It was like being cross-examined in a court of law; and, in our common English phrase, "it set my back up." In the strict sense of the word, Madame Fontaine might be termed an acquaintance, but certainly not a friend, of mine.

For once, I took the prudent course, and said, No.
Frau Meyer's expansive bosom emitted a hearty sigh of relief.

"Ah!" she said, "now I can talk freely--in Fritz's interest, mind.

You are a young man like himself, he will be disposed to listen to you.

Do all you can to back his father's influence, and cure him of his infatuation.