The story of the Decemvirs

I audibly gasped as soon as i read Virginius' action in this story. Because of his own greedy and lustful thoughts Appius tried deceiving everyone to falsely have Virginia be a servant in his house. Virginius, her father, learning this kills her, saying he'd rather her be dead than to live her life in undeserved servitude and shame. Eventually the city learns of all the deception and tries to put Appius in prison, but before they can do so he kills himself. Those who were in cahoots with Appius were banished. I think one point of this story is that evil deeds are or should be justly punished. Note the town didn't sentence Appius to death, why she's more blood? But they recognized that he had severely wronged many people, and he needed to be prevented from doing it again. As for the father I'm still torn as to my thoughts on his action. Was it the right thing to do? Was killing Virginia his way of showing his love for her? I think his heart was in the right place but it should have been her decision. The love you have for someone can ultimately lead you to do some stupid and/or dangerous things. Also, there is a very fine and semi translucent line between good and evil, right and wrong.