“I expected to do so, but I am likely to be disappointed.”
“How is that?”
“My stepfather, Jacob Winter, is not in favor of my going.”
“What is his reason?”
“I suppose he wants me to work on the farm.”
“And you don’t like farming?”
“No. I hope you won’t think I don’t like work, Mr. Foster, for I enjoy nothing better; but to work on a farm, and especially under Mr. Winter, would be very disagreeable to me.”
“How would you like to work in the factory?”
“Much better than on the farm, but I will say frankly that I have not secured the education which I desire, and I shall be much disappointed if I can’t go to the high school.”
“You were always fond of study, Ben. My boys don’t care much for it. Well, I suppose tastes differ. Have you ever thought of your future?”