"Henry, I am going to write to the grand duke all that passed during your stay at Gerolstein."
"My father, I conjure you, do not do it."
"Is what you relate to Maximilian perfectly true?"
"Yes, my father."
"In this case, until now your conduct has been upright. The prince will appreciate it. But in future you should not show yourself unworthy of his noble confidence; you would do so if, abusing his offer, you should return hereafter to Gerolstein, with the intention, perhaps, of making yourself beloved by his daughter."
"My father, could you think——"
"I think that you love with passion, and that passion is, sooner or later, an evil consoler."
"How, my father? you will write to the prince that——"
"'You love your cousin desperately.'"
"In the name of heaven, my father, I supplicate you, do nothing of this!"