BOLZ.

A little skirmish with the Coriolanus.  Another one against the unknown correspondent with the arrow who attacked our party.  But do not worry; I told Kaempe to make the article dignified, very dignified.

OLDENDORF.

For Heaven’s sake, don’t!  The article must not be written.

BOLZ.

I fail to comprehend you.  What use are political opponents if you cannot attack them?

OLDENDORF.

Now see here!  These articles were written by the Colonel; he told me so himself today.

BOLZ.

Thunder and lightning!

OLDENDORF (gloomily).

You may imagine that along with this admission went other intimations which place me just now in a very uncomfortable position as regards the Colonel and his family.

BOLZ (seriously).

And what does the Colonel want you to do?

OLDENDORF.

He will be reconciled to me if I resign the editorship of this paper and withdraw as candidate for election.

BOLZ.

The devil!  He is moderate in his demands!

OLDENDORF.

I suffer under this discord; to you, as my friend, I can say so.

BOLZ (going up to him and pressing his hand).

Solemn moment of manly emotion!

OLDENDORF.

Don’t play the clown just now.  You can imagine how unpleasant my position in the Colonel’s house has become.  The worthy old gentleman either frigid or violent; the conversation spiced with bitter allusions; Ida suffering—­I can often see that she has been crying.  If our party wins and I become member for the town, I fear I shall lose all hope of marrying Ida.

BOLZ (vehemently).

And if you withdraw it will be a serious blow to our party. (Rapidly and emphatically.) The coming session of Parliament will determine the fate of the country.  The parties are almost equal.  Every loss is a blow of a vote to our cause.  In this town we have no other candidate but you, who is sufficiently popular to make his election probable.  If you withdraw from the contest, no matter what the reason, our opponents win.

OLDENDORF.

Unfortunately what you say is true.

BOLZ (with continued vehemence).

I won’t dwell on my confidence in your talents.  I am convinced that, in the House, and, possibly, as one of the ministers, you will be of service to your country.  I merely ask you, now, to remember your duty to our political friends, who have pinned their faith on you, and to this paper and ourselves, who for three years have worked for the credit of the name of Oldendorf which heads our front page.  Your honor is at stake, and every moment of wavering is wrong.

OLDENDORF (dignified).

You are exciting yourself without reason.  I too deem it wrong to retire now when I am told that our cause needs me.  But in confessing to you, my friend, that my decision means a great personal sacrifice, I am not compromising either our cause or ourselves as individuals.