BOLZ.
Confound it! That's what she thinks of me, is it? Tell me, Korb, Miss
Adelaide has many suitors, has she not?
KORB.
The sands of the sea are as nothing to it.
BOLZ (_vexed_).
But yet she can finally choose only one, I suppose.
KORB (_slyly_).
Correct! But which one? That's the question.
BOLZ.
Which do you think it will be?
KORB.
Well, that is difficult to say. There is this Mr. von Senden who is
now living in town. If any one has a chance it is probably he. He
fusses about us like a weasel. Just as I was leaving he sent to the
house a whole dozen of admission cards to the great fete at the club.
It must be the sort of club where the upper classes go arm-in-arm with
the townspeople.
BOLZ.
Yes, it is a political society of which Senden is a director. It is
casting out a great net for voters. And the Colonel and the ladies are
going?
KORB.
I hear they are. I, too, received a card.
BOLZ (_to himself_).
Has it come to this? Poor Oldendorf!--And Adelaide at the club fete of
Mr. von Senden!
KORB (_to himself_).
How am I going to begin and find out about his love-affairs?
(_Aloud._) Oh, see here, Mr. Conrad, one thing more! Have you possibly
some real good friend in this concern to whom you could introduce me?
BOLZ.
Why, old chap?
KORB.
It is only--I am a stranger here, and often have commissions and
errands where I need advice. I should like to have some one to consult
should you chance to be away, or with whom I could leave word for you.
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