Help me out of a little dilemma. I have to speak with a strange young man who seems in need of help, and I should like to have you stay near me.—May I leave this door open?

[Points to the door on the left.]

COLONEL.

That means, I suppose, in plain English, that I am to go in there?

ADELAIDE.

I beg it of you—just for five minutes.

COLONEL.

Very well—if only I don't have to listen.

ADELAIDE.

I do not require it; but you will listen all the same if the conversation happens to interest you.