A shade passed over the meester's face, but he brightened with an effort, as he replied:
"Oh no, Laurens has had quite enough of that. He wishes to be a merchant."
Hans appeared so surprised and disappointed that his friend asked good-naturedly:
"Why so silent, boy? Is it any disgrace to be a merchant?"
"N—not a disgrace, mynheer," stammered Hans—"but——"
"But what?"
"Why, the other calling is so much better," answered Hans, "so much nobler. I think, mynheer," he added, kindling with enthusiasm, "that to be a surgeon,—to cure the sick and crippled, to save human life, to be able to do what you have done for my father—is the grandest thing on earth."
The doctor was regarding him sternly. Hans felt rebuked. His cheeks were flushed; hot tears were gathering under his lashes.
"It is an ugly business, boy, this surgery," said the doctor, still frowning at Hans; "it requires great patience, self-denial and perseverance."
"I am sure it does," cried Hans, kindling again. "It calls for wisdom too, and a reverence for God's work. Ah, mynheer, it may have its trials and drawbacks—but you do not mean what you say—it is great and noble, not ugly! Pardon me, mynheer. It is not for me to speak so boldly."