"You see, child, your lost father's miserable brother is a ruined man and it matters little about him; but Paula, who is a thousand times better than I am, has at least had justice done her; and as I love her far more dearly than your little heart can conceive of, I will gladly be friends with you again: nay, I shall be more fond of you than ever.

That is nothing great or noble, for I need love--much love to make life tolerable.

The best love a man may have I have forfeited, fool that I am! and now dear, good little soul, I could not bear to lose yours! So there is my hand upon it; now, give me another kiss and then go to bed and sleep." But still Mary would not do his bidding, but only thanked him vehemently and then asked with sparkling eyes: "Really, truly?
Do you love Paula so dearly ?" At this point however she suddenly checked herself.

"And little Katharina..." "Never mind about that," he replied with a sigh.

"And learn a lesson from all this.