Ughhh, why a brother?! It would be better for him to have just murdered his daughter because she (and her mother!!) were witch-like. But to have taken in his niece out of his sense of Christian duty? It fits his character, sure. Or to hold on to Malva because his wife was unfaithful with his brother? Stretching it, but okay. But to then MURDER his niece/illegitimate daughter and GO AGAINST that Christian duty? The very Christian duty that so overwhelms his personality? No!
