COLONEL.
I imagine I do not wrong you in assuming that you have already written
others that were still more to be regretted.
BOLZ (_continuing_).
I had the article printed before hearing of your last interview with
Oldendorf. (_Very courteously_.) My reason for regretting it is, that
it is not quite true. I was too hasty in describing your personality
to the public. Today, at least, it is no longer a true portrait; it is
flattering.
COLONEL (_bursting out_).
Well, by the devil, that is rude!
BOLZ.
Your pardon--it is only true. I wish to convince you that a journalist
can regret having written falsehoods.
COLONEL.
Sir! (_Aside_.) I must restrain myself, or he will always get the
better of me.--Dr. Bolz, I see that you are a clever man and know your
trade. Since, in addition, you seem inclined today to speak only the
truth, I must beg you to tell me further if you, too, organized the
demonstrations which purport to represent to me public sentiment.
BOLZ (_bowing_).
I have, as a matter of fact, not been inactive in the matter.
COLONEL (_holding out the letter to him, angrily_).
Did you prompt these, too?
BOLZ.
In part, Colonel. This poem is the heart-outpouring of an honest youth
who reveres in you the paternal friend of Oldendorf and the ideal of a
chivalrous hero. I inspired him with the courage to send you the poem.
It was well-meant, at any rate. The poet will have to seek another
ideal. The address comes from women and girls who constitute the
Association for the Education of Orphans.
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