COLONEL.

Yes indeed!  As young blades we served in the same company and played many mad pranks together.  It would be a pleasure to see him now in the House, drawing his honest face into dark lines.  He was a wild devil in the regiment, but a fine boy.

SENDEN.

Nor will he be the only one to receive you with open arms.

COLONEL.

In any case, I should have to think the matter over.

SENDEN.

Don’t be angry, Colonel, if I urge you to decide.  This evening we have to introduce their candidate to our citizen guests.  It is high time, or all is lost.

COLONEL (hesitating).

Senden, you put a knife to my throat!

[SENDEN, from the door, motions the gentlemen in the garden to come in.]

BLUMENBERG.

We venture to urge you, knowing that so good a soldier as you,
Colonel, makes up his mind quickly.

COLONEL (after struggling inwardly).

Well, so be it, gentlemen, I accept!  Tell the committee I appreciate their confidence.  This evening we will talk over details.

BLUMENBERG.

We thank you, Colonel.  The whole town will be rejoiced to hear of your decision.

COLONEL.

Good-by until this evening.

[Exeunt the visitors;

COLONEL alone, thoughtfully.]

I fear I ought not to have accepted so quickly; but I had to do the minister of war that favor.  What will the girls say to it?  And Oldendorf?

[Enter OLDENDORF.]

There he is himself.

[Clears his throat.]

He will be astonished.  I can’t help it, he must withdraw.  Good morning, Professor, you come just at the right moment.

OLDENDORF (hastily).

Colonel, there is a report in town that Mr. von Senden’s party have put you up as their candidate.  I ask for your own assurance that you would not accept such a nomination.

COLONEL.

And, supposing the proposition had been made to me, why should I not accept as well as you?  Yes, rather than you; for the motives that would determine me are sounder than your reasons.

OLDENDORF.

So there is some foundation then to the rumor?

COLONEL.

To be frank, it is the truth.  I have accepted.  You see in me your opponent.

OLDENDORF.

Nothing so bad has yet occurred to trouble our relations.  Colonel, could not the memory of a friendship, hearty and undisturbed for years, induce you to avoid this odious conflict?

COLONEL.

Oldendorf, I could not act otherwise, believe me.  It is your place now to remember our old friendship.  You are a younger man, let alone other relationships; you are the one now to withdraw.

OLDENDORF (more excitedly).

Colonel, I have known you for years.  I know how keenly and how deeply you feel things and how little your ardent disposition fits you to bear the petty vexations of current politics, the wearing struggle of debates.  Oh, my worthy friend, do listen to my exhortations and take back your consent.