“It is hard to imagine the possibility,” Nancy agreed, “but it must surely be what we strive for in our daily living. If we ignore the problem, it’s not going to diminish.”
“Truer words were never spoken,” Clementine agreed. “It’s amazing to me how much the small children in my classes hate some races or even genders. I have heard young boys deny the value of their female counterparts until I suggest that without them, humankind would be incomplete.”
Faith shook her head. “I imagine that was not what those children wanted to hear.”
“No,” Clementine continued, “but it is easy, as a teacher, to quickly discern what parents believe by what comes out of their children’s mouths.” She glanced up at the clock. “Oh goodness, look at the time. We’re going to be late, Mimi, if we don’t hurry.”
That declaration sped up the meal for everyone, even though Nancy, Faith, and Mrs. Weaver had nowhere in particular to be. Faith’s first class wasn’t until ten o’clock, so she eased back in her seat and sipped her coffee in leisure.
“I understand you’re attending college to become a doctor,” Mrs. Weaver said as Mimi and Clementine bid them good-bye.
Faith gave the ladies a wave, then turned her full attention to Mrs. Weaver. “I am. I’ve considered myself a physician since I was twenty, but this way I’ll have the paperwork behind me to back my claim.”
“I cannot imagine enjoying such . . . intimate work.”
Faith nodded. “It certainly isn’t for everyone. The very thought of doing what a physician must do is overwhelming to most. But it’s my calling. I felt from a young age that God wanted me to work one-on-one with people. I had no idea what that would entail, but as I grew older, I found myself fascinated by the healing arts. It’s so fulfilling to comfort and care for someone who is injured or ill. It also allows me to share my faith, which is always a privilege.”
Mrs. Weaver nodded. “It is, isn’t it? Telling someone about God’s goodness and what He has done to benefit and protect us should always be considered a privilege, yet it so seldom is.” The old woman slipped several biscuits into her pocket as if she were doing nothing more unusual than placing her napkin on the table.
Faith had watched Mrs. Weaver throughout their meal. She was always slipping something into her pocket. At first Faith had thought she was taking the silver, but it soon became evident that the old woman was only interested in food. At one point she had wrapped several sausage links in a well-worn napkin before putting that in her apron pocket. What was she up to? Surely Nancy allowed her the freedom to come for food throughout the day should she need it.
Later, after Mrs. Weaver had retired to her room with a fresh pitcher of water, Faith asked Nancy about the situation.
“I used to think she had a hidden pet—that perhaps she had slipped a cat or dog in among her crates. I thought that was also the reason she refused to use the community facilities and instead insisted on a chamber pot. You know, in order to manage the waste. But I’ve never heard anything that would suggest an animal is on the premises. Surely we would have heard barking or mewing.”
“Perhaps because she lived through the War Between the States, she suffered from hunger. The South was very hard hit and deprived in order to force it back into compliance with the North. I’ve read that many people starved to death—especially in prisoner of war camps.”
“Seth suggested the same thing. For me, it really doesn’t matter. She has never been difficult to manage, so I refuse to interfere. The few times I have gone into her room, I never find it in disarray. In fact, she keeps better house than I do.”
Faith laughed. “I find that doubtful.”
“Well, overall,” Nancy said, getting to her feet as she began to collect dishes, “I’m rather glad to have less work. Especially now.”
“Why especially now?”
Nancy smiled. “I’ve been dying to tell someone, but I wanted to be certain. I believe I’m going to have a baby.”
Faith beamed. “Truly? That’s wonderful news. Have you told Seth?”
“No. I wanted to be sure. I suppose I’m still not completely sure. I’ve wanted a baby for so long. The entire eight years I was married to Albert, I longed for a baby and never once did I conceive. Now I’ve only