"By the end of the summer."
"Then wait till the end of the summer, and meanwhile do your best. Enjoy the hour. Don't spoil it by being gloomy. Then, when the time comes, make your decision. I find that when we face a blank wall, which apparently has no way through it, often when we come up to it, we suddenly see an opening. Leave it for the present. It does not help things to worry over them. You remember the story of the old man about to leave this life, who said to his sons, 'My children, I have had a great many hard times in this world, but most of them never happened.'"
Kenneth stood up and held out his hand. "Thank you," he said. "I believe that is good advice. I'll try to follow it. Will you forgive me for unloading my burdens upon you?"
"Since you agree to follow my advice, of course I forgive you. There is nothing more flattering than to have your advice taken. Are you going?"
"Yes, I see the jar—I see Mr. Mitchell coming. From the increased buoyancy of his step I should say that he has found a talisman for you."
"Please stay and meet him."
"No."
"It would perhaps be good policy to make a friend of him."
"Why?"
"Because—pardon the suggestion—he is wealthy. He likes our island. He might buy some of your pictures."