Reiss. So you have, ex officio, been appointed guardian of the poor orphans of Brunnig?

Clar. Yes, Sir, these four days.

Reiss. Aye, aye; it will prove a troublesome piece of business. Poor children! I pity them.

Clar. So do I.--And, to tell you the truth, the valuable bequest of the old aunt ought to go to the children, and not to you; to whom, contrary to all right and equity, she has bequeathed her all.

Reiss. Aye! Good heaven!--but then it is so in her will.

Clar. True enough. But the law should not permit it.

Reiss. A last will!--O Lord! that is a sacred thing. I pity the children, but--

Clar. I intend to try the validity of it.

Reiss. Aye, aye? I have been told so.

Clar. You ought to decline the bequest, Mr. Reissman.