As to you, Professor Rothe, you have acted very foolishly. You have
done just what any average, conventional man would have done. Your
injured vanity silenced the voice of your heart.
You had the choice of two alternatives: either Lillie was mad, or she
was responsible for her actions. You were convinced that she was quite
sane and was playing you false in cold blood. She wished to leave you;
then let her go. What becomes of her is nothing to you; you wash your
hands of her henceforth.
You write that you have only taken your two elder daughters into your
confidence. How could you have found it in your heart to do this,
instead of putting them off with any explanation rather than the true
one!
Lillie knew you better than I supposed. She knew that behind your
apparent kindness there lurked a cold and self-satisfied nature. She
understood that she would be accounted a stranger and a sinner in your
house the moment you discovered that she had a thought or a sentiment
that was not subordinated to your will.
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