"I do not doubt any longer, Mr. Lesa, that the boy has genius. Even you must be convinced it is worth while to open the way so his gift can be developed, and of course you will do so."
For a while Mr. Lesa blew out clouds of smoke in silence, then said cautiously: "And what then? To develop it means the boy will want to do nothing else than make music. However, Vinzenz Lesa does not wish to make a musician of his only son. Musicians are vagrants; they have no real homes. If Vinzi once starts the roaming life, he will be ruined. And I, who know this, am I to start him on it? No, sir, you cannot ask it!"
Only after considerable reflection did Mr. Delrick speak, for he had not expected such a reply. Then he said with rising emotion, "It seems you cling to the idea that Vinzi can be nothing more than a wandering musician. But let me make a proposition. You surely have faith in me, Mr. Lesa?"
"I certainly have," rejoined the latter.
"Good! Then I propose that you let me have your boy for a year or a little longer. I'll do with him just what I would with my own son. When he comes back, if you think just the same as today, a year abroad will not have done Vinzi any harm. If he is to spend his life as a farmer, it cannot be very bad to have learned something. That does everybody good, whatever his occupation."
Mr. Lesa seemed to be weighing the matter, but suddenly and firmly said, "That cannot be, sir," and when asked his reason continued, "I do not care to send my son to your house for a whole year as a visitor when you have paid more than what was necessary for just a few weeks in mine."
Mr. Delrick smiled as he explained, "I live all alone in my big old house, which is quiet and often empty, so you can understand your son would be a blessing and put life into the old house. However, if this does not satisfy you, I will promise to come back to your house as your guest so often that it will balance any difference. Now shake hands on this, Mr. Lesa; I hope you will never regret it."
Though many objections crowded into Mr. Lesa's mind, he could not conquer the thought that a year abroad could really do no harm to a boy like Vinzi; he had seen so little of other people. Seeing how many boys of his age had to struggle for a living might teach him to be grateful for his pleasant home. Taking him from his free life in the country to the paved streets of the city might make him homesick and he would be glad to return even before the year was out.
"I'll shake hands on that!" and Vinzenz Lesa pressed the offered hand to seal the compact. "I will only add, sir, that should Vinzi want to come home sooner than the time set, you are to let him do so."
Mr. Delrick gave the promise unconditionally, and then rose to take the news to Mrs. Lesa, while the farmer went about his evening tasks in barn and stable. She could scarce find words to express her joy and gratitude over the turn of events. How wonderful it was for Vinzi to escape living with his morose uncle! And although she did not know just what Mr. Delrick had in view for Vinzi, she was overjoyed at the prospect of her son spending a whole year with such a man.