I reproduce it here for reasons which will presently explain themselves--altering nothing, not even the vulgar familiarity of the address.
"My good fellow, you once did me a kindness a long time since.

Never mind what it was or who I am.

I mean to do you a kindness in return.

Let that be enough.
"You are in love with 'Jezebel's Daughter.' Now, don't be angry! I know you believe Jezebel to be a deeply-injured woman; I know you have been foolish enough to fight duels at Wurzburg in defense of her character.
"It is enough for you that she is a fond mother, and that her innocent daughter loves her dearly.

I don't deny that she is a fond mother; but is the maternal instinct enough of itself to answer for a woman?
Why, Fritz, a cat is a fond mother; but a cat scratches and swears for all that! And poor simple little Minna, who can see no harm in anybody, who can't discover wickedness when it stares her in the face--is _she_ a trustworthy witness to the widow's character?
Bah! "Don't tear up my letter in a rage; I am not going to argue the question with you any further.