"Would you like me to be their guardian?"
"Ah, Ossi!"
"Then that is settled," said Oswald, holding out his hand, "and, moreover, my mother told me to tell you that when I am married she should have nothing more to do, and would take pleasure in attending to the education of your little ones. You can hardly ask anything better for them."
"Ah, Ossi, your mother is an angel!"
"Indeed she is," said Oswald gravely.
"She is well?"
"No, she was very weary to-day at dinner, she had a sleepless night from anxiety on my account--my poor mother! And now since your mind is easy on all points, old fellow, it is to be hoped that you'll torment yourself no longer with gloomy forebodings, but do your best to get well and strong. Let us recall our poor exiled Georges, shall we not--ça! who's there? some one knocked!"
"Come in!" said Fritz.
Conte Capriani entered, a roll of parchment in his hand.
Oswald winced.