"That is why I should become my father's successor, dear aunt. Had I not thought of this plan, I would undoubtedly have formed some other; but with this I am satisfied."
"And do you intend to afford us the pleasure of your company this summer?" inquired uncle Fabian, abruptly.
"With your permission, dear uncle, your invitation arrived at a lucky moment, as it came during my vacation."
"Well, well, nephew," said Mrs. Ulrica, "we will go and prepare a chamber for you."
"Nephew, nephew," exclaimed Gottlieb, merrily, "why we look more like cousins!"
"You are a little wag!"
"O, I must say more. My mother might have been your mother also, from all appearances."
"Ah, I was a mere girl when she was married. She was the eldest while I was the youngest of the family, and the fourteen years discrepancy between our ages accounts for the differences in our appearance."
"And riches and fortune also," added Gottlieb; "poor mother, misfortune has always been her lot; and although she has much trouble, she has nevertheless an angel's forbearance."
"Her disposition resembles mine more than her person does," said Mrs. H——, casting a glance of tender inquiry upon her husband.