The Shunning Read Online Free PDF Page B

and prayer.
    Without having to be told, Eli and Benjamin put aside their game and faced their father as he leafed through the pages. He knew the Good Book like the back of his hand, and from the firm set of his jaw, Katie suspected he had something definite in mind for tonight’s reading.
    He read first in High German, then translated into English out of habit—and, probably, for emphasis. Katie put down her sewing needle and tried to concentrate on the verses being read. But with Mam upstairs recovering from who knows what, it was mighty difficult.
    “Romans, chapter twelve, verses one and two.” Dat’s voice held the ring of authority they had all come to respect. He began reading: “‘I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
    “‘And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”’
    The perfect will of God . The words pricked Katie’s conscience. How could God’s good and perfect will be at work in her? She was harboring sin—continual sin—and with little regret at that, even dragging her feet about the required repenting.
    After the incident in the attic, she knew without a doubt that she was spiritually unfit to nurture John Beiler’s innocent children . . . or, for that matter, to bear him future offspring. What had she been thinking? How could she stand beside him on their wedding day and for all the years to come as a godly, submissive wife, an example of obedience to the People?
    The questions vexed her, and when Dat finished his short prayer, Katie lit a second lamp, headed for her room, and undressed for the night. Before pulling down the bedcovers, she resolved to pay Mary Stoltzfus a visit instead of Bishop John. First thing tomorrow after the milking, she’d talk things over with her dearest and best friend. Mary would know what was right.
    That settled, Katie congratulated herself on this decision as she slipped between the cold cotton sheets and blew out the lantern.
    ————
    Around midnight, muffled sounds were heard in the attic. At first, Katie thought she must be dreaming. But at five o’clock, when Dat’s summons to get up and help with chores resounded through the hallway, she remembered the thumping noises overhead. Her heart leaped up at the prospect of investigating the attic—an unexpected opportunity to hold the beautiful satin fabric, the feel of it against her fingertips like forbidden candy. Perhaps one more delicious taste would satisfy her cravings.
    Just once more , she thought while brushing her long, thick hair by lantern light. From sheer habit, she twisted the hair near her temples into a tight row on both sides, then drew the mass of it back into a smooth bun.
    Dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes. . . .
    She set the white mesh kapp on top of her head, its ties dangling. Over thick woolen longjohns, she pulled on a solid brown choring dress and black apron.
    Perhaps today she, Katie Lapp—soon to be the bishop’s wife— might make a fresh start of things. Maybe today would be different. Maybe today she could be the right kind of woman in God’s eyes. With all her heart, mind, and soul, she would try.
    Katie heard the sound of Dat’s voice downstairs; Mam’s, too, as she leaned into the stairwell, listening. She was comforted by the thought that her mother was up, hopefully feeling well and preparing to cook a hearty breakfast.
    If she did not delay, she might have time to visit the attic before morning prayer. She rushed back to her bedroom, reached for the oil lamp, and tiptoed to the ladder leading to the attic.
    She climbed the rungs as quickly as she dared and, reaching the top, pushed the heavy attic door open. Then, scrambling up into the