The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries Volume Xii Part 26

[_Stamping his foot_.]

Confound it!

[_Goes to rear of stage_.]

IDA (_coming forward with_ ADELAIDE).

This uncertainty is frightful. Only one thing is sure, I shall be unhappy whichever way this election turns out.

[_Leans on_ ADELAIDE.]

ADELAIDE.

Courage! Courage, little girl! Things may still turn out all right.

Hide your anxiety from your father; he is in a state of mind, as it is, that does not please me at all.

_Enter_ BLUMENBERG _in haste; the_ COLONEL _rushes toward him_.

COLONEL.

Now, sir, how do things stand?

BLUMENBERG.

41 votes for you, Colonel, 34 for our opponents; three have fallen on outsiders. The votes are being registered at very long intervals now, but the difference in your favor remains much the same. Eight more votes for you, Colonel, and the victory is won. We have every chance now of coming out ahead. I am hurrying back, the decisive moment is at hand. My compliments to the ladies!

[_Exit_.]

COLONEL.

Ida!

[IDA _hastens to him_.]

Are you my good daughter?

IDA.

My dear father!

COLONEL.

I know what is troubling you, child. You are worse off than any one.

Console yourself, Ida; if, as seems likely, the professor has to make way for the old soldier, then we'll talk further on the matter.

Oldendorf has not deserved it of me; there are many things about him that I do not like. But you are my only child. I shall think of that and of nothing else; but the very first thing to do is to break down the young man's obstinacy.

[_Releases_ IDA; _walks up and down again._]

ADELAIDE (_in the foreground, aside_).

The barometer has risen, the suns.h.i.+ne of pardon breaks through the clouds. If only it were all over! Such excitement is infectious! (_To_ IDA.) You see you do not yet have to think of entering a nunnery.

IDA. But if Oldendorf is defeated, how will he bear it!

ADELAIDE (_shrugging her shoulders_).

He loses a seat in unpleasant company and wins, instead, an amusing little wife. I think he ought to be satisfied. In any case he will have a chance to make his speeches. Whether he makes them in one house or another, what is the difference? I fancy you will listen to him more reverently than any other member.

IDA (_shyly_).

But Adelaide, what if it really would be better for the country to have Oldendorf elected?

ADELAIDE.

Yes, dearest, in that case there is no help for the country. Our State and the rest of the European nations must learn to get along without the professor. You have yourself to attend to first of all; you wish to marry him; you come first.

[_Enter_ CARL.]

What news, Carl?

CARL.

Mr. von Senden presents his compliments and reports 47 to 42. The head of the election committee, he says, has already congratulated him.

COLONEL.

Congratulated? Lay out my uniform, ask for the key of the wine-cellar, and set the table; we are likely to have visitors this evening.

CARL.

Yes, Colonel.

[_Exit_.]

COLONEL (_to himself in the foreground_).

Now, my young professor! My style does not please you? It may be that you are right. I grant you are a better journalist. But here, where it is a serious matter, you will find yourself in the wrong, just for once. [_Pause_.] I may be obliged to say a few words this evening. It used to be said of me in the regiment, indeed, that I could always speak to the point, but these manoeuvres in civilian dress disconcert me a little. Let's think it over! It will be only proper for me to mention Oldendorf in my speech, of course with due respect and appreciation; yes indeed, I must do that. He is an honest fellow, with an excellent heart, and a scholar with fine judgment. And he can be very amiable if you disregard his political theories. We have had pleasant evenings together. And as we sat then around my fat tea-kettle and the good boy began to tell his stories, Ida's eyes would be fixed on his face and would s.h.i.+ne with pleasure--yes, and my own old eyes, too, I think. Those were fine evenings! Why do we have them no longer? Bah! They'll come back again! He'll bear defeat quietly in his own way--a good, helpful way. No sensitiveness in him!

He really is at heart a fine fellow, and Ida and I could be happy with him. And so, gentlemen and electors--but thunder and lightning! I can't say all that to the voters! I'll say to them--

_Enter_ SENDEN.

SENDEN (_excitedly_).

Shameful, shameful! All is lost!

COLONEL.

Aha! (_Instantly draws himself up in military posture_.)