" My darling Father, I had to keep a
tight hand on myself so as not to kiss him then and there. They were
all so prim, with their eyes glued to their plates as if they had never
eaten rum pudding before. It is true that Ferdinand winked at Marina,
but of course she noticed nothing. They soon put away their first helps,
and they all took a second, and then they went on talking. When we went
to our rooms I knocked at Father's door and gave him the promised kiss
and said: "You really are a jewel of a Father." "Well, will you, if you
please, be a jewel of a daughter, and keep the peace with Marina and
the others?" I said: "Oh dear, I simply can't stand her, she's such a
humbug!" "Oh well," said Father, "it may be a pity, but you know one
can't choose one's parents and one's relations." "I would not have
chosen any different parents, for we could not have found another Father
and another Mother like you." Then Father lifted me right up into the
air as if I had still been a little girl, saying: "You are a little
treasure," and we kissed one another heartily. I really do like Father
better than anyone in the world; for the way I like Hella is quite
different, she is my friend, and Dora is my sister; and I like Aunt Dora
too, and Oswald _if_ I ever see him again.
August 8th. Oh, I am so furious! To-day I got a postcard from Hella,
with nothing on it but "Follow your own bent, with best wishes, your
M.
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