on our political wrangling, our party aims, and all
that that includes. Possibly all our labor will be without result;
possibly much of the good we hope to do will, when achieved, turn out
to be the opposite--yes, it is highly probable that my own share in
the struggle will often be painful, unedifying, and not at all what
you would call a grateful task; but all that must not keep me from
devoting my life to the strife and struggle of the age to which I
belong. That struggle, after all, is the best and noblest that the
present has to offer. Not every age permits its sons to achieve
results which remain great for all time; and, I repeat, not every age
can make those who live in it distinguished and happy.

ADELAIDE.

I think every age can accomplish that if the individuals will only
understand how to be great and happy. [_Rising_.] You, Professor, will
do nothing for your own little home-happiness. You force your friends
to act for you.

[Illustration: Permission F. Bruckmann, A.-G. Munich
IN THE BEERGARDEN Adolph von Menzel]

OLDENDORF.

At all events cherish as little anger against me as possible, and
speak a good word for me to Ida.

ADELAIDE.

I shall set my woman's wits to aiding you, Mr. Statesman.

[_Exit_ OLDENDORF.]

ADELAIDE (_alone_).

So this is one of the noble, scholarly, free spirits of the German
nation! And he climbs into the fire from a sheer sense of duty! But to
conquer anything--the world, happiness, or even a wife--for that he
never was made!

_Enter_ CARL.

CARL (_announcing_).

Dr. Bolz!

ADELAIDE.

Ah! He at least will be no such paragon of virtue!--Where is the
Colonel?

CARL.

In Miss Ida's room.

ADELAIDE.

Show the gentleman in here.

[_Exit_ CARL.]

I feel somewhat embarrassed at seeing you again, Mr. Bolz; I shall
take pains to conceal it.

_Enter_ BOLZ.

BOLZ.

A poor soul has just left you, vainly seeking consolation in your
philosophy. I too come as an unfortunate, for yesterday I incurred
your displeasure; and but for your presence, which cut short a
vexatious scene, Mr. von Senden, in the interests of social propriety,
would doubtless have pitched into me still harder. I thank you for the
reminder you gave me; I take it as a sign that you will not withdraw
your friendly interest in me.

ADELAIDE (_aside_).

Very pretty, very diplomatic!--It is kind of you to put so good a
construction on my astonishing behavior. But pardon me if I presume to