olonel? IDA } You, father?

IDA.

Has Edward withdrawn?

ADELAIDE.

Is the election over?

COLONEL.

Neither one nor the other. Oldendorf has proved his much-vaunted
devotion to us by not withdrawing, and election day is not yet past.
But from what I hear there is no doubt that Oldendorf will be
defeated.

IDA.

And you, father, have come out before everybody as his opponent?

ADELAIDE.

And what did Oldendorf say to that, Colonel?

COLONEL.

Don't excite me, girls! Oldendorf was stubborn, otherwise he behaved
well, and as far as that is concerned all is in order. The grounds
which determined me to make the sacrifice are very weighty. I will
explain them to you more fully another time. The matter is decided; I
have accepted; let that suffice for the present.

IDA.

But, dear father--

COLONEL.

Leave me in peace, Ida, I have other things to think of. This evening
I am to speak in public; that is, so to say, the custom at such
elections. Don't worry, my child, we'll get the better of the
professor and his clique.

[_Exit_ COLONEL _toward the garden_. IDA _and_ ADELAIDE _stand facing
each other and wring their hands._]

IDA.

What do you say to that?

ADELAIDE.

You are his daughter--what do _you_ say?

IDA.

Not possible!--Father! Scarcely had he finished explaining to us
thoroughly what petty mantles ambition assumes in such elections--

ADELAIDE.

Yes, he described them right vividly, all the little wraps and cloaks
of vanity.

IDA.

And within an hour he lets them throw the cloak about himself. Why, it
is terrible! And if father is not elected? It was wrong of Edward not
to give in to father's weakness. Is that your love for me, Professor?
He, too, never thought of me!

ADELAIDE.

Shall I tell you what? Let us hope that they both fail. These
politicians! It was bad enough for you when only one was in politics;
now that both have tasted of the intoxicating drink you are done for.
Were I ever to come into a position to make a man my master, I should
impose upon him but one condition, the wise rule of conduct of my old
aunt: Smoke tobacco, my husband, as much as you please; at most it
will spoil the walls; but never dare to look at a newspaper--that will
spoil your character.

[KORB _appears at the door_.]

What news do you bring, Korb?

KORB (_hastily, mysteriously_).

It isn't true!

ADELAIDE (_the same_). What isn't true?

KORB.

That he has a fiancee. He has n