I remembered that when Virginia was with me back there by the side of the road that first day, Elder Thorndyke and his wife had come by inquiring for her; and I did not quite relish the idea of being found here with her after all these long days; so when church was out I took Virginia by the hand and tried to get out as quickly as possible; but when we reached the door, there were Elder Thorndyke and grandma shaking hands with the people, and trying to be pastoral; though it was clear that they were as much strangers as we. The elder was filling the vacant pulpit that day by mere chance, as he told me; but I guess he was really candidating a little after all. It would have been a bad thing for Monterey Centre if he had received the call. They greeted Virginia and me with warm handclasps and hearty inquiries after our welfare; and we were passing on, when Grandma Thorndyke headed us off and looked me fairly in the face. "Why," said she, "you're that boy! Wait a minute." She stepped over and spoke to her husband, who seemed quite in the dark as to what she was talking about. She pointed to us--and then, in despair, she came back to us and asked us if we wouldn't wait until the people were gone, as she wanted us to meet her husband. "Oh, yes," said Virginia, "we'll be very glad to." "Let us walk along together," said grandma, after the elder had joined us. "Ah--this is my husband, Mr. Thorndyke, Miss--" "Royall," said Virginia, "Virginia Royall. And this is Jacob Vandemark." "Where do you live?" asked grandma. "I'm going out to my farm in Monterey County," I said; "and Virginia is--is--riding with me a while." "We are camping," said Virginia, smiling, "down by the river. Won't you come to dinner with us?" 3 Grandma ran to some people who were waiting, I suppose, to take them to the regular minister's Sunday dinner, and seemed to be making some sort of plea to be excused. What it could have been I have no idea; but I suspect it must have been because of the necessity of saving souls; some plea of duty; anyhow she soon returned, and with her and the elder we walked in silence down to the grove where our wagon stood among the trees, with my cows farther up-stream picketed in the grass. "Just make yourselves comfortable," said I; "while I get dinner." "And," said the elder, "I'll help, if I may." "You're company," I said. "Please let me," he begged; "and while we work we'll talk."