Oh, what a pleasure this is!
BOLZ.
How is Miss Runeck? Tell me, old chap!
KORB.
Very well indeed, now. But we have been through much. The late general
was ill for four years. It was a bad time. You know he was always an
irritable man.
BOLZ.
Yes, he was hard to manage.--
KORB.
And especially during his illness. But Miss Adelaide took care of
him, so gentle and so pale, like a perfect lamb. Now, since his death,
Miss Adelaide runs the estate, and like the best of managers. The
village is prospering again. I will tell you everything, but not until
this evening. Miss Adelaide is waiting for me; I merely ran in quickly
to tell you that we are here.
BOLZ.
Don't be in such a hurry, Korb.--So the people in the village still
think of me!
KORB.
I should say they did! No one can understand why you don't come near
us. It was another matter while the old gentleman was alive, but now--
BOLZ (_seriously_).
My parents are dead; a stranger lives in the parsonage.
KORB.
But we in the manor-house are still alive! Miss Runeck would surely be
delighted--
BOLZ.
Does she still remember me?
KORB.
Of course she does. This very day she asked about you.
BOLZ.
What did she ask, old chap?
KORB.
She asked me if it was true what people are saying, that you have
grown very wild, make debts, run after girls, and are up to the devil
generally.
BOLZ.
Good gracious! You stood up for me, I trust?
KORB.
Of course! I told her that all that might be taken for granted with
you.
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