He could not give up his comrades, his playing at soldiers, and his numerous escapades.
The mother, during the hum of her spinning-wheel, often spoke in whispers to grandfather Boe of her desire to send the boy to school.
When Jasmin overheard their conversation, he could scarcely conceal his tears.

Old Boe determined to do what he could.

He scraped together his little savings, and handed them over to the mother.

But the money could not then be used for educating Jasmin; it was sorely needed for buying bread.

Thus the matter lay over for a time.
The old man became unable to go out of doors to solicit alms.