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Page 48
"That is caused by your excessive sleeping," said Mrs. Ulrica.
"Perhaps it is. Hereafter I shall sleep less, and after this, my dear
wife, I will follow your advice in everything."
"Then, my dear, you will be a good husband. If I should always find you
so, I would not have so many causes for complaint."
"Have you any complaint to make now?" inquired Mr. Fabian, anxiously.
Mr. Fabian was in a state of fearful suspense. The air to him appeared
populated with evil spirits.
"I did not speak thus for the purpose of troubling you, dear Fabian, it
would not be just for me to choose this moment, when you feel so
repentant, to remind you of other moments when you do not seem impressed
with the worth of your wife."
"Yes, yes, that would indeed be cruel, for it is true, really true,
that--that--"
"What, Fabian, good Fabian?"
"That I never before have so much esteemed and adored you, my dear,
dear--" He was unable to proceed.
"Ah! Fabian, that is the true spirit. You at last understand how happy
you are."
"Yes, as happy as the condemned sinner," sighed Fabian; but in such a
manner that his wife heard the first word only.
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."
"But, perhaps, you intend to demand from me three times the sum of money
necessary to fee a lawyer, to bribe you to secrecy."
"Shame upon you. I have not demanded anything. I only expect--"
"What?" inquired his uncle.
"That you will of your own free will and accord loan me the money
necessary to pay old Mr. Lonner's fine. In a few months, when Ragnar
Lonner returns and repays me, I will settle with you. If he does not
repay me, why it is but a small sum to lose."
"And what will you require for yourself?" inquired Mr. Fabian.
"Shall I peddle out my secret like a Jew? I swear by my honor that I
will not divulge to my aunt one word of all that has passed."
Mr. Fabian thrust his hand into his capacious pocket, and withdrawing
his purse, with a sigh counted the money into Gottlieb's hand.
"I shall not give you my note for this, for if I am not repaid I do not
expect to repay you."
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