are say we could manage that. You will be better without pocket-money
to fling about until you can earn it for yourself."

Peer sighed, and drooped as he stood. When he saw the green-backed book
locked into its drawer again, and heard the keys rattle as they went
back into a pocket under the dressing-gown, he felt as if some one were
pointing a jeering finger at him, and saying, "Yah!"

"Then there's another thing. About your name. What name have you thought
of taking, my lad--surname, I mean?"

"My name is Peer Holm!" said the boy, instinctively drawing himself up
as he had done when the bishop had patted his head at the confirmation
and asked his name.

The schoolmaster pursed up his lips, took off his spectacles and wiped
them, put them on again, and turned to the bookshelves with a sigh. "Ah,
indeed!--yes--yes--I almost thought as much."

Then he came forward and laid a hand kindly on Peer's shoulder.

"My dear boy--that is out of the question."

A shiver went through Peer. Had he done something wrong again?

"See here, my boy--have you considered that there may be others of that
name in this same place?"

"Yes--but--"

"Wait a minute--and that you would occasion these--others--the deepest
pain and distress if it should become known that--well, how matters
stand. You see, I am treating you as a grown-up man--a gentleman. And
I feel sure you would not wish to inflict a great sorrow--a crushing
blow--upon a widow and her innocent children. There, there, my boy,
there's nothing to cry about. Life, my young friend, life has troubles
that must be faced. What is the name of the farm, or house, where you
have lived up to now?"

"T--Troen."

"Troen--a very good name indeed. Then from to-day on you will call
yourself Peer Troen."

"Y-yes, sir."

"And if any one should ask about your father, remember that you are
bound in honour and conscience not to mention your benefactor's name."

"Y-yes."

"Well, then, as soon as you have made up your mind, come at once and let
me know. We shall be great friends yet, you will see. You're sure you
wouldn't like to try America? Well, well, come along out to the kitchen
and see if we can find you some breakfast."

Peer found himself a moment after sitting on a chair in the kitchen,
where there was such a good smell of coffee. "Bertha," said the
schoolmaster coaxingly, "you'll find something good for breakfast for my
young friend here, won't you?" He waved a farewell wit