do
not worry; I told Kaempe to make the article dignified, very dignified.

OLDENDORF.

For Heaven's sake, don't! The article must not be written.

BOLZ.

I fail to comprehend you. What use are political opponents if you
cannot attack them?

OLDENDORF.

Now see here! These articles were written by the Colonel; he told me
so himself today.

BOLZ.

Thunder and lightning!

OLDENDORF (_gloomily_).

You may imagine that along with this admission went other intimations
which place me just now in a very uncomfortable position as regards
the Colonel and his family.

BOLZ (_seriously_).

And what does the Colonel want you to do?

OLDENDORF.

He will be reconciled to me if I resign the editorship of this paper
and withdraw as candidate for election.

BOLZ.

The devil! He is moderate in his demands!

OLDENDORF.

I suffer under this discord; to you, as my friend, I can say so.

BOLZ (_going up to him and pressing his hand_).

Solemn moment of manly emotion!

OLDENDORF.

Don't play the clown just now. You can imagine how unpleasant my
position in the Colonel's house has become. The worthy old gentleman
either frigid or violent; the conversation spiced with bitter
allusions; Ida suffering--I can often see that she has been crying. If
our party wins and I become member for the town, I fear I shall lose
all hope of marrying Ida.

BOLZ (_vehemently_).

And if you withdraw it will be a serious blow to our party. (_Rapidly
and emphatically._) The coming session of Parliament will determine
the fate of the country. The parties are almost equal. Every loss is a
blow of a vote to our cause. In this town we have no other candidate
but you, who is sufficiently popular to make his election probable. If
you withdraw from the contest, no matter what the reason, our
opponents win.

OLDENDORF.

Unfortunately what you say is true.

BOLZ (_with continued vehemence_).

I won't dwell on my confidence in your talents. I am convinced that,
in the House, and, possibly, as one of the ministers, you will be of
service to your country. I merely ask you, now, to remember your duty
to our political friends, who have pinned their faith on you, and to
this paper and ourselves, who for three years have worked for the
credit of the name of Oldendorf which heads our front page. Your honor
is at stake, and every moment of wavering is wrong.

OLDENDORF (_dignified_).

You are exciting yourself without reason. I too deem