I know that, Ida, and I feel anything but pleasure at the prospect of becoming member for this town; yet I cannot withdraw.

IDA (turning away).

Father is right.  You have changed entirely since becoming editor of the paper.

OLDENDORF.

Ida!  You too!  If this is going to cause discord between us I shall indeed feel badly.

IDA.

Dear Edward!  I am only grieving at losing you for so long.

OLDENDORF.

I am not yet elected.  If I do become member and can have my way, I will take you to the capital and never let you leave my side again.

IDA.

Ah, Edward, we can’t think of that now!  But do spare father.

OLDENDORF.

You know how much I stand from him; and I don’t give up hope of his becoming reconciled to me.  The election once over, I will make another appeal to his heart.  I may wrest from him a favorable answer that will mean our marriage.

IDA.

But do humor his little foibles.  He is in the garden near his dahlia bed; express your delight over the gay colors.  If you go at it skilfully enough perhaps he may still call one the “Edward Oldendorf.”  We have been talking of it already.  Come! [Exeunt both.]

Enter SENDEN, BLUMENBERG, CARL, SCHMOCK.

SENDEN (entering).

Is the Colonel alone?

CARL.

Professor Oldendorf is with him.

SENDEN.

Take in our names. [Exit CARL.] This everlasting Oldendorf!  I say, Blumenberg, this connection of the old gentleman with the Union must stop.  We cannot really call him one of us so long as the professor frequents this house.  We need the Colonel’s influential personality.

BLUMENBERG.

It is the best-known house in town—­the best society, good wine, and art.

SENDEN.

I have my private reasons, too, for bringing the Colonel over to our side.  And everywhere the professor and his clique block our way.

BLUMENBERG.

The friendship shall cease.  I promise you that it shall cease, gradually, within the next few weeks.  The first step has already been taken.  The gentlemen of the Union have fallen into the trap.

SENDEN.

Into what trap?

BLUMENBERG.

The one I set for them in our paper. [Turning upon SCHMOCK who is standing in the doorway.] Why do you stand here, Schmock?  Can’t you wait at the gate?

SCHMOCK.

I went where you did.  Why should I not stand here?  I know the Colonel as well as you do.

BLUMENBERG.

Don’t be forward and don’t be impudent.  Go and wait at the gate, and when I bring you the article, quickly run with it to the press—­understand?

SCHMOCK.

How can I help understanding when you croak like a raven?

[EXIT.]