Mrs. Hansom at first look puzzled, then suddenly frightened.
"You don't mean you entertained a Mormon?"
"Yes, two of them," returned Venna, slightly smiling.
"And—and Anna allowed it?" queried her aunt, dismayed.
"Not only allowed it, but felt sad at their going." This was too awful for words. Mrs. Hansom gazed at her niece with shame and sorrow.
"You weren't influenced by such people, were you? What do you mean by 'Converted?' Wasn't your father's faith good enough for you, Venna?"
"I've lost nothing of dear father's faith," returned Venna, looking up at his picture, as her eyes became moist. "How sad it is that Christians won't understand these good Mormon people! I have simply strengthened the weak and tottering faith I possessed by learning and accepting added great truths. Oh, if you only knew these missionaries, you would feel their power!"
"Evidently you have felt their power," returned Mrs. Hansom cooly. "I never thought I would live to see this day!"
There was no anger in the keen, searching look Venna gave her aunt. She was trying to read her soul and fathom the mystery of this un-Christian attitude toward the Mormons. There seemed only one explanation.
"Auntie, those anti-Mormon lecturers, who have poisoned the minds of so many Church people, are terribly responsible before God for their lies. When Brother Hallock returns to the city, I'll have you meet him and then you'll know the truth."