MILLER (_laughing_).
And I am to--
BOLZ (_impatiently_).
You're a blockhead! [_At the door._] Bellmaus! [_Enter_ BELLMAUS.]
Stay here and receive the visitor. [_Gives him the card._]
BELLMAUS.
Ah, that is the new ballet-dancer who is expected here. [_Inspecting
his coat._] But I'm not dressed for it!
BOLZ.
All the more dressed she will be. [_To_ MILLER.] Show the lady in.
[_Exit_ MILLER.]
BELLMAUS.
But really I cannot--
BOLZ (_irritably_).
Oh the devil, don't put on airs! [_Goes to the table, puts papers in
the drawer, seizes his hat._]
_Enter_ MADAME PAVONI.
MADAME PAVONI.
Have I the honor of seeing before me the editor of the _Union_?
BELLMAUS (_bowing_).
To be sure--that is to say--won't you kindly be seated? [_Pushes up
chairs._]
BOLZ.
Adelaide is clear-sighted and clever. How can she possibly fail to see
through that fellow?
MADAME PAVONI.
Mr. Editor, the intelligent articles about art which adorn your
paper--have prompted me--
BELLMAUS.
Oh, please!
BOLZ. (_having made up his mind_).
I must gain entrance into this club-fete!
[_Exit with a bow to the lady._ BELLMAUS _and_ MADAME PAVONI _sit
facing each other._]
ACT II
SCENE I
_The_ COLONEL'S _summer parlor. In the foreground on the right_ IDA
_and_ ADELAIDE, _next to_ ADELAIDE _the_ COLONEL, _all sitting. In
front of them a table with coffee set._
COLONEL (_in conversation with_ ADELAIDE, _laughing_).
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