Faith quickly looked at Alma’s throat and then checked her glands, as well as her ears and nose. Lastly, Faith listened to her heart. It had been recently discussed in class that several cases of measles had been reported in the city, but Faith saw no sign of this.
“It’s hard to tell at this point, but we’ll treat it as best we can.” Faith reached into her bag and pulled out a small bottle. “Gargle this solution at least five times a day. Then drink willow bark tea. I know Nancy keeps some in the kitchen cupboard. Make it strong at first and add honey. Above all else, stay in bed and rest. I’ll check on you again when I return home and see how you’re feeling.”
“Thank you,” Alma said, her voice scratchy and weak.
“I’ll see that she does as you’ve instructed.” Mrs. Weaver looked worried. “I couldn’t bear for anything to happen to her.”
“Well, hopefully we have caught it soon enough, and it won’t develop into anything else. However, keep an eye open for a rash, just in case it’s measles or scarlet fever.”
“I will. I promise,” Mrs. Weaver replied, going to Alma’s side. “You must get well, Alma dear. I will fix you some toast and tea this very minute.”
Faith smiled and gathered her things. It was more than a little touching to see how the two women took care of each other. Their loyalty was inspirational.
Faith made her way down the back stairs with Mrs. Weaver following close behind her. “I can’t thank you enough,” theolder woman declared as they entered the kitchen. “If anything were to happen to Alma, I don’t think I could bear it. I could never live alone.”
“I doubt you will ever have to, Mrs. Weaver. You’ve become such a part of our family that I can’t imagine you not being with us always.” Faith patted the old woman’s shoulder. “Don’t fret. I’m sure that with your tender care, Alma will recover soon enough. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I should be on my way. The walk to the trolley will take me a bit of time. I don’t know what time lunch is served, but I don’t want to be late.”
Mrs. Weaver smiled. “No, of course not. Although I doubt your young man would even care. You will make someone a wonderful wife—it might as well be him. You’ll see. The clock will not interest him at all, except to make him wish the hours would pass sooner until you two can be together.”
Faith allowed herself to pretend the older woman was right and that their friendship might become something more. It was a dangerous pretense, but sometimes she couldn’t help herself.
“I’m glad you could make it. I wasn’t sure your classes would allow it,” Andrew said.
“Yes, well, it seems that isn’t going to be a problem anymore,” Faith replied, taking off her coat.
“Ah, yes. You’re soon to graduate.”
“That’s hardly the case.”
Her expression was so dismayed that Andrew’s muscles tightened with concern. “What’s wrong? What are you talking about?”
She placed her long coat over the back of one of the saloon chairs, and Andrew motioned for her to sit by the large stove.
“It’s warmer over here.”
Faith took a seat. It was obvious she was upset. She looked so sad, and it made him anxious. What was wrong? Could he make it right?
“Please tell me what has happened to make you so glum.”
Faith took a deep breath. “I was expelled from school for supporting Indian affairs. I helped with a fundraiser and spoke about my time growing up with the Rogue River Indians and how awful their life on the reservation is. This morning I was called into President Parrish’s office, and he told me I was expelled—permanently.”
“Permanently? But graduation is in April.”
“It is,” Faith admitted. “I have all of my requirements completed for the most part, and my grades are perfect. I’m at the top of my class, but this is about politics.”
“Politics?” Andrew took the seat beside her. “What are you talking about?”
“Men like Samuel Lakewood and Gerome Berkshire. Men so lost in their hatred of people different from themselves that they would impose this punishment upon me for daring to oppose them. They are ruthless and underhanded. It’s no wonder they’re under investigation.” She put her hand to her mouth.
“What’s wrong?”
Faith lowered her hand. “I wasn’t supposed to mention that, but I can’t help myself. I need to talk this out or I’ll go mad. Would you please pledge to keep what I’ve said—what I’m about to say—to yourself? To tell no one else?”
“Of course. I’m not one to gossip.” He smiled. “I would, however, like to comment on how pretty you are today. Although I rather miss the uniform.”
She laughed. “I thought dressing up for lunch would be fun.I wanted to take my mind off what happened, but at the same time I wanted to talk about it with someone ... with you. I need counsel, and my father is miles away in Oregon City.”
“What are you seeking counsel in regard to? The expulsion?”
