But when he had done his best, and was still unable to provide even bread and shelter for us all, he was compelled to make us children self-supporting as fast as it was practicable.

There was no choosing possible; Frieda was the oldest, the strongest, the best prepared, and the only one who was of legal age to be put to work.
My father has nothing to answer for.

He divided the world between his children in accordance with the laws of the country and the compulsion of his circumstances.

I have no need of defending him.

It is myself that I would like to defend, and I cannot.