"But where, dear lady?" Christine asked with hesitation. "We have no money to pay our way to travel far; we must find the work near at hand, or not at all."
Zoe gave her husband a look, half inquiring half entreating; but he seemed lost in thought, and did not see it.
He was anxious to help these poor strangers, yet without wounding the pride of independence, which he perceived and respected. Presently he spoke.
"My wife and I live at some distance from here; we are not acquainted in this vicinity, but know there is plenty of such work as you want in our own. If you like, I will advance your travelling expenses, and engage to find employment for you; and you can repay the advance when it suits you."
The generous offer was accepted with deep gratitude.
The detention of their train lasted some time longer, and presently the talk about Mormonism was renewed.
It was Alma who began it, by asking if a Mormon's first wife was always willing that he should take a second.
"Oh, no, no!" Zoe exclaimed; "how could she be?"
"No," said Edward; "but she is considered very wicked if she refuses her consent, or even ventures upon a remonstrance.
"One day a Mormon and his family, consisting of one wife and several children, were seated about their table taking a meal, when the husband remarked that he thought of taking a second wife.