BOLZ. Then a man's hand seizes my neck. A rope is wound round me under the arms, and a strong wrist raises me from the ground. A moment later I was on the ladder, half dragged, half carried; with shirt aflame, and unconscious, I reached the pavement.—I awoke in the room of the young scholar. Save for a few slight burns, I had brought nothing with me over into the new apartment; all my belongings were burned. The stranger nursed me and cared for me like a brother. Not until I was able to go out again did I learn that this scholar was the same man who had paid his visit to me that night on the ladder. You see the man has his heart in the right spot, and that's why I wish him now to become member of Parliament, and why I could do for him what I would not do for myself; for him I could electioneer, intrigue, or make fools of honest people. That man is Professor Oldendorf.
PIEPENBRINK. Well, he's a tremendously fine man! [Rising.] Here's to the health of Professor Oldendorf! [All rise and touch glasses.]
BOLZ (bowing pleasantly to all—to MRS. PIEPENBRINK). I see warm sympathy shining in your eyes, dear madam, and I thank you for it. Mr. Piepenbrink, I ask permission to shake your hand; you are a fine fellow. [Slaps him on the back and embraces him.] Give me your hand, Mr. Kleinmichel! [Embraces him.] And you, too, Mr. Fritz Kleinmichel! May no child of yours ever sit in the fire, but if he does may there ever be a gallant man at hand to pull him out. Come nearer, I must embrace you, too.
MRS. PIEPENBRINK (much moved). Piepenbrink, we have veal-cutlets tomorrow. What do you think? [Converses with him in a low tone.]
ADELAIDE. His spirits are running away with him!
SENDEN. He is unbearable! I see that you are as indignant as I am. He snatches away our people; it can no longer be endured.
BOLZ (who had gone the rounds of table, returning and standing in front of MRS. PIEPENBRINK). It really isn't right to let it stop here. Mr. Piepenbrink, head of the house, I appeal to you, I ask your permission—hand or mouth?
ADELAIDE (horrified, on the right toward the front). He is actually kissing her!
PIEPENBRINK. Sail in, old man, courage!
MRS. PIEPENBRINK. Piepenbrink, I no longer know you!