They might still find her at the schoolhouse, distant but a few steps.

They said little else, the stranger keeping up an ostentatious whistling, and becoming more and more incongruous, they thought, as they neared the pretty schoolhouse.

Here they DID find Mrs.Martin, who had, naturally, lingered after the interview with Sperry.
She came forward to meet them, with the nervous shyness and slightly fastidious hesitation that was her nature.

They saw, or fancied they saw, the same surprise and disappointment they had themselves experienced pass over her sensitive face, as she looked at him; they felt that their vulgar charge appeared still more outrageous by contrast with this delicate woman and her pretty, refined surroundings; but they saw that HE enjoyed it, and was even--if such a word could be applied to so self-conscious a man--more at ease in her presence! "I reckon you and me will pull together very well, ma'am," he said confidently.
They looked to see her turn her back upon him; faint, or burst out crying; but she did neither, and only gazed at him quietly.
"It's a mighty pretty place you've got here--and I like it, and if WE can't run it, I don't know who can.

Only just let me know WHAT you want, ma'am, and you can count on me every time." To their profound consternation Mrs.Martin smiled faintly.
"It rests with YOU only, Mrs.Martin," said Sperry quickly and significantly.