ings we have just talked over so sensibly.

COLONEL.

On a visit?

_Enter_ KORB.

ADELAIDE.

On a visit I am making in my own interest.

KORB (_to_ ADELAIDE).

Mr. von Senden wishes to pay his respects.

COLONEL.

I don't wish to see him now.

ADELAIDE.

Be calm, Colonel! We have not time to be angry even with him. I shall
have to see him for a few moments.

COLONEL.

Then I will go away.

ADELAIDE (_entreating_).

But you will accompany me directly? The carriage is waiting.

COLONEL.

I obey the command. [_Exit to the left_.]

ADELAIDE.

I have made a hasty decision; I have ventured on something that was
doubtless too bold for a girl; for now that the crisis is at hand, I
feel my courage leaving me. I had to do it for his sake and for all
our sakes. (_To_ KORB.) Ask Miss Ida to get ready--the coachman will
come straight back for her. Dear Korb, let your thoughts be with me. I
am going on a weighty errand, old friend! [_Exit_ ADELAIDE.]

KORB.

(_alone_). Gracious, how her eyes shine! What is she tip to? She's not
going to elope with the old Colonel, I hope! Well, whatever she is up
to, she will carry it through. There is only one person who could ever
be a match for her. Oh, Mr. Conrad, if only I could speak!

[_EXIT_.]

SCENE II

_Editorial room of the Union. Enter_ BOLZ _through the door on the
left, directly afterward_ MILLER.

BOLZ (_at middle door_).

In here with the table!

MILLER (_carries small table, all set, with wine-bottles, glasses and
plates, to the foreground on the left; brings up five chairs while he
speaks_).

Mr. Piepenbrink sends his regards, with the message that the wine is
yellow-seal, and that, if the Doctor drinks any healths, he must not
forget Mr. Piepenbrink's health. He was very jolly, the stout
gentleman. And Madam Piepenbrink reminded him that he ought to
subscribe for the _Union_. He commissioned me to see to it.

BOLZ (_who meanwhile has been turning over papers at the work-table on
the right, rising_).

Let's have some wine!

[MILLER _pours some in a glass_.]

In honor of the worthy vintner! [_Drinks._]

I treated him scandalously, but he has proved true-hearted. Tell him
his health was not forgotten. There, take this bottle along!--Now, get
out!

[_Exit_ MILLER. BOLZ _opening the door on the left_.]

Come, gentlemen, today I carry out my promise.

[_Enter_ KAeMPE, BELLMAUS, KOeRNER.]

This is the lunch I agreed to give. And