t all right? Back there some
one passed me more quickly than usual, and here I see glistening eyes
and a furrowed brow. [_Kisses her on the eyes._] They shall not ruin
your pretty eyes. And you, honored friend, turn a more friendly
countenance to me.

COLONEL.

You must stay with us all winter; it will be the first you have given
us in a long time; we shall try to deserve such a favor.

ADELAIDE (_seriously_).

It is the first one since my father's death that I have cared to
mingle with the world again. Besides, I have business that calls me
here. You know I came of age this summer, and my legal friend, Judge
Schwarz, requires my presence. Listen, Ida, the servants are
unpacking, go and see that things are properly put away. (_Aside._)
And put a damp cloth over your eyes for people can see that you have
been crying. [_Exit_ IDA _to the right._ ADELAIDE _quickly goes up to
the_ COLONEL.] What is the matter with Ida and the professor?

COLONEL.

That would be a long story. I shall not spoil my pleasure with it now.
We men are at odds; our views are too opposed.

ADELAIDE.

But were not your views opposed before this, too? And yet you were on
such good terms with Oldendorf!

COLONEL.

They were not so extremely opposed as now.

ADELAIDE.

And which of you has changed his views?

COLONEL.

H'm! Why, he, of course. He is led astray in great part by his evil
companions. There are some men, journalists on his paper, and
especially there is a certain Bolz.

ADELAIDE (_aside_).

What's this I hear?

COLONEL.

But probably you know him yourself. Why, he comes from your
neighborhood.

ADELAIDE.

He is a Rosenau boy.

COLONEL.

I remember. Your father, the good old general, could not endure him.

ADELAIDE.

At least he sometimes said so.

COLONEL.

Since then this Bolz has become queer. His mode of life is said to be
irregular, and I fear his morals are pretty loose. He is Oldendorf's
evil genius.

ADELAIDE.

That would be a pity!--No, I do not believe it!

COLONEL. What do you not believe, Adelaide?

ADELAIDE (_smiling_).

I do not believe in evil geniuses. What has gone wrong between you and
Oldendorf can be set right again. Enemies today, friends
tomorrow--that is the way in politics; but Ida's feelings will not
change so quickly. Colonel, I have brought with me a beautiful design
for a dress. That new dress I mean to wear this winter as bridesmaid.

COLONEL.

No chance of it!