iend, who suffers from the base
egotism of wishing to be happy on her own account.

BOLZ.

You have always found your happiness in looking after the happiness of
others. With that kind of egotism there is no difficulty in being
happy. [_Exit_.]

ADELAIDE (_alone_).

He still loves me! He is a man with feeling and generosity. But he,
too, is resigned. They are all _ill_--these men! They have no courage!
From pure learning and introspection they have lost all confidence in
themselves. This Conrad! Why doesn't he say to me: "Adelaide, I want
you to be my wife?" He can be brazen enough when he wants to! God
forbid! He philosophizes about my kind of happiness and his kind of
happiness! It was all very fine, but sheer nonsense.--My young
country-squires are quite different. They have no great burden of
wisdom and have more whims and prejudices than they ought to; but they
do their hating and loving thoroughly and boldly, and never forget
their own advantage. They are the better for it! Praised be the
country, the fresh air, and my broad acres! [_Pause; with decision_.]
The _Union_ is to be sold! Conrad must come to the country to get rid
of his crotchets! [_Sits down and writes; rings; enter_ CARL.] Take
this note to Judge Schwarz; I want him kindly to come to me on urgent
business.

[_Exit_ CARL.]

_Enter_ IDA _through the side door on the left_.

IDA.

I am too restless to keep still! Let me cry here to my heart's
content! [_Weeps on_ ADELAIDE'S _neck_.]

ADELAIDE (_tenderly_).

Poor child! The bad men have been very cruel to you. It's all right
for you to grieve, darling, but don't be so still and resigned!

IDA.

I have but the one thought: he is lost to me--lost forever!

ADELAIDE.

You are a dear good girl. But be reassured! You haven't lost him at
all. On the contrary, we'll see to it that you get him back better
than ever. With blushing cheeks and bright eyes he shall reappear to
you, the noble man, your chosen demigod--and your pardon the demigod
shall ask for having caused you pain!--

IDA (_looking up at her_).

What are you telling me?

ADELAIDE.

Listen! This night I read in the stars that you were to become Mrs.
Member-of-Parliament. A big star fell from heaven, and on it was
written in legible letters: "Beyond peradventure she shall have him!"
The fulfilment has attached to it but one condition.

IDA.

What condition? Tell me!

ADELAIDE.

I recently told you of a certain lady a