ACT IV
SCENE I
The COLONEL'S summer parlor. COLONEL enters from the garden, followed by CARL.
COLONEL (on entering, crossly).
Who ordered William to bring the horse round in front of the bedrooms?
The brute makes a noise with his hoofs that would wake the dead.
CARL.
Are you not going to ride today, Colonel?
COLONEL.
No. Take the horse to the stable!
CARL.
Yes, Colonel. [Exit.]
COLONEL (rings, CARL reappears at the door).
Is Miss Runeck at home?
CARL.
She is in her room; the judge has been with her an hour already.
COLONEL.
What? Early in the morning?
CARL.
Here she is herself.
[Exit as soon as ADELAIDE enters.]
Enter ADELAIDE and KORB through the door on the right.
ADELAIDE (to KORB).
You had better remain near the garden gate, and when the said young man comes bring him to us.
[Exit KORB.]
Good-morning, Colonel.
[Going up to him and examining him gaily.]
How is the weather today?
COLONEL.
Gray, girl, gray and stormy. Vexation and grief are buzzing round in my head until it is fit to burst. How is the child?
ADELAIDE.
Better. She was wise enough to fall asleep toward morning. Now she is sad, but calm.
COLONEL.
This very calmness annoys me. If she would only once shriek and tear her hair a bit! It would be horrible, but there would be something natural about it. It is this smiling and then turning away to dry secret tears that makes me lose my composure. It is unnatural in my child.
ADELAIDE.
Possibly she knows her father's kind heart better than he does himself; possibly she still has hopes.
COLONEL.
Of what? Of a reconciliation with him? After what has happened a reconciliation between Oldendorf and myself is out of the question.
ADELAIDE (aside).
I wonder if he wants me to contradict him!
Enter KORB.
KORB (to ADELAIDE).
The gentleman has come.
ADELAIDE.
I will ring.
[Exit KORB.]
Help me out of a little dilemma. I have to speak with a strange young man who seems in need of help, and I should like to have you stay near me.—May I leave this door open?
[Points to the door on the left.]
COLONEL.
That means, I suppose, in plain English, that I am to go in there?
ADELAIDE.
I beg it of you—just for five minutes.
COLONEL.
Very well—if only I don't have to listen.
ADELAIDE.
I do not require it; but you will listen all the same if the conversation happens to interest you.
COLONEL (smiling).
In that case I shall come out.
[Exit to the left; ADELAIDE rings.]
Enter SCHMOCK. KORB also appears at the entrance, but quickly withdraws.
SCHMOCK (with a bow).
I wish you a good-morning. Are you the lady who sent me her secretary?
ADELAIDE.
Yes. You said you wished to speak to me personally.
SCHMOCK.
Why should the secretary know about it if I want to tell you something? Here are the notes that Senden wrote and that I found in the paper-basket of the Coriolanus. Look them over, and see if they will be of use to the Colonel. What can I do with them? There's nothing to be done with them.
ADELAIDE (looking through them, reading, in an aside).
"Here I send you the wretched specimens of style, etc." Incautious and very low-minded! [Lays them on the table. Aloud.] At any rate these unimportant notes are better off in my paper-basket than in any one else's. And what, sir, induces you to confide in me?
[Illustration: Permission Union Deutsch um Vellagssesellsckaft
Stuttgart. LUNCH BUFFET AT KISSENGEN ADOLPH VON MENZEL. ]
SCHMOCK.
I suppose because Bellmaus told me you were a clever person who would choose a good way of telling the Colonel to be on his guard against Senden and against my editor; and the Colonel is a kind man; the other day he ordered a glass of sweet wine and a salmon sandwich as a lunch for me.
COLONEL (visible at the door, clasping his hands sympathetically).
Merciful heavens!
SCHMOCK.
Why should I let him be duped by these people!
ADELAIDE.
Since you did not dislike the lunch, we will see that you get another one.
SCHMOCK.
Oh please, don't trouble yourself on my account.
ADELAIDE.
Can we help you with anything else?
SCHMOCK.
What should you be able to help me with? [Examining his boots and clothes.] I have everything in order now. My trouble is only that I have got into the wrong occupation. I must try to get out of literature.
ADELAIDE (sympathetically.)
It is very hard, I suppose, to feel at home in literature?
SCHMOCK.
That depends. My editor is an unfair man. He cuts out too much and pays too little. "Attend to your style first of all," says he; "a good style is the chief thing." "Write impressively, Schmock," says he; "write profoundly; it is required of a newspaper today that it be profound." Good! I write profoundly, I make my style logical! But when I bring him what I have done he hurls it away from him and shrieks: "What is that? That is heavy, that is pedantic!" says he. "You must write dashingly; it's brilliant you must be, Schmock. It is now the fashion to make everything pleasant for the reader." What am I to do? I write dashingly again; I put a great deal of brilliant stuff in the article; and when I bring it he takes his red pencil and strikes out all that is commonplace and leaves me only the brilliant stuff remaining.
COLONEL.
Are such things possible?
SCHMOCK.
How can I exist under such treatment? How can I write him only brilliant stuff at less than a penny a line. I can't exist under it! And that is why I'm going to try to get out of the business. If only I could earn twenty-five to thirty dollars, I would never in my life write again for a newspaper; I would then set up for myself in business—a little business that could support me.
ADELAIDE.
Wait a moment! [Looks into her purse.]
COLONEL (hastily coming forward).
Leave that to me, dear Adelaide. The young man wants to cease being a journalist. That appeals to me. Here, here is money such as you desire if you will promise me from this day on not to touch a pen again for a newspaper. Here, take it.
SCHMOCK.
A Prussian bank note—twenty-five thalers in currency? On my honor, I promise you, on my honor and salvation, I go this very day to a cousin of mine who has a paying business. Would you like an I.O.U., Colonel, or shall I make out a long-term promissory note?
COLONEL.
Get out with your promissory note!
SCHMOCK.
Then I will write out a regular I.O.U. I prefer it to be only an
I.O.U.
COLONEL (impatiently).
I don't want your I.O.U. either. Sir, for God's sake get out of the house!
SCHMOCK.
And how about the interest? If I can have it at five per cent. I should like it.
ADELAIDE.
The gentleman makes you a present of the money.
SCHMOCK.
He makes me a present of the money? It's a miracle! I tell you what,
Colonel, if I don't succeed with the money it remains a gift, but if I
work my way up with it I return it. I hope I will work my way up.
COLONEL. Do just as you like about that.
SCHMOCK.
I like to have it that way, Colonel.—Meanwhile I thank you, and may some other joy come to make it up to you. Good day, Sir and Madam.
ADELAIDE.
We must not forget the lunch. [Rings, KORB enters.] Dear Korb! [Talks in a low tone to him.]
SCHMOCK.
O please, do not go to that trouble!
[Exeunt SCHMOCK and KORB.]
COLONEL.
And now, dear lady, explain this whole conversation; it concerns me intimately enough.
ADELAIDE.
Senden spoke tactlessly to outsiders about his relations with you and your household. This young man had overheard some of it, and also had notes written by Senden in his possession, which contained unsuitable expressions. I thought it best to get these notes out of his hands.
COLONEL.
I want you to let me have those letters, Adelaide.
ADELAIDE (entreating).
Why, Colonel?
COLONEL.
I won't get angry, girl.
ADELAIDE.
Nor is it worth while to do so. But still I beg you won't look at them. You know enough now, for you know that he, with his associates, does not merit such great confidence as you have latterly reposed in him.
COLONEL (sadly).
Well, well! In my old days I have had bad luck with my acquaintances.
ADELAIDE.
If you put Oldendorf and this one (pointing to the letters) in the same class you are quite mistaken.
COLONEL.
I don't do that, girl. For Senden I had no such affection, and that's why it is easier to bear it when he does me an injury.
ADELAIDE (gently).
And because you loved the other one, that was the reason why yesterday you were so—
COLONEL.
Say it, mentor—so harsh and violent!
ADELAIDE.
Worse than that, you were unjust.
COLONEL.
I said the same thing to myself last night, as I went to Ida's room and heard the poor thing cry. I was a hurt, angry man and was wrong in the form—but in the matter itself I was, all the same, right. Let him be member of Parliament; he may be better suited for it than I. It is his being a newspaper writer that separates us.
ADELAIDE.
But he is only doing what you did yourself!
COLONEL.
Don't remind me of that folly! Were he as my son-in-law to hold a different opinion from mine regarding current happenings—that I could doubtless stand. But if day by day he were to proclaim aloud to the world feelings and sentiments the opposite of mine, and I had to read them, and had to hear my son-in-law reproached and laughed at for them on all sides by old friends and comrades, and I had to swallow it all—you see that is more than I could bear!
ADELAIDE.
And Ida? Because you won't bear it Ida is to be made unhappy?
COLONEL.
My poor child! She has been unhappy throughout the whole affair. This half-hearted way of us men has long been a mistake. It is better to end it with one sharp pain.
ADELAIDE (seriously).
I cannot see that ending of it as yet. I shall only see it when Ida laughs once more as merrily as she used to do.
COLONEL (excitedly walking about, exclaiming).
Well then, I'll give him my child, and go and sit alone in a corner. I had other views for my old age, but God forbid that my beloved girl should be made unhappy by me. He is reliable and honorable, and will take good care of her. I shall move back to the little town I came from.
ADELAIDE (seizing his hand).
My revered friend, no—you shall not do that! Neither Oldendorf nor Ida would accept their happiness at such a price. But if Senden and his friends were secretly to take the paper away from the professor, what then?
COLONEL (joyfully).
Then he would no longer be a journalist! (Uneasily.) But I won't hear of such a thing. I am no friend of underhanded action.
ADELAIDE.
Nor am I! (Heartily.) Colonel, you have often shown a confidence in me that has made me happy and proud. Even today you let me speak more frankly than is usually permitted to a girl. Will you give me one more great proof of your regard?
COLONEL (pressing her hand).
Adelaide, we know how we stand with each other. Speak out!
ADELAIDE.
For one hour, today, be my faithful knight. Allow me to lead you wherever I please.
COLONEL.
What are you up to, child?
ADELAIDE.
Nothing wrong, nothing unworthy of you or of me. You shall not long be kept in the dark about it.
COLONEL.
If I must, I will surrender. But may I not know something of what I have to do?
ADELAIDE.
You are to accompany me on a visit, and at the same time keep in mind the things we have just talked over so sensibly.
COLONEL.
On a visit?
Enter KORB.
ADELAIDE.
On a visit I am making in my own interest.
KORB (to ADELAIDE).
Mr. von Senden wishes to pay his respects.
COLONEL.
I don't wish to see him now.
ADELAIDE.
Be calm, Colonel! We have not time to be angry even with him. I shall have to see him for a few moments.
COLONEL.
Then I will go away.
ADELAIDE (entreating).
But you will accompany me directly? The carriage is waiting.
COLONEL.
I obey the command. [Exit to the left.]
ADELAIDE.
I have made a hasty decision; I have ventured on something that was doubtless too bold for a girl; for now that the crisis is at hand, I feel my courage leaving me. I had to do it for his sake and for all our sakes. (To KORB.) Ask Miss Ida to get ready—the coachman will come straight back for her. Dear Korb, let your thoughts be with me. I am going on a weighty errand, old friend! [Exit ADELAIDE.]
KORB.
(alone). Gracious, how her eyes shine! What is she tip to? She's not going to elope with the old Colonel, I hope! Well, whatever she is up to, she will carry it through. There is only one person who could ever be a match for her. Oh, Mr. Conrad, if only I could speak!
[EXIT.]
SCENE II
Editorial room of the Union. Enter BOLZ through the door on the left, directly afterward MILLER.
BOLZ (at middle door).
In here with the table!
MILLER (carries small table, all set, with wine-bottles, glasses and plates, to the foreground on the left; brings up five chairs while he speaks).
Mr. Piepenbrink sends his regards, with the message that the wine is yellow-seal, and that, if the Doctor drinks any healths, he must not forget Mr. Piepenbrink's health. He was very jolly, the stout gentleman. And Madam Piepenbrink reminded him that he ought to subscribe for the Union. He commissioned me to see to it.
BOLZ (who meanwhile has been turning over papers at the work-table on the right, rising).
Let's have some wine!
[MILLER pours some in a glass.]
In honor of the worthy vintner! [Drinks.]
I treated him scandalously, but he has proved true-hearted. Tell him his health was not forgotten. There, take this bottle along!—Now, get out!
[Exit MILLER. BOLZ opening the door on the left.]
Come, gentlemen, today I carry out my promise.
[Enter KÄMPE, BELLMAUS, KÖRNER.]
This is the lunch I agreed to give. And now, my charming day-flies, put as much rose-color into your cheeks and your humors as your wits will let you. [Pouring out.] The great victory is won; the Union has celebrated one of the noblest of triumphs; in ages still to come belated angels will say with awe: "Those were glorious days," and so on—see continuation in today's paper. Before we sit down, the first toast—
KÄMPE. The member-elect—
BOLZ.
No, our first toast is to the mother of all, the great power which produces members—the newspaper, may she prosper!
ALL.
Hurrah! [Clink glasses.]
BOLZ.
Hurrah! And secondly, long live—hold on, the member himself is not here yet.
KÄMPE.
Here he comes.
Enter OLDENDORF.
BOLZ.
The member from our venerable town, editor-in-chief and professor, journalist, and good fellow, who is angry just now because behind his back this and that got into the paper—hurrah for him!
ALL.
Hurrah!
OLDENDORF (in a friendly tone.)
I thank you, gentlemen.
BOLZ (drawing OLDENDORF to the front).
And you are no longer vexed with us?
OLDENDORF.
Your intention was good, but it was a great indiscretion.
BOLZ.
Forget all about it! (Aloud.) Here, take your glass and sit down
with us. Don't be proud, young statesman! Today you are one of us.
Well, here sits the editorial staff! Where is worthy Mr.
Henning—where tarries our owner, printer and publisher, Gabriel
Henning?
KÄMPE.
I met him a little while ago on the stairs. He crept by me as shyly as though he were some one who had been up to mischief.
BOLZ.
Probably he feels as Oldendorf does—he is again not pleased with the attitude of the paper.
MILLER (thrusting in his head).
The papers and the mail!
BOLZ.
Over there! [MILLER enters, lays the papers on the work-table.]
MILLER.
Here is the Coriolanus. There is something in it about our paper. The errand-boy of the Coriolanus grinned at me scornfully, and recommended me to look over the article.
BOLZ.
Give it here! Be quiet, Romans, Coriolanus speaks.—All ye devils, what does that mean? [Reads.] "On the best of authority we have just been informed that a great change is imminent in the newspaper affairs of our province. Our opponent, the Union, will cease to direct her wild attacks against all that is high and holy."—This high and holy means Blumenberg.—"The ownership is said to have gone over into other hands, and there is a sure prospect that we shall be able from now on to greet as an ally this widely read sheet." How does that taste to you, gentlemen?
MILLER} Thunder! KÄMPE.}(All together.) Nonsense! BELLMAUS.} It's a lie!
OLDENDORF.
It's another of Blumenberg's reckless inventions.
BOLZ.
There is something behind it all. Go and get me Gabriel Henning. [Exit MILLER.] This owner has played the traitor; we have been poisoned. [Springing up.] And this is the feast of the Borgia! Presently the misericordia will enter and sing our dirge. Do me the favor at least to eat up the oysters before it be too late.
OLDENDORF (who has seized the newspaper.)
Evidently this news is only an uncertain rumor. Henning will tell us there is no truth in it. Stop seeing ghosts, and sit down with us.
BOLZ (seating himself).
I sit down, not because I put faith in your words, but because I don't wish to do injustice to the lunch. Get hold of Henning; he must give an account of himself.
OLDENDORF.
But, as you heard, he is not at home.
BOLZ (zealously eating).
Oh, thou wilt have a fearful awakening, little Orsini! Bellmaus, pour me out some wine. But if the story be not true, if this Coriolanus have lied, by the purple in this glass be it sworn I will be his murderer! The grimmest revenge that ever an injured journalist took shall fall on his head; he shall bleed to death from pin-pricks; every poodle in the street shall look on him scornfully and say: "Fie, Coriolanus, I wouldn't take a bite at you even if you were a sausage." [A knock is heard. BOLZ lays down his knife.] Memento mori! There are our grave-diggers. The last oyster, now, and then farewell thou lovely world!
Enter JUDGE SCHWARZ and SENDEN from the door on the left; the door remains open.
SCHWARZ.
Obedient servant, gentlemen!
SENDEN.
Your pardon if we disturb you.
BOLZ (remaining seated at the table).
Not in the least. This is our regular luncheon, contracted for a whole year—fifty oysters and two bottles daily for each member of the staff. Whoever buys the newspaper has to furnish it.
SCHWARZ.
What brings us here, Professor, is a communication which Mr. Henning should have been the first to make to you. He preferred handing over the task to me.
OLDENDORF.
I await your communication.
SCHWARZ.
Mr. Henning has, from yesterday on, transferred to me by sale all rights pertaining to him as owner of the newspaper Union.
OLDENDORF.
To you, Judge?
SCHWARZ.
I acknowledge that I have bought it merely as accredited agent of a third person. Here is the deed; it contains no secrets. [Hands him a paper.]
OLDENDORF (looking through it, to BOLZ).
It is drawn up by a notary in due form—sold for thirty thousand thalers. [Agitation among the staff-members.] Let me get to the bottom of the matter. Is this change of owner also to be connected with a change in the political attitude of the sheet?
SENDEN (coming forward).
Certainly, Professor, that was the intention in making the purchase.
OLDENDORF.
Do I possibly see in you the new owner?
SENDEN.
Not that, but I have the honor to be a friend of his. You yourself, as well as these gentlemen, have a right to demand the fulfilment of your contracts. Your contracts provide, I understand, for six months' notice. It goes without saying that you continue to draw your salary until the expiration of this term.
BOLZ (rising).
You are very kind, Mr. von Senden. Our contracts empower us to edit the paper as we see fit, and to control its tone and its party affiliations. For the next half-year, therefore, we shall not only continue to draw our salaries but also to conduct the paper for the benefit of the party to which you have not the honor to belong.
SENDEN (angrily).
We'll find a way to prevent that!
OLDENDORF.
Calm yourself. That kind of work would scarcely be worthy of us. If such are the circumstances, I announce that I resign the editorship from today, and release you from all obligations to me.
BOLZ.
I don't mind. I make the same announcement.
BELLMAUS.
KÄMPE}(together). We too!
KÖRNER}
SENDEN (to SCHWARZ).
You can testify that the gentlemen voluntarily renounce their rights.
BOLZ (to the staff).
Hold on, gentlemen, don't be too generous. It is all right for you to take no further part in editing the paper if your friends withdraw. But why abandon your pecuniary claims on the new owner?
BELLMAUS.
I'd rather take nothing at all from them; I'll follow your example.
BOLZ (stroking him).
Noble sentiment, my son! We'll make our way in the world together. What do you think of a hand-organ, Bellmaus! We 'll take it to fairs and sing your songs through. I'll turn and you'll sing.
OLDENDORF.
Since the new owner of the paper is not one of you, you will, in concluding this transaction, find the question only natural—To whom have we ceded our rights?
SENDEN.
The present owner of the paper is—
Enter COLONEL through side door on the left.
OLDENDORF (starting back in alarm).
Colonel!
BOLZ.
Ah, now it is becoming high tragedy!
COLONEL.
First of all, Professor, be assured that I have nothing to do with this whole affair, and merely come at the request of the purchaser. Not until I came here, did I know anything of what was going on. I hope you will take my word for that.
BOLZ.
Well, I find this game unseemly, and I insist on being told who this new owner is who mysteriously hides behind different persons!
Enter ADELAIDE from the side door, left.
ADELAIDE.
He stands before you!
BOLZ.
I should just like to faint.
BELLMAUS.
That is a heavenly joke!
ADELAIDE (bowing).
How do you do, gentlemen! [To the staff.] Am I right in assuming that these gentlemen have hitherto been connected with editing the paper?
BELLMAUS (eagerly).
Yes, Miss Runeck! Mr. Kämpe for leading articles, Mr. Körner for the French and English correspondence, and I for theatre, music, fine arts, and miscellaneous.
ADELAIDE.
I shall be much pleased if your principles will let you continue devoting your talents to my newspaper. [The three members of the staff bow.]
BELLMAUS (laying his hand on his heart).
Miss Runeck, under your editorship I'll go to the ends of the world!
ADELAIDE (smiling and politely).
Ah, no, merely into that room.
[Points to the door on the right.]
I need half an hour to collect my thoughts for my new activities.
BELLMAUS (while departing).
That's the best thing I ever heard!
[BELLMAUS, KÄMPE, KÖRNER leave.]
ADELAIDE.
Professor, you resigned the management of the paper with a readiness which delights me. (Pointedly.) I wish to edit the Union in my own fashion.
[Seizes his hand and leads him to the COLONEL.]
Colonel, he is no longer editor; we have outwitted him; you have your satisfaction.
COLONEL (holding out his arms to him).
Come, Oldendorf! For what happened I have been sorry since the moment we parted.
OLDENDORF.
My honored friend!
ADELAIDE (pointing to the door on the left).
There is some one else in there who wants to take part in the reconciliation. It might be Mr. Gabriel Henning.
IDA appears at the side door.
IDA.
Edward!
[OLDENDORF hurries to the door, IDA meets him, he embraces her. Both leave on the left. The COLONEL follows.]
ADELAIDE (sweetly).
Before asking you, Mr. von Senden, to interest yourself in the editing of the newspaper, I beg you to read through this correspondence which I received as a contribution to my columns.
SENDEN (takes a glance at them).
Miss Runeck, I don't know whose indiscretion—
ADELAIDE.
Fear none on my part. I am a newspaper proprietor, and (with, marked emphasis) shall keep editorial secrets.
[SENDEN bows.]
May I ask for the deed, Judge? And will you gentlemen be kind enough to ease the mind of the vendor as to the outcome of the transaction?
[Mutual bows. SENDEN and SCHWARZ leave.]
ADELAIDE (after a short pause).
Now, Mr. Bolz, what am I going to do about you?
BOLZ.
I am prepared for anything. I am surprised at nothing any more. If some one should go straight off and spend a capital of a hundred millions in painting negroes white with oil-colors, or in making Africa four-cornered, I should not let it astonish me. If I wake up tomorrow as an owl with two tufts of feathers for ears and a mouse in my beak, I will say, "All right," and remember that worse things have happened.
ADELAIDE.
What is the matter with you, Conrad? Are you displeased with me?
BOLZ.
With you? You have been generous as ever; only too generous. And it would all have been fine, if only this whole scene had been impossible. That fellow Senden!
ADELAIDE.
We have seen the last of him! Conrad, I'm one of the party!
BOLZ.
Hallelujah! I hear countless angels blowing on their trumpets! I'll stay with the Union!
ADELAIDE.
About that I am no longer the one to decide. For I have still a confession to make to you. I, too, am not the real owner of the newspaper.
BOLZ.
You are not? Now, by all the gods, I am at my wit's end. I'm beginning not to care who this owner is. Be he man, will-of-the-wisp, or the devil Beelzebub in person, I bid him defiance.
ADELAIDE.
He is a kind of a will-of-the-wisp, a little something of a devil, and from top to toe a great rogue. For, Conrad, my friend, beloved of my youth, it is you yourself.
[Hands him the deed.]
BOLZ (stupefied for a moment, reads).
"Ceded to Conrad Bolz"—correct! So that would be a sort of gift.
Can't be accepted, much too little!
[Throws the paper aside.] Prudence be gone!
[Falls on his knees before ADELAIDE.]
Here I kneel, Adelaide! What I am saying I don't know in my joy, for the whole room is dancing round with me. If you will take me for your husband, you will do me the greatest favor in the world. If you don't want me, box my ears and send me off!
ADELAIDE (bending down to him).
I do want you! (Kissing him.) This was the cheek!
BOLZ.
And these are the lips.
[Kisses her; they remain in an embrace; short pause.]
Enter COLONEL, IDA, OLDENDORF.
COLONEL (in amazement, at the door).
What is this?
BOLZ.
Colonel, it takes place under editorial sanction.
COLONEL.
Adelaide, what do I see?
ADELAIDE (stretching out her hand to the COLONEL).
Dear friend, I'm betrothed to a journalist!
[As IDA and OLDENDORF from either side hasten to the pair, the curtain falls]
* * * * *
[Footnote 1: Permission S. Hirzel, Leipzig.]
* * * * *