the workers in art, and especially the writer were seriouslyhandicapped. The struggle for bread often sapped the strength whichought to have gone into the producing of a picture, a piece of statuary, or a book. Fear of some day wanting the necessities of life drove men tothink of nothing else but the making of money; and when sometimes menand women were driven by the strong impulse of expression to neglectsomewhat the 'Making a living, ' they nearly starved. How could the bestwork be produced under such conditions? I marvel at what was done, nevertheless. "

After spending a pleasant and profitable hour with the writer, the threevisitors went on their way. They partook of some lunch at one of thepublic eating houses, then they went out farther into the country tolook at the farms and gardens. Lines of easy and rapid transit extendedin every direction, so that it took but a few minutes for Paulus and hisfriends to arrive at the place they desired. They alighted at anorchard, looked at the growing fruit and listened to the orchardist'sexplanations. After they had been left to themselves, Paulus continued:

"I want you to see and taste a certain kind of apple that this man hasproduced. Apples are his specialty. " He led the way to another part ofthe orchard, and found a number of ripening apples which he gave hisfriends. "What do you think of them?" he asked. 

"Most delicious!" they both exclaimed. "This might be the identicalfruit that tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden, " remarked Remand. 

As they walked amid the trees, the conversation reverted again to thewriter of books whom they had just left. 

"This author's royalties must be very great--" began the King'scounselor, and then checked himself when he remembered the conditionsabout him. 

"Royalties?" replied Paulus; "yes, they are great; but they are not inmoney or material wealth. They consist in the vast amount of help, encouragement, hope, and true happiness he brings to his readers. "

"But do not men like treasure for treasure's sake? Have your verynatures changed?" asked the King. 

"To some extent our natures have changed, but not altogether in this. Men and women still like to lay up treasures. It is an inevitable lawthat when men do some good to others, credit is given them for thatgood in the Book of Life. This wealth of good deeds may accumulate untilone may become a veritable millionaire; and this treasure can never beput to an unrighteous use; moth can not corrupt it, nor thieves breakthrough and steal. "

"One more question, " asked Remand. "I observed that your novelist had abeautiful house, many rare books, and some priceless paintings andpieces of sculptured marble. Are these among the 'needs' that you havespoken of so many times?"

"To him, certainly. Each man gets that which will aid him most in hisparticular line of work. Those things are not needless luxuries orextravagances. The writer is surrounded by beautiful things that he maybe influenced by them to produce the most beautiful literature, just thesame as any other laborer is provided with the best tools, helps, andenvironments that he may produce the best work. "

From the orchard they went to the gardens and other workshops, closingthe day with a visit to one of the large mercantile establishments ofthe city. 

The next morning Paulus was on hand again to be their guide, but theKing said:

"We must now return home. Much as we would like to remain--to take upour permanent abode here, I see that my duty calls me home. The GreatKing has something for me to do, and I shall try to do it. Let us begoing. "

Then the two visitors thanked their guide most graciously as he set themon their homeward way. 

IV. 

 "In my Father's house are many mansions. * * * I go to prepare a place for you. "--_John 14:2_. 

Two men were walking in the grounds surrounding a stately residence onthe outskirts of the city. 

"I told you some time ago of the king of Poland's visit, " said the onewho had been instructor at the school. "Did you see that item in thepaper this morning?"

"Yes, " replied the other. "The visit must have made a great impressionon him, judging by what he is doing. "

"He was much interested. He is a good man, and is carrying out theinstructions which he received while here. You have not been herebefore?"

"No; this is my first visit. "

"This house is being built for a descendant of mine who is yet inmortality. I visit with him frequently, and he has asked me forsuggestions as to its construction. I have had much pleasure in givingthem. Soon he is to bring a wife into his new home, a dear good girlwhom I am pleased to welcome in this way into our family. The workmenhave nearly finished their labors and I am devoting some time to thepreparation of the grounds. Will you have time to look around with me?"

"I have time today, brother. "

They walked towards the house. It stood on the slope of a gentleelevation which furnished a view of the country westward. 

"Here you see what I am doing. I am departing somewhat from the usualform of lawn plans, but I want this place to have a special feature. Yousee, I have led this stream of water around the hill-side and made itfall over this small precipice into this tiny lake. What do you think ofit?"

"It is beautiful and unique. "

"You see, brother, I have a liking for streams of water. They alwaysplease my eye, and their babble and roar is music to my ears. And then, someone else will soon be visiting with me here. I call this mytemporary Earth-home; and brother, nothing can be too beautiful for mywife. "

His companion looked at him and smiled. The speaker smiled in return. They understood each other. 

"Yes, she is coming soon--at any time, now. "

They walked into the house and inspected the building. It was noexception to the other houses in the city, as beautiful as gold, silver, precious stones, fine woods, silks, and other fabrics could make it. Most of the rooms were furnished, as if in readiness for occupancy. 

"I delight in statuary, " was explained to the visitor, "and my wifedelights in paintings. You see, I have catered to both our tastes, andespecially hers. Those panels are the work of the famous Rene, and thisceiling was painted by the best artist in the city. Here, what do youthink of this?"

They paused before a large painting hung in the best light. It showedtraces of age, but the colors indicated the hand of a master. Itrepresented a scene where grandeur and beauty mingle; in the distance, blue hills; nearer, they became darker and pine clad; in the foregroundloomed a rocky ledge; encircled by the hills, lay a lake, around whoseshores were farms and farm houses with red roofs; and in the foregroundof the lake was an island. 

"A fine picture, " said the visitor, "and an old one. "

"It is a scene in old-time Norway, by one of Europe's best painters. Here is another. This is new, hardly dry, in fact. You observe thatthere are no pines on those hills. The farm house and the orchard in theforeground are as natural as life. She will recognize them at once. "

They passed out. 

"I have not had time to collect much in the way of statuary. I work alittle at that art myself. Here is an unfinished piece, a model for afountain. "

They sat on a bench within sight of the falling water. 

"Tell me about your family. "

"I have a wife and four children yet in the spirit world. It is not longas we count time since I left them, and they are soon to follow; but Iam impatient, I think. Oh, but she is a good woman, brother, good andtrue and beautiful; and my children are noble ones--two boys and twogirls--even if one has been wayward. He will come back in time. Yes, mywife first taught me the knowledge of God, in the second estate, andopened to me the beauties of our Fathers' great plan. I had fallen low, and was in danger of going lower, when she came--God sent her--and withher pure, strong hand drew me up from the mire, God bless her. " And thespeaker smiled at the splashing waters. 

"Then in earth-life I left them so suddenly, and she struggled bravelyon to the end. It was all for the best--we know that now. I had a workto do in the spirit world, and God called me to it. I did it, and wasaccepted of the Master. We all met in the spirit world, and therecontinued our labors of love for the glory of God and the salvation ofHis children. Then my time came to pass through the resurrection, andhere I am. --Hark, what is that? Someone is calling. "

They listened. From the house came a voice, a low, sweet voice, calling. 

"Brother, I must go, " said he who had been talking. "Someone calls myname. "

He disappeared hurriedly within the door-way; and the visitor went onhis way. 

V. 

 "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there by any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 

 "He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God and he shall be my son. "--_Rev. 21:4-7. _

A sound, a whispered word echoes through the air and enters the ear. Ittouches the chords and finds them tuned to its own harmony. It playstenderly on responsive strings, and what an awakening is within thatsoul! What rapture in the blending, what delight in the union! From itis born a joy of the heavenly world. 

A sight, a glimpse of a form--a certain form or face; the rays of lightentering the eye meet with something keenly sympathetic, and the soulleaps in ecstasy. 

A touch, a gentle pressure of the hand; the union is complete. 

What was that voice that reached him--a voice love-laden, full toover-flowing from the regions of the past? Ah, what sweetness coursesthrough his veins, what joy leaps in his heart!

Within, he sees her. She stands in the middle of the room, with her eyesupon the open door. She does not move. Her beautiful robe of shiningwhite clings about her form or falls in graceful folds to the floor. Herhair, light as of old, now glistens like silken threads. Her face shineswith the indescribable glow of immortality. 

She sees her husband. She raises her arms, and takes a step forward. Shesmiles--such a smile!

"Homan--Rupert. "

"Delsa--Signe. "

He takes her in his arms. He kisses her and holds her to his breast. . . . 

Presently strains of music came from another room. He listened as ifsurprised, but she looked up into her husband's eyes and smiled. Themusic ceased and a little girl appeared in the doorway. 

"May I come in?" she asked. 

"Alice, my darling. "

She runs towards them. 

"Papa, papa, oh, how glad I am!"

He lifted her up and she threw her arms about his neck and kissed himagain and again. 

"What a beautiful place this is!" she said. "O, mamma, I am very happy!"

"Yes, Alice, we are all happy--happy beyond expression. We now canpartly understand that glorious truth taught us, that 'spirit andelement, inseparably connected, receiveth a fulness of joy. '"

 * * * * *

Alice was playing with the fishes and the swans in the garden, and thehusband and wife were sitting by an open window, gazing out upon thecity. 

"Brother Volmer has not been to see us yet, " said he. "You remember hewas our brother Sardus?"

"I remember him well, " she answered. 

"His musical talent is now of great blessing to himself and to the causeof God, as he is a musical director in the Temple. He understands nowwhy he lost his hearing while in mortality, and he praises God for histhen seeming misfortune. "

"Husband, " said she, "I am thinking again about our children. How longwill it be before we shall receive them all?"

"Not long now; but each in his order. Leave that to the Lord. "

They looked out at Alice. The swans were eating from her hand, and shewas stroking their curved necks. 

"To look back, " said he, "and see the wonderful ways through which theLord has brought us to this perfection, fills my heart with praise toHim. Now we are beyond the power of death and the evil one. Now thepure, life-giving spirit of God flows in our veins instead of the bloodof mortality. Now we can know the two sides of things. We understand thegood, because we have been in contact with the evil. Our joy is perfect, because we have experienced pain and sorrow. We know what life is, eternal life, because we have passed through the ordeal of death. "

"Yes, Father teaches a good school. "

"And we have learned this truth, " said she, "that existence itself is acontinuous penalty or reward. The children of God reap as they sow frometernity to eternity. "

"Yes; then dwell on this thought for a moment: Our lives have justbegun, as it were. We have eternity before us, and we are only nowequipped to meet it. "

"I am lost in the thought. But tell me about this thousand years ofearthly peace and the last great change. Husband, I am a pupil now, andyou the teacher. "

"There is much to tell in contemplating not only the realities but thepossibilities of the future. This earth has for some time been enjoyingits Sabbath of peace and rest. He who rebelled in the beginning andfought against God is bound, and Christ is sole King of the earth. Hislaws go to the ends thereof, and all nations must obey them. The Saintsare building holy places, and working for the living and the dead. Nograves are now made, as the bodies of the Saints do not sleep in thedust. Thus it will go on until the thousand years are ended. Then Satanwill be loosed for a little season; but his time will be short. Thencomes the last great scene. The Lord will finish His work. In the cloudsof heaven, with power and great glory, He will be seen with all Hisangels. The mortal Saints yet on the earth will be instantly changed andcaught up to meet Him. The holy cities will be lifted up. Then theelements will melt with fervent heat. The earth will die as all thingsmust, and be resurrected in perfection and glory, to be a fit abode, eternally, for celestial beings. All things will become new; all thingswill become celestial, and the earth will take its place among theself-shining stars of heaven. Then shall we receive our eternalinheritance, with our children and our families. Then shall we be inpossession of that better and more enduring substance spoken of by theprophets. All things shall be ours, 'whether life or death, or thingspresent, or things to come;' all are ours, and we are Christ's andChrist is God's. "

"Why, then we will be like unto God. "

"And is it strange that children should become like their father?"

"I remember now, " said she, "as distinctly as though it were yesterday, what Father promised us in our first estate, that if we were faithful, we should be added upon, and still added upon. Do you remember it?"

"Distinctly, " he answered. "It was to be 'glory added upon our heads forever and ever. ' Father is fulfilling his promise. "

Then they sat still, not being able to speak their thoughts, but lookedout towards the cloud-encircled towers of the city. 

Alice came running in. "The people are coming, " she said. 

They looked out of the window and saw two persons approach, viewing thegrounds with interest. 

"It is Henrik and Marie, " exclaimed Signe. The newcomers were greetedrapturously. 

"Come in and see the results of my husband's planning, " said Signe. 

 * * * * *

The visitors were led through the house, and shown the gardenssurrounding it. As they had been separated for a time from their friendsthey had many things to tell each other. 

"Do you know, " said Henrik, as they were all sitting by the playingfountain, "on our way here, we met Rachel!"

"Is she also risen?" asked Signe. "Oh, why did you not bring her withyou?"

"Well, " said Henrik with a smile, "I told her where we were going andasked her to come along. But she naturally preferred to stay with herhusband who was taking her to see some of his own people; so shegraciously declined, but said she would visit with us some other time. "

"Right away?"

"I can't say. She clung pretty closely to her husband. They are asplendid pair. I am glad, for I will admit that I once thought Rachel'scase was hopeless. "

"We couldn't see very far, could we, brother?" remarked Rupert. 

"Our faith was weak, and we did not trust the Lord enough. "

"Yes; I used to wonder how the Lord would ever straighten out the massof entanglements that seemed to exist in the world. We failed tocomprehend the providences of the Lord because we could not see beyondthe narrow confines of the world in which we were living; we could seeonly a small part of the circle of eternity; we could not see how thatvisible portion, which was often rough and unshapely, could fit intoanything beautiful; but now our vision is extended, and we have alarger, and therefore, a more correct view. "

"And this I have found, " said Henrik, smiling at Signe and Marie as witharms around each other, they sauntered down the garden path, "I havefound that our work never ends. While in earth-life my mission was toseek after those of my people who had gone before me, and to do a workof salvation for them in the temples. In the spirit world, I continuedmy work preaching to my fellowmen, and preparing them to receive thatwhich was and is being done for them by others. And now, I find, that Iam busier than ever. We are teachers, directors, leaders, judges, andour field is all the earth. "

"Yes, " replied Rupert, "I attended the laying of the corner-stone of theone-hundredth temple the other day; and we have only just begun. Thetime, talent, wealth, and energy that formerly went to the enriching ofa few and that was spent to build and sustain armies and navies, noware directed to the building of temples and the carrying on the work inthem. I used to wonder how the needed temple work could ever be done forthe millions of earth's inhabitants, but now I can see how simple it is. Tens of thousands of Saints, in thousands of temples, in a thousandyears of millenium can accomplish it. Every son and daughter of Adammust have a chance; every tangled thread must be straightened out; everybroken link must be welded; every wrong must be righted; every createdthing that fills the measure of its creation must be perfected;--allthis must be before the 'winding-up scene' comes. All this can beaccomplished, for now we have every force working to that end. The earthis yet teeming with our brothers and sisters in mortality; there iscontinual communication between the spirit world and this world, andthen here are we, with our kind; we have passed through the earth-life, through the spirit world, through the resurrection--and we, as you said, are busier than ever, because with our added knowledge and wider viewcomes greater power. Our services are needed everywhere. And what ablessed privilege we have in thus being able to help the Lord in thesalvation of His children and the hastening to its destined end ofcelestial glory this world of ours. "

Alice was playing with some birds, which she seemed to have welltrained, as they were flying back and forth from her hand to the bushes. The two women now came back along the path, stopping now and then tolisten to a bird or to look at a flower. They joined Rupert and Henrik. 

"I have quite a lot of names from the spirit world to bring to theTemple today, " said Rupert, "among them fifteen couples to be madehusband and wife. "

"I have heard it said, " remarked Marie, "that in heaven there is neithermarrying nor giving in marriage. "

"Neither is there, " answered Rupert, "any more than there is baptism forthe remission of sins. Neither this world nor the world of spirits, where live the contracting parties, is heaven. "

"Isn't this heaven?" asked Marie, looking around on the beauty withwhich she was surrounded. 

"As far as we resurrected beings are concerned, " replied Rupert, "wehave heaven wherever we go; but this earth is only being prepared forits heavenly or celestial state. Until that is finished, there shall bemarrying and giving in marriage. "

"I'm glad of it, " said Signe; "for there is--"

She was interrupted by Alice, who came in with the announcement thatothers were coming up to the house. Henrik and Marie were greeted forthe first time by visitors who continued to gather. For some time, white-clothed persons had been directing their steps towards the Temple. Now they were hurrying. 

"It is time to go, " said Rupert. 

In a few moments they had changed their clothing, and with the speed ofthought, they were within the Temple grounds. Entering, they took theirplaces. Volmer passed, and he paused to speak to them. Soon the hallwas filled. 

The Lord of Life and Light was there, and lent of His light to thescene. 

Brilliancy pervaded everything, shone from everything. It was not thesun, there being no dazzle; it was not the moon, but a clearness as ofnoonday. The whole Temple shed forth a lustre as if it were built ofsome celestial substance. The marble, the precious stones, the gold, seemed changed into light--light, pure, calm, and consolidated intoform. It radiated from the throne, and from Him who sat upon it. "AroundHis head was as the colors of the rainbow, and under His feet was apaved work of pure gold in color like amber. "

Hark! the music! How it fills the Temple, how it thrills the soulsassembled. A thousand instruments blend in exquisite harmony, tenthousand voices join in the song:

 "The earth hath travailed and brought forth her strength, And truth is established in her bowels; And the heavens have smiled upon her; And she is clothed with the glory of her God; For He stands in the midst of His people. Glory, and honor, and power, and might Be ascribed to our God; for He is full of mercy, Justice, grace, and truth, and peace, Forever and ever, Amen. "

PART FIFTH

 The rise of man is endless. Be in hope. All stars are gathered in his horoscope. The brute man of the planet, he will pass, Blown out like forms of vapor on a glass. And from this quaking pulp of life will rise The superman, child of the higher skies. Immortal, he will break the ancient bars, Laugh and reach out his hands among the stars. --_Edwin Markham. _

I. 

 Old things have passed away, all now are new; Its measure of creation Earth has filled; The law of a celestial kingdom it Has kept, transgressed not the law; Yea, notwithstanding it has died, it has Been quickened once again; and it abides The power by which that quick'ning has been done. Wherefore, it now is sanctified from all Unrighteousness, and crowned with glory, e'en The presence of the Father and the Son. 

 Immortal Earth on wings of glory rolls, Shines like unto a crystal sea of glass And fire, whereon all things are manifest: Past, present, future, --all are clear to those Who live upon this glorious orb of God. 

 Upon this globe, God's children glorified Are no more strangers, wand'ring to and fro As weary pilgrims; now they have received Possessions everlasting on the Earth-- A portion of a glorified domain On which to build and multiply and spread-- A part of Earth to call always their own. Eternal mansions may they now erect:

 Make them of whatsoe'er their hearts' desire; For gold and silver, precious stones and woods, And fabrics rare, and stuffs of every hue, All plentiful in Nature's store-house lie, For them to freely draw upon and use. Masters of all the elements are they; And Nature's forces are at their command. 

 The man and woman, in the Lord made one, Eternally are wedded man and wife. These now together make their plans, and build A lovely, spacious home wherein to dwell, A place for work, for rest, for new-found joys, A peaceful habitation, one beyond The power of evil ever to destroy. 

II. 

 In their primeval childhood--first estate-- These once had lived within their Father's home. Out from that home they had been sent to Earth To have their spirit bodies clothed upon With element, to come in contact with Conditions which were needful for their growth, And learn the lessons of mortality. There they had overcome temptation's wiles, There had obeyed the gospel of their Lord And worked out their salvation by its power. 

 These two had met and mated, had fulfilled The first great law: "Give bodies clean and strong To Father's spirit-children from above. " The time allotted they had lived on Earth, Had died the mortal death, had gone into The spirit world; from there they had come forth With resurrected bodies from the grave. Thus they had kept their first and second estates, And now were counted worthy to receive Their portion 'mong the exalted ones of God. 

III. 

 Celestial man and woman now do live The perfect life; for every faculty Of heart and brain is put to highest use. The appetites and passions purged are From dross that fallen nature with them mixed. The will is master now, and every sense Is under absolute control, and gives Perfected service to perfected souls. 

 These two have come into their very own. They walk by sight; and yet the eye of faith Sweeps out to future time and distant space And leads them on and on. They lay their plans And execute these plans to perfectness. Eternal Glory-land is their abode, So beautifully clothed in Nature's best, And basking in the pleasing smile of God; No need of light of sun or moon or stars; The glory of the Father and the Son Eclipses all such lights of lesser ray. Although with godlike powers they rule and reign, Yet are they Father's children, and to Him All loving honor and obedience give. And then that Elder Brother who has done So much for all, He also here abides, -- The Savior of the world and souls of men, The Lord of lords, the King of all the Earth, Yet ever-present Comforter and Friend. 

IV. 

 And now they learn the things they could not know On mortal earth. They learn the secrets of All things that are in space above, or in The Earth beneath: the elements which form The air that man did breathe, and where obtained, And how composed. They learn of primal rocks, Foundations of the new-formed worlds in space, And how these worlds evolve into abodes For man. The source of light and heat and power They find, and grasp the laws by which they may Be rightly used and perfectly controlled. And then, most precious gift! they learn of life: What makes the grass to grow, what gives the flowers Their fragrance and their many-colored hues. They comprehend all life in moving forms, -- In worm, in insect, fish, and bird, and beast; And knowing this, they have the power to draw Life from its store-house, and to make it serve The highest good in never-ending ways. 

V. 

 The truth has made these holy beings free. They having overcome all evil powers, Unfettered now they are and free to go Where'er they wish within the heavenly spheres. They're not alone on this perfected world, Here other children of the Father dwell, Who also have obeyed celestial law. All these are of the Father's household, and Are numbered with the just and true, of whom 'Tis written, "They are God's, " and they shall dwell Forever in the presence of their God. 

 What bliss to mingle with such company! To taste the joys of friendships perfected, And feel to fulness that sweet brother-love Which binds in one the noble race of Gods!

 And other worlds may now be visited; For end there's none to matter and to space. Infinitude holds kingdoms, great and small, -- Worlds upon worlds, redeemed and glorified, And peopled with the children of our God, Who also have evolved from lower things. What opening visions here for knowledge rare! What sciences, what laws, what history! What stories of God's love in other worlds! Exhaustless themes for poets' sweetest songs; For painters, sculptors, every science, art Has never-ending fields of pure delight. To them "the universe its incense brings"-- Distilled from all the sweetness of the spheres. 

VI. 

 Earth's loveliest flow'r, the love 'tween man and wife, Transplanted is to this most holy sphere. Through all the toiling years of earth-life, it Had grown; and now, instead of dying with The mortal death, its roots are firmly fixed In the eternal soil of Glory-land. And blessed man! now at his side there stands A woman, one of heaven's queens, a wife, A mother to his children of the Earth, And yet to be a mother of a race. Her beauty rare surpasses power of words. Her purity, her sweetly gentle ways Rest as a crown of glory on her brow. Her love transcendent fills his heart with joy, And now he fully realizes that "The woman is the glory of the man. "

 Here in thy Home, O Woman all divine, Thy measure of creation thou doest fill! Intelligences come from out the womb Of Time, into thine own; thence are they born With spirit bodies, to thy loving care. Now thou art Mother, and doest know in full A mother's joy--a joy untinged by pain, And with thy Husband thou hast now become Creator, fellow worker with thy Lord. Celestial Father, Mother at the head Of parentage they stand, the perfect type Of that eternal principle of sex Found in all nature, making possible For every living thing to multiply And bring increase of being of its kind. In this celestial world, the fittest have Survived. To them alone the pow'r is given To propagate their kind. 'Twas wisely planned. The race of Gods must not deteriorate. Thus everlasting increase is denied To those who have not reached perfection's plane. Herein is justice, wisdom all-divine, That every child born into spirit world Has perfect parentage, thus equal chance Is given all to reach the highest goal, And win the race which runs up through the worlds. 

 And children fill the household of these Two-- And children bring perpetual youth, renew The tender sentiments, and firmly knit The heart of Father, Mother close in one. Thus do they work, and thus they follow in The footsteps of their Father; and they spread Out o'er the land of their inheritance. Masters of all, joint owners of the spheres, Eternal increase of eternal lives Is theirs; and this their work and glory is To bring to pass the immortality And life eternal to the race of men. 

VII. 

 Time passes as an ever-flowing stream. The many mansions teem with offspring fair, -- The spirit children of this heavenly world. Varied are they, as human beings are In form, in likes, in capabilities. Here love, combined with justice, rules; Here truth is taught, the right and wrong are shown; Yet agency is given all, and they May choose the way selected by desire. Thus some more faithful are than others, and Advance more rapidly along the great Highway that leads among the shining stars. 

 Time passes, --and the time has fully come When spirits must be clothed upon with flesh, Must follow in the footsteps of their Sire, Must go to mortal earth and there work out Their soul's salvation in the self-same way That all perfected beings once have done. 

 Far out in space where there is ample room And where primeval element abounds, This Father has been working, and still works, Fashioning a world on which to place His children. Without proper form, and void, In the beginning, this new world has passed From one stage to another, until now It rolls in space, an orb in beauty clad, A world on which a human race may dwell. This Father to his children thus doth speak: "The time has come for you to leave this home-- This first estate, and take another step Along progression's path. A new-formed world Is ready to receive you, and to clothe You in another body. You will then Learn many things you cannot here receive. A veil will then be drawn before your eyes That you will be unable to look back To us. Alone you'll have to stand; be tried To see if faithful you will still remain. There's darkness in that world; and sin will come And pain and suffering such as now you know Not of. But these will only clearly show How good is righteousness, and how much more To be desired the light than darkness is. Yet, you shall not be wholly left alone; My ministering angels shall keep watch, And near you all the time my power shall be, To help you in your direst hours of need. My sons and daughters, as you now do live Within your Father's ever-watchful care, Know this that always shall his loving arm Extended be to you; the Father-heart And Mother-heart eternally do yearn And feel for you in sorrow or in pain. Where'er you are, you're still within my reach. If you'll but turn to me, I'll hear your cries And answer you in my good time and place. Go forth as you are called, the lessons learn Of earthly school; fear only sin; abide By law, nor seek to be a law unto Yourselves, for by eternal law the worlds Are formed, redeemed, and brought to perfectness, Together with all flesh which on them live. Go forth. Be worthy to come back again And be partakers of all heights and depths, Things present, things to come, yea, life or death, And it shall be my pleasure to bestow Upon you _all there is eternally_. "

 Joy fills this Father's children, and with one United voice of gladness do they sing: "Thanks, Father, kind and good for what you've done; Thanks for the added blessings which you bring. O glorious, wond'rous truth that we have found: The course of Gods' is one eternal round!"