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

got up to bring over the pecan pie from the counter.
    “This is gut cooking, that’s for sure,” Mose offered as he took a large bite.
    Ellen smiled. “So how are you finding the rest of the community?”
    “Friendly and open,” Mose said. “I have no complaints.”
    “I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself.” Ellen pushed the pie pan toward him. “Another piece perhaps?”
    Mose shook his head and finished moments later. They bowed their heads, and Bishop Mullet led out in a final prayer of thanks.
    Mose pushed back his chair and stood to his feet. “I’m so glad you had me in to lunch, and everything was delicious. I’m sorry I can’t come back for supper.”
    “Maybe next week,” Ellen said with a smile.
    “We’ll have to see, I guess,” Mose said as he took his leave. He untied Ralph to drive north toward the schoolhouse. He pulled his pocket watch out to check the time. At two o’clock school would still be in session. Maybe he could catch the last recess if he hurried. Afterward he’d stay and watch how the classes were run. He was sure Miriam would have things in order, but he wished to see for himself.
    Mose jiggled the reins and pushed Ralph to a fast trot. He soon saw the playground ahead filled with schoolchildren, and he slowed down. The children stopped in their play to watch him drive in, but no one paid him any further attention once he parked his buggy. After Mose tied up at the hitching post, he approached the schoolhouse doorway. Miriam met him there with her eyes downcast.
    “You have come to visit?” she whispered.
    “ Yah , if I may.” Mose regarded her with a steady gaze.
    Miriam seemed flustered but welcomed him inside with a small hand motion. “I’ll ring the bell in a few moments, but you’re welcome to look around.”
    “I’ll do that,” Mose said.
    She led him up the steps, and Mose glanced around. Everything appeared neat and in order, even for the end of a long school day. This spoke well of Miriam. If she could manage a schoolhouse,she could keep their house in order and raise any kinner the Lord gave them with decency and decorum.
    “You can have a seat over there,” Miriam said, motioning with her hand again as she reached for the bell, “if you want to stay longer.”
    Mose smiled and nodded. “I believe I will, if you don’t mind.”
    “Things can get a little hectic the last period.” Miriam glanced down again. “But I have nothing to hide.”
    “It’s okay,” he assured her. “Everything looks as it should.”
    She appeared relieved and moved to ring the bell. Mose settled on the bench and observed the students as they entered. No one ran or stared at him after their first brief glances in his direction. By the time Miriam called the next grade to come up for their time with her, the students seemed to have forgotten him.
    This was how a decent school was run, Mose told himself. Miriam was clearly a fine teacher. A fine woman. Truly the Lord had led him all the way here to find a virtuous woman the likes of which he hadn’t dared imagine. With a smile on his face, Mose slipped out the back door and untied Ralph. He’d see Miriam again tonight, and his approval of her would only increase. Of this he was certain.

Chapter Seven

    A n hour later Miriam watched from the schoolhouse window as the last of her students’ buggies disappeared in the distance. Her head still hurt from the tension of knowing Mose had been sitting on the bench near the window scrutinizing everything with an intense gaze while she had tried to keep a normal flow to the schoolhouse routine.
    Thankfully, he’d left before she dismissed school, but her headache hadn’t. None of the students had asked embarrassing questions about her relationship with Mose before they left. Likely plenty of little minds would have queries for their mamm and daett at home, but that was to be expected. Most of the community knew about Mose Stoll and why he was here, and knew that Bishop Mullet