enterprises
of the town, he has given aid and counsel, is universally known and
will be realized by our fellow-citizens, especially today, with
heartfelt gratitude." [_Lays the paper aside_.] That is a vile style!
[_Reads on_.] "By a very small majority of votes our town has decreed
to uphold the younger friend's political views in Parliament. But by
all parties today--so it is reported--addresses and deputations are
being prepared, not to extol the victor in the electoral contest, but
to express to his opponent the general reverence and respect of which
never a man was more worthy than he."--That is open assassination!
That is a fearful indiscretion of Oldendorf's, that is the revenge of
a journalist, so fine and pointed! Oh, it is just like him! No, it is
not like him! It is revolting, it is inhuman! What am I to do!
Deputations and addresses to me? To Oldendorf's friend? Bah, it is all
mere gossip, newspaper-babble that costs nothing but a few fine words!
The town knows nothing of these sentiments. It is blackguardism!

_Enter_ CARL.

CARL.

Letters from the local mail.

[_Lays them on the table._]

[_Exit_.]

COLONEL.

There is something up, here, too. I dread to open them. [_Breaks open
the first one_.] What the devil! A poem?--and to me? "To our noble
opponent, the best man in town."--Signed? What is the signature?
"B--aus!" B--aus? I don't know it, it must be a pseudonym! [_Reads_.]
It seems to be exceedingly good poetry!--And what have we here?
[_Opens the second letter_.] "To the benefactor of the poor, the
father of orphans." An address!--[_Reads_.] "Veneration and
kindliness."--Signature: "Many women and girls." The seal a P.P.--Good
God, what does it all mean? Have I gone mad? If these are really
voices from the town, and if that is the way people look on this day,
then I must confess men think better of me than I do of myself!

_Enter_ CARL.

CARL.

A number of gentlemen wish to speak to you, Colonel.

COLONEL.

What sort of gentlemen!

CARL.

They say: A deputation from the voters.

COLONEL.

Show them in. This confounded newspaper was right, after all.

_Enter_ PIEPENBRINK, KLEINMICHEL _and three other gentlemen. They
bow, the_ COLONEL _likewise_.

PIEPENBRINK (_solemnly_).

My Colonel: A number of voters have sent us as a deputation to you to
inform you on this special day that the whole town considers you a
most respectable and worthy man.

COLONEL (_stiffly_).

I am ob