Now, sir, how do things stand?

BLUMENBERG.

41 votes for you, Colonel, 34 for our opponents; three have fallen on
outsiders. The votes are being registered at very long intervals now,
but the difference in your favor remains much the same. Eight more
votes for you, Colonel, and the victory is won. We have every chance
now of coming out ahead. I am hurrying back, the decisive moment is at
hand. My compliments to the ladies!

[_Exit_.]

COLONEL.

Ida!

[IDA _hastens to him_.]

Are you my good daughter?

IDA.

My dear father!

COLONEL.

I know what is troubling you, child. You are worse off than any one.
Console yourself, Ida; if, as seems likely, the professor has to make
way for the old soldier, then we'll talk further on the matter.
Oldendorf has not deserved it of me; there are many things about him
that I do not like. But you are my only child. I shall think of that
and of nothing else; but the very first thing to do is to break down
the young man's obstinacy.

[_Releases_ IDA; _walks up and down again._]

ADELAIDE (_in the foreground, aside_).

The barometer has risen, the sunshine of pardon breaks through the
clouds. If only it were all over! Such excitement is infectious! (_To_
IDA.) You see you do not yet have to think of entering a nunnery.

IDA. But if Oldendorf is defeated, how will he bear it!

ADELAIDE (_shrugging her shoulders_).

He loses a seat in unpleasant company and wins, instead, an amusing
little wife. I think he ought to be satisfied. In any case he will
have a chance to make his speeches. Whether he makes them in one house
or another, what is the difference? I fancy you will listen to him
more reverently than any other member.

IDA (_shyly_).

But Adelaide, what if it really would be better for the country to
have Oldendorf elected?

ADELAIDE.

Yes, dearest, in that case there is no help for the country. Our State
and the rest of the European nations must learn to get along without
the professor. You have yourself to attend to first of all; you wish
to marry him; you come first.

[_Enter_ CARL.]

What news, Carl?

CARL.

Mr. von Senden presents his compliments and reports 47 to 42. The head
of the election committee, he says, has already congratulated him.

COLONEL.

Congratulated? Lay out my uniform, ask for the key of the wine-cellar,
and set the table; we are likely to have visitors this evening.

CARL.

Yes, Colonel.

[_Exit_.]

COLONEL (_to him