SENDEN.

Meanwhile I will start the fund for the purchase of the newspaper. I bid you good day. [Exit.]

COLONEL.

Pardon me, Adelaide, if I leave you alone. I have some letters to write, and [with a forced laugh] my newspapers to read.

ADELAIDE (sympathetically).

May I not stay with you now, of all times?

COLONEL (with an effort).

I shall be better off alone, now.

[Exit through centre door.]

ADELAIDE (alone).