Her eyes shone with an unhealthy luster, and her dark hair, falling in heavy curls over her shoulder, added to the wonderful pallor of her cheeks.
Nathaniel bowed.

"I beg your pardon, madam; I came to see Mr.Strang," he said.
"You will find the king at his office," she replied.
The woman's voice was low, but so sweet that it was like music to the ear.

As she spoke she came nearer and a faint flush appeared in the transparency of her cheek.
"Why do you wish to see the king ?" she asked.
Was there a tremble of fear in her voice?
Even as he looked Nathaniel saw the flush deepen in her cheeks and her eyes light with nervous eagerness.
"I am sent by Obadiah Price," he hazarded.
A flash of relief shot into the woman's face.
"The king is at his office," she repeated.

"His office is near the temple." Nathaniel retired with another bow.
"By thunder, Strang, old boy, you've certainly got an eye for beauty!" he laughed as he hurried through the grove.
"And Obadiah Price must be somebody, after all!" The Mormon temple was the largest structure in St.James, a huge square building of hewn logs, and Nathaniel did not need to make inquiry to find it.

On one side was a two-story building with an outside stairway leading to the upper floor, and a painted sign announced that on this second floor was situated the office of James Jesse Strang, priest, king and prophet of the Mormons.