Faithful Unto Death

And Anna in the Middle

“What is it? Orah, I have to rush, really, I’ll be late.” “That’s ‹ne,” replied Orah, smoothly. “I’ll walk with you wherever you’re going.” She noted the panicky look on Sadie’s face, then stopped in front of her, bringing Sadie up short. “You don’t want to be seen with me, isn’t that it?” Sadie ›ushed. “Really, Orah, I don’t have time for this right now.” “Yes you do, you minx!” snapped Orah, not budging. “I want to know why you and Mattie, yes, and half the school, are avoiding me. Have I done anything to deserve it?” “You know.” This was barely audible. “No, I do not! What terrible thing am I supposed to have done?” The words came out in a rush. “Everyone knows, everyone at school and at church and in the town has been talking about it, what you and, and, Mr. Thacker are doing!” “I see,” Orah replied quietly. “And what, exactly, do they suppose we are doing?” Sadie stared at her, lips compressed, her face red. “What has Mr. Thacker done with me that he doesn’t do with half the girls in the Sunday school class, taken their arms when walking in the snow or lifting them down from the buggy? Mr. Thacker is just naturally friendly and jolly, and I’m a friend of the whole family. Is that a crime?” “It’s different with you, Orah, everyone sees that. It just is.” And de‹antly, “So of course no nice girl wants to be too friendly with you— what would people think, if not that we were that way too? Now you’ve gone and made me say things I didn’t like to say. I’m sorry for you, Orah, and that’s the truth.” Her dignity restored, Sadie stepped around Orah and continued down the walk. Orah stood rooted to the spot and watched her go. And Anna in the Middle anna paused at the parlor door, adjusting her light spring coat. She had lost more weight since Josie’s birth, and the sleeves hung low on her wrists. Take up the cuffs? Or wait another year and see if she ‹lled out again? Lost in contemplation, she studied the way the material draped over her upper hands. Childish wails started up from the kitchen, then died down again as Lottie’s voice spoke placatingly. Anna seemed not to notice. “Anna? Are you going out?” 112 Anna spun around, looking, Charlotte thought, sheepish. “Whatever ails you, Sister?” “I didn’t know you were in here,” laughed Anna nervously. “I thought you were resting in your room.” “Well, I’m not. Why did you jump so? You looked like a cat caught in the cream pitcher!” Anna took a deep breath, let it out again. “I’m expecting some company in a few minutes. I had planned for us to take a walk before coming back for tea.” “Who’s to watch the children while you’re gone?” Charlotte sounded peevish now. “Lottie has them. She’s in the kitchen, studying.” Charlotte, relieved of the threatened task of child care, relaxed again. “Perhaps I’ll join you in here when you return from your walk. Who is coming?” Anna ‹ddled with her sleeve again and looked away guiltily, like a child. “It’s Orah Bunker.” Charlotte stiffened. “With everything the town is saying, you’ve invited her to tea? In our house?” Anna, hearing footsteps on the path outside, lifted her head. Charlotte had heard them too. “Don’t let her in, Anna. Go to the door and tell her what-for!” Anna looked at her sister. Charlotte looked feverish, excited. Did she enjoy the idea of a common row on their own doorstep? My own doorstep, she corrected herself. “Certainly not, Charlotte, what an idea!” She strove for a tone of lightness. “You’d have me believe that Dr. Powers was right about you!” At Charlotte’s outraged look, she tried again.“Forgive me, dear. It’s only that I met Orah by chance at the market yesterday and invited her for tea and a walk outdoors. It’s just that simple. The weather has been lovely lately, hasn’t it?” She turned her back on Charlotte and hurried to the door, where Orah awaited. “I’m just ready, Orah.” Excited voices rang from the kitchen,“Orah! Orah! She’s here!” Will ran out, followed closely by Josie, and embraced Orah’s...