"I knew that you'd be a real friend, Edith, but hardly expected this." Then, more lightly he turned to the missionaries. "You don't realize just how lucky you are, girls, to have Edith Esterbrook as your hostess. Come, we'll carry the good news to President Gladder." So Betty found herself driving home, with a still lighter heart, and happier thoughts. Her mission! O, what a joy--no sacrifice as yet! ***** CHAPTER X. "God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the wise." *** The month at the Esterbrcok home was something to be remembered, by both young missionaries. In spare hours, Dr. Cadman would often call and take the two girls out for a drive, showing them the city in detail, and making it as interesting as possible. Even Alma Lambert was persuaded by Edith to have the missionaries call, and Betty and Alma became great friends. Alma drank in, gladly, all the truths that Betty brought to her. She had never been religious, but now that the world had suddenly lost all its attractions for her, her thirsty soul was eager to be refreshed with thoughts that could make more bearable the loss of her husband, whom she loved more devotedly now than ever before. Dr. Cadman encouraged her in listening to Betty, more for professional reasons--to take her mind off of herself and her sorrow; for, with a doctor's eye, he could see Alma was on the verge of melancholia. Edith, too, was greatly interested in all that the girls had to say, but she was also interested in the preparations for her wedding, which was to take place shortly, and her attention was divided. She grew to care for the two girls with more than ordinary affection. Betty especially, wound herself around Edith's heart in a lasting friendship. "I wonder why," said Edith thoughtfully, "I have known you only a short time, and yet I love you as though you had been near to me all your life." "That seems clear to me," said Betty, happily. "We believe, in the pre-existent state, we loved our friends, and when we meet them here love takes up the broken thread." "That is a beautiful thought and seems to explain it. Betty, I have asked our minister to have an interview with you girls. He didn't seem very anxious at first, but at last he graciously consented to talk to one of you. Would you like to tell him about 'Mormonism?' He is a Presbyterian, you know, and has had all kinds of 'anti-Mormon' lecturers preach in his church." Betty's eyes shone with the enthusiasm of her mission. "Indeed I would love to talk with him. When may I go?" "He said tomorrow morning." So, the next morning Betty went joyously to call upon Dr. McLeod of the Presbyterian church. As she entered the Parish house, she sensed the refinement and comfort of her surroundings. The two first rooms were large and well-furnished with green velvet furniture to match the heavy green velvet carpet and draperies.