The audience was wonderfully moved when I stopped. Tears were in their eyes, and there was a stillness which was profound. Then they broke out into a song of praise and thanksgiving. Further words were spoken by one who was their leader, and then the company dispersed.

Father Joseph and I were then taken into a house, whose rooms were the most elegant I had yet seen. They were the guest chambers, I was informed. A number of the prominent officials went with us. Joseph explained that we would remain for some time in this place, so I must make myself at home. This I readily did. We ate our meal together and there was much talk which was as interesting to me as it was to them. It was then suggested that my Bible was too precious to be carried in a bag such as I had, and that it ought to be deposited in the fireproof vault of the house. I readily consented to this, providing I could have free access to it. I now saw clearer than ever that I must know more thoroughly the contents of the book.

That evening when the laborers had come home and eaten their meals there was another gathering. This time it was in a large pavilion-like structure, and both men and women came. The women had changed their working clothes and now wore garments, mostly white, relieved by some soft shade of blue or red. Up to that time I had never seen such a gathering. Here was a company of women numbering hundreds, each one of whom reminded me of a beautiful picture I once owned of "Rebecca at the Well." I saw they reminded me of the picture, though in what way I can hardly tell, unless it was in the expression of their faces, the arrangement of their hair, and the hanging of their dresses. The air was yet chilly, so there could be no undue exposure of the body - the fact is, that there is none, even in the warmest days.

This gathering was more of a reception than a meeting for formal speaking, although I was given a sort of general introduction and then spoke for a short time. Father Joseph and I then mingled freely with the people, shook hands and spoke a few words. It was tiring work but I never was more happy in my life. I felt and saw the welcome meant for me. I believed it came from their hearts without guile or deceit. There was music and chorus singing. I had often seen the harp and heard it played, yet until now I had never appreciated its full beauty. A large band of young girls, arranged on a raised platform, played their instruments together. As I sat there looking over the vast concourse of people, and listening to that music and the hum of voices, I thought of a home that I once had far away; and then I asked myself, what would "she" say could she but see me now. Would it make any difference? I wonder!