Favor me with a blank cheque, papa--and I will make Minna Mrs.Keller before the end of the week!" The father, hitherto content to listen and be amused, checked the son's flow of nonsense at this point.
"There is a time for everything, Fritz," he said.

"We have had laughing enough.

When you talk of your marriage, I am sorry to observe that you entirely pass over the consideration which is due to your father's only surviving relative." Madame Fontaine laid down her knife and fork as if her dinner had come to an end.

The sudden appearance in the conversation of the "surviving relative," had evidently taken her by surprise.

Mr.Keller, observing her, turned away from his son, and addressed himself exclusively to the widow when he spoke next.
"I referred, Madame Fontaine, to my elder sister," he said.