A Great Burning Summary

Anna and Elinor do not understand why the disease affects some and not others living in the same household. When Elinor coughs, Anna pretends she doesn't hear it. The second time, there is no ignoring the cough as Elinor hacks for several minutes. Elinor tells her it's just a little cold. Anna can't hold back her tears. Elinor takes a handkerchief to wipe Anna's eyes, but does not, stuffing it back in her whisket. Anna knows then that Elinor is afraid of passing on the plague. The next three days, Elinor's fever rises and her cough worsens. Anna stays by her side as much as possible. Anna thinks of all the things that Elinor has become to her - a mother figure, a teacher and a friend. Whenever Mompellion comes to be at Elinor's side, Anna feels the old...