“You are getting quite a man,” she said. “When are you leaving school?”
“Mr. Kent says I'm to stay there another year,” replied Jack. “Then I'm to be 'prenticed.”
“To a joiner?”
“I suppose so,” said Jack. And after he had scraped a little with his toe on the ground he looked up and added: “Do you think I needn't be a joiner if I didn't want to?”
“I don't see why you shouldn't be what you like, Jack.”
“Really!” and his face brightened. “I have been thinking I should like to be something else.”
“What is that?”
“A carver and gilder,” said Jack bashfully.
“Where do the especial charms of that trade come in?” asked Clytie, laughing.
“I dunno,” said Jack; “I only thought it.”