ge windows. Right and left, doors; on the
right, well in front, a window. Tables, chairs, a small sofa_.

IDA _is sitting in front on the right reading a book. The_ COLONEL
_enters through centre door with an open box in his hand in which are
dahlias_.

COLONEL.

Here, Ida, are the new varieties of dahlias our gardener has grown.
You'll have to rack your brains to find names for them. Day after
tomorrow is the Horticultural Society meeting, when I am to exhibit
and christen them.

IDA.

This light-colored one here should be called the "Adelaide."

COLONEL.

Adelaide Buneck, of course. Your own name is out of the running, for
as a little dahlia you have long been known to the flower-trade.

IDA.

One shall be called after your favorite writer, "Boz."

COLONEL.

Splendid! And it must be a really fine one, this yellow one here with
violet points. And the third one--how shall we christen that?

IDA (_stretching out her hand entreatingly to her father_).

"Edward Oldendorf."

COLONEL.

What! The professor? The editor? Oh no, that will not do! It was bad
enough for him to take over the paper; but that he now has allowed
himself to be led by his party into running for Parliament--that I can
never forgive him.

IDA.

Here he comes himself.

COLONEL (_aside_).

It used to be a pleasure to me to hear his footstep; now I can hardly
keep from being rude when I see him.

_Enter_ OLDENDORF.

OLDENDORF.

Good morning, Colonel!

IDA (_with a friendly greeting_).

Good morning, Edward. Help me to admire the new dahlias that father
has grown.

COLONEL.

But do not trouble the professor. Such trifles no longer interest him;
he has bigger things in his head.

OLDENDORF.

At all events I have not lost my ability to enjoy what gives you
pleasure.

COLONEL (_grumbling to himself_).

You have not given me much proof of that. I fear you take pleasure in
doing the very things that vex me. You are doubtless quite busy now
with your election, Mr. Future Member of Parliament!

OLDENDORF.

You know, Colonel, that I myself have less than any one else to do
with it.

COLONEL.

Oh, I don't believe that! It is the usual custom in such elections, I
imagine, to pay court to influential persons and shake hands with the
voters, to make speeches, scatter promises, and do all the other
little devil's tricks.

OLDENDORF.

You yourself do not believe, Colonel, that I would do anything
discreditable?

CO