On a visit I am making in my own interest.

KORB (_to_ ADELAIDE).

Mr. von Senden wishes to pay his respects.

COLONEL.

I don't wish to see him now.

ADELAIDE.

Be calm, Colonel! We have not time to be angry even with him. I shall have to see him for a few moments.

COLONEL.

Then I will go away.

ADELAIDE (_entreating_).

But you will accompany me directly? The carriage is waiting.

COLONEL.

I obey the command. [_Exit to the left_.]

ADELAIDE.

I have made a hasty decision; I have ventured on something that was doubtless too bold for a girl; for now that the crisis is at hand, I feel my courage leaving me. I had to do it for his sake and for all our sakes. (_To_ KORB.) Ask Miss Ida to get ready--the coachman will come straight back for her. Dear Korb, let your thoughts be with me. I am going on a weighty errand, old friend! [_Exit_ ADELAIDE.]

KORB.

(_alone_). Gracious, how her eyes shine! What is she tip to? She's not going to elope with the old Colonel, I hope! Well, whatever she is up to, she will carry it through. There is only one person who could ever be a match for her. Oh, Mr. Conrad, if only I could speak!

[_EXIT_.]

SCENE II

_Editorial room of the Union. Enter_ BOLZ _through the door on the left, directly afterward_ MILLER.

BOLZ (_at middle door_).

In here with the table!

MILLER (_carries small table, all set, with wine-bottles, gla.s.ses and plates, to the foreground on the left; brings up five chairs while he speaks_).

Mr. Piepenbrink sends his regards, with the message that the wine is yellow-seal, and that, if the Doctor drinks any healths, he must not forget Mr. Piepenbrink's health. He was very jolly, the stout gentleman. And Madam Piepenbrink reminded him that he ought to subscribe for the _Union_. He commissioned me to see to it.

BOLZ (_who meanwhile has been turning over papers at the work-table on the right, rising_).

Let's have some wine!

[MILLER _pours some in a gla.s.s_.]

In honor of the worthy vintner! [_Drinks._]

I treated him scandalously, but he has proved true-hearted. Tell him his health was not forgotten. There, take this bottle along!--Now, get out!

[_Exit_ MILLER. BOLZ _opening the door on the left_.]

Come, gentlemen, today I carry out my promise.

[_Enter_ KaMPE, BELLMAUS, KoRNER.]

This is the lunch I agreed to give. And now, my charming day-flies, put as much rose-color into your cheeks and your humors as your wits will let you. [_Pouring out_.] The great victory is won; the _Union_ has celebrated one of the n.o.blest of triumphs; in ages still to come belated angels will say with awe: "Those were glorious days," and so on--see continuation in today's paper. Before we sit down, the first toast--

KaMPE. The member-elect--

BOLZ.

No, our first toast is to the mother of all, the great power which produces members--the newspaper, may she prosper!

ALL.

Hurrah! [_Clink gla.s.ses_.]

BOLZ.

Hurrah! And secondly, long live--hold on, the member himself is not here yet.

KaMPE.

Here he comes.

_Enter_ OLDENDORF.

BOLZ.

The member from our venerable town, editor-in-chief and professor, journalist, and good fellow, who is angry just now because behind his back this and that got into the paper--hurrah for him!

ALL.

Hurrah!

OLDENDORF (_in a friendly tone_.)

I thank you, gentlemen.