"I will behave politely towards any young lady; but, aunt, if you have
any other meaning concealed beneath those words then--I will say no!"

"You wish to quarrel with me, then. Do you understand what that means,
my dear nephew?"

"I dare not think of such a misfortune."

"Yet that misfortune will certainly come. God knows I would do much for
you; but consider upon your words while you have yet time--you need not
trouble yourself to be present at the fishing excursion this evening."

"Why so, aunt, am I outlawed?"

Mrs. Ulrica Eugenia assumed an air of haughtiness.

"Then I have fallen into disgrace," continued Gottlieb.

"I will not deny," replied Mistress Ulrica, coldly, "that you are on the
road to disgrace; but I hope this wholesome lesson will cause you to
think better of my exertions in your behalf."

"Of that I have my doubts," thought Gottlieb as his aunt majestically
left the room; "and yet perhaps it is foolish on my part not to take her
advice.--Oh, why is not my little nymph of the fountain the possessor of
a ton and a half of gold?--The little creature--hm--She is really too
beautiful!"