ffected. He and papa must have had some profound discussions about us
and our religion for he has asked me to lend him some books. He'll no
doubt want to know from your all about Utah and the people out there."

"And I shall be pleased to tell him," said Chester.

The father stood as if hesitating, in the doorway.

"Come in, papa," said Lucy. "Chester's come."

"Yes; I see he has," replied the father as he came to greet the young
man, and shake his hand warmly.

"I'm glad, with Lucy to see you with us again."

"And I am glad to be with you," said Chester honestly.

The morning was spent together. The beginnings of a London fog kept them
in doors, which was no hardship, as the three seemed to have so much to
talk about. After lunch, the fog changed its intentions, lifted,
disappeared and let the sun have full sway. To be sure, some smoke still
lingered, but out where the Strongs were staying it only mellowed the
distances.

That afternoon it occured to Chester that the relationship now existing
between him and Lucy called for a further understanding with the father.
He knew, of course, that the father's attitude toward him had changed;
Lucy's words and the father's actions justified him in the thought.

Chester managed to accompany the father in his stroll in the park that
afternoon, and without delay, he broached the subject so near his heart.
The minister listened quietly to the young man plead his case, not
interrupting until he had finished. They seated themselves on a bench by
the grass. The father looked down at the figures he was drawing with his
cane on the ground and mused for a moment. Then he said:

"Yes; I have given my consent, by my actions, at least. I have no
objection to you. I like you very much. Lucy does too, and fathers can't
very well stop such things. But there still remains the fact that Lucy
is not well. There is no telling how long she can live, and yet I have
heard of cases like hers where marriage has been a great benefit."

"I thank you for your kind words," said Chester. "Let me assure you I
shall be controlled by your judgement as to marriage. We are neither of
us ready for that. Of course, I sincerely hope she will get stronger. I
think she will; but meantime you have no objection to my loving her, and
doing all for her that my love can do?"

"Certainly not, my boy, certainly not." The father placed his hand on
the young man's shoulder as he said it. Chester noted the faint tre