Don't think that I am at all disposed to be surprised; don't suppose that I ever think of blaming you; indeed I rather admire! But there fall to be offered one or two observations on the case which occur to me and which (if you will listen to them dispassionately) may be the means of inducing you to view the matter more calmly.

First of all, I cannot acquit you of a good deal of what is called intolerance.

You seem to have been very much offended because your father talks a little sculduddery after dinner, which it is perfectly licit for him to do, and which (although I am not very fond of it myself) appears to be entirely an affair of taste.

Your father, I scarcely like to remind you, since it is so trite a commonplace, is older than yourself.

At least, he is _major_ and _sui juris_, and may please himself in the matter of his conversation.