And Ida? Because you won't bear it Ida is to be made unhappy?
COLONEL.
My poor child! She has been unhappy throughout the whole affair. This
half-hearted way of us men has long been a mistake. It is better to
end it with one sharp pain.
ADELAIDE (_seriously_).
I cannot see that ending of it as yet. I shall only see it when Ida
laughs once more as merrily as she used to do.
COLONEL (_excitedly walking about, exclaiming_).
Well then, I'll give him my child, and go and sit alone in a corner. I
had other views for my old age, but God forbid that my beloved girl
should be made unhappy by me. He is reliable and honorable, and will
take good care of her. I shall move back to the little town I came
from.
ADELAIDE (_seizing his hand_).
My revered friend, no--you shall not do that! Neither Oldendorf nor
Ida would accept their happiness at such a price. But if Senden and
his friends were secretly to take the paper away from the professor,
what then?
COLONEL (_joyfully_).
Then he would no longer be a journalist! (_Uneasily_.) But I won't
hear of such a thing. I am no friend of underhanded action.
ADELAIDE.
Nor am I! (_Heartily_.) Colonel, you have often shown a confidence in
me that has made me happy and proud. Even today you let me speak more
frankly than is usually permitted to a girl. Will you give me one more
great proof of your regard?
COLONEL (_pressing her hand_).
Adelaide, we know how we stand with each other.
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