—Very good, sir, said the Captain rising; I know henceforth what to rely on.
—Pardon me, Captain, but allow me to say that your proceedings and apprehensions appear to me a trifle superfluous; for indeed, if you have a reproach to make your daughter, it is not that of excessive devotion, for it is a long time since she has come to church.
—I have forbidden it to her, sir. But my daughter is grieved, and that pains me. I came to address myself to you, man to man, and as you see, I am disappointed.
—Believe me, Captain, let the thing alone. Do nothing in a hurry. Young people are irritated by obstacles. They need freedom and diversion. Think of this young lady's position, dropped from her school into the midst of this solitude, having neither friends or companions any longer; at that age, the family is not everything; books, walks, music are not sufficient, What harm is there in her coming sometimes on Sunday, to hear Divine Service? We do not conceal it from ourselves, sir, that many women whom we see at service, come there for relaxation.
—And it is precisely that relaxation which ruins them.
—Not in the church, sir.
—Not there, no. But behind, in the sacristy, or at the back of some well-closed room. Adieu, sir.
—I do not want to criticize your language, Captain But one word more, I ask. Is your daughter acquainted with your proceeding?
—Why that question?
—Because then my task will be all traced out.