I told him (what was the truth) that the successful boys had none of the education; so that if he wished me to learn, he should rejoice at my misfortune.

I went on (not very consistently) to beg him to set me up again, when I would solemnly promise to do a safe business in reliable railroads.

Lastly (becoming somewhat carried away), I assured him I was totally unfit for business, and implored him to take me away from this abominable place, and let me go to Paris to study art.

He answered briefly, gently, and sadly, telling me the vacation was near at hand, when we could talk things over.
When the time came, he met me at the depot, and I was shocked to see him looking older.

He seemed to have no thought but to console me and restore (what he supposed I had lost) my courage.