Nic, boy, for once let me refer to this seriously.

I came out believing that I might prolong my poor weary life a year.

At the end of that year I thought I could prolong it two more; and at the end of those three years I began to be hopeful of living with those dear to me another three." "And now, father, you are going to live to be a fine, healthy, hearty old man." "Please God, Nic," said the doctor, reverently raising his hat,--"for the sake of your mother and the girls." "He might have said, `and for your sake too,'" thought Nic, as the doctor walked away to pat one of the horses, returning directly after to talk in a bright cheery way.
"I'm glad you like the horses and the place, Nic," he said.

"Your mother and I were a little nervous about it being dull for you." "Oh, I shan't be dull, father," cried the boy.

"Not if you have a boy's healthy appreciation of nature, Nic; and that I hope you have.