Read The Calling of Emily Evans for Free Online Page B

mission, some endeavor that would fit in with preparing herself for her future work. But her father had requested that she spend the time with them, and she was anxious to honor his wishes where possible.
    The summer eventually was over, though it seemed to Emily twice as long as normal. She was glad to pack her trunk and her suitcase and board the train for school.
    But just maybe, she reasoned with herself as her train chugged south, just maybe these weeks of canning beans and tomatoes with Ina were the very best way I could have spent the summer. Maybe even the best preparation.…
    Back into the rhythm of school life, she conscientiously obeyed the dorm rules, which meant that she was in bed on time. I might as well be up studying, she sometimes grumbled as she lay in bed with her eyes wide open, the threat of an impending exam hanging over her troubled head. Her grades slipped a little, but she struggled on, willing herself to make use of each precious moment of her day. Lord, I trust you with my time, my health, and my grades, she prayed.
    Her social life dwindled down to almost none, and she soon became known as “Nose-In-A-Book Emily.” She seldom had time to indulge in a leisurely stroll uptown or a game of table tennis in the recreation room. But Emily didn’t mind. She knew she needed to cram as much Bible learning into the short year as she possibly could.
    She’d already had two interviews with the district superintendent, and on both occasions he had assured her that he would see she got a position as soon as she qualified.
    A reading course had to be fulfilled, and Emily laboriously tried to fit it in along with her studies. It was difficult for her to read and report on all the required books, but if she didn’t she would be delayed in getting a church posting. Her effort to keep pace left Emily hurried and exhausted.
    Emily daily thanked God for strength, feeling that He truly was watching over her, certain He was as anxious for her to make it through the grueling school year as she was. Then two and a half weeks before the end of the term, she felt the familiar ache in her bones, the pinching tightness to her throat.
    For a few hours she tried to deny that she had the flu, but her throbbing head and the flush of her face drew others’ attention to her dilemma.
    “Are you sick, dear?” Miss Herrington asked, touching a cold hand to Emily’s forehead, and she had to nod in truthfulness.
    “I think you should be in bed,” responded the practical preceptress.“I can’t,” moaned Emily.“I have a paper due tomorrow.”
    “I’m afraid the paper will have to wait,” the preceptress continued.
    “Who is the teacher? I’ll speak to him.”
    Emily told her and reluctantly headed for her room. By now the stairs were moving strangely. Emily clung to the bannister, scarcely knowing where to place her foot for the next step.
    Miss Herrington came with some medication just as Emily pulled the covers up over her flannel nightgown and settled her head on the softly floating pillow.
    Emily found it difficult to swallow as she tried to wash the pills down with a glass of orange juice.
    “I will have Ruth double up with Judith tonight,” the lady said.“That way you will not be disturbed and Ruth will have less chance of catching the bug.”
    Emily nodded.
    “Do you feel sick to your stomach?” the preceptress asked.
    Emily shook her head.
    “Well, I’ll leave this basin handy just in case,” Miss Herrington went on.“And I will look in on you often.”
    Emily mumbled her thanks and willed the pills to work soon.
    It was well that Miss Herrington had the foresight to leave the basin. Emily was soon in need of it—over and over again. The medication won’t have any chance to work, Emily moaned. Miss Herrington was kept busy rinsing the basin and bathing Emily’s flushed face.
    For four days the chills and fever raged. Emily could feel the strength being sucked from her slight body. When she could