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Show CHAPTER IX THE WORD OF GOD ALL the afternoon and evening I was unable to shake off Chilcott. He insisted upon driving me around the city, to be introduced to numbers of court officials and Church dignitaries. Though the Territorial capital was a hundred and fifty miles south, at Fillmore, far more law business was transacted at Salt Lake City. Before evening I had received a license to practise, was established in a modest office on the main street, had given legal advice to three parties, and had been employed to try cases for two clients. Brother Chilcott had taken good care to spread broadcast the Prophet's recommendation that I should practise my profession. I realized that I had only to obey counsel, and my fortune was made. Chilcott t ook me home for another of Amanda's savoury dinners and an evening of family music. Cora was charming, her beauty enravishing, and her voice at its best. But when, after prayers, Chilcott withdrew with her, I cut short Amanda's gossip and retired to my bedroom, heavy with forebodings. Thanks to the warnin~;s of the Senbys, I had escaped the pitfalls into whrch otherwise I should have fallen. Yet how was I to save myself and Lucy from the black chasm ahead? If no one could leave the Basin without Brigham's permission, our only hope lay in temporizing and winning his full confidence. The next day was Sunday. When I told Amanda that I wished to inquire the health of Sister Neville she cackled her approval : 84 THE MORMON LION ss "Go to it, Dave! Don't let the grass grow under your feet. Il you don't snap her up, I know one who will. And he ain't the only one on the lookout for fresh spirituals. A lot of the Apostles and Elders are keen for young ladies that can sing and play the piano. If she's a beauty besides, even Brigham may figure she worthy to be a st ar in his eternal crown. It's something like four r,ears since Emmeline was sealed to him, and he ain t only fifty-frve- Not that that counts for much. Seems like t he oldest ones are the eagerest for young spirituals ; and the girls take 'em, knowing that makes salvation and exaltation a sure certainty. Young men are more apt to apostatize." "That 's so," I agreed. "Not one who's been favoured in grace like you, though," she qualifred. " Go on, and good luck! Be sure yon bring her to the Tabernacle. That man Sen by ain't been coming as regular as he ought to. It's no wonder. Him that prosperous, yet can't make a showing of more'n one single lonesome measly wife." I hurried out, heartsick with dread and loathing. When I knocked at the Senbys', the merchant opened the door and greeted me with cordial heartiness : " Good day, Brother Ford! Come in, come in! We looked for you last evening." " Brother Chilcott would not agree to spare me from his family circle," I explained. "Good morning, Mrs. Senby. Good morning, Lucy." ." We are very )?leased to see you, Brother Ford, satd Mrs. Sen by. You are looking vastly better." Lucy's sweet eyes were beaming with innocent dehght. She flung out her hands and impulsively darted towards me, but checked herself and drew back again, her face downbent in timid constraint and embarrassment. To cover her confusion I turned to look at the volumes that lay open on the marbletopped table. |