KORB.

(alone).  Gracious, how her eyes shine!  What is she tip to?  She’s not going to elope with the old Colonel, I hope!  Well, whatever she is up to, she will carry it through.  There is only one person who could ever be a match for her.  Oh, Mr. Conrad, if only I could speak!

[EXIT.]

SCENE II

Editorial room of the Union.  Enter BOLZ through the door on the left, directly afterward MILLER.

BOLZ (at middle door).

In here with the table!

MILLER (carries small table, all set, with wine-bottles, glasses and plates, to the foreground on the left; brings up five chairs while he speaks).

Mr. Piepenbrink sends his regards, with the message that the wine is yellow-seal, and that, if the Doctor drinks any healths, he must not forget Mr. Piepenbrink’s health.  He was very jolly, the stout gentleman.  And Madam Piepenbrink reminded him that he ought to subscribe for the Union.  He commissioned me to see to it.

BOLZ (who meanwhile has been turning over papers at the work-table on the right, rising).

Let’s have some wine!

[MILLER pours some in a glass.]

In honor of the worthy vintner! [Drinks.]

I treated him scandalously, but he has proved true-hearted.  Tell him his health was not forgotten.  There, take this bottle along!—­Now, get out!

[Exit MILLER.  BOLZ opening the door on the left.]

Come, gentlemen, today I carry out my promise.

[Enter KAeMPE, BELLMAUS, KOeRNER.]

This is the lunch I agreed to give.  And now, my charming day-flies, put as much rose-color into your cheeks and your humors as your wits will let you. [Pouring out.] The great victory is won; the Union has celebrated one of the noblest of triumphs; in ages still to come belated angels will say with awe:  “Those were glorious days,” and so on—­see continuation in today’s paper.  Before we sit down, the first toast—­

KAeMPE.  The member-elect—­

BOLZ.

No, our first toast is to the mother of all, the great power which produces members—­the newspaper, may she prosper!

ALL.

Hurrah! [Clink glasses.]

BOLZ.

Hurrah!  And secondly, long live—­hold on, the member himself is not here yet.

KAeMPE.

Here he comes.

Enter OLDENDORF.

BOLZ.

The member from our venerable town, editor-in-chief and professor, journalist, and good fellow, who is angry just now because behind his back this and that got into the paper—­hurrah for him!

ALL.

Hurrah!

OLDENDORF (in a friendly tone.)

I thank you, gentlemen.

BOLZ (drawing OLDENDORF to the front).