n
spare the services of his two assistants. He will then have only one
salary to pay; but I think that I can do the work of three, and as I
intend to become a model of order, capability and energy, I hope to be
able to win the favor of the head of the treasury department, so that
when my father, who at present is in a very feeble state of health,
shall be obliged to resign, I may be appointed in his stead. This is my
plan."

"You are a shrewd young man," said Mistress Ulrica.

"It is not necessary to be shrewd when the high road is plain before
you."

"But at least you must possess sufficient knowledge of the world to
prevent you, in your youth, from leaving the high road, and wasting your
time in useless dreaming."

"Of dreaming, he who has nothing but his head and hands to depend on,
must not be afraid. If one wishes to enjoy pleasant dreams, he must not
trouble his head about that which he is to eat when he awakes."

"Good! good!" exclaimed Ulrica, "I hope that your wise plans will
succeed, and I do not doubt but what they will, they are so well laid,
and aside from that you are not striving for yourself alone, but for
your parents, to whom I am sure you will always prove a dutiful and
grateful child."

"That is why I should become my father's successor, dear aunt. Had I not
thought of this plan, I would undoubtedly have formed some other; but
with this I am satisfied."

"And do you intend to afford us the pleasure of your company this
summer?" inquired uncle Fabian, abruptly.

"With your permission, dear uncle, your invitation arrived at a lucky
moment, as it came during my vacation."

"Well, well, nephew," said Mrs. Ulrica, "we will go and prepare a
chamber for you."

"Nephew, nephew," exclaimed Gottlieb, merrily, "why we look more like
cousins!"

"You are a little wag!"

"O, I must say more. My mother might have been your mother also, from
all appearances."

"Ah, I was a mere girl when she was married. She was the eldest while I
was the youngest of the family, and the fourteen years discrepancy
between our ages accounts for the differences in our appearance."

"And riches and fortune also," added Gottlieb; "poor mother, misfortune
has always been her lot; and although she has much trouble, she has
nevertheless an angel's forbearance."

"Her disposition resembles mine more than her person does," said Mrs.
H----, casting a glance of tender inquiry upon her husband.

"Yes, my dear," replied he,