Miriam's Secret Read Online Free PDF

that if this wasn’t nipped in the bud, she might end up leaving the faith to marry the man? Miriam was sure Jonas would never rejoin the Amish. His daett , after all, was the pastor or elder or something of their church, to say nothing of that fancy house they lived in. Why did money do this to people? It would destroy Shirley’s life if she didn’t let go of the desire to chase it. Miriam closed her eyes for a moment. When she opened them, she clucked to get Mindy moving again.
    Silence continued between Miriam and Shirley as Mindyworked her way up the final grade into Berlin. The afternoon rush of traffic had begun, but they stayed to the side streets and missed most of it. Shirley had a gleam in her eye as they approached the mall where the Berlin Gospel Bookstore was located.
    Miriam parked the buggy by the long hitching rack provided for Amish customers. A few tourists stood along the street outside the mall, their cameras at the ready. If Berlin had anything, it was tourists. People flocked here in droves to see Amish life close-up. An errant thought burned through Miriam’s mind: Daett could still make money off of them if he’d act like others in the community did. But her daett wasn’t like the others, and she didn’t wish he was.
    Shirley climbed out of the buggy and waved to the tourists, who began to snap pictures at once, taking Shirley’s friendliness as an invitation.
    Miriam joined Shirley and whispered while she tied Mindy to the long metal rod, “You should be more reserved, Shirley!”
    â€œI know,” Shirley agreed.
    As they approached the Berlin Gospel Bookstore, Shirley said, “I think this job is yours. Just think positively.”
    â€œI’ll try,” Miriam said, straightening her kapp as they entered and made their way to a woman standing behind a counter.
    â€œI’m here to apply for the open job,” Miriam said as confidently as she could. “If it’s still available.”
    â€œYes, we still need help,” the woman said. “Just a minute. The manager will be right out.”
    Moments later, a man appeared who introduced himself as Mr. Clark.
    â€œWe’re the Yoder sisters—Miriam and Shirley,” Shirley said, more boldly than Miriam would have. “Eli Yoder is our daett .”
    â€œThe lame farmer, right?” Mr. Clark clarified.
    Shirley nodded and rushed on, unfazed. “Miriam’s looking for work. Her employer was Mr. Bland for three years, but he passed away this morning. And you’re the first place we’ve stopped in to look for work.”
    â€œYes, I’ve already heard about Mr. Bland. Word gets out quickly,” Mr. Clark said. “Very well-off fellow. Quite a successful businessman in his day.” Turning to Miriam, Mr. Clark asked, “How much were you paid a week, Miriam?”
    Miriam glanced at the floor as she stated the amount.
    Mr. Clark smiled. “You were well paid, indeed. Mr. Bland must have approved of your work. We can’t pay that much here, I’m afraid.”
    â€œShe’ll take what you can give and work hard,” Shirley offered.
    Mr. Clark paused to consider Miriam. “So when can you begin?”
    â€œTomorrow.” Miriam hesitated. “Is that soon enough?”
    Mr. Clark nodded. “Fill out the paperwork at the front desk.” Mr. Clark motioned toward the woman behind them. “You can begin on Friday—that’s soon enough. I’m honored we’re the first place you checked.”
    â€œThank you! Thank you very much!” Shirley chirped with a proud grin, as if she’d gotten the job herself.
    â€œYes, thank you,” Miriam said more softly.
    Mr. Clark excused himself, and Miriam stood at the counter filling out the necessary paperwork. When that was finished, the two girls headed for the buggy.
    â€œYou did quite well in there,” Miriam said.
    â€œI’m glad I could help.”