but unluckily, after a short time he always grew tired of
everything, and had to seek new pleasures. When people are made
like this the end is generally the same, and before Fortunatus
(for that was the boy's name) was ten years old, his father had
spent all his money and had not a farthing left.

But though Theodorus had been so foolish he was not quite without
sense, and set about getting work at once. His wife, too, instead
of reproaching him sent away the servants and sold their fine
horses, and did all the work of the house herself, even washing
the clothes of her husband and child.

Thus time passed till Fortunatus was sixteen. One day when they
were sitting at supper, the boy said to Theodorus, ‘Father, why
do you look so sad. Tell me what is wrong, and perhaps I can help
you.'

‘Ah, my son, I have reason enough to be sad; but for me you would
now have been enjoying every kind of pleasure, instead of being
buried in this tiny house.'

‘Oh, do not let that trouble you,' replied Fortunatus, ‘it is
time I made some money for myself. To be sure I have never been
taught any trade. Still there must be something I can do. I will
go and walk on the seashore and think about it.'

Very soon--sooner than he expected--a chance came, and
Fortunatus, like a wise boy, seized on it at once. The post
offered him was that of page to the Earl of Flanders, and as the
Earl's daughter was just going to be married, splendid