CHAPTER VII.
In the bleak December two elders came from Zion, the holy city in Missouri, bringing the history of dire tribulation.
It was a cold night; the first snow was falling upon the wings of a gale.

Susannah was sitting alone quietly working out problems in algebra, in which study Smith had desired that her elder pupils should advance.

The storm beat upon the window pane, and set the bright logs of the fireplace now flaming and now smoking, the varnished wooden walls dimly reflecting light and shadow.
Halsey had been out to see the newcomers, who were staying at the prophet's house.

It was late when she heard his tread, muffled in the drifted snow.

He hardly paused to shake it from his clothes before he came near.