“’Dear George:  By this time I suppose you are in Old England again, and have fairly started in your missionary work.  We received your card from Chicago and your letter from New York.  I hope you had a pleasant voyage across the ocean, and were not seasick.

“’We are all well at home, only a bit lonesome, of course.  Janie misses you very much.  She hardly knows what to do with herself in the evening.  I was over to George’s last night, and when I came in the door the baby cried “grandpa” before she saw who it was.  The little thing looks all around and can’t understand why you don’t come.  Lizzie’s baby has the measles, but is getting along nicely.

“I drove around by the field from meeting last Sunday.  The wheat is growing fine.  The Bishop said it was the finest stand he had ever seen.  George and Henry are now working on the ditch, and they said they’d work out your assessment while they were about it.  We have had a good deal of rain lately.

“’I spoke to Brother Jenson about those two steers.  He said prices were low at present and advised me to wait a little while before selling them.  If you need the money very soon, of course I’ll tell him to take them next time he calls.  My eggs and butter help us out wonderfully, as we two don’t require much.  The Sunday eggs, you know, go towards the meeting house fund, and Janie claims the “Saturday crop.”  She needs a new school dress which Lizzie has promised to make.

“’Now, that’s about all the news.  I hope your health will continue good and that you are enjoying your mission.  Don’t worry about us.  The Lord will provide.  We want to do our part in sending the gospel to those who have it not.  Our faith and prayers are always with you.

“’Your loving wife,
“’JANE MALBY.

“’P.S.  I forgot to tell you that the Jersey cow you bought from Brother Jones has had twin calves, both heifers.  Isn’t that fine?  J.M.’”

The reader folded the letter and handed it back to its owner.  The postscript saved the situation, for the wet eyes found relief in the merry laugh which it brought forth.

CHAPTER XI.

On Chester’s return to London, he found the following note from Lucy: 

“We’re all coming—­father and Uncle Gilbert and I. What do you think of that?  Father is well enough to travel, and he has prevailed upon his brother to accompany us.  In fact, I think that Uncle imagines we are two invalids and need his care—­I’m glad he does.  I’m so busy packing, I haven’t time to write more.  Will tell you all about it when I see you.  Meet us at St. Pancras station Thursday, at 6 p.m.

“With love from

“LUCY.”

Elder Malby accompanied Chester to the station to meet his friends from Ireland.  The two brothers were fairly well acquainted with London, so they had no trouble in finding a hotel in a quiet part of the city.  Lucy’s father seemed himself again.  He walked with a cane, which, however, may have been his regular European custom.  Lucy was uncommonly well, declaring that the long journey had not tired her a bit.