"'Then why did you do it?'
"'Because I wanted to gain your approval.' said I, and drew a deep breath.
"He looked into my eyes amazed.
"'Because I wanted to show you that I was not a silly thing, that my head was in its right place, that I----,' I stopped short and grew ashamed of myself.
"He chewed his beard and looked meditatively before him.
"'Indeed, now,' he said, 'I was in a fair way to get quite a wrong idea of your character. What a good thing that I followed Martha's advice!'
"'Martha's?' I exclaimed. 'What did she advise you?'
"'Take her aside alone some time,' she said, 'and have it out with her. Whomever she does not love she hates, and it would pain me if she did not grow to love you.'
"'Did she say that?' asked I, and tears came into my eyes. 'Oh, you good sister, you noble soul!'
"'Yes, she said that and much more besides, in order to explain and vindicate your disposition. And as I love Martha----'