"My thoughtless daughter informed me." The epithet applied to Minna, aggravated by the deliberate emphasis laid on it, jarred on Mr.Keller's sense of justice.

"It appears to me," he said, "that your daughter acted in this matter, not only with the truest kindness, but with the utmost good sense.

Mrs.Wagner and my sister's physician were both present at the time, and both agreed with me in admiring her conduct.

What has she done to deserve that you should call her thoughtless ?" "She ought to have remembered her duty to her mother.

She ought to have consulted me, before she presumed to decide for herself." "In that case, Madame Fontaine, would you have objected to change the day of the marriage ?" "I am well aware, sir, that your sister has honored my daughter by making her a magnificent present----" Mr.Keller's face began to harden.