"Assuming, on the other hand, that you did not weigh the consequences of your conduct, and that you had some sort of a liking for my son--"
"I truly loved him, sir," she could not refrain from saying.
"It shall be put to the proof. If you love him truly you will be willing to make a sacrifice for him."
"To make him happy," she said, in a low tone, "to bring about a reconciliation between you, I would sacrifice my life."
"But it is not yours to sacrifice. Something less will do. On one condition, and on one condition only, will I receive and forgive my son."
And then he paused; it was not that the anguish expressed in her face turned him from his purpose, but that he wished her to be quite calm to consider his proposition.
"I am listening, sir."
"The condition is that you shall take a step which shall separate you from my son forever."
"What step, sir?"
"There are other lands, far away, in which, under another name, you can live with your uncle. You shall have ample means; you shall have wealth secured to you as long as you observe the conditions; you shall not be interfered with in any way; you will be able to live a life of ease and comfort--"