SCENE VI. Enter GERNAU. _Gern._ Dear old man, I have forgotten all the wrongs the Privy Counsellor ever did me. They now vanish like a dream. He has more than compensated for all. _Soph._ With respect to you? _Gern._ That is out of his power now. But he has acted with such discretion, with such abundance of good nature, and rendered so much justice to every body else, that I must be devoid of all feeling, if I could consider my accounts with him as unsettled. _Clar._ Pray speak more of that. I have been unwilling this long while to enquire into the actions of my son; but to-day I am so pleased with him, that I could talk of him for ever without interruption. _Gern._ He desired me to go home with him. Away with every penny, said he, which I have not acquired fairly, or of which the least doubt remains. Then he counted money, sealed it up, and called out to me repair to the next trading town. I will give you the directions into whose hands this cash is to go. I will wrong no man, assist me to discharge my duty, name not who sent it! I will set off this very day.--He is this moment gone to pay two people, that had been overcharged in their contributions towards the construction of the bridge. He intends to discharge that debt personally, because they are good people on whom he can rely, who will not take advantage of his frankness. _Clar._ Your work, dear daughter! a clear conscience, joy, and honour! what a valuable portion you bring into my family! When at evenings we shall meet, and every one of us shall sum up the honest earnings of the day, with what affection and gratitude shall we then calculate and pay you the interest of your capital! SCENE VII. Enter FREDERICA. _Fred._ Your father has been here this minute to enquire after Lawyer Wellenberg. _Soph._ (quick.) Is he gone yet? _Fred._ He seemed in doubt some time, whether to go or stay, but then he went without saying any thing. _Clar._ Ah, the legacy,--his conscience--Dr. Kannenfeld,--it begins to operate. _Gern._ Yes, yes. _Soph._ Oh, I wish that was settled! _Clar._ Do not be uneasy; old Wellenberg has him entirely in his power, and he knows what he is about. SCENE VIII. Enter Privy Counsellor CLARENBACH. _P. Coun._ Sophia, I have kept my word. _Clar._ (reaches him his hand.) We have been told so. _Soph._ I know it. _P. Coun._ My accounts are now settled, and my mind is at ease. I can now call a furnished house and four thousand dollars my own honest property. I have thrown off the burden, I have got rid of a connection that imposed upon me. _Gern._ Dear brother! how is it possible that any connection should warp your generous principles.