Read Miriam's Secret for Free Online Page B

Miriam was on the couch beside Shirley. Daett sat upright in his rocking chair across from the two girls. Mamm was sitting next to him in her rocker.
    Shirley cringed inwardly, wondering what Daett was going to say. Mamm had spoken her mind earlier, so tonight the lecture would come from him. From the look on his face, he’d already been informed of her transgressions. No doubt a strong rebuke would soon begin, followed by instructions toward living a more godly life. Shirley didn’t object to that—in theory. It was the unpleasantness of that kind of journey that bothered her.
    Breaking the silence in the living room, Daett cleared his throat. “Shirley, is this true what I hear?”
    â€œWhat have you heard?” Shirley wanted to ask, but she remained silent and nodded.
    â€œI’m glad to hear that you’ve confessed this thing.” Daett ’s tone grew tense. “But driving around in a car with Jonas Beachy? Shirley! What were you thinking?”
    â€œI’m sorry,” Shirley whispered.
    Daett grunted and fell silent.
    No doubt Daett doesn’t think much of my apology, Shirley thought. And she couldn’t blame him really. She waited. More lay ahead, she was sure. And she needed all the lectures Daett could give her. Somehow she had to learn to obey like Miriam and Naomi did.
    â€œIs it the money, Shirley?” Daett asked. “Is this why you’re stretching our boundaries of a decent rumspringa time?”
    Shirley sat up. She didn’t hesitate. “Maybe. I know not having a lot of money shouldn’t bother me, but it does. And I’m sorry that it does.”
    Daett hung his head. “At moments like this, I wish I had all the money in Berlin…or even in Possum Valley.”
    â€œI’m so sorry, Daett .” Shirley rose from the couch. “I’ll forget about Jonas Beachy right now. I promise!”
    â€œI’d rather you obeyed me instead of making empty promises all the time.” Daett ’s voice was weary. “You know what’s right, Shirley, but you don’t get it done.” He settled back in the rocker with a sigh.
    Shirley almost whispered she was sorry again, but her daett started talking again.
    â€œI may be tempted at times by the promises money makes, Shirley. But in my heart I know those promises aren’t true. You would do well to learn the same truth. The promises of money are always false, and they will always be false no matter howmany nice things in life one can buy with money. In the end, the Lord is glorified only when we accept our lot in life and take what He gives and doesn’t give without complaint.”
    What if it’s my lot in life to marry a rich man? she thought. She bit her lip to keep from blurting it out.
    Daett went on. “If I’ve failed to live my life as a gut example before you, Shirley, I apologize from the bottom of my heart.”
    â€œAnd I want to say the same thing,” Mamm said at once. “I know I’m not nearly as gut an example as your daett is, but still…”
    â€œThat’s not true!” The words sprang from Shirley’s lips. “You two are the best examples anyone could have.” Shirley winced because the stabbing pains caused by her parents’ words were cutting deep. She’d been ready for a long lecture, but their sorrow was much harder to bear.
    â€œI’m glad to hear you say that,” Mamm said. “Your daett is a father worthy of your respect.”
    â€œI know. I’ll try to do better!” Shirley looked away. If only she were convinced by her own words. She wanted to obey at that moment, but what about later? How much time would pass before she forgot her resolve…or disregarded it and did something wrong again? She was sure one glimpse of Jonas would be all that was needed for her sincere resolution to fly out the window.
    Daett seemed to be of the same opinion. “You