It would be a pleasure to see him now in the
House, drawing his honest face into dark lines. He was a wild devil in
the regiment, but a fine boy.
SENDEN.
Nor will he be the only one to receive you with open arms.
COLONEL.
In any case, I should have to think the matter over.
SENDEN.
Don't be angry, Colonel, if I urge you to decide. This evening we have
to introduce their candidate to our citizen guests. It is high time,
or all is lost.
COLONEL (_hesitating_).
Senden, you put a knife to my throat!
[SENDEN, _from the door, motions the gentlemen in the garden to come
in_.]
BLUMENBERG.
We venture to urge you, knowing that so good a soldier as you,
Colonel, makes up his mind quickly.
COLONEL (_after struggling inwardly_).
Well, so be it, gentlemen, I accept! Tell the committee I appreciate
their confidence. This evening we will talk over details.
BLUMENBERG.
We thank you, Colonel. The whole town will be rejoiced to hear of your
decision.
COLONEL.
Good-by until this evening.
[_Exeunt the visitors_;
COLONEL _alone, thoughtfully_.]
I fear I ought not to have accepted so quickly; but I had to do the
minister of war that favor. What will the girls say to it? And
Oldendorf?
[_Enter_ OLDENDORF.]
There he is himself.
[_Clears his throat_.]
He will be astonished. I can't help it, he must withdraw. Good
morning, Professor, you come just at the right moment.
OLDENDORF (_hastily_).
Colonel, there is a report in town that Mr.
Pages:
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62