BOLZ.

Don’t be in such a hurry, Korb.—­So the people in the village still think of me!

KORB.

I should say they did!  No one can understand why you don’t come near us.  It was another matter while the old gentleman was alive, but now—­

BOLZ (seriously).

My parents are dead; a stranger lives in the parsonage.

KORB.

But we in the manor-house are still alive!  Miss Runeck would surely be delighted—­

BOLZ.

Does she still remember me?

KORB.

Of course she does.  This very day she asked about you.

BOLZ.

What did she ask, old chap?

KORB.

She asked me if it was true what people are saying, that you have grown very wild, make debts, run after girls, and are up to the devil generally.

BOLZ.

Good gracious!  You stood up for me, I trust?

KORB.

Of course!  I told her that all that might be taken for granted with you.

BOLZ.

Confound it!  That’s what she thinks of me, is it?  Tell me, Korb, Miss
Adelaide has many suitors, has she not?

KORB.

The sands of the sea are as nothing to it.

BOLZ (vexed).

But yet she can finally choose only one, I suppose.

KORB (slyly).

Correct!  But which one?  That’s the question.

BOLZ.

Which do you think it will be?

KORB.

Well, that is difficult to say.  There is this Mr. von Senden who is now living in town.  If any one has a chance it is probably he.  He fusses about us like a weasel.  Just as I was leaving he sent to the house a whole dozen of admission cards to the great fete at the club.  It must be the sort of club where the upper classes go arm-in-arm with the townspeople.

BOLZ.

Yes, it is a political society of which Senden is a director.  It is casting out a great net for voters.  And the Colonel and the ladies are going?

KORB.

I hear they are.  I, too, received a card.

BOLZ (to himself).

Has it come to this?  Poor Oldendorf!—­And Adelaide at the club fete of
Mr. von Senden!

KORB (to himself).

How am I going to begin and find out about his love-affairs? (Aloud.) Oh, see here, Mr. Conrad, one thing more!  Have you possibly some real good friend in this concern to whom you could introduce me?

BOLZ.

Why, old chap?

KORB.

It is only—­I am a stranger here, and often have commissions and errands where I need advice.  I should like to have some one to consult should you chance to be away, or with whom I could leave word for you.

BOLZ.

You will find me here at almost any time of day. [At the door.] Bellmaus! [Enter BELLMAUS.] You see this gentleman here.  He is an honored old friend of mine from my native village.  Should he happen not to find me here, you take my place.—­This gentleman’s name is Bellmaus, and he is a good fellow.