“And then you—you came here?” queried Mildred faintly.
“Yes. My life at first seemed wrecked; but I had my work, and though I could not ask any Missionary Board to send me out, I determined to come alone and serve God, if not in the pulpit, then perhaps as well some other way.
“I came with the first miners. I lived with them and worked for them. I helped them build their first log huts. I opened the first store here, but as I sold no liquor it was hard to contend with the other shops which soon were rivals of mine.
“But I made enough to live on. That was all I cared for. I had come here to save men, not to save money.
“First I started a reading-room, here in my room. It was open to them all, and after a while we had an evening class. Then I began a Sunday school, and they all came at first just to oblige me because I asked them, but afterwards because they liked it. Then at last I began a regular Sunday service.
“I love these rough fellows, and they have learned to love me. I do what I can for them. I would not change my work for the richest parish in the country. I have the satisfaction of knowing that I am helping to shape the future of this whole region.
“These men have loved me in a rough, hearty way, and I thank God for it, for sometimes the loneliness has been terrible.
“Agnes married a missionary and went to India, and after a while I saw that it was best so, though it was bitter to me at first.
“I felt that you, the only other woman for whom I ever had cared, had forgotten me. I did not dare to think that you had remembered me, but I could not rest until I knew. I made the long journey East. I felt that I could not be denied until I had heard the final word from your lips. I reached Boston the very day that you sailed from New York; and I heard that you were to marry a rich man on your return.
“Well, I tried to bear it as best I could. I came back to my work. After the little glimpse of civilization and comfort that I had had, this dreary little place seemed drearier still; but I had brought books with me, and they helped me.