She reminded Papa to tithe, which Mama had always insisted on out of gratitude to the missionaries who had cared for her in China.

That night Hanna slept poorly, wondering what she would face in school the next day. The sheets felt scratchy; the quilt lay askew no matter how many times she tried to straighten it. She shifted and squirmed for at least half the night.

Monday morning came too quickly.

11

HANNA’S STEPS SLOWED as she neared the schoolhouse. She had to force her feet to continue up to the building and into the lean-to. Not until she took off her bonnet did she notice the quiet.

She realized then that the schoolyard had been empty. No one was in the lean-to, and she knew before walking into the schoolroom that she would see no students there.

Miss Walters sat at her desk, writing in the ledger. As Hanna slid into her seat, she heard footsteps in the lean-to.

Sam entered, followed by Dolly, Bess, and Sadie, Bess’s sister. By the time Miss Walters rapped on her desk to begin the school day, no other students had arrived.

Hanna stole a glance at Sam. He hunched over a book, but she could tell that he wasn’t reading it. He was staring at nothing, his usual cheery countenance replaced by a scowl, which made her stomach knot in foreboding.

“Good morning, students. Please take out your readers.”

Miss Walters apparently intended for school to progress as usual, despite the absence of most of the students. Hanna saw Bess and Dolly exchange quizzical looks.

Then a timid knock sounded at the schoolroom door. Hanna turned and saw Pearl Baxter, Sam’s little sister, standing in the doorway.

“Good morning, Miss Walters,” she said, in a voice barely above a whisper.

Hanna sensed a slight movement across the aisle and looked over to see that Sam had slouched even lower in his seat. With his face all but hidden by the book, only the top of his forehead was visible.

“Come in, Pearl,” Miss Walters said.

“I—no, miss,” Pearl said. She took a sideways step and clutched the doorframe. “I’m just—I’ve come to fetch Sam home.”

Miss Walters tilted her head a little and spoke gently. “I hope there’s nothing wrong.”

“No—no, miss. Ma said to tell you, he’s needed at home.” Pearl looked as if she were about to cry. “Sam? Ma said that if I come home without you, I’ll get a whipping.”

Hanna clenched her jaw against the familiar twinned feelings of anger and helplessness. Poor little girl. Her own mother, scaring her like that.

Sam stood abruptly. “It’s all right, Pearl, it’s not your fault. I’m coming now.” He walked to the door, then paused and glanced back at the teacher. “I’m sorry, miss.”