"Why did you ask if you were in the way?
Oh, Minna! Minna! can't you forget the day when I locked you out of my room?
My child! I was beside myself--I was mad with my troubles.

Do you think I would behave harshly to you?
Oh, my own love! when I came to tell you of your marriage, why did you ask me if you were in the way?
My God! am I never to know a moment's pleasure again without something to embitter it?
People say you take after your father, Minna.

Are you as cold-blooded as he was?
There! there! I don't mean it; I am a little hysterical, I think--don't notice me.

Come and be a child again.

Sit on my knee, and let us talk of your marriage." Minna put her arm round her mother's neck a little nervously.