Read RR05 - Tender Mercies for Free Online

could relax and be himself later and not encounter any discipline problems. Sometimes that was hard, as right now. The little ones were so earnest. He glanced up to wave good-bye to their driver and was forced to try to hide his shock. Miss MacCallister had driven the children in. He finished his wave, grateful she couldn’t see the heat rising up his neck. He’d been so rude the other day. The guilt of it flamed him every time the thought returned. He’d been ungentlemanly, let alone unpastoral. While she visited here, she was part of his flock and deserved respectful attention. He would have to apologize.
    “Twenty-nine,” called out fifteen-year-old Swen Baard.
    “Thank you,” Solberg called back, hiding his surprise that the Baard boys returned this year. Joseph had grumbled last spring about needing his sons in the fields, that they had all the book learning they needed. Agnes must have put her foot down.
    “Since we have more pupils this year, we will be somewhat crowded until we get new desks, so I expect you all to treat each other with good manners.” He dreaded the thought of having the older boys and girls sharing the higher benches, especially because of the teasing that went on with the Baard boys. He’d almost looked forward to their not being here this year.
    He looked down at a tug on his coattails.
    “Pathtor Tholberg, I brung you thith.” Slender to the point of emaciation, Anna Helmsrude held out a bright red apple for him. “I picked it juth for you.”
    He wanted to gather the little girl into his arms and shield her from all harm. “Thank you, Anna,” he said, his face as serious as her own. The Helmsrude family had more pride than possessions, but Anna insisted on bringing him presents. How would he ever find time this year to help her get over her lisp when he had so many students? Dear God, help her get through another winter. She is so frail . Praying for his pupils, as well as his congregation, was as natural as breathing. Listening for the answers took more doing.
    He turned and led the way into the soddy classroom that was formerly the church and school combined. As the children passed the line of pegs along the back wall, they hung up their coats and set their lunch pails on the shelf built for that purpose, then made their way to the benches. Just as he feared, there were more boys than girls in the upper grades.
    Baptiste and Swen eyed the same seat.
    Thorliff raised his hand. “I can sit on the floor today and bring a chair tomorrow.”
    “I can stay home.” The giggles that answered Baptiste’s reply showed how the children had come to accept him as one of their own.
    “Thank you, Thorliff, but why don’t you go over to my house and get a chair from there for today? We’ll work something else out tomorrow.” Actually he’d thought of having Thorliff help him with the younger children. The boy learned quickly and was so far ahead of the others that keeping him busy took plenty of forethought.
    As Thorliff left the room, the others settled in.
    John Solberg glanced around the room. Most everyone had slates, and several had new books they raised with pride when they saw him looking. Those who read well were already studying the bookshelves, one of which held all new books he’d ordered over the summer. Other books had been sent by his mother, who had impressed the ladies of her church to consider Blessing School their mission for the year. He hoped to have boxes for the children to open and delight over once in a while.
    “We will now stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and our morning Scripture reading, after which we will ask our heavenly Father to bless this school year.” The older children got to their feet, and the younger followed suit.
    Pastor Solberg pointed to the American flag hanging in the corner and put his hand over his heart. The older girls helped the younger children get the right hand in place, and they all stood erect.
    “I pledge allegiance to the