ADELAIDE (looking through them, reading, in an aside).
"Here I send you the wretched specimens of style, etc." Incautious and very low-minded! [Lays them on the table. Aloud.] At any rate these unimportant notes are better off in my paper-basket than in any one else's. And what, sir, induces you to confide in me?
[Illustration: Permission Union Deutsch um Vellagssesellsckaft
Stuttgart. LUNCH BUFFET AT KISSENGEN ADOLPH VON MENZEL. ]
SCHMOCK.
I suppose because Bellmaus told me you were a clever person who would choose a good way of telling the Colonel to be on his guard against Senden and against my editor; and the Colonel is a kind man; the other day he ordered a glass of sweet wine and a salmon sandwich as a lunch for me.
COLONEL (visible at the door, clasping his hands sympathetically).
Merciful heavens!
SCHMOCK.
Why should I let him be duped by these people!