call him a good fellow, but reputable--no, he's not quite that.

ADELAIDE (_indifferently_.)

Do you suppose this gentleman who drank the three glasses of punch
would be willing to repeat his disclosures before other persons?

BELLMAUS.

He said he would, and spoke of proofs too.

ADELAIDE (_aside_).

Aha! (_Aloud_.) I fear the proofs won't amount to much. And you have
not spoken of it to the professor or Mr. Bolz?

BELLMAUS.

Our professor is very much occupied these days, and Bolz is the
jolliest man in the world; but his relations with Mr. von Senden being
already strained I thought--

ADELAIDE (_quickly_).

And you were quite right, dear Mr. Bellmaus. So in other regards you
are content with Mr. Bolz?

BELLMAUS.

He is a sociable, excellent man, and I am on very good terms with him.
All of us are on very good terms with him.

ADELAIDE.

I am glad to hear it.

BELLMAUS.

He sometimes goes a little too far, but he has the best heart in the
world.

ADELAIDE (_aside_). "Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings" ye
shall hear the truth!

BELLMAUS.

His nature, you know, is a purely prosaic one; for poetry he has not
the least comprehension. ADELAIDE. Do you think so?

BELLMAUS.

Yes, he often bursts forth on the subject.

ADELAIDE (_rising_).

I thank you for your communication even if I cannot attach weight to
it, and I am glad to have met in you one of the editorial staff.
Journalists, I find, are dangerous people, and it is just as well to
secure their good will; although I, as an unimportant person, will try
never to furnish matter for a newspaper article. [_As_ BELLMAUS
_lingers._] Can I do anything more for you?

BELLMAUS (_with warmth_).

Yes, Miss Runeck, if you would be so good as to accept this copy of my
poems. They are poems of youth, to be sure, my first attempts, but I
count on your friendly indulgence.

[_Draws a gilt-edged book from his pocket, and hands it to her._]

ADELAIDE.

I thank you heartily, Mr. Bellmaus. Never before has a poet presented
me with his works. I shall read the beautiful book through in the
country, and, under my trees, shall rejoice that I have friends in
town who spare a thought for me too, when they represent beauty for
other people.

BELLMAUS (_fervently_).

Rest assured, Miss Runeck, that no poet will forget you, who has once
had the good fortune to make your acquaintance.

[_Exit with a deep bow._]

ADELAIDE.

This Mr. Schmock