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THE UNWANTED VISITOR Leah B. Hall Manti, Utah Bon-Professional Division Third Place Short Story It was a beautiful warm August morning, and Mar; was busy preparing breakfast for her ten children. Her husband, Peter Ahlstrom, had already eaten his breakfast earlier because of his work as carpenter on the building of the Hanti Temple. Harv had been converted to the Latter-Day Saint Church while living in Denmark, and had. later come to Utah with a group of Saints. Previous plans had been made for the young couple to be married upon her arrival. This particular morning, Hary felt really good, as though she had not a care in the world. Her heart was light and gay. She felt especially happy to be here in Utah with her husband, her children, and many of her friends. She loved this beautiful Sanpete Valley, surrounded by its tall, serene mountains, and she enjoyed watching the Temple which was being built on the hill. Each day the building grew higher as block after block of white oolite stone was carefully placed one upon the other. Peter had just recently built a new log cabin on "Toflple Row" (Second East Street) for his wife and family. It was her joy to watch from her small west window the dally growth of the stately building. Her children must get the chores done. She called them. Hy, they were sleepy heads! Even now she could think of a. dozen different jobs that were waiting to be done. She glanced at the table, set with much care--even to a white tablecloth. A loaf of newly baked bread, some butter, j^pri a small jar of wild currant jelly challenged their appetities. The cracked wheat mush was cooking on the stove. Quickly she walked to the lean-to-room she called her pantry for milk and cream to complete the meal. This room had a dirt floor which could be cooled by sprinkling it with cold water. One window cut high in the north wall gave adequate light and allowed cool breezes to come into the room. The furniture consisted of a handmade table, a chair, and a cupboard which held hex small supply of food. She walked toward the table where last night's milk had been put in a small round shallow milk pan to raise the cream. What had happened? There was no cream on the milk! Her thoughts raced, and -112- |
