it; and when the birds on the trees of Rosenau tell each other the
story they treat it as a dim legend of their forefathers. They then
sing softly and sorrowfully, and their feathers stand on end with awe.
In due time you shall learn all about it; but now you must think of
the fete, and of how pretty you are going to look.

IDA.

On the one hand the father, on the other the lover--how will it end?

ADELAIDE.

Do not worry. The one is an old soldier, the other a young statesman;
two types that we women have wound around our little fingers from time
immemorial! [_Both leave_.]

SCENE II

_Side room of a public hall. The rear wall a great arch with columns,
through which one looks into the lighted hall and through it into another.
On the left, toward the front, a door. On the right, tables and chairs;
chandeliers. Later, from time to time distant music. In the hall ladies
and gentlemen walking about or standing in groups_. SENDEN, BLUMENBERG,
_behind them_ SCHMOCK _coming from the hall_.

SENDEN. All is going well. There is a splendid spirit in the company.
These good townspeople are delighted with our arrangements. It was a
fine idea of yours, Blumenberg, to have this fete.

BLUMENBEEG. Only hurry and get people warmed up! It's a good thing to
begin with some music. Vienna waltzes are best on account of the
women. Then comes a speech from you, then some solo singing, and, at
supper, the introduction of the Colonel, and the toasts. It can't help
being a success; the men must have hearts of stone if they don't give
their votes in return for such a fete.

SENDEN. The toasts have been apportioned.

BLUMENBERG. But the music?--Why has the music stopped?

SENDEN. I am waiting for the Colonel to arrive.

BLUMENBERG. He must be received with a blare of trumpets. It will
flatter him, you know.

SENDEN. That's what I ordered. Directly after, they start up a march
and we bring him in procession.

BLUMENBERG. First rate! That will lend solemnity to his entrance. Only
think up your speech. Be popular, for today we are among the rabble.

_Enter guests, among them_ HENNING.

SENDEN (_doing the honors with BLUMENBERG_). Delighted to see you
here! We knew that you would not fail us. Is this your wife?

GUEST. Yes, Mr. von Senden, this is my wife.

SENDEN. You here, too, Mr. Henning? Welcome, my dear sir!

HENNING. I was invited by my friend and really had the curiosity to
come. My presence, I hope, will not be