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13 He remained in England a short time and was then advised to return home and bring his father's family to the Valley. His mother was of the same faith as himself, but his father was very bitter against the "Mormons." But he had consented to their emigrating on account of the impending war. They were expected daily. At last the long looked for came. A few evenings after their arrival Mi If sent Call [Mayhew] up for us girls to come down. Before we reached the house I could hear the familiar tones of his voice. How natural (and I expect sweet although I would not admit it for a moment) was the sound. We spent the evening ret-rospecting the past and telling our experiences since last we met. I had thought that his company would not be as agreeable to me as in those happy days gone by, for I imagined my feelings entirely weaned. But I soon learned that his powers of fascination had lost none of their enchantment. He accompanied me home. It was the season of apple parings which were uncommonly numerous that fall. The evening's amusement would generally conclude with a dance, charades or play of some kind. Mi If was the leader in all of these sports. About this time he went to the city and I heard that he was paying some attention to a Miss Eldredge but still there was always a marked kindness in his manner toward me. Then I thought perhaps he had discovered my feelings and wished to trifle with them.^ Ellis became reticent, partly through her natural timidity, and partly because Milford was courting Miss Eldredge. Through an appointment by Brigham Young, Milford became a "'Home Missionary" to travel through the settlements and preach to the people." She records her first exposure to him in this new role: One Sunday we girls were all at church and I heard Milford Shipp for the first time proclaim words of Eternal Truth. I thought, can it be possible this is the man who has so often joined us in our merry sports, advising the young and exhorting them to a more strict observance of their duties. As I listened I thought I never heard man advance such pure and holy principles in my life before.^ Ellis retained her admiration for Milford's gift as an orator for many years. More impressive still, she seemed to see no discrepancy between his public proclamations and his private |
