MARTHA

“Dr.McLoughlin told me that you teach school here in Oregon City,” Arthur said. “I can tell that you’re a woman of education and culture. Aren’t your considerable abilities withering away here in this boorish wasteland?”

“Au contraire,” Martha said. “In fact, this is the place where my ‘abilities’ are most needed.”

As they ate, Martha recounted how she’d not only taught the children, but helped many adults to see the need for a good education. She felt her crowning jewel was helping Becky and Jenny Miller to prepare for the Oregon Institute.

“You mean these unlettered girls are thinking of attending an institution of  higher learning?” Arthur said. “What school would ever accept them?”

 “Mr. Kelly,” Martha snapped. “They are not ‘unlettered.’ You should contact the Oregon Institute. And don’t you ever insult me or any of my students again. If you have no further questions, this interview is finished, and you are excused from the table. Good night.”

Kelly was shocked. He was not accustomed to strong willed women. He started to get up.

“Mr. Kelly, wait,” Martha said. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. But I get very defensive about my students, especially when I’m so close to them. Please, let’s continue the interview.”

John couldn’t control the laughter, and turned his head, coughing into his napkin. When he regained his composure, he broke the tension.

“Arthur met Little Deer the other day,” he said to Martha.

“Did you meet his wife, Morning Dove?” Martha said. “She is one of my closest friends,

and so beautiful. I must find out her beauty secrets.”

Arthur took out a large briefcase, and displayed his illustrations of the Indian village. The pencil drawings were exquisite of Chief Black Hawk, Little Deer, Morning Dove and their children, and all the tribal council. There was one of Little Deer setting majestically on his horse. John gasped at its beauty.

“Here, John,” Arthur said. “Little Deer is your friend, and you should have this.” He gave it to John, then took out many more sketches. He gave some of Morning Dove, Little Deer, and the

children to Martha.

“I want to get some drawings of you and your family, John,” he said. “Martha, I hope you don’t think I’m intruding, but I want some of your class, also.”

Martha was very pleased. “Yes, I’d like that,” she said.

After the meal, Martha cleared the table, and washed her dishes. John read a story to his children from the Bible

Arthur took out his pencil, and began to draw. “That looks like a very old Bible, John,” he said.

“It is very old,” John said. “It belonged to my grandfather. When we left Boston, I asked my father if I could have it. He never wanted anything to do with religion, and was probably glad to get rid of it. Someday, Johnny with have this.”

They talked late into the night, and John and Martha revealed their deepest feelings about many things.

The children slept with John and Martha, and Arthur occupied the other bedroom. As Martha slipped into bed, she felt the bed shaking. She realized John was laughing.

“What’s so funny?” she whispered.

“The way you tried to end the interview,” he whispered. “Didn’t you see his face? He probably thought you’d chase him with that big carving knife on the table.”

“Oh, just shut up, and go to sleep, before you wake up these children.” He continued to laugh, as Martha sighed in disgust.