Such resignation will eventually be found in every profession.  It is not your lot.  To you is due a different kind of happiness, and you will find it. (Feelingly.) Adelaide, as a boy I wrote you tender verses and lulled myself in foolish dreams.  I was very fond of you, and the wound our separation inflicted still smarts at times. [ADELAIDE makes a deprecatory gesture.] Don’t be alarmed, I am not going to pain you.  I long begrudged my fate, and had moments when I felt like an outcast.  But now when you stand there before me in full radiancy, so lovely, so desirable, when my feeling for you is as warm as ever, I must say to you all the same:  Your father, it is true, treated me roughly; but that he separated us, that he prevented you, the rich heiress, who could claim anything, with your own exclusive circle of friends, from throwing herself away on a wild boy who had always shown more presumption than power—­that was really very sensible, and he acted quite rightly in the matter.

ADELAIDE (in her agitation seizing his hands).

Thank you, Conrad, thank you for speaking so of my dead father!  Yes, you are good, you have a heart.  It makes me very happy that you should have shown it to me.

BOLZ.

It is only a tiny little pocket-heart for private use.  It was quite against my will that it happened to make its appearance.

ADELAIDE.

And now enough of us two!  Here in this house our help is needed.  You have won, have completely prevailed against us.  I submit, and acknowledge you my master.  But now show mercy and let us join forces.  In this conflict of you men a rude blow has been struck at the heart of a girl whom I love.  I should like to make that good again and I want you to help me.

BOLZ.

I am at your command.

ADELAIDE.

The Colonel must be reconciled.  Think up some way of healing his injured self-esteem.

BOLZ.

I have thought it over and have taken some steps.  Unfortunately, all I can do is to make him feel that his anger at Oldendorf is folly.  This soft conciliatory impulse you alone can inspire.

ADELAIDE.

Then we women must try our luck.

BOLZ.

Meanwhile I will hurry and do what little I can.

ADELAIDE.

Farewell, Mr. Editor.  And think not only of the progress of the great world, but also occasionally of one friend, who suffers from the base egotism of wishing to be happy on her own account.

BOLZ.

You have always found your happiness in looking after the happiness of others.  With that kind of egotism there is no difficulty in being happy. [Exit.]

ADELAIDE (alone).