Sons and parents

[Eva Elisabeth]

I, too, wonder what A. L. would have thought about Robert's conduct and actions regarding the insanity affair. Personally this is what I feel:

If A. L. said this to Mary I think he was most likely kidding/exaggerating to "wake her up" by "shocking" her. I don't believe he seriously would ever have done this. Thus I don't believe he told this Robert or had even discussed it with him. Despite, would he have discussed such with Robert, to whom he obviously wasn't very close? "After" Joshua Speed, did he ever discuss similar private life decisions with anyone (despite with Mary perhaps to some extent)?

Maybe E. Keckley indeed told Robert of this incident, and Robert took the teasing for serious (as I believe he had no sense of humor). I consider it possible that in this case Robert talked himself into having sort of his father's consent.

In any case, what makes Robert's deed the worst is the way he acted - he kidnapped Mary and prepared and manipulated everything in a way that she practically had no chance. Even if the words Ms. Keckley heart were meant serious, I personally doubt A. L. would ever have approved to take action the mean, unfair way Robert chose.

And - did her later dealing with life and circumstances prove him right? No! She was well able to care for herself, her finances, even in Europe (as a single traveling women in those days!), and never attempted to harm herself.