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Show THE MORMON LION At the Chilcott's I found the entire family assembled in Amanda's parlour. Chilcott was expounding to his wives on their duties according to the doctnnes and covenants. l-Ie stopped when I entered, and told Amanda to get my supper. " Don't trouble," I said, and I turned to him. " Brigham asked me to order that train of Arkansans to roll out. I've just returned from doing so." " Good I " he replied. " They're all spies, the cussed Gentiles." " Brigham has sent them packing. . . . There was another thing he did. He counselled me to get married very soon. I am going to tell the lady this evening, and I'd like your certificate to show her aunt. The Bishop of their ward has · been very particular with the aunt." Chilcott frowned. He had not forgotten his own desire for Lucy. But he ordered Amanda to bring his portfolio and ink. Cora unobtrusively rose from the piano and left the room, murmuring that she was beginning to suffer from one oi her headaches. When I went out into the street, with Chilcott's certificate as my Bishop in my pocket, I was not surprised to find the lady beside the gate. ' So you are not going to wait as long as you expected," she whispered as she started off wtth me, clinging to my arm. Her voice thrilled with delight. It was easy to surmise what was in her mind. I replied soberly : " Brigham has counselled me that there has been enough delay over my first marriage. But he may not counsel another sealing for some time." " You should know how desirous he is to encourage the practice of plurality," she murmured. "David, my king I I shall not have to wait all those dreary months I A few weeks more and I shall be your queen- your second queen I " " How about Chilcott I " I questioned. THE MORMON LION 233 " I have been waiting. But now I shall go to Brigham at once and ask to be released." "You know best as to the advisability of that." "You say it so coldly, David!" "Need we go over that again, Cora I I have explained several times that until after I am married to her--" " I know, I know. But it is hard to wait, and I love you with all my heart, my David, my King David!- There, I shall now be quiet. You can trust me to be more careful than ever. I am very happy, and I shall try to be patient. It will not be many weeks I Promise me you will urge her to obey counsel without delay." "I will urge her," I said. "Only- there is one thing. Mrs. Sen by has spoken about Lucy having been exposed, to smallpox. Ifshehascontracted the disease-" " Oh I How fearful that would be I Poor girl! You must let me know at once if she really is sick. I shall go to her and nurse her." " How about your own beauty if you should catch the disease I " I asked. "I did not think of that! For your sake, David, I suppose I should be careful." "Yes, you must be careful," I said. "Mrs. Senby knows how to treat the disease. It was generous of you to offer ; yet it will not be necessary even if-She may,have escaped. If so, she and I will soon be marned. " And then-and then I " exclaimed my companion trembling with delight. " Only a few weeks more and you will take me, David! " "You have first to be freed from him," I qualified, and I turned about with her. " Let me take you back. If you delay me any longer they may--" " Go to her at once I Insist that she obey counsel! " cried Cora, and slipping her arm from mine, she darted away in the darkness. When I reached the Senbys' I first made certain that my horse was still tied where I had left him. I |
