Brother Hallock relieved Venna's embarrassment.
"Don't feel badly on my account," he said, smiling. "There are very few ministers' wives that tolerate us at all. We expect that."
The next morning's mail brought a short letter to Venna.
"Dear Venna:
"Dr. Hansom and I are grieved beyond words. Are you so under the spell of those evil-minded Mormons that you intend to disgrace us all? Do you stop for a moment to consider that all your friends will cast you off? Dr. Hansom said, 'I wouldn't want to acknowledge a Mormon as a relative.' But he is so good and kind he would not cast you off, for my sake. O, Venna, recover yourself, before it is too late and your life is ruined! Dr. Hansom will ask all his people to pray for your deliverance. I gave him your message, asking him to discuss the subject with you. He says, "There is nothing to discuss. As soon waste time talking over fairy tales."
"So you see his great and generous mind has only pity for you, dear. When we come back, let us come to the dear old Venna we always loved, with her simple faith.
"Yours always lovingly,
"Aunt Emily."
Venna laid the letter down with a sigh. Then she opened another from Ashfield.
"Dear Venna,