I feared to show any change in myself, so I sobbed aloud now and then, and soon father turned angrily toward me.

'Are you still there ?' he asked.

'Yes, father,' I answered, as if trying to stifle my sobs.

'Are you really going to send that cruel letter to King Louis ?'" "Cruel, indeed," I interrupted.
"Ah, yes! Well, father made no reply, and I went over to him and began to plead.

I should have wanted to cut my tongue out had I succeeded, but I had little fear.