"'Have you spoken with my father on this subject?' I asked.
"He had not: would I give him permission to do so? I told him that I should not even consider his proposition for a moment till he had talked with my father; that I never intended to marry without my father's consent; and as for falling in love, I was sure I should never do that.
"So he went away to talk with my father, and I felt safe. I hadn't an idea papa would do as he did, you see; but the truth is, papas are not to be depended upon—at least, not always.
"The next day my father called me into the library and asked me if I loved Baron Dumbkopf.
"'No,' I said, 'I don't love him.'
"'Do you like him?'
"'No.'
"'Do you dislike him?'
"'No: I am quite indifferent to him.'
"'He is of a very good family and of excellent character,' said my father.