re of having the majority of the votes. You are exposing
yourself to a public defeat. (_Kindly_.) I should dislike having you
of all people beaten by me; it will cause gossip and scandal. Just
think of it! It is perfectly useless for you to conjure up the
conflict.

OLDENDORF.

Even if it were such a foregone conclusion as you assume, Colonel, I
should still have to hold out to the end. But as far as I can judge
the general sentiment, the result is by no means so certain. And
think, Colonel, if you should happen to be defeated--

COLONEL (_irritated_).

I tell you, that will not be the case.

OLDENDORF.

But if it should be? How odious that would be for both of us! How
would you feel toward me then! I might possibly welcome a defeat in my
heart; for you it would be a terrible mortification, and, Colonel, I
dread this possibility.

COLONEL.

For that very reason you should withdraw.

OLDENDORF.

I can no longer do so; but there is still time for you.

COLONEL (_vehemently_).

Thunder and lightning, sir, I have said yes; I am not the man to cap
it with a no!

[_Both walk up and down._]

That appears to end it, Professor! My wishes are of no account to you;
I ought to have known that! We must go our separate ways. We have
become open opponents; let us be honest enemies--

OLDENDORF (_seizing the_ COLONEL'S _hand_).

Colonel, I consider this a most unfortunate day; for I see sad results
to follow. Rest assured that no circumstances can shake my love and
devotion for you.

COLONEL.

We are drawn up in line of battle, as it were. You mean to let
yourself be defeated by an old military man. You shall have your
desire.

OLDENDORF.

I ask your permission to tell Miss Ida of our conversation.

COLONEL (_somewhat uneasy_).

You had better not do that just now, Professor. An opportunity will
come in due time. At present the ladies are dressing. I myself will
say what is necessary.

OLDENDORF.

Farewell, Colonel, and think of me without hard feelings.

COLONEL.

I will try my best, Professor.

[_Exit_ OLDENDORF.]

He has not given in! What depths of ambition there are in these
scholars!

_Enter_ IDA, ADELAIDE.

IDA.

Was not that Edward's voice?

COLONEL.

Yes, my child.

ADELAIDE.

And he has gone away again! Has anything happened?

COLONEL.

Well, yes, girls. To make a long story short, Oldendorf does not
become member for this town, but I.

ADELAIDE} (_together_.) You, C