Very pretty, very diplomatic!—It is kind of you to put so good a construction on my astonishing behavior. But pardon me if I presume to interfere again; that scene with Mr. von Senden will not, I trust, give provocation for a second one?
BOLZ (aside).
This eternal Senden! (Aloud.) Your interest in him furnishes me grounds for avoiding further consequences. I think I can manage it.
ADELAIDE.
I thank you. And now let me tell you that you are a dangerous diplomatist. You have inflicted a thorough defeat on this household. On this unfortunate day but one thing has pleased me—the one vote which sought to make you member of Parliament.
BOLZ.
It was a crazy idea of the honest wine-merchant.
ADELAIDE.
You took so much trouble to put your friend in, why did you not work for yourself? The young man I used to know had lofty aims, and nothing seemed beyond the range of his soaring ambition. Have you changed, or is the fire still burning?
BOLZ (smiling).