Faithful Unto Death

A Full House

“biltis, turkey, March 1882 “My dear sister and family, “My health continues to improve, thanks in part to the tonic you sent, for which many thanks. Thank you also for the gloves; they have already served me well. I shared the box of ‘ribbon candy’ with Miss Jacobson , who enjoyed it greatly. “I share your concerns about this new president, Chester Arthur. I pray, however, that the son of a Baptist preacher will have an appreciation for the importance of Christian education both at home and abroad. “Although I don’t remember Amelia Brace very well, I, too, am happy that Brainard has found a good girl of good family on whom to af‹x his affections. When is the wedding to be? “I’m sure you will share with me in rejoicing about this good news. The sultan has granted the Missionary Board permission to open the girls’ school in Smyrna. Rather than awaiting the permits to build anew, they will modify several homes for this purpose. While my experience might have been of value in this endeavor, I feel that my place is here for as long as the Lord sees ‹t to keep me here . . .” A Full House benzonia, march 1883 henry stomped the wet leaves from his boots.The rain had eased off, but the brightness of the lamps and the warmth of the stove were welcome nonetheless. Roy and Ralph sat at the kitchen table with their books. “Papa!” Lottie ran to him and threw her arms blissfully around his legs. He laughed and tried to fend her off. “You’ll get all wet,” he scolded her playfully, as he peeled his coat off. “Grandpa’s sick,” she informed him solemnly. Henry frowned, turned to Anna, who glowered at Lottie. “Miss Big-Britches needs to mind her own business.” Lottie, abashed, backed against the wall. “Anna? Whose father is sick, please?” “My father. He’s had another bad spell. Dr. Steward fears he may have had a shock. His left arm is numb, he says, and he seems a little confused.” 69 “Oh, that poor man,” said Henry. “Shall I go over there now?” “No, Henry, don’t, it would only disturb Elvira. The poor thing is quite worn down as it is, what with nursing and worry. Were it not for you and the children, I’d stay over there with her for a few days.” “Now, Anna, you know full well that we can look after ourselves, for a day or two. We’ll decide what to do if he isn’t back on his feet by then.” “well, david, how are you feeling today?” David’s face quivered as he attempted to form words. “Shouldn’t you be on your way to Frankfort to carry that summons?” asked Anna while she dabbed at the saliva that dribbled from the left corner of David’s mouth, runneling into his beard. “Oh, we’re ‹ne,” Elvira answered Henry’s question. Her worn face seemed to have developed more lines in the last few days. David pushed impatiently at Anna’s hand, the one with the washcloth . “Drewring rike a wayby,” he slurred, his chin quivering with the effort to speak plainly. “Henry, you must convince Anna to return home. We feel so morti‹ed that you and the children must shift for yourselves in her absence .” Henry had already made a decision; he hoped Anna wouldn’t mind his unilateral high-handedness. “Elvira, David, why don’t you both come and stay with us, just until David’s feeling better? We have plenty of room, you know.” “Oh, Elvira, do,” urged Anna. “We can move a lounge into the downstairs room for you, and David can have the bed.” “We couldn’t possibly!” Elvira was indignant, and David shook his head. Two days later, without understanding exactly how it had happened, the Spencers were installed in the east room of the Thackers’ downstairs . A row of lilacs shaded the room from the bright morning sun; for the ‹rst two weeks of David’s installation the fragrance of their blossoms drifted into his room on the warm air. “benzonia, July 3, 1883 “Dear Charlotte, “Please, dear sister, do reconsider your refusal to come home, at least for a few months. We continue to be concerned for Father’s health. Dr. Steward feels he may have had another shock. His speech is very 70 [18.117.216.229] Project MUSE (2024-04-25 01:33 GMT...