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Show 72 THE MORMON LION the world. Just the same, it's safe to lard them Gentilish songs with holy music. Here comes the others. We'll have a good rousing hymn. Don't git up, Cora. You know I can't play and sing, same time." Mrs. Polly brought in a taper, with which Amanda lighted several of the wax candles in her glass chandelier. The short winter twilight was fast fading. We gathered close about the p1ano, the stuJ?id face of the Swedish girl brightening with antic1pation. Even little Ann Jane appeared less sad. Cora selected one of the most melodious of the Church hymns, and we soon were all singing our hardest. Much to my surprise, we were led by Helga the Swede, whose clear soprano voice would have filled a cathedral. After the hymn Cora sang "Annie Laurie." She was in the midst of the last verse when the front door swung open and Chilcott came in upon us. She faltered and stopped, and, like the other women, looked at the frowning husband with perceptible apprehension. Ann Jane cowered down behind Amanda. "Good evening, Brother Chilcott," I said. " Wbat does this mean? " he demanded, ignoring my greeting. " Don't be cross, Brother Chilcott," coaxed Amanda. " Poor Dave needed a cheering up after all he went through." " It would have been more like for him to've joined in the meeting with his fellow immigrants," rejoined Chilcott. "However, long as I'm here, you can go on." At this the five wives fluttered forward, eager to relieve him of his overcoat and hat and gloves. He waved aside all except Amanda and Cora, whose caressing attentions soon caused his frown to relax. " Well, Dave," he said, "you see now what it is to have a real family. Never mind the hat, Cora. Let's have a good lively hymn." THE MORMON LION 73 At the command we again gathered about the piano. But this time Helga sang feebly and Ann Jane barely piped above a whisJ?er. A wall outside caused my host to order in his children for the fam1ly prayers and Bible reading. He then sent out everyone except Cora, Amanda and myself. Cora played and sang for us, until he interrupted her with a curt, " That will do for to-mght. Brother Ford needs rest." As she rose in quick obedience, she glanced at him with a veiled look. He frowned and sa1d shortly : "No. I'll stop with Mandy." . Cora bit her red lip and hurned from the room, tense with emotion. Amanda smiled exultingly. |
