"My child, I would not like to mislead and disturb you."
"No, say what you please, I can hear it all."
"Well, then, there are some institutions productive of so much harm, that they have forfeited the right of being perpetuated, at least, as we regard it. And, dear child, I could not, myself, live without art, without secular music, without the sight of what the plastic arts have produced and are still producing; herein I agree fully with my brother."
Manna looked in amazement at the Aunt; and she had the impression that a new view of life was unfolded to her, that was like the religious, and yet wholly peculiar in itself.
Towards Eric's mother. Manna was respectful but reserved. She treated her brother's teacher as a member of the family, but as a piece of property, an object, of utility, to which one could have recourse whenever there was need. There were hours and days when she had no more to do with him than if he had been a chair or a table. She often put a question to him directly and naturally, if she wanted any particular thing elucidated; and as soon as Eric began to expatiate beyond the special topic under consideration, she would say with great decision:—
"I did not want to know about that. I thank you for the information you have given."
She never received any instruction for which she did not immediately thank him, just as she would a servant for anything handed to her.
The whole family had the feeling that here was a strength adequate to attain its own end.
Manna did not visit in the neighborhood; she insisted upon it that she had come only to be with her parents and her brother, and no one else.
Sonnenkamp was alarmed at this determined and uncompliant bearing.