Auspitz coughed, "These are hard times, Brother Gregory," he began, shuffling his feet and not looking directly at the latest arrival. "We all have to make sacrifices." I tiny shiver ran through Mendel's body, he had never been dismissed from a post, but had heard this type of opening to a conversation only when it led to bad news.
"Oh no, not that," Auspitz quickly corrected himself, seeing the look on Mendel's face, "you are our best teacher. We would never think of replacing you!" He laughed nervously, but no one else in the room shared the attempt at levity.
"Herr Druer and Brother Timothy bring news from the Board of Trustees, and I am afraid you are not going to like it." He picked up an official looking letter from his desk and held the creamy, expensive paper as if it were going to burn him.
Knowing not how to break the news gently, the Headmaster dropped the letter back on his desk and looked directly into Mendel's eyes.
"I am sorry to have to tell you, Mendel, but the Board has decided to cut back its financial support for the 'Freikinder' program." It took a moment for the statement to reach Mendel's brain, so, as he was working it out, Auspitz hurried on. "The Board of Trustees has decided that our free pupils will only receive a half day of schooling each, from now on."
The implication struck Mendel almost a physical blow. The boys in his class who were receiving a free education at the expense of the Board, would now find their school day cut. He would only be their teacher for the morning session, and they would be sent home before the start of the afternoon classes.
"You can keep them in your class for this session," Auspitz told him, "but starting next cycle, the Tomin brothers will be sent home after the third period."
"Please forgive me," Brother Timothy interjected smoothly, "but I feel you are putting too generous interpretation on the Board's communication. Herr Druer and I were both at the meeting last night, and the intent of the resolution was that the half day education program for the boys should begin at once." He looked to the wine merchant for support.
Herr Druer had the decency to be embarrassed by his companion, but inclined his head in support of Brother Timothy. "That is so," he grunted.
"So you see, Mendel, your sparrows will have leave your class in one hour."
"Doktor Auspitz, Herr Druer I object most strongly," Mendel exclaimed, finding his voice at last. "Abbot Napp, who is also a Board Member, would never agree to something like this. He has supported the Freikinder program from the beginning and has often said how important it is for all children in Brno to receive a good education regardless of any other factor."
"Unfortunately the good Abbot was not at the Board meeting last night," Brother Timothy said with a slight smile around his lips, "and those members who were not engaged in as many other duties as Abbot Napp, felt it in the interests of all that this program be reduced, temporarily I assure you, until the winter is over and the economy improves."
"It has been a hard winter, Mendel," Gustav Druer informed him, "we have all been suffering. My business alone is down thirty percent, and there is news from Prussia that Bismark eyes Austria with hostile intent. This is no time to be giving away free education."
"And," Auspitz added, "the cutback is only temporary. I am sure the Board will return the program to full funding in the spring."
"Of course," Druer assured him. But Brother Timothy just smiled and said nothing.