Eight more
votes for you, Colonel, and the victory is won. We have every chance
now of coming out ahead. I am hurrying back, the decisive moment is at
hand. My compliments to the ladies!
[_Exit_.]
COLONEL.
Ida!
[IDA _hastens to him_.]
Are you my good daughter?
IDA.
My dear father!
COLONEL.
I know what is troubling you, child. You are worse off than any one.
Console yourself, Ida; if, as seems likely, the professor has to make
way for the old soldier, then we'll talk further on the matter.
Oldendorf has not deserved it of me; there are many things about him
that I do not like. But you are my only child. I shall think of that
and of nothing else; but the very first thing to do is to break down
the young man's obstinacy.
[_Releases_ IDA; _walks up and down again._]
ADELAIDE (_in the foreground, aside_).
The barometer has risen, the sunshine of pardon breaks through the
clouds. If only it were all over! Such excitement is infectious! (_To_
IDA.) You see you do not yet have to think of entering a nunnery.
IDA. But if Oldendorf is defeated, how will he bear it!
ADELAIDE (_shrugging her shoulders_).
He loses a seat in unpleasant company and wins, instead, an amusing
little wife. I think he ought to be satisfied. In any case he will
have a chance to make his speeches. Whether he makes them in one house
or another, what is the difference? I fancy you will listen to him
more reverently than any other member.
IDA (_shyly_).
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