h other. But he does not choose to do that; and, if
his conscience now and then happen to twitch him a little, he sends me
money. Money! what is money to me? when have I ever wished for more
than to live? (With vivacity.) His money is the only thing I dislike
about him.

_Fred._ Why so, father?

_Clar._ Because he has not that great quantity of it--hem!
there--there, may be enough of it for this time. The second thing: I do
not like in you is to see you converse with that Counsellor Selling.
What is the meaning of it?

_Fred._ My brother entertains a high esteem for him.

_Clar._ Not I.

_Fred._ He is pleased to see him visit here.

_Clar._ Not I. And then have you not Gernau, the Ranger, whom you like,
and I too?

_Fred._ Well, are you content if I manage so, that I may keep upon good
terms with both?

_Clar._ I have no objection. But mind, all fair! none of your book
stories! (Looks at his watch,) Half past eleven; you will bring my
dinner to the yard.

_Fred._ Undoubtedly. [Exit.

SCENE IV.

Enter REISSMAN.

_Reiss._ Aye, good morrow, Miss! Good morrow, Mr. Clarenbach! Well, how
are you?

_Clar._ At work, Sir!

_Reiss._ So you have, _ex officio_, been appointed guardian of the poor
orphans of Brunnig?

_Clar._ Yes, Sir, these four days.

_Reiss._ Aye, aye; it will prove a troublesome piece of business. Poor
children! I pity them.

_Clar._ So do I.--And, to tell you the truth, the valuable bequest of
the old aunt ought to go to the children, and not to you; to whom,
contrary to all right and equity, she has bequeathed her all.

_Reiss._ Aye! Good heaven!--but then it is so in her will.

_Clar._ True enough. But the law should not permit it.

_Reiss._ A last will!--O Lord! that is a sacred thing. I pity the
children, but--

_Clar._ I intend to try the validity of it.

_Reiss._ Aye, aye? I have been told so.

_Clar._ You ought to decline the bequest, Mr. Reissman.

_Reiss._ But, what heaven has sent me--

_Clar._ The property of orphans!

_Reiss._ You would not have me rob my child of the divine blessings
which, without the least solicitation on my part, have devolved upon me
from a strange person?

_Clar._ Your daughter, is not poor. The children of Brunnig are all
beggars.

_Reiss._ Aye, good man, we will manage that, we will manage it!

_Clar._ How so?

_Reiss._ O heaven! Yes, we