Dr. Boekman was evidently displeased. He turned his back on the boy, and conferred aside with Laurens. Meanwhile the dame scowled a terrible warning at Hans. These great people, she knew well enough, never like to hear poor folk speak up so pert.
The meester turned around.
"How old are you, Hans Brinker?"
"Fifteen, mynheer," was the startled reply.
"Would you like to become a physician?"
"Yes, mynheer," answered Hans, quivering with excitement.
"Would you be willing, with your parents' consent, to devote yourself to study, to go to the University—and, in time, be a student in my office?"
"YES, mynheer."
"You would not grow restless, think you, and change your mind just as I had set my heart upon preparing you to be my successor?"
Hans' eyes flashed.