COLONEL.

Let that be my concern.  I am an old block of hard timber.  Think of yourself, dear Oldendorf.  You are young, you have fame as a scholar; your learning assures you every success.  Why, in another sphere of activity, do you seek to exchange honor and recognition for naught but hatred, mockery, and humiliation?  For with such views as yours you cannot fail to harvest them.  Think it over.  Be sensible, and withdraw.

OLDENDORF.

Colonel, could I follow my own inclinations I should do so on the spot.  But in this contest I am under obligations to my friends.  I cannot withdraw now.

COLONEL (excitedly).

Nor can I withdraw, lest I harm the good cause.  We are no further now than in the beginning. (Aside.) Obstinate fellow!

[Both walk up and down on opposite sides of the stage.]

You have not the least chance whatever of being elected, Oldendorf; my friends are sure of having the majority of the votes.  You are exposing yourself to a public defeat. (Kindly.) I should dislike having you of all people beaten by me; it will cause gossip and scandal.  Just think of it!  It is perfectly useless for you to conjure up the conflict.

OLDENDORF.

Even if it were such a foregone conclusion as you assume, Colonel, I should still have to hold out to the end.  But as far as I can judge the general sentiment, the result is by no means so certain.  And think, Colonel, if you should happen to be defeated—­

COLONEL (irritated).

I tell you, that will not be the case.

OLDENDORF.

But if it should be?  How odious that would be for both of us!  How would you feel toward me then!  I might possibly welcome a defeat in my heart; for you it would be a terrible mortification, and, Colonel, I dread this possibility.

COLONEL.

For that very reason you should withdraw.

OLDENDORF.

I can no longer do so; but there is still time for you.

COLONEL (vehemently).

Thunder and lightning, sir, I have said yes; I am not the man to cap it with a no!

[Both walk up and down.]

That appears to end it, Professor!  My wishes are of no account to you; I ought to have known that!  We must go our separate ways.  We have become open opponents; let us be honest enemies—­

OLDENDORF (seizing the COLONEL’S hand).

Colonel, I consider this a most unfortunate day; for I see sad results to follow.  Rest assured that no circumstances can shake my love and devotion for you.

COLONEL.

We are drawn up in line of battle, as it were.  You mean to let yourself be defeated by an old military man.  You shall have your desire.

OLDENDORF.

I ask your permission to tell Miss Ida of our conversation.

COLONEL (somewhat uneasy).