She pressed her daughter passionately to her heart and covered with kisses the face that Albert had kissed. With an imperious longing for affection she murmured in her daughter's ear.
"Do you love me?"
"Oh! dear Mamma—"
"And your father?"
"Papa too, but not as much as you."
"Why?"
"He is never here—You know, he looks sad."
"Really. He looks sad? Are you quite sure?"
"Yes, does that make you glad?"
"Oh, darling—"