John had not learned to expect from life anything more than freedom from tyranny and the means of existence. That would be enough for him. He was no Aladdin and did not believe in luck. He had plenty of power, but did not know it. His friend had to discover him to himself.
"You should come and amuse yourself with us," he said, "and not sit in a corner at home."
"Yes, but that costs money, and I don't get any."
"Give lessons."
"Lessons! What? Do you think I could give lessons?"
"You know a lot. You would not find it difficult to get pupils."
He knew a lot! That was a recognition or a piece of flattery, as the pietists call it, and it fell on fertile soil.
"Yes, but I have no acquaintances or connections."
"Tell the headmaster! I did the same!"
John hardly dared to believe that he could get the chance of earning money. But he felt strange when he heard that others could, and compared himself with them. They certainly had luck. His friend urged him on, and soon he obtained a post as teacher in a girls' school.