Enter IDA through the door on the left.
IDA (going toward him).
Edward! I knew you would come!
OLDENDORF.
My dear Ida! [Embraces her.]
IDA (with her arms around his neck).
And what will become of us now?
Enter COLONEL through centre door.
COLONEL (with forced calmness).
You shall remain in no doubt about that, my daughter! I beg you, Professor, to forget that you were once treated as a friend in this household. I require you, Ida, to banish all thought of the hours when this gentleman entertained you with his sentiments. (More violently.) Be still! In my own house at least I submit to no attacks from a journalist. Forget him, or forget that you are my daughter. Go in there! [Leads IDA, not ungently, out to the left, and places himself in front of the door.] On this ground, Mr. Editor and Member of Parliament, before the heart of my child, you shall not beat me.