I have had some happy minutes with Minna--and (would you believe it ?) I am already disposed to forgive Mr.Keller's brutality, and to write to him in a tone of moderation, which must surely have its effect.

All Minna's doing--and my sweet girl doesn't in the least suspect it herself! If you ever have children of your own, David, you will understand me and feel for me.

In the meantime, I must not detain you by idle talk--I must say plainly what I want of you." She opened her writing-desk and took up a pen.

"If I write to Mr.Keller under your own eye, do you object to take charge of my letter ?" I hesitated how to answer.

To say the least of it, her request embarrassed me.
"I don't expect you to give it to Mr.Keller personally," she explained.
"It is of very serious importance to me" (she laid a marked emphasis on those words) "to be quite sure that my letter has reached him, and that he has really had the opportunity of reading it.