“I did not wait upon the pastor, Monsieur Goefle. He only took me to play with his little boy, who was ill, and we had such a good time! We used to make little paper boats, and little bread sleighs, all day long.”
“Oh, ho! that is worth knowing!” said the doctor of laws, angrily; “and Gertrude told me that you were so useful in that house.”
“I was very useful, Monsieur Goefle!”
“Yes, making paper boats and bread sleighs! That assuredly is a very useful employment! But let me tell you that if you can’t do anything else, at your age—”
“I know as much as other children ten years old, Monsieur Goefle.”
“The devil! ten years old? Are you only ten years old? Your aunt said that you were thirteen or fourteen. Well, brat, what is the matter? What are you crying about?”
“Why, Monsieur Doctor, you are scolding me; it is not my fault if I am only ten years old.”
“Correct! That is the first sensible remark you have made since I was so fortunate as to take you into my service this morning. Come, dry your eyes and wipe your nose. I am not angry. You are large and strong for your age, at all events; and what you don’t know, you will learn. What do you say?”
“Oh yes, Monsieur Goefle! that is just what I should like.”
“But will you learn quickly? I am very impatient, I can tell you!”