'How did I speak?' asked Paul.
'Discouraged like.'
'You're mistaken.'
'Am I? Then why look so solemn? I'd like your chance.'
'You would!' exclaimed Paul, incredulous. 'Why, you had such a chance yourself once, and you didn't accept it, if they know the facts at home.'
Scheffer stood up.
'Who says that?' he asked, quietly. Still, the question had a hurried sound to Paul. 'Did any one in that house remember!'
'Josephine told me so. She thinks you made a wise choice. So do I. I wish I was as well off as you are, doing something for a support. And it was on account of your mother you made the choice! But my mother insists on my having a profession. Stuff! But nobody seems satisfied. That's one kind of consolation.'
Scheffer was silent for a moment. Half of Paul's words were unheard; but enough had struck through sense to spirit, and he said:
'Do you want to be shod for the next five years? I'll strike a bargain with you, Paul.'