it," came from a number; but the priest, unheedingly
passed out of the door and down the path. The gate clicked.

"I'll read it," volunteered a man, one of the strangers who had come in
later. He took the letter, and read so that all might hear, which was
not difficult in that quieted room:

"'Dear George: By this time I suppose you are in Old England again, and
have fairly started in your missionary work. We received your card from
Chicago and your letter from New York. I hope you had a pleasant voyage
across the ocean, and were not seasick.

"'We are all well at home, only a bit lonesome, of course. Janie misses
you very much. She hardly knows what to do with herself in the evening.
I was over to George's last night, and when I came in the door the baby
cried "grandpa" before she saw who it was. The little thing looks all
around and can't understand why you don't come. Lizzie's baby has the
measles, but is getting along nicely.

"I drove around by the field from meeting last Sunday. The wheat is
growing fine. The Bishop said it was the finest stand he had ever seen.
George and Henry are now working on the ditch, and they said they'd work
out your assessment while they were about it. We have had a good deal of
rain lately.

"'I spoke to Brother Jenson about those two steers. He said prices were
low at present and advised me to wait a little while before selling
them. If you need the money very soon, of course I'll tell him to take
them next time he calls. My eggs and butter help us out wonderfully, as
we two don't require much. The Sunday eggs, you know, go towards the
meeting house fund, and Janie claims the "Saturday crop." She needs a
new school dress which Lizzie has promised to make.

"'Now, that's about all the news. I hope your health will continue good
and that you are enjoying your mission. Don't worry about us. The Lord
will provide. We want to do our part in sending the gospel to those who
have it not. Our faith and prayers are always with you.

"'Your loving wife,
"'JANE MALBY.

"'P.S. I forgot to tell you that the Jersey cow you bought from Brother
Jones has had twin calves, both heifers. Isn't that fine? J.M.'"

The reader folded the letter and handed it back to its owner. The
postscript saved the situation, for the wet eyes found relief in the
merry laugh which it brought forth.

CHAPTER XI.

On Chester's return to London, he found the following note from Lucy:

"We're all coming-