LONEL.

Not? I am not so sure, Oldendorf. Since you have turned journalist,
edit your _Union_ and daily reproach the State with its faulty
organization, you are no longer what you used to be.

OLDENDORF (_who up to this point has been conversing with_ IDA _about
the flowers, but now turns to the_ COLONEL).

Does what I now say or write conflict with my former views? It would
be hard to convince me of that. And still less can you have noticed
any change in my feelings or in my conduct toward you.

COLONEL (_obdurate_).

Well, I don't see what reason you would have for that. I am not going
to spoil my morning by quarreling. Ida may try to straighten things
out with you. I am going to my flowers. [_Takes the box and exit
toward the garden._]

OLDENDORF.

What has put your father in such a bad humor? Has something in the
newspaper vexed him again?

IDA.

I do not think so. But it annoys him that now in politics you again
find it necessary to advocate measures he detests and attack
institutions he reveres. (_Shyly._) Edward, is it really impossible
for you to withdraw from the election?

OLDENDORF.

It is impossible.

IDA.

I should then have you here, and father could regain his good humor;
for he would highly appreciate the sacrifice you were making for him,
and we could look forward to a future as peaceful as our past has
been.

OLDENDORF.

I know that, Ida, and I feel anything but pleasure at the prospect of
becoming member for this town; yet I cannot withdraw.

IDA (_turning away_).

Father is right. You have changed entirely since becoming editor of
the paper.

OLDENDORF.

Ida! You too! If this is going to cause discord between us I shall
indeed feel badly.

IDA.

Dear Edward! I am only grieving at losing you for so long.

OLDENDORF.

I am not yet elected. If I do become member and can have my way, I
will take you to the capital and never let you leave my side again.

IDA.

Ah, Edward, we can't think of that now! But do spare father.

OLDENDORF.

You know how much I stand from him; and I don't give up hope of his
becoming reconciled to me. The election once over, I will make another
appeal to his heart. I may wrest from him a favorable answer that will
mean our marriage.

IDA.

But do humor his little foibles. He is in the garden near his dahlia
bed; express your delight over the gay colors. If you go at it
skilfully enough perhaps he may still call one the "Edward Oldendorf