ADELAIDE (quickly).

And you were quite right, dear Mr. Bellmaus.  So in other regards you are content with Mr. Bolz?

BELLMAUS.

He is a sociable, excellent man, and I am on very good terms with him. 
All of us are on very good terms with him.

ADELAIDE.

I am glad to hear it.

BELLMAUS.

He sometimes goes a little too far, but he has the best heart in the world.

ADELAIDE (aside).  “Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings” ye shall hear the truth!

BELLMAUS.

His nature, you know, is a purely prosaic one; for poetry he has not the least comprehension.  ADELAIDE.  Do you think so?

BELLMAUS.

Yes, he often bursts forth on the subject.

ADELAIDE (rising).

I thank you for your communication even if I cannot attach weight to it, and I am glad to have met in you one of the editorial staff.  Journalists, I find, are dangerous people, and it is just as well to secure their good will; although I, as an unimportant person, will try never to furnish matter for a newspaper article. [As BELLMAUS lingers.] Can I do anything more for you?

BELLMAUS (with warmth).

Yes, Miss Runeck, if you would be so good as to accept this copy of my poems.  They are poems of youth, to be sure, my first attempts, but I count on your friendly indulgence.

[Draws a gilt-edged book from his pocket, and hands it to her.]

ADELAIDE.

I thank you heartily, Mr. Bellmaus.  Never before has a poet presented me with his works.  I shall read the beautiful book through in the country, and, under my trees, shall rejoice that I have friends in town who spare a thought for me too, when they represent beauty for other people.

BELLMAUS (fervently).

Rest assured, Miss Runeck, that no poet will forget you, who has once had the good fortune to make your acquaintance.

[Exit with a deep bow.]

ADELAIDE.

This Mr. Schmock with the three glasses of punch is well worth cultivating, I should say.  Scarcely have I arrived in town when my room turns into a regular business office, where editors and authors ply their trade.  I fear that is an omen.

[Exit to the left.]

It grows dark.  The COLONEL enters from the garden.

COLONEL (slowly coming forward).

I am glad that all is over between us. [Stamping his foot.] I am very glad! [In a depressed tone.] I feel free and more relieved than for a long time.  I think I could actually sing!  At this moment I am the subject of conversation over all tea-cups, on all beer-benches.  Everywhere arguing and laughter:  It serves him right, the old fool!  Damn! [Enter CARL, with lights and the newspaper.] Who told you to bring the lamp?