As I must leave in the near future, I am asking you the great favor of spending the summer here to superintend my household.
I am counting greatly on your good influence on my child, who has had practically no education, although Miss Mina, my housekeeper, has of course done her best, with the help of our good Esther, who reigns in the kitchen.

Old Martha, a former nurse of my poor dead wife, has done more than anybody else.

Of course one can hardly call it education, and I have to blame myself for this neglect.

As I am so busy with my affairs, I do not see much of my child.

Besides, I know extremely little about bringing up little girls.