“All right,” said Glen.

“You’re a lucky boy,” declared Chester, “to get such a girl.  There’s just one other I would rather have.”

“I’m glad you think so.”

“Of course you are—­for—­oh, for everybody’s sake.”

Chester had to return to Rotterdam the same day, so he claimed.  Glen could not keep him longer, and reluctantly waved him off at the station.

The boat was slow from the Hook, at least it seemed so to Chester, and there was a high sea which nearly upset him.  He got to London too late in the evening to call on the Strong’s, but next morning he was out early.

Lucy met him in the hall with a cry of delight.

“You’ve come,” she whispered as he pressed her close.  “Oh, I thought you never would.”

“My dear, why did you not say?  Why did you let me leave you at all?”

“I didn’t want you to miss anything on my account—­but never mind that now—­come in.  Papa and uncle will be glad to see you.  Do you know,” she added with evident pleasure, “papa has been nearly as anxious about you as I have,—­has continually asked me about you,—­and I had to let him read your lovely long letter.”

“You did?  Well, it’s all right.  There’s no harm done, I’m sure.  He might as well know everything.”

“Oh, he knows a lot already.”

They went into the house, and found seats until the others should appear.

“Your face shows signs of suffering, Lucy; but otherwise you look quite well.”

“That’s just it with my trouble.  I usually deceive my looks; but I feel better already; and now, let me tell you something else:  Father has nearly consented to my being baptized!”

“Lucy!”

“It’s true.  I’ve been pleading with him—­and preaching to him too; and the other day he said he would think about it.  That’s a concession, for he has always said he would not think of such a thing.”

“I’m so glad so very, very glad, Lucy.”

“And Chester, I believe it’s you who have made the change in him.  He’s been so different since you have been with us.  He hasn’t been so angry with me when I talked of ‘Mormonism.’  He has let me read my books without any remonstrance.  And do you know, even Uncle Gilbert is affected.  He and papa must have had some profound discussions about us and our religion for he has asked me to lend him some books.  He’ll no doubt want to know from your all about Utah and the people out there.”

“And I shall be pleased to tell him,” said Chester.

The father stood as if hesitating, in the doorway.

“Come in, papa,” said Lucy.  “Chester’s come.”

“Yes; I see he has,” replied the father as he came to greet the young man, and shake his hand warmly.

“I’m glad, with Lucy to see you with us again.”

“And I am glad to be with you,” said Chester honestly.

The morning was spent together.  The beginnings of a London fog kept them in doors, which was no hardship, as the three seemed to have so much to talk about.  After lunch, the fog changed its intentions, lifted, disappeared and let the sun have full sway.  To be sure, some smoke still lingered, but out where the Strongs were staying it only mellowed the distances.