PIEPENBRINK.  Well, he’s a tremendously fine man! [Rising.] Here’s to the health of Professor Oldendorf! [All rise and touch glasses.]

BOLZ (bowing pleasantly to all—­to MRS. PIEPENBRINK).  I see warm sympathy shining in your eyes, dear madam, and I thank you for it.  Mr. Piepenbrink, I ask permission to shake your hand; you are a fine fellow. [Slaps him on the back and embraces him.] Give me your hand, Mr. Kleinmichel! [Embraces him.] And you, too, Mr. Fritz Kleinmichel!  May no child of yours ever sit in the fire, but if he does may there ever be a gallant man at hand to pull him out.  Come nearer, I must embrace you, too.

MRS. PIEPENBRINK (much moved).  Piepenbrink, we have veal-cutlets tomorrow.  What do you think? [Converses with him in a low tone.]

ADELAIDE.  His spirits are running away with him!

SENDEN.  He is unbearable!  I see that you are as indignant as I am.  He snatches away our people; it can no longer be endured.

BOLZ (who had gone the rounds of table, returning and standing in front of MRS. PIEPENBRINK).  It really isn’t right to let it stop here.  Mr. Piepenbrink, head of the house, I appeal to you, I ask your permission—­hand or mouth?

ADELAIDE (horrified, on the right toward the front).  He is actually kissing her!

PIEPENBRINK.  Sail in, old man, courage!

MRS. PIEPENBRINK.  Piepenbrink, I no longer know you!

ADELAIDE (at the moment when BOLZ is about to kiss MRS. PIEPENBRINK crosses the stage, passing them casually, as it were, and holds her bouquet between BOLZ and MRS. PIEPENBRINK. In a low tone, quickly to BOLZ).  You’re going too far!  You are being watched!

[Passes to the rear on the left, and exit.]

BOLZ.  A fairy interferes!

SENDEN (who has already been haranguing some of the other guests, including BLUMENBERG, noisily pushes forward at this moment—­to those at the table).  He is presumptuous; he has thrust himself in!

PIEPENBRINK (bringing down his hand on the table and rising).  Oho!  I like that!  If I kiss my wife or let her be kissed, that is nobody’s concern whatever!  Nobody’s!  No man and no woman and no fairy has a right to put a hand before her mouth.

BOLZ.  Very true!  Splendid!  Hear!  Hear!

SENDEN.  Revered Mr. Piepenbrink, no offense against you!  The company is charmed to see you here.  Only to Mr. Bolz we will remark that his presence is causing scandal.  So completely opposed are his political principles that we must regard his appearing at this fete as an unwarrantable intrusion!

BOLZ.  My political principles opposed?  In society I know no other political principle than this—­to drink with nice people and not to drink with those whom I do not consider nice.  With you, Sir, I have not drunk.