Miriam and the Stranger by Jerry S. Eicher Read Free Book Online Page A

money away?”
    Mose sputtered. “Of course not, but… oh, my, that’s a ton of cash. Did she really give it all away? That would take a character fashioned of the Lord’s hands indeed.”
    Bishop Mullet hesitated. “It’s not like I saw the money, but Deacon Phillips assured me she handed him a two-million-dollar check made out to the Clarita Relief Fund. If she spent a few dollars before that, what does it matter?”
    Before Mose could think of a response, the barn door rattled behind them, and the bishop’s frau, Ellen, called out. “Lunchtime, you two. Or do you plan to talk about church matters all day?”
    “Coming,” Bishop Mullet called back. “We were talking about…” The protest died on his lips when the barn door closed.
    “Does your frau think well of Miriam?” Mose asked.
    Bishop Mullet snorted. “You are an impossible man, Mose. After what I told you, you still have questions?”
    Mose looked away. “I know. I guess I’ll never stop asking questions. That’s just me.” He followed Bishop Mullet out of the barn toward the house.
    Bishop Mullet turned with an amused look and said, “Soon Miriam will be asking questions about you if you don’t make up your mind.”
    Mose laughed. “Oh, I’ve made up my mind. It’s just that the questions keep coming.”
    The two chuckled as they entered the house and sat down at the kitchen table. Ellen joined them, and they bowed their heads in thanks for the food laid out on the table.
    With the amen said, Ellen pointed to the bowl in the middle of the table. “Dish it out. It’s potato soup, and I have pecan pie for dessert. Not much, but we’ll have more if you stay for supper.”
    “You should, you know.” Bishop Mullet glanced at Mose. “Ellen sets a nice spread for supper.”
    Mose filled his bowl with steaming potato soup before he answered. “Thanks, but I have to see Miriam tonight. I’m sure Ellen’s a fine cook, but I’ll have to find out more some other time.”
    “Oh, she’s the best,” Bishop Mullet assured him. “Why don’t you ask Ellen how Miriam can cook? That’s one question I haven’t heard you ask, and it’s one I can’t answer.”
    Mose grinned. “Don’t you think I’ve asked enough questions for one day? I’m sure the woman can cook.”
    Ellen smiled but still answered, “I don’t know that much about any of our young community girls’s cooking, but Fannie is among the best, and I can’t see where she’d have failed to teach Miriam—if Miriam hadn’t already learned at home. Possum Valley is known for its tasty dishes, is it not?”
    “That it is,” Mose agreed as he took another spoonful of soup. “This is excellent, by the way. And thanks for the hospitality.”
    “Mose was afraid he’d starve,” Bishop Mullet teased, “if Miriam agreed to wed him.”
    Ellen eyed Mose for a moment. “Miriam is dear to our hearts, you know. She’s had a rough row to hoe when it comes to men.”
    “That’s what I’ve heard,” Mose managed. “You don’t think I’d…”
    “I’m just expressing my concern,” Ellen said. “Miriam doesn’t need her heart broken again.”
    “I wouldn’t, of course…” Mose searched for words. He hadn’t expected this line of questions. “Surely you don’t think I’d give the woman hope only to jilt her?”
    Ellen gave him a sharp look. “I just wanted to get in my two cents. If you walk away now, Miriam won’t get hurt, but don’t decide in a few months to leave her after you’ve made wedding plans.”
    “I will treat the woman properly, as the Lord directs,” Mose protested.
    “I think my frau means this well,” Bishop Mullet replied, taking charge again. “This just shows you, Mose, how well-regarded Miriam is in the community.”
    “I do see this,” Mose allowed. “And I assure you that I’ll be careful with Miriam’s heart.”
    “That’s all we can ask,” Bishop Mullet said.
    Silence settled in the kitchen as they finished their soup. Ellen