Why excite yourself about a mere shadowplay ?" "In practical matters," answered Paul, laughing, "I consider I am the better man, but you certainly beat me at metaphysics.

Prophecy decidedly comes under the heading of metaphysics, so I strike my colors before you." "The sooner the better," said Malvine; "especially as it is quite unpardonable of you to start off on a long discussion when our poor friend must be so tired and sleepy." It was eight o'clock by this time, and Wilhelm really felt the want of rest.

But before going to his room he asked after his godson, little Willy.

Malvine was evidently expecting this, she ran to the door and called into the next room: "Come here, Willy--come quick--Uncle Eynhardt is here and wants to see you." Whereupon the boy came bounding in, and threw himself with a shout of delight upon Wilhelm's neck.
Willy was still his mother's only child.

He was nearly six years old, not very tall for his age, but a fine, handsome, thoroughly healthy child, with firm legs, a blooming complexion, the dark eyes of his grandmother, and long fair curls.