Colonel, I do not comprehend this attitude, and I beg you to consider that we are speaking before witnesses.

COLONEL.

Do not ask for any consideration.  It would have been your place to show consideration for the man whose friendship you are otherwise so ready to claim.

OLDENDORF.

But, first of all, tell me frankly what is your own connection with the articles attacked in the Coriolanus?

COLONEL.

A very chance connection, too insignificant in your eyes to deserve your regard.  The articles are by me!

IDA.

Heavens!

OLDENDORF (vehemently).

By you?  Articles in the paper of this gentleman?

IDA (entreating him).

Edward!

OLDENDORF (more calmly).

The Union has attacked not you but an unknown person, who to us was merely a partisan of this gentleman.  You would have spared us both this painful scene had you not concealed from me the fact that you are a correspondent of the Coriolanus.

COLONEL.

You will have to stand my continuing not to make you a confidant of my actions.  You have here given me a printed proof of your friendship, which does not make me long for other proofs.

OLDENDORF (taking up his hat).

I can only say that I deeply regret the occurrence, but do not feel myself in the least to blame.  I hope, Colonel, that, when you think the matter over calmly, you will come to the same conclusion.  Good-by, Miss Ida.  Good day to you.

[Exit as far as centre door.]

IDA (entreating).

Father, don’t let him leave us that way!

COLONEL.

It is better than to have him stay.

Enter ADELAIDE.

ADELAIDE (entering in elegant traveling costume, meets OLDENDORF at the door).

Not so fast, Professor!

[OLDENDORF kisses her hand and leaves.]

  IDA. }(together Adelaide! [Falls into her arms.]). 
  COLONEL. } Adelaide!  And at such a moment!

ADELAIDE (holding IDA fast and stretching out her hand to the
COLONEL).

Shake hands with your compatriot.  Aunt sends love, and Rosenau Manor, in its brown autumn dress, presents its humble compliments.  The fields lie bare, and in the garden the withered leaves dance with the wind.—­Ah, Mr. von Senden!

COLONEL (introducing).

Mr. Blumenberg, the editor.

SENDEN.

We are delighted to welcome our zealous agriculturist to the city.

ADELAIDE.

And we should have been pleased occasionally to meet our neighbor in the country.

COLONEL.

He has a great deal to do here.  He is a great politician, and works hard for the good cause.

ADELAIDE.