“Two o’clock is the usual time for funerals,” she replied her words sharply spoken. “I have not heard otherwise.” Usual time. The statement sounded cold hearted. As if people lived and died and were buried on schedule. Two o’clock for funerals. “I will ring the bell dismissing classes,” she informed him.
“Yes. Thank you,” Royce replied and moved to the front of the classroom. Chills were looping down his spine. There was something not quite human about Miss Ferguson and he realized it was her total disregard for human suffering. Women were supposed to be the gentler sex. Miss Ferguson’s cold approach to death was chilling.
Royce watched Miss Ferguson walk across the schoolyard. The woman did not possess a graceful bone in her ample body. She lumbered like an ox. He shook his head sadly before going back inside his classroom. He should pity Miss Ferguson. A woman of her nature and looks would never attract a husband. She was doomed to teaching school until age caught up to her and she must retire.
“Good morning,” Elizabeth greeted. Lydia looked at Royce shyly. Since the day of the Fair Lydia had withdrawn into herself. Was it due to Superintendent Hervey’s coming visit or something Royce had said or done. He hoped it was not the latter.
“There was a death,” Royce asked. Being the Minister’s daughter Elizabeth would have more information.
“Yes Sir,” Elizabeth replied. “A Mr. Hogan. He just arrived in Junction City a few days ago. He has a little girl that is staying with us.” The girl Royce had seen on Monday. The child had opened the front door. “The funeral is at two o’clock today,” Elizabeth finished.
“Miss Ferguson was just here and informed me,” Royce replied. No more was said as other students arrived. He would ask Faith about the man’s death and about the little girl. She had seemed vaguely familiar. The name Hogan meant nothing but he met lots of men and unless there was something particularly interesting about Hogan. Royce was not likely to remember him. Besides, he was better at remembering faces.
Chapter Fourteen
Once it was learned that Reverend Gaines had taken in Mr. Hogan’s orphan daughter. The citizens of Junction City were quick to offer help. Faith wondered if it was really out of kindheartedness or curiosity before scolding herself for being uncharitable. Mrs. Bloom arrived early Wednesday morning with a brown wrapped package of dresses her two daughters had outgrown. “No one seems to know how old the poor thing is,” Mrs. Bloom apologized. “I do hope something will fit.”
“You must not concern yourself. Imogen and I are both good seamstresses. I am sure we can make any alterations necessary. Laurie is seven,” Faith replied making the right sounds of gratitude. People expected their offerings to be appreciated and rightly so.
“Seven you say. So very young to be without family,” Mrs. Bloom sympathized clucking sadly. “Will you be keeping the girl,” she asked coming into the parlor. She glanced around the room hoping to see the child. Poor Mrs. Gaines with five daughters of her own and now taking in an orphan child. Raising girls is much more expensive than boys.
“Sheriff Walden is checking into any family she might have,” Faith answered. “Please come into the dining room for a cup of coffee. The weather is beautiful today,” she added. “We were all hoping there would not be a return of Monday’s dreadful weather. Funerals are bad enough without having to stand outside in the rain.”
“Thank you,” Mrs. Bloom replied pulling a chair from under the dining table. “The weather seldom cooperates,” the woman agreed. “It seems to rain at funerals when there hasn’t been a shower for weeks.” Mrs. Bloom took the cup offered and set it on the table in front of her. She spooned sugar into her coffee adding cream from a small pitcher Faith placed on the table.
“Mrs. Hock brought by a loaf of her famous pumpkin bread. Will your have a slice with coffee,” Faith asked while she poured her coffee.
“Yes. Thank you,” Mrs. Bloom replied. “I mustn’t stay but a minute. I have a roast cooking. I will bring it by before the funeral.” Mrs. Bloom ate her slice of pumpkin bread and enjoyed her coffee. “I do believe Mrs. Hock put too much ginger in her bread this time,” the woman said standing. Before Faith could reply the woman was out the backdoor nearly running as she headed towards home.
“Thank you,” Faith called after the departing woman. Sure Mrs. Bloom was hurrying home to put a roast on to cook. One thing about the ladies of Junction City they never let another woman out do their charitable work. The Gaines Family would receive a pyramid of gifts.
“Who called,” Mary Gaines asked coming into the kitchen.
“Mrs. Bloom brought dresses for Laurie,” Faith answered as she washed dishes.
“How thoughtful,” Mary replied. “The child has very little worth keeping,” she whispered. “I wonder how she managed to keep body and soul together.”
“Children accept whatever they are given,” Faith answered.
“So true,” Mary replied sadly. “I left a pile of blankets and clothes on the back porch. I will do the washing in the morning.” Mary took the chair across the table from her daughter. “A death always reminds me how fragile life is,” she whispered.
“Imogen has Laurie upstairs. We thought it would be better if no one sees her before the funeral. People can be thoughtless in their comments,” Faith explained.
“People seldom mean to be cruel,” Mary replied tactfully.
“Words can hurt all the same,” Faith answered. “Have you finished cleaning the wagon,” she asked.
“Philip is finishing now,” Mary replied. “He is taking down the canvas top. The wagon is in
