In a few moments the vision was over, and Joseph Smith opened his eyes
and smiled in his own slow kindly way upon the frightened girl and upon
Angel Halsey, who stood with steadfast mien.

"It has been revealed to me in heaven that the soul of the elect sister
is indeed given to be united to the soul of this young disciple, that
thereby she may obtain salvation."

He took Susannah's hand, and she felt no power to resist him; he clasped
Halsey's almost more timid and reluctant hand over it.

"Wherefore in the sight of God and in the sight of these elect saints
now present I declare that these two are joined together in the mystical
union of a most holy marriage which God himself has revealed from
heaven."

For some moments Susannah gazed fascinated; then she snatched away her
hand; dignity sought to maintain itself; pride rose up in anger. Her
growing awe of the prophet numbed to a certain extent both these
sentiments, but stronger than pride and self-respect and awe was some
tender shame within her heart which was hurt beyond enduring, so that
she put her hands before her face and wept, and walked away from them
weeping, followed by Emma, who began, as they walked, to weep in
sympathy.

Tears bring relief to the brain, a relief it is hard to distinguish from
comfort of soul. When Susannah could check her unaccustomed sobs, when
she found herself walking quietly homeward with only the weeping Emma by
her side, the spirit of long suffering and patience stole upon her