“Classes?  What do you mean?”

“Well, the rich do not associate with the poor nor the learned with the unlearned.  I know, of course, that this is the general rule in the world, but I think it should be different in the Church.”

“Yes; it ought to be and is different.  There are no classes such as you have in mind in the Church, even though a few unthinking members seem to imply it by their actions; but there is no real class distinction in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, only such that are based on the doing of the right and the wrong.  Character alone is the standard of classification.”

“Yes, I see that that should be true.”

“It is true.  Let me illustrate:  The presiding authority in the Church is not handed down from father to son, thus fostering an aristocratic tendency; also this authority is so wide-spread that anything like a “ruling family” would be impossible.  In a town where I once lived, the owner of the bank and the town blacksmith were called on missions.  They both were assigned to the same field, and the blacksmith was appointed to preside over the banker.  The banker submitted willingly to be directed in his missionary labors by one who, judged by worldly standards, was far beneath him in the social scale.  I know a shoemaker in the city who is a teacher in the theological class of his ward, whose membership consists of merchants, lawyers, doctors, and the like.  Although he is poor and earns his living by mending shoes, he is greatly respected for his goodness and his knowledge of Scriptural subjects and doctrine.”

“So you think—­that a young fellow might—­that it would not be wrong—­or foolish for a poor man to think a lot of—­of a rich girl, for instance.”

Uncle Zed peered at Dorian over his glasses.  The old man took him gently by the shoulders.  Ah, that’s what’s back of all this, he thought; but what he said was: 

“My boy, Emerson said, ‘Hitch your wagon to a star,’ and I will add, never let go, although the rocks in the road may bump you badly.  Why, there’s nothing impossible for a young man like you.  You may be rich, if you want to; I expect to see you learned; and the Priesthood which you have is your assurance, through your diligence and faithfulness, to any heights.  Yes, my boy; go ahead—­love Mildred Brown all you want to; she’s fine, but not a bit finer than you.”

“Oh, Uncle Zed,” Dorian somewhat protested; but, nevertheless, he went home that evening with his heart singing.

CHAPTER SIX.

Some days later word came to Mrs. Trent that Mildred was very ill.  “Call on them after school,” she said to Dorian, “to see just how she is, and ask Mrs. Brown if I can do anything for her.”

Dorian did as he was directed.  He went around to the back door for fear he might disturb the sick girl.  Mrs. Brown herself, seeing him coming, met him and let him in.