They were not so extremely opposed as now.
ADELAIDE.
And which of you has changed his views?
COLONEL.
H'm! Why, he, of course. He is led astray in great part by his evil
companions. There are some men, journalists on his paper, and
especially there is a certain Bolz.
ADELAIDE (_aside_).
What's this I hear?
COLONEL.
But probably you know him yourself. Why, he comes from your
neighborhood.
ADELAIDE.
He is a Rosenau boy.
COLONEL.
I remember. Your father, the good old general, could not endure him.
ADELAIDE.
At least he sometimes said so.
COLONEL.
Since then this Bolz has become queer. His mode of life is said to be
irregular, and I fear his morals are pretty loose. He is Oldendorf's
evil genius.
ADELAIDE.
That would be a pity!--No, I do not believe it!
COLONEL. What do you not believe, Adelaide?
ADELAIDE (_smiling_).
I do not believe in evil geniuses. What has gone wrong between you and
Oldendorf can be set right again. Enemies today, friends
tomorrow--that is the way in politics; but Ida's feelings will not
change so quickly. Colonel, I have brought with me a beautiful design
for a dress. That new dress I mean to wear this winter as bridesmaid.
COLONEL.
No chance of it! You can't catch me that way, girl. I'll carry the war
into the enemy's country. Why do you drive other people to the altar
and let your own whole neighborhood joke you about being the Sleeping
Beauty and the virgin farmer?
ADELAIDE (_laughing_).
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