Morning Star by Marian Wells Page A

off?”
    She ignored the thrust. “I need to know. Do you remember in Missouri at Captain Patten’s funeral you said that you had the power to give to those who wanted it? I want that power.”
    He was silent for a long time. In the dim building, the fire snapped in the stove and the red light of it shone through the open door, reminding Jenny of the mirror and the spirit world she had seen. She shivered, and he lifted his head. Now shadows from the threatening storm were hiding Joseph’s eyes.
    â€œJenny,” he said slowly, while she peered at him. “I believe you are serious; but let me ask you some questions. You mentioned the talisman. I’ve told you I’d renounced the craft. No longer do I get my power from this source. It is through the church and the promise given to the priesthood that I now know power. Are you unaware that the promise of the priesthood is only for men and, through them, their wives?”
    â€œI don’t understand the priesthood, I’ve heard little about it. Seems no one knows enough to talk about it now.”
    â€œThat’s good. Most of the details haven’t yet been revealed. It shall be soon. I’m waiting for my people to purify themselves through the ordinances; then the Lord has promised the fullness of the gospel will be given.”
    â€œBut, power!” Her voice broke. “Joseph, the need is destroying me. How long can a person take the promise without the fulfillment? I tremble with fear of my inadequacy. Please—”
    â€œDon’t push. There’s nothing I can do unless you meet the requirements of the gospel. Have you prepared yourself by reading the Scriptures? Are you paying your tithing, doing your part to build up the Saints?”
    â€œI . . . I don’t know. There’s much I don’t know right now.”
    â€œI suggest you become a learner. I’ve plans to have some of the older women teach the younger all the ordinances of the faith. Until we can do this, just do your work at home.”
    â€œWhat do you mean?”
    Joseph took a deep breath and reached for her hand. “Jenny, your husband is as nearly apostate as I can tolerate. He’s always given me a difficult time. Without disclosing the details of our talk, my instruction to you is that you win him to the church by your saintly life. This is very important. Without a husband to take you to the highest degree of heaven, you’ll never receive the power on this earth, never be more than a slave in the hereafter.”
    It was snowing hard when Jenny left the store, but she was so deep in thought that she was unconscious of the wet, cold flakes against her face. She was also unaware of Mark dismounting and walking toward the store just as she hurried away.
    Looking after her retreating back, he frowned and faced Joseph. “That was Jenny. Why was she here?”
    â€œMark, remember, I’m Jenny’s spiritual advisor. Why else would she be here? I’ve told her to pull up tight the reins around home and in time she will inherit all the blessings of the Lord, which she so desperately longs for.”
    For a moment he frowned at Mark and then he clapped him on the shoulder. “Come in and tell me what you’ve been able to come up with in Carthage.”
    ****
    Mark reached the livery stable just as Jenny stepped back in her buggy. Tom was beside her, and Mark handed the reins of his mount to him. “Old Nell’s had enough for the day. Put her up for the night. I’ll drive Jenny home.”
    Jenny slid over and Mark said, “Your nose is like a cherry already, and we’ve nearly five miles to go. Why did you venture out in such a storm?”
    â€œThere were only a few flakes when I left—besides, I was taking your advice. I was sick of my own company.”
    â€œDid Joseph give you some good advice ?” He stressed the word slightly and Jenny glanced up at him. She frowned,