"Yes, indeed, Erick," said the pastor now kindly, "that you can. You know now on what road one cannot go; think of that and keep yourself far from bad companions. And now I will tell you how you can become a man of honor. Do you remember how the verse in your mother's song goes, which begins: "'Thy Zion scatters palms And greening twigs for Thee, But I in glorious psalms Will lift my soul to Thee!'" In an instant Erick continued: "'My heart be overflowing In constant love and praise, In service will be growing, Will Thy dear name then grace.'" "Erick, you must never forget these words. If you bring all your deeds before the dear God and look to it before Him, whether you 'Will grace His dear name' as well as you know, then you will become a genuinely honorable man. Will you think on it?" "Yes, I will," Erick promised gladly, as now he looked up again to the pastor freely and openly. "Then," the latter said after a while, "there is still something else, Erick. Have you known your father?" "No." "Do you know if he is still alive, where he is?" "Mother told me father had gone to America, to make a large fortune for himself and for us; but he has not yet returned." "Do you know other relatives, sisters or brothers of your mother, or some close friends?" "No." "Don't you know of anyone to whom one could turn, who would look after you?" "No, no," said Erick, quite anxiously. But the pastor put his hand very kindly on Erick's head and said: "You must not be afraid, my boy, all will come out all right. You may go now." Erick rose; he hesitated for a moment, then he asked somewhat falteringly: "Must I go now directly to be auctioned? I am afraid Marianne has gone by now." "No, no," the pastor answered quickly, "you will not go there at all, not at all. Now you go down to Mamma, she will keep you for the present." Erick's eyes shone for joy. He had thought up till now that he would be sent to the auction, away from the happy life in the parsonage, but now this threatening bugbear was done away with forever. When Erick entered the sitting-room he found old Marianne sitting there. They had sent word, the evening before, that Erick would not come back for the night, but Marianne could not have gone away without taking leave of him. With many tears she bade him good-bye, and Erick too felt sorry that good old Marianne was going away; but since he might stay in the parsonage, it was indeed a different thing for him than if he had had to remain behind alone.