"At one time, I was very keen about my profession, but soon found it a mistake to tire my brain for my employer's benefit.

But what do you study ?" "Science; chemistry and geology, but not in order to teach the girls." "Well, I suppose knowledge is worth getting for its own sake.

Anyhow, I thought so, but you learn when you undertake rude mining that the main thing is to be able to make a practical use of what you know.

In fact, that's often better than knowing much." "Perhaps so," Agatha agreed.

"Some day I hope to make a good use of what I have learned." "About canoeing, or geology ?" "About both," said Agatha.