"A little while with these youngsters would bring the roses back to your cheeks, Mrs. Hadly," he said, kindly.
"I'm sure it would," returned Venna, looking at the children with a wistful smile. "How fortunate this woman is!" she thought.
He noticed her expression.
"What do you think of a 'Mormon' family?" he asked.
"I think it is Theodore Roosevelt's idea of what every American family should be," returned Venna.
After a very happy afternoon and a promise to come again, Venna took her leave. Brother Hallock escorted her home.
"Won't you come in?" asked Venna when they reached the house.
"Not to-night, thank you. But if you are willing, I will call to-morrow afternoon."
And so they parted. Venna to a good night of refreshing sleep. Brother Hallock to a rather restless night, with dreams of his saving Venna from all kinds of catastrophes.
The next afternoon Venna lost herself in more discussion and explanation of the "Mormon" faith. Her afternoon in Brother Hallock's company would have been perfect, but for the fact that her Aunt Emily came in upon them unexpectedly. Venna introduced her to Brother Hallock. She frigidly acknowledged the introduction, said a few parting words to Venna—she was going away for two weeks with Dr. Hansom—and then quickly left the house.