Plans were discussed in the hotel that evening, and it was finally decided to go to Paris by way of Rotterdam, Antwerp and Brussels.  The stages would have to be easy for the sake of the “two invalids,” as Uncle Gilbert put it, to which Chester heartily agreed.

Late the next morning, for the travelers needed the rest, Chester called for them, and the party of four saw a little of London from the top of a ’bus.  The weather continued fair, and as the summer was well advanced, the air was warm.  The sightseers had a simple luncheon at a small cafe which Uncle Gilbert knew near the British Museum, and then they continued their rambles until the close of the afternoon, when Chester put them down at the “Mormon” mission headquarters.

Elder Malby received them warmly, provided easy seats for Lucy and her father, and took hats and wraps under protestations that they were not going to stay.  A number of missionaries came in and they were introduced.  Lucy beamed with delight, her father unreservedly told the young men they were from America,—­and western America at that; but Uncle Gilbert was not quite at his ease among the new company.  He knew, of course, that these people were “Mormons,” and his knowledge of “Mormons” and their ways, although somewhat vague, was not reassuring.

When the good-natured English housekeeper announced that supper was ready, it seemed impossible to do otherwise than to follow her and Elder Malby down to the large basement room.  In fact, Lucy, without any ifs or ands took her father’s arm and led him along.  Uncle Gilbert thought he had never seen her in such a bold frame of mind.

Certainly, Chester, Elder Malby, and the housekeeper must have plotted to bring about that little supper party.  The dining room was severely bare, but scrupulously clean.  That evening the threadbare table cloth had been replaced by a new one.  The usual menu of bread, milk, and jam was augmented by slices of cold meat, a dish of fruit, and a cake.  Two small bouquets adorned the ends of the long table.

“Visitors,” whispered one of the elders to another.

“Extraordinary visitors,” replied the other.  “Just like home when Uncle John came to see us.”

The housekeeper even furnished tea for the Rev. Mr. Strong and his brother.  Lucy said she liked milk better, so she filled her glass along with Chester’s and the other “Mormons.”  She chatted freely with the young elder near her, learned that he was from Idaho, that he had been away six months, that he had not been home-sick, and that he was not married.  The elders were to hold street meetings that evening after supper.

“I should like to go with you,” she said; but Chester, overhearing the conversation, told her that for various reasons, such a course would not be wise.

Afterwards, there was some singing in the office-parlor, then Chester went with the party to their hotel.

“I believe papa is being favorably impressed,” said Lucy to Chester before they parted.  “I wish he could see as I do.”