--- title: Improvement Era description: Monthly periodical of the Mormon church, 1897 onward. This library holds the issues of November 1897 to December 1930. authors: - Anderson, Nephi collections: - periodicals tags: - magazine - improvement-era periodical: Improvement Era volume: 5 number: 12 published: 1902-10 publisher: Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations publisher_place: Salt Lake City language: en type: magazine reference: 'Nephi Anderson, "The Castle Builder. Part II, XI," *Improvement Era* 5, no. 12 (October 1902): 945–961.' source: url: https://archive.org/details/improvementera0512unse transcription: Transcribed from the Internet Archive scan of each issue (the item for each issue is named in the issue's own source); unnumbered advertising leaves are omitted, printed page numbers are kept as page markers. identifier: improvementera0512unse start_page: 945 end_page: 961 rights: status: public-domain basis: US publication 1930 or earlier (published 1902-10) source: https://archive.org/details/improvementera0512unse publication_year: 1902 note: The Internet Archive item metadata carries a blanket "© Copyright by Intellectual Reserve, Inc." notice. The library owner judged it inapplicable because this issue was published in 1902, before 1931; a scan-level notice does not restore copyright. --- # The Castle Builder. Part II, XI THE GREAT CONFLICT. 943 unholy, without natural affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God." Such are under the dominion of Satan. "Know ye not," said Paul, "that to whom ye list yourselves to obey, his servants ye are, whether of sin unto death or of .obedience unto righteousness." Surely this is true philosophy, surely men do become sub- servient to evil, accomplices in disloyalty and rebellion! Surely every man who is unfamiliar or indifferent or negligent as to this, who tampers with evil, who yields to suggestions, who is willing to be in the dark, who is not in possession of or has grieved and lost the spirit, must know, does know, that, left to himself, he becomes "subject to every evil work," and that countless numbers are en- gaged in this controversy, and war is, according to the revealings of the spirit of truth, surely evident enough. "Give not heed to seducing spirits," has been advised since the organization of the Church. "Try the spirits," was the ad- vice of experience. "Many spirits have gone forth to deceive;" it was revealed of old that "strong delusions" should characterize the latter-day, making victims of those who take pleasure in un- righteousness. To try the spirits hereabouts, is as much of a necessity, if not a greater one, as in any preceding dispensation. RECOLLECTIONS OF THE PROPHET JOSEPH. BY L. L. GREENE RICHARDS. EWer John W. Hess/j who was for a^long time president of the Davis stake of Zion^ has given e^ecca^ngly interesting reminis- cences, of the Prophet Joseph. When Elder Hess was a boy, about twelve years of age, his father rented a house at Richmond Landing, or-,-as the place- was also called, Pomeroy's Ferry. There the Saints landed who came by water from Kirtland to go to Far West. And there the Prophet Joseph, in company with his brothers Hyrum and William, and others, thirteen in all, stopped as they were returning from laying out the city of Far West. They stayed with the family of Father Hess for thirteen days. . The Prophet was studying Greek and Latin. He would study intently until he was very tired. Then he would come out of his room and engage-in a game, perhaps it would be "hide and seek," with the children, showing the child-like simplicity which charac- terized the life of that great man. And oh, how he was beloved by every member of that family! Brother Hess says he has never seen any one else that he has loved as he loved the Prophet Joseph Smith. He can remem- ber of Joseph's taking him on his lap at different times, and of putting his own arms around the beloved Prophet's neck and being embraced by him; and that, being thus clasped to the noble, generous, mighty heart of the Prophet, gave him a heavenly sen- sation never to be described or forgotten. Upon one occasion, the little boy heard some of the brethren THE CASTLE BUILDER. BY NEPHI ANDERSON, AUTHOR OF ADDED UPON,"n »,MARCUS KING MORMON," ETC. XI. THE TRIUMPH OF LOVE! Snow was falling when Harald reached Christiania. The short winter day was closing; the gas lamps had been lighted, and a smoky haze had settled down over the city. He curbed his im- petuosity, and waited until the next morning to call on Thora. Her address led him to the outskirts of the city, away up towards the fields where the rents were low. The street- car took him to within two blocks of the place, and then he walked on towards the street which had been extended into the country like a long arm stretching out from the body. His heart beat rapidly, as he climbed the stairs to the second story of the house. He paused for breath by the door bearing the proper number. He was fearful lest he should make a noise. — The halls were still no one seemed to be moving. Perhaps he had come out too early. He looked at his watch which marked the hour at half past ten. Standing there "to settle his nerves," he heard the faint click- ing of a sewing machine, accompanied by the low hum of a human voice, coming from the room directly in front of him. Was it Thora, already at work? Giving the little handle by the side of the door a pull, he heard a bell tingle within the room. The noise of the machine stopped, and light footsteps came towards the door. The door opened, and Thora Bernhard stood before him! It was the Thora of years ago, rather than the Thora of the picture. Though taller than when he had last seen her, she had the same thin, pale cheeks, full lips, and large, expressive eyes, now so full of life's meaning — it might have been the day after her confirmation. Thora did not know him until he spoke. Then the color bathed her neck, and mounted to her face. "Good morning, sister," he said. — "Good morning, sir. Is it is it Mr. Einersen?" "And you do not know me? I must have changed. I could have picked you out from the largest crowd that ever promenaded on Karl Johan." "Well, come in, then. You must excuse my untidiness; but I have been at work all the morning, and, of course, I did not expect visitors." She placed him a chair, then busied herself with picking up the litter from her dress-making, and shoved the machine into a corner. She was somewhat embarrassed; he could see that. . Harald was a little disappointed. He had pictured to him- self a scene, in which she should have taken refuge in his arms. When she had arranged her room a little more tidily, she sat down on a chair in the remotest corner from him. "You came from Larvik?" she asked. "Yes." "You left father well?" "Fairly well, yes." Then there was a pause. Harald was at a loss how to act, or what to say. He had failed to put himself in her place. "When I received your last letter, I lost no time in coming," he said. She toyed with the cover on the table. "I thought "Yes." that coming to see me would be the last thing you would do, after receiving my letter." "Why so?" "Oh, you would give me up as being beyond redemption — as being lost to all good influences." "You would have me judge you as others have done?" "My father has cast me off. What could I expect from any other?" There were tears in her eyes now. Then it came sud. denly to him that this woman did not understand him. How THE CAS1LE BUILDER, 947 could she, when he had not told her? How foolish of him, not to tell her at once! "Father would not understand me," she went on. "He would " not listen to me "But I understand you, Thora, I understand you, Sister Thora." Harald arose and went over to the table. "I have always understood you, I believe; and I understand you now." "You understand that I am a 'Mormon.' I made it plain to you in my letter, did I not?" "I understand that you are a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Thora. I thank God for this knowl- edge, because —because — I also have received of the precious light." "What, do you mean, Harald Einersen?" "I, also, am a 'Mormon' — I also, Thora." "No!" "Yes; it is true. I am not deceiving you. I am also a Lat- ter-day Saint." "Oh! it can't be true." "But it is, Thora, it is true." "But you are the Head Master in West Akerby school." "No; I am not. I am nothing now, nothing in this world's estimation; but I hope something in the eyes of my Heavenly Father, and in the eyes of my brethren and sisters." Thora had also arisen. She looked into the face of the young man as if to read his innermost thoughts. Harald had never seen such beauty before. The love of a life's accumulation welled up in his heart for her. He saw that well-tried soul, in its strength. He saw that purified heart in all its immaculateness. From his own experience, he judged of hers. The simplicity, the trustfulness, the innocence of the child, shone from her face. The longing to take her in his arms was well-nigh irresistible. "Have you also given up everything for the salvation of your soul?" she asked. up everything; that is, everything worldly- "I have given honor, ambition, riches, all have gone, and I thought, love also, Thora— but God has been good to me in that, I hope he has, Thora." "I know what you have suffered. I know, oh, I know — I have also placed all on the altar." "All but your love, Thora." "I placed all, I said; yes, even my love. I placed that on the altar, too!" "And God has accepted the sacrifice, but given back your love to you thrice blessed. Has he not, Thora?" "I — I don't know. How can I know!" Harald stepped around to her side. "I can tell you," he said; but he spoke not another word. He took her trembling hands. She looked into his face; ah, that look; but her eyes were full of tears and she bowed her head. It was so near to his shoulder that he could not resist pressing it down. It lay there quietly, while he gently stroked back the wavy, brown curls from her forehead. God had again been good —good beyond expression, to two ******* human hearts. "And now you must go back to Larvik with me. * * * * Can you get * ready by tomorrow?" "0, Harald, did father say so. May I come home?" "Well, he didn't exactly say yes; but we can manage it." "But I can not get ready by tomorrow, I have a dress to finish. Yes; I am a dressmaker now. I have had to live." "It must be hard." "What, to work? Oh, no, work has been a great help to me. Of course, I was somewhat clumsy at first, but now I pride myself in being a good dressmaker." "Well, I don't think we ought to stay away from your father any longer than possible." "Give me two days; I can be ready by that time. Poor, dear father, is he that ill?" "He is not strong. I have been staying with him all winter, but he did not know that I was a 'Mormon' until just before my leaving Larvik. I had not told him before, fearing that had he known, he would not have given me a chance to help him; and I believe I have helped him. He seemed to appreciate me from the first. But when I received your letter, I saw my true position, THE CASTLE BUILDER. 949 that I was usurping the place of his'own child. Then I told him?" "What did he say?" "He tried hard to be angry with me, but I don't think it amounted to much. However, I may have"to leave his employ* but, if he has put up with an ugly 'Mormon' for three months, he can surely countenance a fair one for the same length of time." She rewarded him with a glance of the eye, betraying a mind overflowing with love and happiness, then sprang up to prepare lunch, which, however, he prevailed upon her not to do. "Go with me down to the Steam Kitchen," he said. "Oh, but my sewing," she exclaimed. "You will save time by taking a rest. The run will do you good. We can be back in an hour or two at the most." "Well, my quarters are rather stuffy, and I believe I'll go." In a few minutes she appeared, ready for the street. Even if Thora had to work for a living, it was noticed that her dress was in no way shabby nor poor. So, walking to the street car line, and riding to town, they had their dinner at that rather democratic dining room, the Steam Kitchen. They took their time about it, too; Thora's press of work did not bother them. They were as heart-glad boy and girl, freed from some long and dreary school-room task. In the afternoon of the third day, Harald and Thora were seated in a coupe of the Larvik train. When they emerged from the dingy city, they saw the snow-covered country glistening in the sun, while the forests of pine and fir looked black against the whiteness of the snow. To these two, sitting there side by side close together, peace had come at last. The struggle was vir- tually over. Not that all trials were over, not that the future would be all plain sailing, but nothing, it seemed to them, could come now to mar their peace. The great struggle was over. The crisis had been passed. The supreme sacrifice had been made and accepted. All else, even to the laying down of life, was not to be dreaded. Their thoughts were too deep for utterance, so they sat silent for a long time. "God is good," she whispered, as if in prayer. After a time, he said: "Thora, if we had only known, what a comfort and strength we could have been to each other. To think that we were fight- ing the same battle alone and separate, when we could just as well have been together! It would not have been half so hard." "No; perhaps it would have been no trial at all, Harald. Had we known, it might have been too God willed to- try us alone. easy to accept the truth, because —because " "Because we loved each other. That's what you were going to say, isn't it?" He hardly heard the whispered, "yes." "And you have* loved me all the time, Thora, even as I have loved you. — You can't deny it you don't deny it?" "Why should I contradict. I don't like to quarrel." "I always thought you cared for me, Thora, even away back in boyhood days, even if I was a poor, ignorant boy." "Not ignorant, Harald. You were always smarter in school than I was." "But I was not at the head of my class on confirmation day, was I?" "No, but you ought to have been." "Yes; you have told me that before." "Thora," said he again, after a pause, "was I not bold to think of you as I did?" "No; I would not have loved you, had you been less courageous. I thought, I have always thought, that you were a sort of Viking, and would, like your ancestors, not let such a little thing as hum- ble birth, or poverty, hinder you from getting anything you had set your heart upon." "Did you think that? Thank you for telling me. You are just like grandmother — "Oh, thank you; now I know I am getting along in years, but—" "You know what I mean," he laughed, "grandmother was always telling me that I could become what I wished to become, in righteousness, she always added, if I had the faith and grit; also she said that she could have traced her lineage back to Harald Haarfagre if she had taken any stock in the matter of blue- blooded pedigree." THE CASTLE BUILDER. 951 "Well, you would better get that genealogy," said she. "It will be useful some day." About ten o'clock, they arrived at Larvik. Merchant Bern- hard's servant met them at the door. Yes, Mr. Bernhard was in, but he was very ill. The doctor was with him. "0, Harald, are we too late?" exclaimed Thora. "I hope not." They went in. "Tell the doctor that we would like to speak to him." In a few minutes, [the doctor came, and Harald explained matters to him. "I fear he will not know you," said the doctor; "but you may come in. It can not harm him. He talks about you, Miss Bern- hard, in his delirium." They all went into the sick room, and Thora walked softly up to the bedside. The old man was lying with his face to the wall, as if asleep, so she did not disturb him, but stood looking at his pale, sunken face, and head as white as the pillow on which it lay. "If he is asleep, we would better not disturb him," said the doctor. "I believe he is resting." Harald was surprised at the great change the few days of his absence had made. The old man must have suffered greatly. The doctor said that there would be no objection to them watching by his bedside. In fact, their presence would help the patient, and if he should recognize them, so much the better. But the doctor did not understand why they both were doubtful about that. However, as the patient seemed to be sleeping, the doctor left, and Thora drew up a chair to the bedside where she sat watching the dear, pale face. After a time she told Harald to g ; to bed, she would remain with her father the rest of the evening. She and the nurse would be able to manage for the night. About midnight, the sick man turned towards the side of the bed where Thora was sitting. He looked the girl in the face, but did not seem to recognize her. However, he made no objec- tions when she took his hand and held it firmly in her own; and when with her other hand, gently smoothed back the hair she, from his forehead, he lay peaceably looking at her until again he fell asleep. The next morning, the doctor pronounced his patient much better, thanks to Miss Bernhard's assistance. It did seem that the daughter's subtle influence, or faith or prayer, call it what you will, had its effect on the father. He would lie for hours holding her hand and looking into her face. At first, it was certain that he did not know her; but in a day or two, Thora imagined that his eyes penetrated the mist, and that he recognized her; but he said nothing. Then a little, faint smile came over his face, at times when he was looking at her, and at that Thora took courage. Thus the days passed. The improvement, was slow, still it was improvement, said the doctor. Harald attended to the business as usual. Thora devoted her whole time and attention to her father. Then there came a time —in about ten days — when the father talked freely to both Thora and Harald. Never once did he mention the matter of religion or the "Mormons." He acted as if his daughter had never been away from him, had never been for- bidden to enter his door. And Thora was too overjoyed to say anything that would remind him, even if he had forgotten. The old merchant was changed. His harshness had softened, and his severe manner had given place to much gentleness. One day when he was able to sit up, he called Harald to him. "How goes the business, Harald?" he asked. "As well as can be expected, I think." "Well, are you still in the mind of resigning your position Tr "Well, no, sir. Not if you want me." "Well, I want you. At least until I am well again. Oh, I'm getting well rapidly now, and I'll be around again after awhile. Then we'll see; you'll stay until then?" "Certainly." "All right — and say, Harald, don't imagine that I have for- gotten about this 'Mormon' business. I haven't; but we will not say anything about it now. And as for Thora, she has saved my life, I think, and she will have to stay. I was going swiftly when she came and pulled me back — yes, pulled me back just as really as if she had a rope on me, pulling me away from an awful chasm into which I was falling; and then, she is my daughter, isn't she? and I can't altogether forget that, now — she's the only one I hava on earth, and it's so lonesome, to be alone." 1HE CASTLE BUILDER. 953 Thora came around to his chair, for she had been in the room all the time, and her father had known it. "0, father, thank you, and God bless you," she cried, as her arms went around his neck, and she kissed him on the cheek. Then they both cried softly, and he held her brown curls tightly against his cheeks. Harald went out and left them together. XII. CASTLES OLD AND NEW. The winter months passed, and Merchant Bernhard slowly regained health. Thora waited and watched over him with utmost solicitude. She was the life of the house again, and her smiles and songs gladdened the heart of her father. The subject of her religious belief was never considered in their many talks. Once or twice, Thora had tried to explain some things, but, after listening long enough to get the drift of her argument, he had told her in a gentle way that he did not care to discuss such matters. Sometimes Thora sang "Mormon" hymns, assisted by Harald. At such times, the father would listen with an expression on his face, as if he enjoyed the music, but no com- ment was made by him. Yet, they were sweet days to Harald and Thora, those days of getting better acquainted with each other, those days of love- making. The long separation had made changes in both; and, in other conditions it would have taken more time to break through the strangeness between them, but the gospel is a wonderful, golden link which readily connects the sweet current of love. "We have obeyed the new commandment," Harald told Thora one day. "What is that?" " 'That ye love on-5 another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.'" They often read the scriptures together, and discussed the new found delights in them. The Bible became an open book to them, now. Many mystic passages were made clear. Many . truths that had escaped their eyes before, now shone from the inspired record. Had they not been "born again of the Spirit," and "the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.'' Once again over the frozen northern land, the frost giants were forced to retreat to their abode farther north; and Iduna, the goddess of spring, came with her wealth of sunshine and flowers. Thora appreciated the return of spring more than ever, as she had been confined to the house very closely; one afternoon when her father and Harald were talking of a business trip to Vangen, which the latter was obliged to take, Thora asked to go, too. She longed to see the old home again, and many of Vangen's people, also, she said. The father could not object, as he was now able to get about and take care of himself. The next day saw Harald and Thora on the way. Thora was delighted. It was like going home again, she exclaimed. From the steamboat landing at Vangen, they went up the familiar street to Merchant Bernhardt former place of busi- ness. Thora had looked forward with delight to meetiDg her old friends, but alas, she had again forgotten that she was no loDger of this world, and that this world loved only its own. Some of her acquaintances would hardly speak to her. Many of them were not ashamed to openly taunt her. She had wished again to see the old white-painted home not far from the store, but its present owners did not even invite her in, so they had to be satis- fied with leaning on the fence and looking at the lawn and garden. "I see the conservatory is gone," she said. "They don't care much for flowers, I can see that." "Not even roses," said he. She looked coyly at him —they understood each other. Thora staid at the little hotel while Harald transacted his business. It was late in the afternoon when he returned. "Are you going out this evening?" he asked. "No; I've had plenty for one day. 'We are fools —for Christ's sake,' " she said. "'But we are wise in Christ/ said Harald, finishing the quotation. THE CASTLE BUILDER. 955 The next morning, Harald secured a man to drive them up to Opdal where they arrived just before noon, putting the Gundersen household in a flurry of excitement. The older boys were away, but the other children stood around staring at their brother and his fine lady. The mother was busy over a big pot of mu3h which she was preparing for dinner, and the mush-stick was going with force into the depths of the boiling mass when the two visitors appeared at the door. "Good! we're just in time," exclaimed Harald, good naturedly, "I am so hungry for a plate of good, old-fashioned mush, and here we have it." As a rule, mush was not good enough for visitors, but Harald set the housewife's fears at rest by saying that they would eat nothing else, so she need not bother. Soon the father came home for his mid-day meal, and there was a warm greeting between them. "And this is Sister Bernhard, father," said Harald, as he presented Thora to him. The father held her hand a long time, as he glanced from one to the other. "This is Merchant Bernhard's daughter, is'nt it?" he asked. "Yes;" answered Harald, 'but don't you understand? I said Sister Bernhard." Then he understood. "Is it true?" he asked. "Yes," she said. "Then, welcome, sister; and God bless you, and give you strength according to your day." "Thank you, Brother Gundersen." The mush was relished; also the potatoes and salted herring. Harald noted that there was a snow-white cloth on the table; and that the dishes were new, since he had been there the summer before. He saw many other signs of comfort and adornment in the home, which the wife had been able to procure for the money which before had gone to the whiskey dealer. The father was not so crowded with work but he could take a half holiday that afternoon. Harald must tell him many things, and he had much news to tell Harald. So they talked and sang all the afternoon. The wife no sooner had the dinner dishes cleared than she began preparations for the next meal. "Elder Olsen had visited Opdal a number of times during the winter," said Harald's father. "He has held many meetings in the neighborhood, and before his last departure he ordained me an Elder in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." The old man said it with the deepest solemnity. "I don't know why I should be thus honored,I who have been a sinner all my days, I who am not learned in the knowledge of the schools. However, I thank God for his goodness, and I try to honor the priesthood conferred upon me. I hold meetings nearly every evening, lately, and I have hopes of bringing many to a knowledge of the truth.'* "Have you a meeting tonight?" "Yes; one down at Gulbransen's." "Then, we'll go with you." Great was the surprise of the neighbors when they saw the whole of Einer Gundersen's family, save Holger, walk into the place of meeting. Ridicule turned to wonder when they saw Thora Bernhard take her seat close by the table and take part in the singing. Greater was the surprise when towards the close of the services, they saw her arise by the table, and bear her testi- mony to the truth of what the two 'previous speakers had said. "'I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth?'" she said in closing. "No; I want all you good people here to know it. Many of you have known me for years. You know my father. You know what our standing is, yet I want to tell you that I am not ashamed of being called a 'Mormon.' The name is nothing, but the principles are everything. In Christ's time it was as great a reproach to be called a Christian as it is now to be called a 'Mormon.' Listen to this man. He will tell you the truth; and you know, all of you, what a power for good the gospel has been to him. Many of you need this power not only to save in the eternal worlds, but to save you from the gross appetites of your own per- verse nature. God bless you. Amen." "Amen," said Einer Gundersen, so loud that everyone heard. The next afternoon Harald and Thora were sailing down the fjord towards Vangen. The day was fine. The breeze pushed the boat THE CASTLE BUILDER. 957 so gently through the water that scarcely a ripple appeared. Harald had passed in and out of that fjord many, many times, but never yet in such a happy mood. Thora sat -in the prow of the little boat, and sang softly to the hills, which echoed back her voice in yet gentler strains. Some miles down from Opdal, the mountain juts close to the sea, and high, rocky cliffs extend out into the water. Towards this point, Harald steered, and they were close under the rocks hef ore Thora saw what he was doing. "Where are you going?" she asked. "Do you recognize this place?" Thora looked up to the rocks, and then at the narrow strip of clean sand which stretched away by their side. "Yes, I remember — remember your castle I too. Let us go ashore and see if there is any of it remaining. "Just what I was going to propose," he said, as he brought the boat in to a small cove. Then he leaped ashore, fastened the boat, and helped Thora out. Up on the sand, close under the cliff, they saw a small pile of stones— once their playhouse on that afternoon, years and years ago, when they were children. Father Gundersen had pretty well demolished it that afternoon, but traces of the foundation stones could still be seen, laid to a square, and some of the larger blocks had tilted over in such a manner that a low roof had been formed in one corner of the ruins. Harald went around to where Thora had planned the forest back of the castle— he remembered it all clearly— and peeped in between the rocks. Whirr! a wild duck flew from its nest, and out onto the fjord. Harald motioned to Thora to come and see. There was the nest, in it four beautiful eggs. cosily made with sea- weed and moss, and "The castle has bsen stormed and taken," said he, and usurpers are living in our house. "What shall we do about it?" "Let them live in peace," she said. "There is room for us out on those rocks. Here—help me up, and we'll sit on the ledge, while you tell me another fairy story." He lifted her up. She was heavier than when he lifted her now stronger, too. She found a comfort- years ago, but he was able seat on a stone, and he sat down by her side. The rocks faced the west, and the warm sun shone brightly upon them. Away out lay the Three Trolds, and just a glimpse of the ocean could be seen beyond. The broad fjord basked in the sun, and even the bold headlands might have been giants sleeping. Up in the forest, on the hillside, there was the twitter of birds, and from the dim distance sounded the faint tinkle of a sheep's bell. Then the wild fowl came back to her nest in the rocks. Thora watched the anxious mother courteously enter her home, and when the duck had disappeared, the girl smiled upon the manly form by her side. "So you wish a fairy story," he said. "I fear I have forgot- ten them all; but I can tell you a true story." "But it will not be so fascinating, I know. I don't see how you can sit here in this heavenly place and talk of common matters." "But this story is the most interesting in the whole world. It is not new; it has been told millions of times, by all people, in all climes, from the days of Adam until now. Yet it always bears repeating, and it never gets common-place nor dull. In fact, this story is not the property of man only, but all nature can tell it, and be told it, in its own deep-hidden language. The birds warble it, the wild fowl tells it to his mate. This story may at times be forgotten, but it revives again, even as the lilies-of-the-valley appear each spring time on the hill-sides in the forest. Would you like to hear the story, Thora?" She answered with a laugh; and then threw her glance away up the mountains, on the other side of the fjord. "It's short— it'll not take long." "Well?" "It is composed of three words or chapters or parts or books —but that is just as the teller tells it, and the listener takes it. They are: 'I love you.'" "That is a short story for such a long preface." "Ah, I can make it longer — love you, love you, — I I I "Hush! What a silly man you are!" The hand on his head gave his hair a pull. "Thora," he continued, "I had a long talk with Elder Olsen when he called at Larvik to bid us goodby, and I asked his opinion THE CASTLE BUILDER. 959 about our getting married. As a rule, he said, the advice i3 that con- verts wait until they can gather with the Saints, and have the cere- mony properly performed in the Temple; but, in our case, he thought it probably best notto wait. It may be some time before we can leave. Your father depends on us; the business needs us; and we can do much good where we are. What do you think of it?" "I don't know, Harald. I have desired to be married in a temple —but if you think— did Elder Olsen say all that, or are you just fibbing a little?" "No, Thora, I am in earnest. I think it will be best. We would better get married now, and when we reach Zion, we can go to the Temple and there obtain our blessings, and be united for time and all eternity. What a blessed hope that is!" "It shall be just as you say, Harald. I will leave it to you." He found room beside her on the rocky shelf. Then he went on, telling her of his hopes and plans; and they were as bright as a heart overflowing with love can inspire; she sat and listened with love's rapture in her eyes. " You are such a castle builder " she cried. ! "Yes; always have been, and always will be. When I cease to build castles, then I cease to live, which I pray God never will be, neither in this world nor in the world to come. I believe in castles, Thora, yes even in what men call castles in the air. His- tory teaches me that back of what we call facts, there has always been a subtle force; before the act there has been the dream; as the architect is to the builder, so is the vision to the realization. In fact, castle- building is but another name for Faith— that power, which God himself exercises, we are told, and by which the worlds of them have were framed. From boyhood I have built castles. Some That is because they were not constructed along the not materialized. that God, the Great Architect, has laid down. But fundamental lines firmly believe that those most of them have been substantiated, and I for the near future, Thora— you and I— will which we will erect As for the future life, my mind fails me, my im- also be realized. here are some of the foundation stones agination is too weak, but Harald took from his pocket his testa- on which we may build."