The fact is, Andy was an observing boy, and he realized that education was essential to success in life.

Mr.Stone, before going away, talked with him on this subject and gave him some advice, which Andy determined to follow.
As may be inferred from what I have said, Andy was still working for the Misses Grant.

He had grown accustomed to their ways, and succeeded in giving them perfect satisfaction, and accomplished quite as much work as John, his predecessor, though the latter was a man.
As Christmas approached, Miss Priscilla said one day to her sister: "Don't you think, Sophia, it would be well to give Andrew a Christmas present ?" "Just so," returned Sophia, approvingly.
"He has been very faithful and obliging all the time he has been with us." "Just so." "I have been thinking what would be a good thing to give him." "A pair of spectacles," suggested Sophia, rather absent-mindedly.
"Sophia, you are a goose." "Just so," acquiesced her sister, meekly.
"Such a gift would be very inappropriate." "Just so." "A pair of boots," was the next suggestion.
"That would be better.

Boots would be very useful, but I think it would be well to give him something that would contribute to his amusement.

Of course, we must consult his taste, and not out own.