Speak out!
ADELAIDE.
For one hour, today, be my faithful knight. Allow me to lead you
wherever I please.
COLONEL.
What are you up to, child?
ADELAIDE.
Nothing wrong, nothing unworthy of you or of me. You shall not long be
kept in the dark about it.
COLONEL.
If I must, I will surrender. But may I not know something of what I
have to do?
ADELAIDE.
You are to accompany me on a visit, and at the same time keep in mind
the things we have just talked over so sensibly.
COLONEL.
On a visit?
_Enter_ KORB.
ADELAIDE.
On a visit I am making in my own interest.
KORB (_to_ ADELAIDE).
Mr. von Senden wishes to pay his respects.
COLONEL.
I don't wish to see him now.
ADELAIDE.
Be calm, Colonel! We have not time to be angry even with him. I shall
have to see him for a few moments.
COLONEL.
Then I will go away.
ADELAIDE (_entreating_).
But you will accompany me directly? The carriage is waiting.
COLONEL.
I obey the command. [_Exit to the left_.]
ADELAIDE.
I have made a hasty decision; I have ventured on something that was
doubtless too bold for a girl; for now that the crisis is at hand, I
feel my courage leaving me. I had to do it for his sake and for all
our sakes. (_To_ KORB.) Ask Miss Ida to get ready--the coachman will
come straight back for her. Dear Korb, let your thoughts be with me. I
am going on a weighty errand, old friend! [_Exit_ ADELAIDE.]
KORB.
(_alone_). Gracious, how her eyes shine! What is she tip to? She's not
going to elope with the old Colonel, I hope! Well, whatever she is up
to, she will carry it through.
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