The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries Volume Xii Part 18

[_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 a.s.sured that no circ.u.mstances 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, Colonel? 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Has Edward withdrawn?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 a.s.sumes in such elections--