Before we sit down, the first
toast--
KAeMPE. The member-elect--
BOLZ.
No, our first toast is to the mother of all, the great power which
produces members--the newspaper, may she prosper!
ALL.
Hurrah! [_Clink glasses_.]
BOLZ.
Hurrah! And secondly, long live--hold on, the member himself is not
here yet.
KAeMPE.
Here he comes.
_Enter_ OLDENDORF.
BOLZ.
The member from our venerable town, editor-in-chief and professor,
journalist, and good fellow, who is angry just now because behind his
back this and that got into the paper--hurrah for him!
ALL.
Hurrah!
OLDENDORF (_in a friendly tone_.)
I thank you, gentlemen.
BOLZ (_drawing_ OLDENDORF _to the front_).
And you are no longer vexed with us?
OLDENDORF.
Your intention was good, but it was a great indiscretion.
BOLZ.
Forget all about it! (_Aloud_.) Here, take your glass and sit down
with us. Don't be proud, young statesman! Today you are one of us.
Well, here sits the editorial staff! Where is worthy Mr.
Henning--where tarries our owner, printer and publisher, Gabriel
Henning?
KAeMPE.
I met him a little while ago on the stairs. He crept by me as shyly as
though he were some one who had been up to mischief.
BOLZ.
Probably he feels as Oldendorf does--he is again not pleased with the
attitude of the paper.
MILLER (_thrusting in his head_).
The papers and the mail!
BOLZ.
Over there! [MILLER _enters, lays the papers on the work-table.
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