"Both," affirmed Chester, at which they all laughed again.

A carriage with liveried coachman and footman, and containing two ladies drove by. The little boy had to leave his gravel castle while the wheels of the carriage crushed it to the level. The boy looked at the ruins a moment, then at the departing vehicle. Then he started his building anew safely away from wheel tracks.

"A young philosopher," remarked the minister, observing the occurrence.

"Papa," said Lucy, after a pause of consideration, "you have made me so happy to-day. You can make my joy complete by granting me one other thing."

"What's that?" asked he unthinkingly.

"Let me be baptized," she replied softly.

The father's body stiffened perceptibly, and his face sobered.

"Believe me, papa, I _am_ sorry to have to annoy you so much on the matter; but I can't help it. Something within me urges me on. I can't get away from the testimony which I have, any more than I can get away from my shadow."

"You can get away from your shadow," said the minister.

"Yes; by going into the dark, and that I do not want to do. I want to live in the light,--the beautiful gospel light always."

Chester listened in pleased wonder to Lucy's pleadings. He added nothing as she seemed able to say all that was necessary. In time the father's face softened again, and he turned to Chester to ask:

"What do you think of such arguments?"

"They're splendid--and reasonable--and true, sir."

"Of course, you would say so. Well, I'll think about it, Lucy."

"But, papa, you've been thinking about it a lot, and time is going. Say yes today, now--here with Chester and me--and the Lord alone. Besides, papa, now I ought to be one with Chester in _everything_. That's right, isn't it?"

"Yes; that's right."

"So you consent?"

"I didn't say that."

"You must. I'm of age anyway, and could do it without your consent; but I don't want to. I want your blessing instead of your disapproval on such an important step."

"Could she stand the ordeal, do you think?" asked the father of Chester.

"In a few days when she gets a little stronger--yes."

"Well, let's walk a bit. You two go ahead. I must think."

The two did as they were told nor looked back. The one was not thinking clearly and logically, so much as he was fighting over the eternal warfare of conviction against policy. He also knew. He had received more of a testimony than he ever admitted, even to himself. If he should do as his innermost conscience told him, he also would join Lucy in baptism of water for the remission of sins; but that thought he pushed from him. He, an old man in the ministry, to now change his faith--to cut himself off from his life's work--no, that would never do. It was different with Lucy, quite another thing. She had set her heart on it and on Chester, and it would be best for her--yes, it would be best for her.

When Chester was saying good-night to Lucy that evening, the father came out into the hall to them.

"Chester," said he, "tell Elder Malby I should like to see him to morrow. He is the one that attends to baptism into the Mormon Church, isn't he?"

"Yes," replied Chester. "I shall tell him."

"Oh, papa, you dear, good papa!" exclaimed Lucy throwing her arms about him.

"There, there now, behave--say good-night to Chester."

But she clung to him and kissed him through her tears of joy. Then she went to Chester.

The father turned to go.

"Wait a moment, papa," said Lucy: "I want to go with you."

With a parting kiss for Chester, and a murmured good night, she took her father's arm and led him in.

CHAPTER XV.

Lucy gained in strength so rapidly that within a week it was thought safe to let her be baptized. Her father, Uncle Gilbert, Chester, the housekeeper at headquarters and one other sister were present at the Baths. Elder Malby performed the ordinance. Three others were also baptized at the same time.

Uncle Gilbert was very curious as also a little nervous at what he called the "dipping." He couldn't see why the ceremony required a whole swimming pool when a few drops sprinkled on the forehead, had, as long as he had any recollection, been sufficient. The father witnessed the ordinance unmoved. Lucy went through the ordeal bravely, and when she came out from the dressing room where the sisters had helped her, he kissed her placidly on the forehead.

The party took a cab to the mission headquarters, where a simple service was held of singing and prayer, Elder Malby making a few remarks on the meaning and purpose of the ordinance of baptism. The newly baptized were then confirmed members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Then the housekeeper invited them all down to the dining room, and again there were a few simple special features in celebration of the happy occasion.

And it was a happy time in the one only way which comes from duty done.

A sweet, quiet peace abode in every heart. Was not the Heavenly Father well pleased with these as He had been when the Son had done likewise.

And the Holy Ghost, the Comforter from heaven rested upon them softly as a dove,--that was the secret of their supreme joy.

As Lucy had predicted, Uncle Gilbert's curiosity brought him to Chester for more information regarding Utah and the "Mormons." The very next day after the baptism, Uncle Gilbert met Chester before he entered the house. They greeted each other pleasantly, and then Chester inquired about Lucy, and how she was feeling.

"Lucy seems to be all right," was the reply, "though her father isn't so well this morning. He had a bad night but is sleeping now. That's why I met you here, so that he might not be disturbed by the bell."

"I'm sorry," said Chester. "These attacks seem to be coming frequently."

"My brother has not been well for years. For a long time he has had to fight hard with himself and his nerves. Sometimes they get the best of him for a time, and, of course, as he gets older, he has less strength.

I wish we could get him to Kildare Villa. He would be himself again down there."

"We were to have gone in a day or two, were we not?"

"Yes; but he can't leave yet--Do you want to see Lucy?"

"Just for a few moments; she'll be busy with her father."

Uncle Gilbert went in the house, considerately sending her out alone.

She was radiantly beautiful to Chester that morning in her soft white dress, fluffy hair, and glowing eyes; but he only looked his love for her, and said:

"Good morning, _Sister_ Strong."