Johannes and his mother looked grave, but did not speak, and he went on. "I can't conceive how she withstood you so long. You're the very hero for a novel,--too sentimental for my taste, but that's just what women like, and if I were a woman I'd have you on the spot."
"Thank you kindly, Moritz," said Johannes gaily, "but make your mind easy,--I certainly would not have you."
"Oh, do stop! you do nothing but quarrel and fight when you are together," said Angelika merrily. "You are both good and true, each after his own fashion, and I love you both dearly. What more do you want?"
"All right," said Moritz, contemplating the fair little figure with immense satisfaction. "If you love us, I am entirely content. It is only your discontented brother who is not satisfied."
"Angelika knows well enough," said Johannes, "what she is to me!"
Here Willmers appeared. "Herr Professor, Fräulein Ernestine is awake, and is asking for her 'pretty young nurse,' as she calls her. Shall I go for Fräulein Gretchen?"
"Yes," said Johannes, "but I must tell her who Gretchen is,--you will excuse me?"
"Yes, yes, go, for Heaven's sake! don't wait an instant!" Moritz called after him.
"Ernestine," said Johannes, after he had exchanged morning greetings with the invalid, whose improvement was evidently steady and sure,--"Ernestine, you wish to see the young girl who was here yesterday, and I must first tell you who she is. Do you still cherish any affection for your uncle?"
Ernestine shook her head. "He is dead to me."