g you,
Professor, to forget that you were once treated as a friend in this
household. I require you, Ida, to banish all thought of the hours when
this gentleman entertained you with his sentiments. (_More
violently_.) Be still! In my own house at least I submit to no attacks
from a journalist. Forget him, or forget that you are my daughter. Go
in there! [_Leads_ IDA, _not ungently, out to the left, and places
himself in front of the door_.] On this ground, Mr. Editor and Member
of Parliament, before the heart of my child, you shall not beat me.

[_Exit to the left_.]

ADELAIDE (_aside_).

Dear me! That is bad!

OLDENDORF (_as the_ COLONEL _turns to go, with determination_).

Colonel, it is ungenerous of you to refuse me this interview. [_Goes
toward the door_.]

ADELAIDE (_intercepting him quickly_).

Stop! No further! He is in a state of excitement where a single word
might do permanent harm. But do not leave us this way, Professor; give
me just a few moments.

OLDENDORF.

I must, in my present condition of mind, ask your indulgence. I have
long dreaded just such a scene, and yet I hardly feel able to control
myself.

ADELAIDE.

You know our friend; you know that his quick temper drives him into
acts for which later he would gladly atone.

OLDENDORF.

This was more than a fit of temper. It means a breach between us
two--a breach that seems to me beyond healing.

ADELAIDE.

Beyond healing, Professor! If your sentiments toward Ida are what I
think they are, healing is not so difficult. Would it not be fitting
for you even now--especially now--to accede to the father's wishes.
Does not the woman you love deserve that, for once at least, you
sacrifice your ambition!

OLDENDORF.

My ambition, yes; my duty, no.

ADELAIDE.

Your own happiness, Professor, seems to me to be ruined for a long
time, possibly forever, if you part from Ida in this way.

OLDENDORF (_gloomily_).

Not every one can be happy in his private life.

ADELAIDE.

This resignation does not please me at all, least of all in a man.
Pardon me for saying so, plainly. (_Ingratiatingly_.) Is the
misfortune so great if you become member for this town a few years
later, or even not at all?

OLDENDORF.

Miss Runeck, I am not conceited. I do not rate my abilities very high,
and, as far as I know myself, there is no ambitious impulse lurking at
the bottom of my heart. Possibly, as you do now, so a later age will
set a low estimate