Chapter 9

"It is true what they say, that I have not a friend in the world, and now I would not know how to set about making one. Especially a young one. I am afraid of you, my boy; afraid of your terrible, pitiless youthfulness. And so I just imagine you are my friend. I have long talks with you, and give you quantities of good advice, to which you give dutiful heed. "At the same time I have always kept a sort of watch over you. And if actual misfortune had overtaken you I would have found a way to come to your assista…