. Save for a few slight burns, I had brought nothing with
me over into the new apartment; all my belongings were burned. The
stranger nursed me and cared for me like a brother. Not until I was
able to go out again did I learn that this scholar was the same man
who had paid his visit to me that night on the ladder. You see the man
has his heart in the right spot, and that's why I wish him now to
become member of Parliament, and why I could do for him what I would
not do for myself; for him I could electioneer, intrigue, or make
fools of honest people. That man is Professor Oldendorf.

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_)