ADELAIDE.

And Ida?  Because you won’t bear it Ida is to be made unhappy?

COLONEL.

My poor child!  She has been unhappy throughout the whole affair.  This half-hearted way of us men has long been a mistake.  It is better to end it with one sharp pain.

ADELAIDE (seriously).

I cannot see that ending of it as yet.  I shall only see it when Ida laughs once more as merrily as she used to do.

COLONEL (excitedly walking about, exclaiming).

Well then, I’ll give him my child, and go and sit alone in a corner.  I had other views for my old age, but God forbid that my beloved girl should be made unhappy by me.  He is reliable and honorable, and will take good care of her.  I shall move back to the little town I came from.

ADELAIDE (seizing his hand).

My revered friend, no—­you shall not do that!  Neither Oldendorf nor Ida would accept their happiness at such a price.  But if Senden and his friends were secretly to take the paper away from the professor, what then?

COLONEL (joyfully).

Then he would no longer be a journalist! (Uneasily.) But I won’t hear of such a thing.  I am no friend of underhanded action.

ADELAIDE.

Nor am I! (Heartily.) Colonel, you have often shown a confidence in me that has made me happy and proud.  Even today you let me speak more frankly than is usually permitted to a girl.  Will you give me one more great proof of your regard?

COLONEL (pressing her hand).

Adelaide, we know how we stand with each other.  Speak out!

ADELAIDE.

For one hour, today, be my faithful knight.  Allow me to lead you wherever I please.

COLONEL.

What are you up to, child?

ADELAIDE.

Nothing wrong, nothing unworthy of you or of me.  You shall not long be kept in the dark about it.

COLONEL.

If I must, I will surrender.  But may I not know something of what I have to do?

ADELAIDE.

You are to accompany me on a visit, and at the same time keep in mind the things we have just talked over so sensibly.

COLONEL.

On a visit?

Enter KORB.

ADELAIDE.

On a visit I am making in my own interest.

KORB (to ADELAIDE).

Mr. von Senden wishes to pay his respects.

COLONEL.

I don’t wish to see him now.

ADELAIDE.

Be calm, Colonel!  We have not time to be angry even with him.  I shall have to see him for a few moments.

COLONEL.

Then I will go away.

ADELAIDE (entreating).

But you will accompany me directly?  The carriage is waiting.

COLONEL.

I obey the command. [Exit to the left.]

ADELAIDE.

I have made a hasty decision; I have ventured on something that was doubtless too bold for a girl; for now that the crisis is at hand, I feel my courage leaving me.  I had to do it for his sake and for all our sakes. (To KORB.) Ask Miss Ida to get ready—­the coachman will come straight back for her.  Dear Korb, let your thoughts be with me.  I am going on a weighty errand, old friend! [Exit ADELAIDE.]