“Let it not mislead you,” added Frau Melina, “that I have lightly hinted doubts about the boy’s being really yours. The old woman, it is true, deserves but little confidence; yet a person who invents untruths for her advantage, may likewise speak the truth when truths are profitable to her. Aurelia she had hoodwinked to believe that Felix was Lothario’s son; and it is a property of us women, that we cordially like the children of our lovers, though we do not know the mothers, or even hate them from the heart.” Felix came jumping in: she pressed him to her with a tenderness which was not usual to her.
Wilhelm hastened home, and sent for Barbara, who, however, would not undertake to meet him till the twilight. He received her angrily. “There is nothing in the world more shameful,” said he,
