Slowly Mrs. Williams improved, until one morning she said: "Is this Heaven, and are Ralph and my children here?"
"Yes, Rose," her husband replied, "Ralph and the children are here, and henceforth I will do all I can to make this home Heaven on earth."
The years rolling by saw John still fighting the fight for his Maker. Out of the gratitude Ralph Williams had felt for the Divine mercy shown him, had sprung a determination to do all in his power towards uplifting others. John eagerly accepted his services, and thus the nucleus of a rapidly growing power for good was formed.
As more and more came to know the meaning of "Christ Crucified," they entered heart and soul into the work of spreading the truth to others and soon a mightly cohort of Christian workers spread over the city. Individually and with them John labored night and day sustained by his faith and enthusiasm.
The work of directing the efforts of so many, the nightly vigil at the bedside of sick and dying, the continual breathing of the vitiated air of the lower quarters of the city, gradually sapped the strength of John, who did not know the meaning of fatigue when a call on the service of his Christ sounded.
At last an attack of nervous prostration made him realize his position, and yielding to the importunities of his parents and fellow-workers, he consented to take a vacation.
Where should he go but to the broad, sunny prairies of Dakota, to his dearly remembered friends, the Longs and Lily.
She met him with outstretched arms and a glad smile of welcome. With the glory of dawning womanhood about her she was more than ever the "Queen of the Prairie," but by the soft light in her eyes John saw that she was still his Lily.
During the long pleasant vacation which followed, John gained strength and vigor once more, and its close found him ably equipped to take up Christ's work once more.
Mr. and Mrs. Long were doubly sorrowful at their second parting from him, for his heart had found its mate and Lily was accompanying him.
He had gained a lovely bride, and more than that, an enthusiastic helpmate.
Together they took up the work where John had left it. Ere long the erstwhile "Queen of the Prairie" was known as "Angel of the Poor," for her womanly sympathy could often find its way into darkness which even John's earnestness failed to penetrate.