CHAPTER XVI.
The Festival.
The next morning, when Gottlieb awoke, he discovered that he had a visitor even at that early hour of the day. His uncle Fabian was pacing backward and forward at the side of his nephew's bed, with a countenance so wretched and woe begone, that Gottlieb could not but pity him.
"Good morning, uncle," said Gottlieb, cheerfully, "how is your health?"
"Why do you ask?"
"Your voice sounds just as if I was a robber demanding your purse or your life. What is the matter?"
"That which you told me yesterday makes your comparison very apt."
"You are mistaken. It is not my intention to play the part of the famous Rinaldo Rinaldini. I am the most peaceable person in the world, and if you wish to remain at peace at home—which is very natural, you know—I have no desire to prevent you from doing so."