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Women of Mormonism
Chapter 18 - A Heart History Continued

THE WOMEN OF MORMONISM:
or
THE STORY OF POLYGAMY
As Told by the Victims Themselves.
Edited By
JENNIE ANDERSON FROISETH
Editor of the Anti-Polygamy Standard, Salt Lake City,
PUBLISHED BY
C.G.G. PAINE, DETROIT, MICH.
1886

Copyright, 1881 and 1882
By Jennie Anderson Froiseth

A happy Home Picture.-"Brother Ellis."-The Message.-A Stormy Scene.-Attempt at Reconciliation.-Mrs. Parker's Visit.-Her Advice.-Christmas.-Sealed to Jesus Christ.-  Joining the Church.-"Brother Ellis " Again.-Interview with the President. The Terrible News.-" One of Papa's Women."-Attempt to Escape.-Death.

[247] LITTLE dreaming of the storm that was brewing over her head, the clays dragged slowly along with Maggie, whose thoughts were constantly occupied with the sad change which had taken place in her husband since their arrival in Zion.

He seemed to be gaining, rapidly in the estimation of the Mormon dignitaries, and was constantly called upon to attend meetings and gatherings of the priesthood. She felt they were slowly, but surely, drifting apart.

The little caresses so dear to woman's heart were now seldom bestowed, the many acts of gallantry and attention, as much a woman's clue in married as in single life, were now seldom performed. Even when at times he appeared like his former self, she still felt there was some evil influence working upon him, to which he was gradually yielding.

Looking from her window one morning, she saw that King Winter had dropped his snowy mantle

" While all were asleep and dreaming. "

The pure white flakes were still lazily drifting down from heaven, and her spirits rose and her heart fluttered with joy, when Harry, on awakening, talked of sleigh-rides and a big Christmas dinner, and went whistling and singing about the house as in the olden days.

 “ The short winter day drew to a close. The little family gathered round the cheerful fire, Maggie busily sewing, Harry reading aloud, while Lilly sat on a low stool resting her head on her father's knee and gazing steadily in the glowing coals before her.

It was a simple home picture, and one that dwelt in their hearts for many years after.

"Hark," said Harry, " surely I heard footsteps. Yes, some one is knocking at the door. It must be an urgent errand that brings people out on such a night as this." Hastening to the door, he opened it, to admit three men. To his surprise, they were men of high standing in the Mormon church.

"Why, brother Ellis," he said, " is it you ? Good evening, brother Wright, and you, too, brothel Handley. You are very brave to venture out in this storm."

The men seated themselves, although two of their number seemed rather embarrassed; the other, however, who was first to enter, was perfectly at ease. [249] Maggie had never seen him before, except on the stand in the Tabernacle, and she shuddered inwardly as her eyes rested with aversion on his face and form. He was short and broad, his feet and hands uncommonly large, his face-but how shall I describe it? The forehead was very low, the nose broad and flat, the lower jaw projecting the appearance of an ape, more than a human being. It was hard to tell the color of his eyes, for they were never still a moment, but continually shifting from one object to another. Crown this image with a shock of stubby reddish-brown hair, and you have a perfect picture of brother Ellis, a high-priest of the church of Latter-day Saints, and a fit person to send on such an errand as had brought these men here.

"I fear we intrude," brother Ellis commenced taking in the pretty home picture at a. glance "You look quite comfortable here, brother Blake, -your wife and daughter, I suppose."

" Yes," said Harry, " I thought you had met my wife," and turning to Maggie, he introduced her to these good brothers. Maggie merely bowed in acknowledgment but the men stepped forward offering their hands and calling her sister Blake.

After shaking hands with them all, Maggie involuntarily sought her handkerchief, and furtively wiped her hand. Had she looked at brother Ellis as she did so, she must have seen the angry gleam in his restless eyes, for nothing could escape them. Harry noticed both, and frowned angrily at his wife, who colored at the rebuke, and hastily replaced the offending handkerchief in her pocket.

[250] After a slight pause, in which no one seemed inclined to speak, brother Ellis said, " We came on a little matter of business; " and from his tone, one might have inferred that it was quite to his taste, this little matter of business.

"Indeed," said Harry, in a tone of surprise, " it must be very important, that it needed attention on such a night as this."

"Will you permit us to ask sister Blake a few questions? " he continued, in a tone that plainly said, " We will do it, whether you permit it or not."

Harry looked up in astonishment, but answered " certainly," for he had been in Zion long enough to know that it would be dangerous for him to offend the miserable spies, from whom no Mormon household was safe.

Brother Ellis turned his face, if not his eyes, in the direction of Maggie, and asked, " Did you not tell sister Foote some time ago that you would never be baptized in the church of Latter-day Saints? "

Maggie looked at him, astounded, and her first impulse was to ask him politely if it was any of his concerns. But as she glanced at the almost infernal expression of his face, a sense of fear took possession of her, and she could scarcely steady her voice to reply, " I did."

"Did you not laugh at our doctrine of baptism for the dead?"

Again came the answer in tremulous tones, "I expressed my disbelief in such a strange and peculiar doctrine.''

[251] "Did you not scorn the idea of celestial marriage being a divine revelation ?" To this Maggie made no reply, she was becoming indignant at being cross-questioned so, in her own house, too. What was her husband thinking of, to allow it? She cast an appealing look at him, but his face was turned away from her, and wore a scowl of displeasure. Brother Ellis continued, " You know the old saying, ' A bird that won't sing must be made to sing,' holds good in more cases than one."

"Sir! " exclaimed Maggie indignantly, " I do not understand you." "Don't you?" he said with a malicious smile. “Then we must make our meaning a little plainer. Your husband is a good Mormon, and it is your duty to be one also. We know that it is his desire, and the good Book you profess to believe says, ' Wives obey your husbands, ' don't it ? " "

Yes, but-" Maggie began, but this high-priest mildly interrupted her.

"We won't listen to your interpretation of the Words. In our church it means that a wife should have no will of her own, but should be in subjection to her husband, who is her lord and master; and he, in turn, is to be in subjection to those who are in authority over him." "But you would not have me join your church when I do not believe in its doctrine, and abhor its teachings?"

The wife should never follow her own judgment [252] in preference to that of her husband, for God has him at the head. Be obedient, and God will cause all things to work for good."

"Mr. Ellis," she could not call him brother, "do you consider woman an inferior being, not capable of judging for herself?"

"Certainly I do. It is woman's place to minister to man, and he in return will do her thinking for her, and save her in the eternal kingdom. A woman should not be a clog on a man. And that is just what you are, sister Blake; you are keeping, your husband from living his religion." Then turning to Harry, he added, " Brother Blake, unless your wife consents to be baptized into the church, you must put her away and take another wife."

"What!" cried both husband and wife in one breath. Brother Ellis hastened to say, "Yes, and we were sent to deliver this message, brother Blake. It will not be necessary to say anything more; for you know very well that the rule of the church is, 'Obey counsel and ask now questions."'

Harry sank back in his chair without a word but his face was pale and stern. He knew very well that brother Ellis spoke true, that they had not come of their own accord, but were emissaries of a higher power,-a power that could and would crush relentlessly any who dared withstand its iron will. Although he had not yet sacrificed all his manhood to it, still he dreaded it enough to fear its threats and the penalties it imposed.

But she had no such fears, so she rose and [252] confronted the speaker, her form drawn to its fullest height, her eyes flashing with scorn and contempt. " Such a command is worthy of your church," she said, her voice ringing out sharp and clear, "and persons more fit to convey the message could scarcely have been chosen. Your office, gentlemen, is truly a most enviable one. You are worthy teachers of such a doctrine. When I feel myself on a level with the rest of your dupes and slaves, I will become a Mormon; until then, I claim the right to think as I please, even at the expense of your threat. There is the door, gentlemen; you will oblige me by walking out of it," and pointing to the door, she fixed her eyes steadily on the men, who left the house without venturing another word.

Maggie's anger was now thoroughly aroused, and seeing that her husband would not speak, she looked fixedly at him for a moment. He moved uneasily under her gaze, but would not raise his eyes. Presently she said slowly, as if speaking to herself :-  "I was to love, honor, and obey; you were to cherish and protect, until death did us part. You played the part of a man well to-night. I congratulate you. It was so manly to sit still and let your wife be insulted by the infamous tools of a more infamous priesthood, without resenting a single word. You did protect me well. Truly, you are a good Saint.”

Never before had such words fallen from her lips; but she was only human, therefore liable to err, and surely she had just cause for anger.

[254] Harry, too, was now thoroughly aroused, and like many another man, he took refuge in harsh words, putting all the blame on the weaker shoulders.

"A nice fool you made of yourself to-night, talking as you did. It will be in every one's mouth by tomorrow, and I shall be a laughing-stock for the whole town. Had you kept still, instead of gossiping with that old woman, nothing would have been said to us; and now, who knows what the consequences will be? But of one thing you may be assured, and that is, I will not be a laughing-stock any longer. I have been told often enough that I am under a woman's thumb, and that it is because I am afraid of my lady wife that I do not go into polygamy. But they shall see who is master."

"You may take plural wife, as they call it, a mistress, as I term it, as soon as you desire; but I will not remain to witness your disgrace."

"You will not leave this house, or if you do, it will be alone. Lilly shall not go with you, and you will do well to remember that you are in a country where a woman can do absolutely nothing without the consent of her husband."

Yes, I know that woman is considered no better than a fool, and treated as a slave; but for all that, I will not be forced to join this infamous church."

You know the alternative then.''

Very well, I understand you." and Maggie walked proudly from the room.

When alone, here anger and pride gave way, and [255] throwing herself on a couch, great sobs of anguish shook her frame. Oh, why had she left the dear ones at home? Why had she not obeyed that inward monitor? Then these bitter trials had never come.

Lilly had been a silent though awe-stricken listened to all that had passed, and stealing quietly to her mother's side, she slipped her hand in hers, and tried to comfort her with soothing words and tender caresses. Her child's sympathy quieted her aching heart, and the tears that had refused to flow now came in torrents, but their force .soon left her weak and exhausted.

Mary, who knew that the visit of these men boded no good to her mistress, came in to offer her sympathy; but Maggie could not speak to her, and the girl soon left the room, feeling that her presence was only an intrusion.

Rising, Maggie wiped away the traces of he tears,-would to God the events of the past hour could be as easily effaced, she thought. In silence she assisted Lilly to prepare for bed, and when the child knelt to offer her evening prayer, again the flood-gates were opened, and Maggie herself prayed long and earnestly for help and guidance. It was long past Lilly's bed-time, so the eyelids soon drooped over the bright, blue eyes, and she slept calmly and sweetly.

Not so her mother, whose heart was torn and convulsed with conflicting emotions. Pride and love each fought for the mastery; pride, wounded by [256] neglect and unjust accusations, refused to be comforted. Love called up the past, the bright, happy past. between it and the present was a barrier, mighty it was true, but not entirely immovable. A few words of contrition and repentance might remove it, a few tears and loving caresses might break it down. It was not the loving husband of her youth who had spoken harsh words, and permitted those creatures to insult her; but it was the influence of an evil spirit within him, which had been called into life by daily contact with those wicked, unfeeling, and degraded hirelings of the Mormon hierarchy.

Thus her woman's heart plead until pride was entirely subdued. And as she had been the first to speak harshly to him, she would also be the first to acknowledge her fault and seek a reconciliation. Ah, a woman's heart! It is something to cherish. Would that man could always think so, then-

"There were fewer sobs in the poet's rhyme,

There were fewer wrecks on the shores of time."

Stepping noiselessly across the floor, Maggie opened the door of the adjoining room. All was silent within; a faint glow from the dying embers lighted the room but dimly. Going to her husband’s side, she knelt down and took his hand. " Harry," she said softly, " forgive me, I am sorry I spoke as I did.

“He did not answer, but coldly withdrew his hand.

Although chilled by the repulse, she continued,

"Take back the cruel words you said to me, Harry, [257] let us forget they were spoken. We have been so happy in the past, let our future be as cloudless. Do not perjure yourself any further by following the teachings of this false religion." Still no answer.

She would yet plead a little longer. "Oh! my love, my husband, will you not listen to me, if not for my sake, then for our child's? Would you disgrace yourself in her eyes, she, so young and innocent ?-"

"There, there, Maggie, you have preached long enough," said a voice-could it have been her husband's ?

She staggered to her feet as if a blow had been struck her. Was it to such a being she was pleading for love land protection? Had she mistaken his character all these years? Had she been worshipping an idol, to find it clay at last?

Alas! no, but she had yet to learn how the slavish and corrupt system destroys all that is manly and chivalrous in man, and makes him a mere puppet in the hands of his masters, to be moved by the strings of fanaticism and lust.

Her heart was wounded afresh, she went silently back to her sleeping child,-now her only treasure; and toward morning she fell asleep. When she awoke, her husband had left the house, and did not return until late that night.

For days and days, Maggie was utterly miserable. The unavoidable intercourse of daily life, such as must exist between persons sleeping under one roof, [258] and eating at one board, was all the communication she had with her husband, and the estrangement told sadly in her hollow eyes and pallid cheeks. But in real life, whether sorrowful or joyful, the days pass somehow, and Maggie strove to console her dreary hours with the companionship of her child.

It was, however, with feelings of sincere pleasure that she welcomed her friend, Mrs. Parker, about a week following the visit of those fiends, as she mentally called the Mormon elders, who had forced themselves into her presence. To this dear friend she felt she could pour out her troubles, and find relief in the sympathy of her loving heart. As Maggie kissed the dear, kind face, she burst into tears. The kind old lady took her in her arms, soothing her with loving words as she would a little child, but did not strive to check the flow of tears. Too well she knew the relief they bring to an aching heart, for,-

" The eyes that cannot weep. are the saddest eyes of all. "

Presently, when the storm of grief had spent itself, she said: " I knew you were in trouble, dear child, but could not leave home sooner to offer you my sympathy."

Maggie repeated all that happened on that never-to-be-forgotten night, adding, "Can you blame me, Mrs. Parker? Had I not cause to speak as I did? " The old lady shook her head, saying, " You were rash, my child, although I cannot blame you, yet it may bring more trouble on your head. It is as brother Ellis says, the Mormon church considers [259] man  the master, and woman should have no will of her own. She is an inferior being in its estimation. Sometimes I think it were better for us if such were the case; we would then suffer less."

"I cannot think," remarked Maggie, "how women of intelligence can submit to such indignities as they are subjected to in the Mormon church.''

Her listener smiled sadly as she replied, " My dear, it is easy to see you have yet to learn the sad truth that the helpless must submit. And with some, the slavery comes so gradually, the links of the chain are forged so silently, that they are scarcely aware of their condition until they find the chain so securely fastened that it cannot be broken.''

"Cannot, do you say?" said Maggie, in surprise. " Then it is true, that you women in this religion are nothing but the meanest and most abject slaves "

Again the smile that was sadder than tears shone on the wrinkled face of this good woman. She did not reply directly to Maggie's cutting remark, but went on to say, "It is not an easy matter for a woman to break all the ties of married life; she has her little children to think of: if she left her husband, who would provide for them ? The world is not always kind to a woman who struggles alone for existence; but if she bears a man's name, no matter how heavy the yoke she carries with it, she is, seemingly at least, not unprotected or friendless. And here in Utah it is absolutely impossible for a woman to sever those ties with safety to herself or children.

[260] "But pardon me, my dear, if I say that you .-I have no trials at all, in comparison with those of other women in this Territory. I rarely speak of my own, even to the most faithful friend I have on earth, my venerable mother, who accompanied me to this wilderness in order to be near me in my sorrows. But think, before leaving the house I had been ministering to the wants of one of my husband's wives, who has just borne him another child." The convulsive clasp of the hands which had been lying gently folded in her lap, and the quivering lip, revealed the anguish which she would not put in words, almost for her life.

Maggie's generous and sympathetic heart soon forgot her own grief in the greater one of her friend. “How could you do it ! " she exclaimed. " If I were in your place, I believe I should have killed them both, sooner than minister to their wants. What right have such children in this world, any way? But you are not a woman at all, you are an angel," she added, reverently, taking one of the withered hands in hers, and tenderly kissing it.

"It is hard, oh, so hard, to subdue the flesh," continued the old lady; "for in spite of the constant teachings and admonitions of the church, that it is the sacred duty of all first wives to love our sisters in marriage as our own souls, yet the thought cannot be banished that they come between us and what is far dearer than our own souls. We are told that we must think only of the celestial glory which will be the reward of faithful adherence to the [261] doctrine of celestial marriage; but in spite of all pretense of spirituality, we cannot forget that there are children in whose veins there can be the commingling life current of but one father and one mother, -children of our husbands, but not ours. Strive as we may, struggle with all the strength of our natures, we cannot divest ourselves of the belief that a true marriage can be only between one man and one woman, and all other alliances are contrary to both God and nature."

"But if women believe in this way, why do they submit to the degradation of polygamy?" asked Maggie. " Surely, if they would be firm, the system would soon die out."

"In every religion there are fanatics, and more, I think, among the Latter-day Saints than any other. They are taught that polygamy is their only way of salvation, and I know there are many who firmly believe it, though against their better judgment, and though all their womanly instincts revolt against the system. Then there are so many ignorant ones whom it is easy to make believe. So the evil grows and thrives, taking deeper root daily, its fibers spreading wider and wider, until it has taken so firm a hold that it cannot be rooted out. And we who have the most experience, always find it the wisest plan to submit quietly, and make the best of what we cannot alter.

"Look at me, for instance. My husband went into polygamy because he honestly considered it his duty. I had faith in his sincerity, and though [262] it would be my death blow, yet I loved him too well to desert him, if I could safely have done so. He has never failed in his duty to me; he stipulated that the other women should treat me with deference and respect, and I have always tried to treat them as well as I possibly could. I suppose there has been less unpleasantness in our family than in any other polygamous household that I know; and I leave it to your own common sense if it was not wiser for me to retain the affection and esteem of my husband than make his home a place of torment, and entirely alienate him from me."

Of course Maggie was not convinced, so she answered, " As I said before, dear friend, you are more of an angel than a woman. I would not answer for myself what I should do under such circumstances. But surely, if these principles and doctrines were preached by the missionaries among their converts before coming to Utah, there would not be so many dupes."

"They know that perfectly well, and are therefore on their guard. Many good men and women come to these valleys to enjoy their religion, thinking it a peaceful, favored spot, where evil and crime are unknown," rejoined Mrs. Parker.

"Well, why do they not return when they learn the true state of affairs? " asked Maggie.

"For many reasons. You know the difficulties of the journey over the plains, as well as the expense. The majority of the people have but very [263] little when they arrive, and those who are people of means almost invariably give what they have to the church authorities for safe-keeping before they start for Zion, and it is not usual for the church to be a condition to refund it all, at once-"   " Ah, yes," interrupted Maggie, " I see it all very plainly, but if I were a man and free to come and go as I pleased, I would leave the country in some way, and denounce these creatures to the world as a set of swindlers as well as tyrants."

"No doubt that you would make the attempt, my dear, but you might be forestalled in your intention. You might not reach your destination."

"Why not, pray," Maggie began; then she remembered something she had heard hinted before. A look of horror stole into her eyes, blanching her cheek as well, and she added in a whisper, " Surely you do not mean they would be foully dealt with? "

"I cannot say, my dear, but I do know that some who have made the attempt, have never been heard of again. "

"Then Heaven help me; how can I escape from their toils?" exclaimed Maggie.

"Do not attempt it; submit with what patience you can; believe me, it is best."

"But I would be living a lie. It would be only an outward acquiescence, against which my heart would constantly rebel."

"Nevertheless, I say you will be wiser to obey counsel in this case. After all, it is the first step that is the hardest; in grief, as in sin, the heart [264] becomes callous, and ceases to feel the pain of each new dart that pierces it."

"Would you advise me in all good faith, to profess a belief in the teachings of a church for which I feel nothing but contempt?" Maggie asked earnestly.

For a moment there was silence between them. Maggie, watching her friend's face, saw it work with emotion. When she spoke, her voice trembled and her eyes glistened with unshed tears.

"God forgive me," she said, "if I advise you wrongfully, but I think you would be happier were you to join the church. You know it is not likely that your husband will leave it. I believe that he cannot, or will not, and a man likes his wife to be of the same mind as himself, and especially he does not like her to set herself in opposition to all his wishes."

"I know all that," Maggie sighed, " but-"

" I realize all you feel, my dear child, and if you were not in Utah, I would not give you this advice; but since you are here, and no prospects of leaving, I say, join the church; take no notice of what does not concern you, and ask no questions. Then you will not be persecuted."

For awhile Maggie sat in deep thought, then she said slowly, "I will think of it seriously, but my better nature revolts at the sacrifice. It is disgracing my womanhood, besides acting the part of a hypocrite, and I fear I shall be sinning in God's sight. Yet he will know that I am trying to act for the best."

Christmas came-a day observed by all Christians as one of rejoicing, when the merry bells ring forth the glad tidings that a Saviour is born. And following the example of the "three wise men of the East," who brought gifts from afar to lay at the feet of Jesus, a tiny babe lying in a manger, we, keeping the ancient custom, give to our loved ones gifts and tokens of remembrance, and for his dear sake, not forgetting even the poorest of his creatures.

Here in Utah, the morning dawned bright and beautiful, and yet on his birthday, no bells rang out the glad tidings to the Saints in this valley, no anthems or carols were sung to his praise. Little children were not taught that Christ was once a child like themselves. They were not told that he loved them, took them in his arms, and blessed them saying to those who would keep them away, " Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of heaven."

The Mormons do not hold services on Christmas day in their Tabernacle, to tell their people that a Saviour was given them on this blessed morning, many years ago. But they tell them Christ was a polygamist, that Mary and Martha were his plural wives, and the marriage at Cana of Galilee was his own. Think of that, ye Christian women of this enlightened country ! was there ever such sacrilege? Our Saviour, the embodiment of all that was pure and holy, following this lustful doctrine ! They tell them also that here in Salt Lake Valley a temporal [266] kingdom shall be set up, and that Christ will personally rule and reign therein.

And though it seems almost too monstrous to be credited, there have been women so utterly unbalanced and led away by the pernicious and immoral teachings of this church, that they have been sealed to Jesus Christ, some Mormon brother standing as proxy, so that they might be numbered among his plural wives in the resurrection.

Maggie thought of her last Christmas among her dear friends in her far-off Eastern home. The time that had passed since then seemed ages to her,-every month a long dreary year with neither spring nor summer, only dark and stormy autumn and winter days.

Lilly aroused her by calling in her ear, " Merry Christmas, mamma." Kissing her affectionately, she returned the caress with a smile, thinking it would a very merry one to the poor child.

While these sad thoughts were flitting through Maggie's mind, her husband was taking himself to task for his treatment of her. "Peace on earth, good will to men," sang in his, ears.

"I cannot stand this life any longer," he said to himself. " What made me talk as I did to Maggie, I wonder? In all our married life, such words never passed our lips before. I used to consider myself a gentleman; it must be the influence of the country. The men out here don't treat their wives as they should, and I have been foolish enough not to resent it when they have laughed at me for the way I [267] speak of my wife, as though she were my equal.

But I will be man enough to acknowledge I was in the wrong, for she is the dearest little woman in the world, and as people always said, much too good for a fellow like me."

His hand was on the door knob ere he had thought what to say, or how he should plead for pardon. Opening the door softly, he entered the room where Maggie sat; her attitude was one of the deepest dejection, and she was quietly weeping. No thought then had Harry of the words to be spoken; at sight of those tears, words of penitence rushed to his lips.

"Forgive me, Maggie. Dry your eyes, dear wife, and we will forget the hasty words spoken; bury them with the past, and let us try to think of them no more." These and many more words were hurriedly uttered, and Maggie, smiling through her tears nestled lovingly in the arms outstretched to enfold her.

After a short silence, Maggie said, "Harry, I have concluded to join the church, that is, if you desire me to."

"You have ! " was the surprised answer.

"Yes, I thought it might be pleasanter for you, perhaps," she added hurriedly, as if afraid her motives would be too closely questioned. He did not seem as well pleased as Maggie expected he would be, so she asked rather timidly if he did not wish her to be baptized into the church.

Harry answered in a more serious manner than was his wont, "Yes, it would certainly please me, [268] because I think a man and his wife should be of one faith; but, my wife, if you should ever regret it, do not blame me. Remember that in spite of what I have said, which I will own frankly was not meant, I did not urge you to this step, and if you join the church, it must be of your own free will."

"But, Harry, suppose that horrible threat should be carried out !"

"Oh, my dear, those were only idle words. What man or set of men in the world could force me to do anything against my will?"

"Alas my husband, I fear they were not; for though we have only been here a very short time, yet I have learned a great deal, and besides, my good friend, Mrs. Parker, has been telling me some fearful things," and she related their conversation.

"Mrs. Parker was very foolish, Maggie, to alarm you so. I have no doubt but many things have happened that need explanation, but for all this, you need not feel afraid. However, if you are willing, perhaps it is just as well that you join the church."

"Unless, Harry, we might return to the old home," Maggie said eagerly.

"That is impossible at this time of year, we may think of it a little later. Besides, we are here, and I like this country-"

"Do you like the church, Harry?" interrupted his wife.

"Don't question me too closely," he laughed. " I shall never be carried away by any religion, but this one suits me as well as any, and to be frank, I [269] have better business prospects than I ever had in my life before, for this is a growing country, and I believe I am the only one of my profession in the city."

"Then, Harry, you may say I am willing to be baptized, but-I do not wish them to think that I consent out of fear of their threat. My only motive is that our life may flow smoothly on in the old channel. If the future be as cloudless as the past, I shall be content, but-"

"Well, dear?"

"You will never forget the solemn promise you made me on the first night we entered the valley; you will not let them persuade or frighten you into polygamy, will you, Harry ? " Maggie pleaded.

"Pshaw ! " laughed Harry, " what a jealous little body you are. There is no fear of that, for I despise the practice as much as yourself."

After this the days were full of joy for Maggie. Love was life to her, and now she felt perfect trust and confidence in her husband. When the day for her baptism arrived, she went into the water, and received the blessings calmly and earnestly, with a conscientious desire to do her duty faithfully, thinking also, as many another deluded woman has done under the same circumstances, that her troubles had ceased. But, alas, she found, as many other women have done, that hers was only a brief respite.

"I tell you, brother Blake, you must take another wife. We have one already picked out for you, and she is pretty enough to please even your fastidious taste."

[270] " But I have told you before, that I do not want another wife," replied Harry Blake, "and I mean what I say."

"Oh, that's nonsense; you don't want to be tied to one woman for life, I hope. Just go to see this girl a few times, and I'll warrant you will soon change your mind."

"No brother Ellis, I think not. Let us talk of something else."

"But I tell you, you must take another wife, brother Blake, you are not living up to your privileges. - You have but one child, and the church tells us to marry and raise up children to increase our kingdom."

"That is all very well for those who desire it, but I am content as I am, and do not desire to enter polygamy."

I must say you are very ungrateful, brother Blake; the church has been very kind to you, and placed you in the way of prospering in temporal affairs, and you are very remiss in your duties. But it seems I must make my meaning clearer; the church commands that you take another wife, and as you do not seem inclined to take my word for it, although I am your presiding bishop, I hope you will call at the president's office, who will bear witness to the truth of my words."

The speakers, Harry Blake and brother Ellis, were walking quietly along the street, conversing in an undertone. As the last words were spoken, brother Ellis turned and left his companion to his own meditations.

[271] Harry Blake quickened his steps as if in that way he could dispel the disagreeable impression the conversation had caused. Daily association with polygamy, for almost all his friends in the church were polygamists, had lessened his horror of it to a certain extent, but if he had ever thought of the monster's invading his own home circle, he had thrust it aside ere the thought was fully born. Now, he did not crush it out of his, mind, but lingered on it until he felt ashamed of himself, and almost ashamed to meet the pure face of his loving wife. He wandered on and on, till the twilight shadows warned him of the day's decline. And when he turned toward home, it was with a. guilty feeling in his heart.

A few days afterward he was summoned to a " special interview " with the president in his office, from which he emerged in rather an agitated frame of mind. However, that very same evening, he made a very careful toilet, and when Maggie asked him where he was going, the reply was, " Only to a meeting of the seventies."

Although no thought of treachery entered her brain, yet she felt an indefinable dread of some coming evil, that made her nervous and low-spirited throughout the evening. This feeling increased as the days went on, and her husband avoided her eye, seeming careless and indifferent to her wishes and feelings. The old shadow of doubt and distrust ever and anon loomed up before her, but she dare not put her fear into words, even to her own heart. She [272] would not admit there was, anything amiss, lest the fancy become a reality. She would crush back the cruel thought yet a little longer. The winter had passed away, and the pure air of spring was fragrant with the odor of blossoming trees. But Maggie's heart was too sad to enjoy this beautiful springtime.

One morning as her husband left the house, he said to himself, "I know it is cruel not to tell her, but I cannot, I am altogether too great a coward. I will get her friend, Mrs. Parker, to break the news to her, and to help her bear up under it; for Maggie is not like the rest of the women in this country."

When her friend came, Maggie relieved her overburdened heart, by telling her all her fears, adding imploringly, " Tell me, do you think he could break his solemn vow? do you think he could take another wife ?

"Mrs. Parker took her in her arms, kissing her tenderly, and then said in tremulous tones, "My dear child, I wish I could comfort you, there is great sorrow in store for you.”

Maggie started up in affright, but the words she would have uttered refused to pass the pale lips. Seeing her distress, the old lady thought it best to end her suspense. " How can I tell you? " she said, " but your husband is to go through the Endowment House this very day with one of brother Ellis' granddaughters.

Rev. D. J. McMillan - Presbyterian Missions, Utah

When Maggie heard those fatal words, her heart seemed as if it were turning to stone, her brain was [273] on fire, and in that moment her love died. She now saw her husband's treachery,-a nice reward for all her faith and devotion to him, and she felt that she could strike him dead without the slightest compunction, should he enter her presence then. But she could not speak; it seemed as if an iron hand were on her throat, the fingers tightening their hold until she was suffocating; she heard a voice say, "My child, my child, don't look so!" and then darkness encompassed her. The face of her friend, the room in which they were sitting, faded from her sight, and in their place she saw two figures, one a young girl, scarcely more than a child, a smile on the rosy mouth, love shining in the eyes raised to a face tenderly bending over her; the other, a man whose face and form were only too familiar, for they were those o£ her own husband. No. not her husband, the man who had so cruelly deceived her had forfeited all right to that sacred title; henceforth they should be nothing but strangers to each other.  While she looked steadily at them they faded gradually until lost to view, and again she saw the tearful, sympathizing face of her dear old friend bending over her, and heard the kind voice saying, " Thank God, you have recovered," and her little daughter crying at her side: “Mamma, don't die, don't leave me, mamma I "

Maggie shuddered, and said in a strange, harsh voice, " I have seen them, and I will kill them both.

"Mrs. Parker put her arms around the poor child, and said soothingly, " Seen whom, my dear?"

[274]  Maggie described the young girl she had seen in her vision or trance, in company with her husband, and continued, " Yes, they are married; but if they dare to enter these doors, I will kill them as sure as there is a God in heaven ! "

The old lady, who had experienced all these feelings herself, but had outlived their bitterness, and said to her gently and sorrowfully: ''Calm yourself, my dear. I pity you from the bottom of my heart, but take my advice, and try to bear the burden as bravely as you can. What is done cannot be undone, and if you are rash and imprudent, you may cause more trouble for yourself and your child than you have any idea of in your present excited condition. Remember how helpless and powerless we Mormon women are, and how they always stab us through the hearts of our children. I know it is a heavy cross, but may the good Lord give you strength to bear it. Go now to your room and lie down, and I will stay here until they return, and assist you all I can."

When Maggie was alone with her child in her own room, she became again almost crazed, and clasped the little one so tightly in her arms that she cried out, " Don't, mamma, you are hurting me; let me go out to Aunty Parker'" The poor heartbroken mother tried to control herself, and soothed the child, endeavoring to make her understand as well as she could that she was in great trouble, so great that death would be only too welcome, were it not for the worse anguish of leaving her alone and friendless.

[275] Lilly, who was intelligent and womanly beyond her years seemed to comprehend it all, and said, as she kissed away the fast-falling tears, " Never mind, mamma, you have me, let us go away from here together, back to grandma, and then everything will be all right again."

Before Maggie could answer, they heard the front door open, and apparently a large and merry company entered and took possession of the house. During the remainder of the day and evening, footsteps were continually coming and going, and peals of laughter ever and anon reached the ears of the wretched woman whose heart was being so cruelly crucified, and whose terrible grief was the theme of more than one coarse jest down-stairs.

Once Mrs. Parker had come to the door of the room, bringing her some refreshments. but she did not dare trust herself to say more than a word or two to the wronged and outraged wife. Maggie took the food, knowing that her child would need it before morning, and then she closed and securely fastened the door, after warning Mrs. Parker not to allow her to be disturbed on any account.

How she lived through the night she never could tell. When morning dawned and Lilly awoke, she said, " Why, mamma, you look just like Aunt Agnes, when she was sick so long. What is the matter? are you going to be sick too?

No my darling, I hope no, “ she answered, trying to smile, and walking to the mirror, she pushed back the disheveled locks from her face, and looked [276] to see if one night could have wrought such a change that even Lilly should mark it so quickly.

She was almost frightened herself at the ghastly image she saw, and as she started back, Lilly commenced crying. " I know you are sick, mamma. You are going to die, and be put in the ground, and then what shall I do? "

While soothing the grief of her darling, Maggie endeavored to look into the future. All night she had lain as one bereft of reason, incapable of thought; but now ,she must decide as to her future course, and that without delay. To live in that house now would be an utter impossibility. She could work for her child, or if the worst must come, they could die together; but remain with him she would not.

She made .several attempts to leave the room, but her courage failed; she would have to wait a little longer; she dared not meet them yet; she would have to wait until she was less reckless of consequences, until she could be sure she would do nothing rash, that would result in more trouble for her innocent child. When she did at last succeed in leaving the room, he had left the house.

When Maggie entered the cozy little dining-room, -now her own, no longer,-the new wife, a sweet looking, fair, young girl, scarce more than a child, was engaged in clearing away the breakfast things. There had not been any servant in the house for some days, as her faithful Mary had married rather suddenly, and her place was not yet filled.

When she heard Maggie enter, she turned and [277] asked politely if she could prepare anything for her; and seeing the poor, pale, faded face, inquired kindly if she were ill. Maggie could not command her voice to speak, but shook her head as she tottered to a chair.

Lilly asked, " Have .you come to work for us, and what is your name?"

The girl laughed pleasantly as she replied, "My name is Rosa, and I am brother Blake's second wife."

"You are not my papa's wife," Lilly exclaimed vehemently.

"Yes, I am, my dear," Rosa answered quietly " that is if brother Blake is your papa."

" No, you are not," reiterated Lilly angrily. " Mamma is his wife, and he can't have e any other," and she stamped her tiny foot. Then, as if a thought had struck her, she added, with undisguised contempt in her baby voice, " I guess you must be one of my papa’s women. Jessie Parker told me her papa had lots of women, so perhaps that is what you mean. Well, you will have to do the work and mamma will boss you, as Jessie’s mamma does them,” and seating herself at the table she continued imperiously, “I would like to have some breakfast.”

Maggie attempted to reprove her, but found she could not utter a syllable; her lips parted, but no sound came from them. Although this was the woman that had stolen what was dearest to her on earth,- the heart of her husband,-yet she was too thorough a lady, and too just a woman to permit Lilly to deliberately insult her.

[278] But Rosa did not seem in the least offended, she was accustomed to hear Mormon children speak in far more contemptuous terms of plural wives, so she only smiled pleasantly, and waited upon Lilly as if she had been the servant of the house. While Lilly was eating her breakfast, Maggie rose from her chair, thinking that she would return to her room and remain there until he should come back; but she staggered, and would have fallen if Rosa had not sprung to her assistance.

Perhaps this second wife realized in part the depth of her anguish, and seeing how helpless she was, Rosa helped her to her room, and laid her on the bed. She was a good, kind-hearted girl, and was not altogether to blame for the misery her presence in the household had brought to Maggie. From her earliest babyhood she had been taught that her salvation depended on celestial marriage, that her soul would be forever lost unless she was sealed to some good brother in the church. So when she was told it was decided by the priesthood that she should marry brother Blake, .she never dreamed of objecting for one moment, especially as she had heard him discussed frequently, and set down as a very desirable match. He was reputed to be well-off, able to maintain in comfort a much larger family than he possessed, which was a very great inducement; for even in her ,short life, poor Rosa, had seen enough of the poverty side of polygamy to dread that, although she was too faithful a Saint to disobey any counsel given by the authority of the church.

But we must do her the justice to say that in [279] being sealed to Harry Blake, she did not exult over the prospect of bringing humiliation or sorrow to Maggie, as only too many young girls in her position have done. She simply thought polygamy must be all right because she had always been taught so, and of course it was to her advantage to secure as rich and as good a man as possible. If she ever thought of the sorrow that the first wife would endure, it was in a vague, desultory manner, or as something which was a matter of course, which could not, be helped one way or the other.

And this is the way in which hundreds of young girls reason to themselves, if they think of this phase of the subject at all "Of course the first wife will feel bad for a while, but it will soon pass over, and it will be just the same if he marries any other girl.” Their moral natures have become -so deadened, and their finer susceptibilities so blunted by daily contact with the monster, that they cannot realize there is any holiness or sanctity about the marriage tie, and that it is a deadly crime against God and nature to come between two whom that sacred ordinance has made one. Instead of marriage being a symbol of a spiritual bond between two souls, their education has taught them to consider it simply as a compact between one man and an indefinite number of women, made for the sole purpose of bringing children into the world to build up the man’s kingdom on earth, so that he may be a monarch and ruler in the celestial world.

Rosa was naturally a pure, innocent, affectionate child, worthy of a better fate; but what soul could [280] be subjected to such infamous teachings, and escape without a stain ?

Strange to say, when Maggie first saw her, she did not feel that bitter resentment that she thought she should; her hatred and indignation were directed toward him, the man she had so devotedly loved, and so blindly trusted; for he had not married this girl, she was fully assured, from religious motives. No, it was her youth and beauty which had won his love, and made him false to the wife who had sacrificed her all for him.

For several days, Maggie's life hovered on the borders of the dark river. Rosa waited on her faithfully and kindly, and her friend Mrs. Parker watched by her bedside night and day. During her hours of delirium, her conscience-stricken husband-for he was not yet entirely callous-would steal into the room and minister to her wants; but at the first indication of returning consciousness, he would vanish like the guilty creature he was; he could not meet the eye of the woman he had so cruelly deceived and wronged.

During all those long days of suffering, after the delirium had fled, Maggie spoke rarely, and then to no one but her child. It seemed as if she would be dumb for the rest of her days; her voice refused to act, and it was only in whispers that she could speak to Lilly. had she remained bereft of reason she would have suffered less, but who can depict the anguish of that crushed and bleeding heart! At last, strength came back gradually, but the woman who rose from that bed of sickness was a [281] different creature from the former trustful and affectionate Maggie Blake.

One morning Rosa said that if Maggie was well enough to be left alone, she and Harry would like to go away for a day or two. Maggie received the announcement without further comment than the simple words that she was perfectly well. She had already decided upon her course. She would have the day to herself, and could make her preparations for flight without interruption; but she dared not give any sign of the feeling of relief and thankfulness with which she saw Rosa leave the house.

The first task before her was to gather her own and her child's clothing together, and she set about this as quickly as her weakness permitted. Busy, and absorbed in painful thought, she did not hear a footstep outside, and only raised her head when the door opened to admit her husband. The shock of his unexpected appearance at the moment when she was preparing to leave him forever, quite overcame her, and she sank helplessly into the nearest chair, with both hands pressed over her heart to still its throbbings.

Harry looked at her a moment in silence. A little pity, a little remorse, stirred within him as he mentally contrasted the haggard face and the wasted form with a vision that rose from the past,-that of the fair young girl he had wooed and won in those years whose memory he would gladly banish if he could. Very gently he laid his hand on the bowed head, and pronounced her name. The act, the tone, [282] roused her, and she faced him with the look of a hunted creature at bay.

"You dare to touch me and speak to me like that ? " she cried. " You, who have made me what I am! You, who have not only broken my heart, and made my life a burden, but have killed all the good in me ! "

"Maggie, surely you do not know what you are saying."

"Do I not? then hear me repeat it, and remember what I say, for they are the last words I will ever speak to you. Before this day ends, I will leave your house with my child,-leave this accursed country forever."

"You will?” The man’s face hardened, and every impulse of pity or compassion was instantly crushed. "Then hear me.. You may go where you please, but Lilly stays with me."

For a moment she looked at him in a dazed sort of way, as though not comprehending the meaning of his words; then, as the truth dawned upon her, and she realized her own utter helplessness, her pride forsook her, and falling on her knees, with clasped hands she plead that the sentence might be revoked,-that she might be permitted to take her child somewhere-anywhere, only out of sight of the home that was hers no longer.

"This is folly, and worse than folly," Harry  answered, "and you will see it yourself in a little while. Your home is here. You and Lilly have every want supplied, and if you cannot agree with Rosa, [283] why keep to your own apartments, and I will see that she keeps to hers."

Why protract the recital of an experience that has been lived over so many time in Utah ? The unhappy wife and mother was helpless, and did as the helpless must,-submitted to her fate. Sunk in the apathy of despair, she lived on for months and years,-for it is only in books that people die when all that makes life worth living is gone. Misery did the work of years in bleaching her hair and furrowing her face; and when at last the boon so long prayed for was granted, and she

" Bound the slow bleeding of her stricken heart

With the chill comfort of the sepulcher,"

no one, looking into her open coffin, would have dreamed that she who lay there had lived out but half of her allotted time on earth. She sleeps today in the bleak, barren burial-place over-looking the beautiful city in which her husband lives with the three women who have been ‘Sealed to him for time and eternity.”

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