Stuttgart_. NATURE ENTHUSIASTS. ADOLPH VON MENZEL]

HENNING (_hurt_).

How? What? Mr. Bolz? You have an antipathy to me?

BOLZ.

To whom? No, dear Mr. Henning, you are a good fellow and would be the
best newspaper owner in the world, if only you were not often as
frightened as a hare. [_Embraces him._] My regards to Mrs. Henning,
sir, and leave me alone. I am thinking up my next article.

HENNING (_while he is being thrust out_).

But do, please, write very moderately and kindly, dear Mr. Bolz.

BOLZ (_alone, walking to and fro again_).

Senden avoids me whenever he can. He stands things from me that any
one else would strongly resent. Is it possible that he suspects--

_Enter_ MILLER.

MILLER (_hurriedly_).

A lady I don't know wishes to pay her respects to you.

BOLZ.

A lady! And to me?

MILLER.

To the editor. [_Hands him a card._]

BOLZ (_reads_).

Leontine Pavoni-Gessler, _nee_ Melloni from Paris. She must have to do
with art. Is she pretty?

MILLER.

H'm! So, so!

BOLZ.

Then tell her we are very sorry that we cannot have the pleasure, that
it is the editor's big washing-day.

MILLER.

What?

BOLZ (_vehemently_).

Washing, children's washing. That we are sitting up to the elbows in
soapsuds.

MILLER (_laughing_).

And I am to--

BOLZ (_impatiently_).

You're a blockhead! [_At the door._] Bellmaus! [_Enter_ BELLMAUS.]
Stay here and receive the visitor. [_Gives him the card._]

BELLMAUS.

Ah, that is the new ballet-dancer who is expected here. [_Inspecting
his coat._] But I'm not dressed for it!

BOLZ.

All the more dressed she will be. [_To_ MILLER.] Show the lady in.

[_Exit_ MILLER.]

BELLMAUS.

But really I cannot--

BOLZ (_irritably_).

Oh the devil, don't put on airs! [_Goes to the table, puts papers in
the drawer, seizes his hat._]

_Enter_ MADAME PAVONI.

MADAME PAVONI.

Have I the honor of seeing before me the editor of the _Union_?

BELLMAUS (_bowing_).

To be sure--that is to say--won't you kindly be seated? [_Pushes up
chairs._]

BOLZ.

Adelaide is clear-sighted and clever. How can she possibly fail to see
through that fellow?

MADAME PAVONI.

Mr. Editor, the intelligent articles about art which adorn your
paper--have prompted me--

BELLMAUS.

Oh, please!

BOLZ. (_having made up his mind_).

I must gain entrance into this club-fete!

[_Exit with a bow to the lady._ BELLMAUS _and_ MADAME PAVONI _sit
facing each other._]