ur is ready from
which the future, possibly, will bake good bread for the benefit of
the many.

ADELAIDE.

No, no, that is morbidness; such resignation is wrong.

BOLZ.

Such resignation will eventually be found in every profession. It is
not your lot. To you is due a different kind of happiness, and you
will find it. (_Feelingly_.) Adelaide, as a boy I wrote you tender
verses and lulled myself in foolish dreams. I was very fond of you,
and the wound our separation inflicted still smarts at times.
[ADELAIDE _makes a deprecatory gesture_.] Don't be alarmed, I am not
going to pain you. I long begrudged my fate, and had moments when I
felt like an outcast. But now when you stand there before me in full
radiancy, so lovely, so desirable, when my feeling for you is as warm
as ever, I must say to you all the same: Your father, it is true,
treated me roughly; but that he separated us, that he prevented you,
the rich heiress, who could claim anything, with your own exclusive
circle of friends, from throwing herself away on a wild boy who had
always shown more presumption than power--that was really very
sensible, and he acted quite rightly in the matter.

ADELAIDE (_in her agitation seizing his hands_).

Thank you, Conrad, thank you for speaking so of my dead father! Yes,
you are good, you have a heart. It makes me very happy that you should
have shown it to me.

BOLZ.

It is only a tiny little pocket-heart for private use. It was quite
against my will that it happened to make its appearance.

ADELAIDE.

And now enough of us two! Here in this house our help is needed. You
have won, have completely prevailed against us. I submit, and
acknowledge you my master. But now show mercy and let us join forces.
In this conflict of you men a rude blow has been struck at the heart
of a girl whom I love. I should like to make that good again and I
want you to help me.

BOLZ.

I am at your command.

ADELAIDE.

The Colonel must be reconciled. Think up some way of healing his
injured self-esteem.

BOLZ.

I have thought it over and have taken some steps. Unfortunately, all I
can do is to make him feel that his anger at Oldendorf is folly. This
soft conciliatory impulse you alone can inspire.

ADELAIDE.

Then we women must try our luck.

BOLZ.

Meanwhile I will hurry and do what little I can.

ADELAIDE.

Farewell, Mr. Editor. And think not only of the progress of the great
world, but also occasionally of one fr