.

ADELAIDE.

But he is only doing what you did yourself!

COLONEL.

Don't remind me of that folly! Were he as my son-in-law to hold a
different opinion from mine regarding current happenings--that I could
doubtless stand. But if day by day he were to proclaim aloud to the
world feelings and sentiments the opposite of mine, and I had to read
them, and had to hear my son-in-law reproached and laughed at for them
on all sides by old friends and comrades, and I had to swallow it
all--you see that is more than I could bear!

ADELAIDE.

And Ida? Because you won't bear it Ida is to be made unhappy?

COLONEL.

My poor child! She has been unhappy throughout the whole affair. This
half-hearted way of us men has long been a mistake. It is better to
end it with one sharp pain.

ADELAIDE (_seriously_).

I cannot see that ending of it as yet. I shall only see it when Ida
laughs once more as merrily as she used to do.

COLONEL (_excitedly walking about, exclaiming_).

Well then, I'll give him my child, and go and sit alone in a corner. I
had other views for my old age, but God forbid that my beloved girl
should be made unhappy by me. He is reliable and honorable, and will
take good care of her. I shall move back to the little town I came
from.

ADELAIDE (_seizing his hand_).

My revered friend, no--you shall not do that! Neither Oldendorf nor
Ida would accept their happiness at such a price. But if Senden and
his friends were secretly to take the paper away from the professor,
what then?

COLONEL (_joyfully_).

Then he would no longer be a journalist! (_Uneasily_.) But I won't
hear of such a thing. I am no friend of underhanded action.

ADELAIDE.

Nor am I! (_Heartily_.) Colonel, you have often shown a confidence in
me that has made me happy and proud. Even today you let me speak more
frankly than is usually permitted to a girl. Will you give me one more
great proof of your regard?

COLONEL (_pressing her hand_).

Adelaide, we know how we stand with each other. Speak out!

ADELAIDE.

For one hour, today, be my faithful knight. Allow me to lead you
wherever I please.

COLONEL.

What are you up to, child?

ADELAIDE.

Nothing wrong, nothing unworthy of you or of me. You shall not long be
kept in the dark about it.

COLONEL.

If I must, I will surrender. But may I not know something of what I
have to do?

ADELAIDE.

You are to accompany me on a visit, and at the same time keep in mind
the th