"Ah, how can I tell?"

He took her hand, and his face was grave.

"Listen now," said he; "I am going to give you advice. If your mother
could speak to you, this is what she would say: Whatever
happens--whatever happens--do not thwart your father's wishes."

She wished to withdraw her hand, but he still held it.

"I do not understand you," she said. "Papa's wishes will always be for
my happiness; why should I think of thwarting them?"

"Why, indeed? And again, why? It is my advice to you, my little
daughter, whether you think your father's wishes are for your happiness
or not--because, you know, sometimes fathers and daughters have
different ideas--do not go against his will."

The hot blood mounted to Natalie's forehead--for the first time during
this interview.

"Are you predicting strife, signore? I owe obedience to my father, I
know it; but I am not a child. I am a woman, and have my own wishes. My
papa would not think of thwarting them."

"Natalushka, you must not be angry with me."

"I am not angry, signore; but you must not suppose that I am quite a
child."