"And did you promise to be his wife?" asked the Rabbi.
"Oh, no, father. I could not do that without your consent. He did not even ask me. He simply told me that he deplored his ignorance and poverty and that it was his intention to study medicine and become a learned doctor that he might be worthy of obtaining my hand. That was all."
"He could not have made it plainer. And what did you answer?"
"I encouraged him in his determination and told him I would wait."
"And that is why he requested me to speak to his parents and obtain their consent to his pursuing a course of study, and that is why you took such an interest in his welfare and were so pleased when I told you that he had been admitted to the University."
"Yes," answered Kathinka, with radiant face.
"Do you know how long it will take before he has finished his course? He cannot expect to obtain his diploma in less than six years."
"I know it," replied Kathinka.
"And then it will be some time before his profession will enable him to support a wife."
"I know it. I will wait."