You know, Colonel, that I myself have less than any one else to do with it.
COLONEL.
Oh, I don't believe that! It is the usual custom in such elections, I imagine, to pay court to influential persons and shake hands with the voters, to make speeches, scatter promises, and do all the other little devil's tricks.
OLDENDORF.
You yourself do not believe, Colonel, that I would do anything discreditable?
COLONEL.
Not? I am not so sure, Oldendorf. Since you have turned journalist, edit your Union and daily reproach the State with its faulty organization, you are no longer what you used to be.
OLDENDORF (who up to this point has been conversing with IDA about the flowers, but now turns to the COLONEL).
Does what I now say or write conflict with my former views? It would be hard to convince me of that. And still less can you have noticed any change in my feelings or in my conduct toward you.
COLONEL (obdurate).