“On the day when you are in a fair way to set up independently as an artisan, a farmer, or a fisherman—and when you seem to me, to the best of my judgment, to deserve such help—then and not till then I place this book at your disposal. Do you understand what I say?”
“Yes.”
“I am perfectly sure that I am in full agreement with the wishes of the donor in deciding that the money must remain untouched in my safe keeping until then.”
“Yes,” whispered Peer.
“What?—are you crying?”
“N-no. Good-morning—”
“No, pray don’t go yet. Sit down. There are one or two things we must get settled at once. First of all—you must trust me, my good boy. Do you believe that I wish you well, or do you not?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Then it is agreed that all these fancies about going to college and so forth must be driven out of your head once for all?”
“Y-yes, sir.”