"The first is that you shall confess the deeds of which Wollnow's letter accuses you. You know what I mean."

"Not entirely. Is the confession only for yourself?"

"If you consent to the other conditions, yes."

"Very well; I did what I am said to have done. What more?"

"That which follows as a matter of course. The daughter of an honorable family cannot and shall not be the wife of a criminal. That is, you will give your consent to everything we--I mean Herr Bogislas Wenhof, Wollnow and I--may dictate in regard to the divorce."

"And my daughter?"

"Answer the question yourself."

"I love the child."

"You lie, Brandow; and even were it possible, as it is impossible, you would still have forever forfeited the right to keep her, or even maintain any communication with her. I hope she will forget you are her father."

"Which, however, I shall ever remain, and, mon cher, I'll give you this knowledge, which is doubtless uncommonly pleasing, as a wedding-present; or don't you intend to carry to a fitting end the business you have so beautifully begun?"