ADELAIDE (at the moment when BOLZ is about to kiss MRS. PIEPENBRINK crosses the stage, passing them casually, as it were, and holds her bouquet between BOLZ and MRS. PIEPENBRINK. In a low tone, quickly to BOLZ). You're going too far! You are being watched!
[Passes to the rear on the left, and exit.]
BOLZ. A fairy interferes!
SENDEN (who has already been haranguing some of the other guests, including BLUMENBERG, noisily pushes forward at this moment—to those at the table). He is presumptuous; he has thrust himself in!
PIEPENBRINK (bringing down his hand on the table and rising). Oho! I like that! If I kiss my wife or let her be kissed, that is nobody's concern whatever! Nobody's! No man and no woman and no fairy has a right to put a hand before her mouth.
BOLZ. Very true! Splendid! Hear! Hear!
SENDEN. Revered Mr. Piepenbrink, no offense against you! The company is charmed to see you here. Only to Mr. Bolz we will remark that his presence is causing scandal. So completely opposed are his political principles that we must regard his appearing at this fête as an unwarrantable intrusion!
BOLZ. My political principles opposed? In society I know no other political principle than this—to drink with nice people and not to drink with those whom I do not consider nice. With you, Sir, I have not drunk.
PIEPENBRINK (striking the table). That was a good one!
SENDEN (hotly). You thrust yourself in here!