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The German Classics Of The Nineteenth And Twentieth Centuries, Volume 12 by Various

V >> Various >> The German Classics Of The Nineteenth And Twentieth Centuries, Volume 12




BOLZ.

Of course we shall have that majority--a majority of from eight to ten
votes. Just say that, everywhere, with the greatest assuredness. Many
a one who is still undecided will come over to us on hearing that we
are the stronger. Where is the list of our uncertain voters? [_Looks
it over._]

KAeMPE.

I have placed a mark wherever our friends think some influence might
be exerted.

BOLZ.

I see two crosses opposite one name; what do they signify?

KAeMPE.

That is Piepenbrink, the wine-dealer Piepenbrink. He has a large
following in his district, is a well-to-do man, and, they say, can
command five or six votes among his adherents.

BOLZ.

Him we must have. What sort of a man is he?

KAeMPE.

He is very blunt, they say, and no politician at all.

BELLMAUS.

But he has a pretty daughter.

KAeMPE.

What's the use of his pretty daughter? I'd rather he had an ugly
wife--one could get at him more easily.

BELLMAUS.

Yes, but he has one--a lady with little curls and fiery red ribbons
in her cap.

BOLZ.

Wife or no wife, the man must be ours. Hush, some one is coming; that
is Oldendorf's step. He needn't know anything of our conference. Go to
your room, gentlemen. To be continued this evening.

KAeMPE (_at the door_).

It is still agreed, I suppose, that in the next number I resume the
attack on the new correspondent of the _Coriolanus_, the one with the
arrow.

BOLZ.

Yes, indeed. Pitch into him, decently but hard. Just now, on the eve
of the election, a little row with our opponents will do us good; and
the articles with the arrow give us a great opening.

[_Exeunt_ KAeMPE _and_ BELLMAUS.]

_Enter_ OLDENDORF _through centre door._

OLDENDORF.

Good-day, Conrad.

BOLZ (_at the table on the right, looking over the list of voters_).

Blessed be thy coming! The mail is over there; there is nothing of
importance.

OLDENDORF.

Do you need me here today?

BOLZ.

No, my darling. This evening's issue is ready. For tomorrow Kaempe is
writing the leading article.

OLDENDORF.

About what?

BOLZ.

A little skirmish with the _Coriolanus_. Another one against the
unknown correspondent with the arrow who attacked our party. But do
not worry; I told Kaempe to make the article dignified, very dignified.

OLDENDORF.

For Heaven's sake, don't! The article must not be written.

BOLZ.

I fail to comprehend you. What use are political opponents if you
cannot attack them?

OLDENDORF.

Now see here! These articles were written by the Colonel; he told me
so himself today.

BOLZ.

Thunder and lightning!

OLDENDORF (_gloomily_).

You may imagine that along with this admission went other intimations
which place me just now in a very uncomfortable position as regards
the Colonel and his family.

BOLZ (_seriously_).

And what does the Colonel want you to do?

OLDENDORF.

He will be reconciled to me if I resign the editorship of this paper
and withdraw as candidate for election.

BOLZ.

The devil! He is moderate in his demands!

OLDENDORF.

I suffer under this discord; to you, as my friend, I can say so.

BOLZ (_going up to him and pressing his hand_).

Solemn moment of manly emotion!

OLDENDORF.

Don't play the clown just now. You can imagine how unpleasant my
position in the Colonel's house has become. The worthy old gentleman
either frigid or violent; the conversation spiced with bitter
allusions; Ida suffering--I can often see that she has been crying. If
our party wins and I become member for the town, I fear I shall lose
all hope of marrying Ida.

BOLZ (_vehemently_).

And if you withdraw it will be a serious blow to our party. (_Rapidly
and emphatically._) The coming session of Parliament will determine
the fate of the country. The parties are almost equal. Every loss is a
blow of a vote to our cause. In this town we have no other candidate
but you, who is sufficiently popular to make his election probable. If
you withdraw from the contest, no matter what the reason, our
opponents win.

OLDENDORF.

Unfortunately what you say is true.

BOLZ (_with continued vehemence_).

I won't dwell on my confidence in your talents. I am convinced that,
in the House, and, possibly, as one of the ministers, you will be of
service to your country. I merely ask you, now, to remember your duty
to our political friends, who have pinned their faith on you, and to
this paper and ourselves, who for three years have worked for the
credit of the name of Oldendorf which heads our front page. Your honor
is at stake, and every moment of wavering is wrong.

OLDENDORF (_dignified_).

You are exciting yourself without reason. I too deem it wrong to
retire now when I am told that our cause needs me. But in confessing
to you, my friend, that my decision means a great personal sacrifice,
I am not compromising either our cause or ourselves as individuals.

BOLZ (_soothingly_).

Right you are! You are a loyal comrade. And so peace, friendship,
courage! Your old Colonel won't be inexorable.

OLDENDORF.

He has grown intimate with Senden, who flatters him in every way, and
has plans, I fear, which affect me also. I should feel still more
worried but for knowing that I have now a good advocate in the
Colonel's house. Adelaide Runeck has just arrived.

BOLZ.

Adelaide Runeck? She into the bargain! (_Quickly calling through the
door on the right._) Kaempe, the article against the knight of the
arrow is not to be written. Understand?

_Enter_ KAeMPE.

KAeMPE (_at the door, pen in hand_).

But what is to be written, then?

BOLZ.

The devil only knows! See here! Perhaps I can induce Oldendorf to
write the leading article for tomorrow himself. But at all events you
must have something on hand.

KAeMPE.

But what?

BOLZ (_excitedly_).

For all I care write about emigration to Australia; that, at any rate,
will give no offense.

KAeMPE.

Good! Am I to encourage it or advise against it?

BOLZ (_quickly_).

Advise against it, of course; we need every one who is willing to work
here at home. Depict Australia as a contemptible hole. Be perfectly
truthful but make it as black as possible--how the Kangaroo, balled
into a heap, springs with invincible malice at the settler's head,
while the duckbill nips at the back of his legs; how the gold-seeker
has, in winter, to stand up to his neck in salt water while for three
months in summer he has not a drop to drink; how he may live through
all that only to be eaten up at last by thievish natives. Make it very
vivid and end up with the latest market prices for Australian wool
from the _Times_. You'll find what books you need in the library.
[_Slams the door to._]

OLDENDORF (_at the table_).

Do you know Miss Runeck? She often inquires about you in her letters
to Ida.

BOLZ.

Indeed? Yes, to be sure, I know her. We are from the same village--she
from the manor-house, I from the parsonage. My father taught us
together. Oh, yes, I know her!

OLDENDORF.

How comes it that you have drifted so far apart? You never speak of
her.

BOLZ.

H'm! It is an old story--family quarrels, Montagues and Capulets. I
have not seen her for a long time.

OLDENDORF (_smiling_).

I hope that you too were not estranged by politics.

BOLZ.

Politics did, indeed, have something to do with our separation; you
see it is the common misfortune that party life destroys friendship.

OLDENDORF.

Sad to relate! In religion any educated man will tolerate the
convictions of another; but in politics we treat each other like
reprobates if there be the slightest shade of difference of opinion
between us.

BOLZ (_aside_).

Matter for our next article! (_Aloud._) "The slightest shade of
difference of opinion between us." Just what I think! We must have
that in our paper! (_Entreating)_. Look! A nice little virtuous
article: "An admonition to our voters--Respect our opponents, for they
are, after all, our brothers!" (_Urging him more and more._)
Oldendorf, that would be something for you--there is virtue and
humanity in the theme; writing will divert you, and you owe the paper
an article because you forbade the feud. Please do me the favor! Go
into the back room there and write. No one shall disturb you.

OLDENDORF (_smiling_).

You are just a vulgar intriguer!

BOLZ (_forcing him from his chair_).

Please, you'll find ink and paper there. Come, deary, come! [_He
accompanies him to the door on the left. Exit_ OLDENDORF. BOLZ
_calling after him._] Will you have a cigar? An old Henry Clay?
[_Draws a cigar-case from his pocket._] No? Don't make it too short;
it is to be the principal article! [_He shuts the door, calls through
the door on the right._] The professor is writing the article himself.
See that nobody disturbs him! [_Coming to the front._] So that is
settled.--Adelaide here in town! I'll go straight to her! Stop, keep
cool, keep cool! Old Bolz, you are no longer the brown lad from the
parsonage. And even if you were, _she_ has long since changed. Grass
has grown over the grave of a certain childish inclination. Why are
you suddenly thumping so, my dear soul? Here in town she is just as
far off from you as on her estates. [_Seating himself and playing with
a pencil._] "Nothing like keeping cool," murmured the salamander as he
sat in the stove fire.

_Enter_ KORB.

KORB.

Is Mr. Bolz in?

BOLZ (_jumping up_).

Korb! My dear Korb! Welcome, heartily welcome! It is good of you not
to have forgotten me. [_Shakes hands with him._] I am very glad to see
you.

KORB.

And I even more to see you. Here we are in town. The whole village
sends greetings! From Anton the stable-boy--he is now head man--to the
old night watchman whose horn you once hung up on the top of the
tower. Oh, what a pleasure this is!

BOLZ.

How is Miss Runeck? Tell me, old chap!

KORB.

Very well indeed, now. But we have been through much. The late general
was ill for four years. It was a bad time. You know he was always an
irritable man.

BOLZ.

Yes, he was hard to manage.--

KORB.

And especially during his illness. But Miss Adelaide took care of
him, so gentle and so pale, like a perfect lamb. Now, since his death,
Miss Adelaide runs the estate, and like the best of managers. The
village is prospering again. I will tell you everything, but not until
this evening. Miss Adelaide is waiting for me; I merely ran in quickly
to tell you that we are here.

BOLZ.

Don't be in such a hurry, Korb.--So the people in the village still
think of me!

KORB.

I should say they did! No one can understand why you don't come near
us. It was another matter while the old gentleman was alive, but now--

BOLZ (_seriously_).

My parents are dead; a stranger lives in the parsonage.

KORB.

But we in the manor-house are still alive! Miss Runeck would surely be
delighted--

BOLZ.

Does she still remember me?

KORB.

Of course she does. This very day she asked about you.

BOLZ.

What did she ask, old chap?

KORB.

She asked me if it was true what people are saying, that you have
grown very wild, make debts, run after girls, and are up to the devil
generally.

BOLZ.

Good gracious! You stood up for me, I trust?

KORB.

Of course! I told her that all that might be taken for granted with
you.

BOLZ.

Confound it! That's what she thinks of me, is it? Tell me, Korb, Miss
Adelaide has many suitors, has she not?

KORB.

The sands of the sea are as nothing to it.

BOLZ (_vexed_).

But yet she can finally choose only one, I suppose.

KORB (_slyly_).

Correct! But which one? That's the question.

BOLZ.

Which do you think it will be?

KORB.

Well, that is difficult to say. There is this Mr. von Senden who is
now living in town. If any one has a chance it is probably he. He
fusses about us like a weasel. Just as I was leaving he sent to the
house a whole dozen of admission cards to the great fete at the club.
It must be the sort of club where the upper classes go arm-in-arm with
the townspeople.

BOLZ.

Yes, it is a political society of which Senden is a director. It is
casting out a great net for voters. And the Colonel and the ladies are
going?

KORB.

I hear they are. I, too, received a card.

BOLZ (_to himself_).

Has it come to this? Poor Oldendorf!--And Adelaide at the club fete of
Mr. von Senden!

KORB (_to himself_).

How am I going to begin and find out about his love-affairs?
(_Aloud._) Oh, see here, Mr. Conrad, one thing more! Have you possibly
some real good friend in this concern to whom you could introduce me?

BOLZ.

Why, old chap?

KORB.

It is only--I am a stranger here, and often have commissions and
errands where I need advice. I should like to have some one to consult
should you chance to be away, or with whom I could leave word for you.

BOLZ.

You will find me here at almost any time of day. [_At the door._]
Bellmaus! [_Enter_ BELLMAUS.] You see this gentleman here. He is an
honored old friend of mine from my native village. Should he happen
not to find me here, you take my place.--This gentleman's name is
Bellmaus, and he is a good fellow.

KORB.

I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Mr. Bellmaus.

BELLMAUS.

And I to make yours. You have not told me his name yet.

BOLZ.

Korb. He has had a great deal to carry in his life, and has often
carried me on his back, too.

BELLMAUS.

I too am pleased, Mr. Korb. [_They shake hands._]

KORB.

Well, that is in order, and now I must go or Miss Adelaide will be
waiting.

BOLZ.

Good-by! Hope to see you very soon again.

[_Exit_ KORB; _exit_ BELLMAUS _through door on the right._]

BOLZ (_alone_).

So this Senden is courting her! Oh, that is bitter!

_Enter_ HENNING, _followed by_ MILLER.

HENNING (_in his dressing-gown, hurriedly, with a printed roll in his
hand_).

Your servant, Mr. Bolz! Is "opponent" spelt with one p or with two
p's? The new proofreader has corrected it one p.

BOLZ (_deep in his thoughts_).

Estimable Mr. Henning, the _Union_ prints it with two p's.

HENNING.

I said so at once. [_To_ MILLER.] It must be changed; the press is
waiting.

[_Exit_ MILLER _hastily._]

I took occasion to read the leading article. Doubtless you wrote it
yourself. It is very good, but too sharp, Mr. Bolz. Pepper and
mustard--that will give offense; it will cause bad blood.

BOLZ (_still deep in his thoughts, violently_).

I always did have an antipathy to this man!

[Illustration: _Permission Union Deutsche Verlagsgesellschaft,
Stuttgart_. NATURE ENTHUSIASTS. ADOLPH VON MENZEL]

HENNING (_hurt_).

How? What? Mr. Bolz? You have an antipathy to me?

BOLZ.

To whom? No, dear Mr. Henning, you are a good fellow and would be the
best newspaper owner in the world, if only you were not often as
frightened as a hare. [_Embraces him._] My regards to Mrs. Henning,
sir, and leave me alone. I am thinking up my next article.

HENNING (_while he is being thrust out_).

But do, please, write very moderately and kindly, dear Mr. Bolz.

BOLZ (_alone, walking to and fro again_).

Senden avoids me whenever he can. He stands things from me that any
one else would strongly resent. Is it possible that he suspects--

_Enter_ MILLER.

MILLER (_hurriedly_).

A lady I don't know wishes to pay her respects to you.

BOLZ.

A lady! And to me?

MILLER.

To the editor. [_Hands him a card._]

BOLZ (_reads_).

Leontine Pavoni-Gessler, _nee_ Melloni from Paris. She must have to do
with art. Is she pretty?

MILLER.

H'm! So, so!

BOLZ.

Then tell her we are very sorry that we cannot have the pleasure, that
it is the editor's big washing-day.

MILLER.

What?

BOLZ (_vehemently_).

Washing, children's washing. That we are sitting up to the elbows in
soapsuds.

MILLER (_laughing_).

And I am to--

BOLZ (_impatiently_).

You're a blockhead! [_At the door._] Bellmaus! [_Enter_ BELLMAUS.]
Stay here and receive the visitor. [_Gives him the card._]

BELLMAUS.

Ah, that is the new ballet-dancer who is expected here. [_Inspecting
his coat._] But I'm not dressed for it!

BOLZ.

All the more dressed she will be. [_To_ MILLER.] Show the lady in.

[_Exit_ MILLER.]

BELLMAUS.

But really I cannot--

BOLZ (_irritably_).

Oh the devil, don't put on airs! [_Goes to the table, puts papers in
the drawer, seizes his hat._]

_Enter_ MADAME PAVONI.

MADAME PAVONI.

Have I the honor of seeing before me the editor of the _Union_?

BELLMAUS (_bowing_).

To be sure--that is to say--won't you kindly be seated? [_Pushes up
chairs._]

BOLZ.

Adelaide is clear-sighted and clever. How can she possibly fail to see
through that fellow?

MADAME PAVONI.

Mr. Editor, the intelligent articles about art which adorn your
paper--have prompted me--

BELLMAUS.

Oh, please!

BOLZ. (_having made up his mind_).

I must gain entrance into this club-fete!

[_Exit with a bow to the lady._ BELLMAUS _and_ MADAME PAVONI _sit
facing each other._]




ACT II


SCENE I


_The_ COLONEL'S _summer parlor. In the foreground on the right_ IDA
_and_ ADELAIDE, _next to_ ADELAIDE _the_ COLONEL, _all sitting. In
front of them a table with coffee set._

COLONEL (_in conversation with_ ADELAIDE, _laughing_).

A splendid story, and cleverly told! I am heartily glad that you are
with us, dear Adelaide. Now, at any rate, we shall talk about
something else at table besides this everlasting politics! H'm! The
professor has not come today. He never used to miss our coffee-hour.

[_Pause;_ ADELAIDE _and_ IDA _look at each other._ IDA _sighs._]

ADELAIDE.

Perhaps he has work to do.

IDA.

Or he is vexed with us because I am going to the fete tonight.

COLONEL (_irritably_).

Nonsense, you are not his wife nor even openly his fiancee. You are in
your father's house and belong in my circle.--H'm! I see he treasures
it up against me that I did some plain speaking the other day. I think
I was a little impatient.

ADELAIDE (_nodding her head_).

Yes, a little, I hear.

IDA.

He is worried about the way you feel, dear father.

COLONEL.

Well, I have reason enough to be vexed; don't remind me of it. And
that, in addition, he lets himself be mixed up in these elections, is
unpardonable.

[_Walks up and down._]

But you had better send for him, Ida.

IDA _rings. Enter_ CARL.

IDA.

Our compliments to the professor and we are waiting coffee for him.

[_Exit_ CARL.]

COLONEL.

Well, that about waiting was not quite necessary. Why, we have
finished our coffee.

ADELAIDE.

Ida has not finished yet.

IDA.

Hush!

ADELAIDE.

Why did he ever let himself be put up as candidate? He has plenty to
do as it is.

COLONEL.

Pure ambition, girls. The devil of ambition possesses these young men.
He impels them as steam does a locomotive.

IDA.

No, father, _he_ never thought of himself in the matter.

COLONEL.

It does not stand out quite so nakedly as, "I must make a career for
myself," or "I wish to become a famous man." The procedure is more
delicate. The good friends come along and say: "Your duty to the good
cause requires you to--it is a crime against your country if you do
not--it is a sacrifice for you but we demand it." And so a pretty
mantle is thrown around vanity, and the candidate issues forth--from
pure patriotism of course! Don't teach an old soldier worldly wisdom.
We, dear Adelaide, sit calmly by and laugh at such weaknesses.

ADELAIDE.

And are indulgent toward them when we have so good a heart as you.

COLONEL.

Yes, one profits by experience.

_Enter_ CARL.

CARL.

Mr. von Senden and two other gentlemen.

COLONEL.

What do they want? Pleased to see them!

[_Exit_ CARL.]

Allow me to have them shown in here, children. Senden never stays
long. He is a roving spirit.

[_The ladies rise._]

IDA.

The hour is again spoiled for us.

ADELAIDE.

Don't mind it; we shall have all the more time to dress.

[_Exeunt_ IDA _and_ ADELAIDE _on the left._]

_Enter_ SENDEN, BLUMENBERG, _a third gentleman._

SENDEN.

Colonel, we come on behalf of the committee for the approaching
election to notify you that that committee has unanimously voted to
make you, Colonel, our party's candidate.

COLONEL. _Me?_

SENDEN.

The committee begs you to accept this nomination so that the necessary
announcement can be made to the voters at this evening's fete.

COLONEL.

Are you in earnest, dear Senden? Where did the committee get such an
idea?

SENDEN.

Colonel, our president, who had previously agreed to run for our town,
found that it would be more advantageous to be candidate from a
provincial district; apart from him no one of our townsmen is so well
known and so popular with the citizens as yourself. If you accede to
our request our party is certain of victory; if you refuse, there is
every probability that our opponents will have their own way. You will
agree with us that such an eventuality must be avoided under all
circumstances.

COLONEL.

I see all that; but, on personal grounds, it is impossible for me to
help our friends in this matter.

SENDEN (_to the others_).

Let me explain to the Colonel certain things which will possibly make
him look favorably on our request.

[_Exeunt_ BLUMENBERG _and the other gentlemen into the garden, where
they are visible from time to time._]

COLONEL.

But, Senden, how could you put me in this embarrassing position! You
know that for years Oldendorf has frequented my house and that it will
be extremely unpleasant for me openly to oppose him.

SENDEN.

If the professor is really so devoted to you and your household, he
has now the best opportunity to show it. It is a foregone conclusion
that he will at once withdraw.

COLONEL.

I am not quite so sure of that; he is very stubborn in many ways.

SENDEN.

If he do not withdraw such egotism can scarcely still be called
stubbornness. And in such a case you would scarcely be under
obligations to him; obligations, Colonel, which might work injury to
the whole country. Besides, he has no chance of being elected if you
accept, for you will defeat him by a majority not large but sure.

COLONEL.

Are we so perfectly certain of this majority!

SENDEN.

I think I can guarantee it. Blumenberg and the other gentlemen have
made very thorough inquiries.

COLONEL.

It would serve the professor quite right if he had to withdraw in my
favor.--But no--no; it will not do at all, my friend.

SENDEN.

We know, Colonel, what a sacrifice we are asking of you, and that
nothing could compensate you for it save the consciousness of having
done your country a great service.

COLONEL.

To be sure.

SENDEN.

It would be so regarded in the capital, too, and I am convinced that
your entering the House would also cause pleasure in other circles
than those of your numerous friends and admirers.

COLONEL.

I should meet there many old friends and comrades. (_Aside_.) I should
be presented at Court.

SENDEN.

The minister of war asked very warmly after you the other day; he too
must have been one of your companions in arms.

COLONEL.

Yes indeed! As young blades we served in the same company and played
many mad pranks together. It would be a pleasure to see him now in the
House, drawing his honest face into dark lines. He was a wild devil in
the regiment, but a fine boy.

SENDEN.

Nor will he be the only one to receive you with open arms.

COLONEL.

In any case, I should have to think the matter over.

SENDEN.

Don't be angry, Colonel, if I urge you to decide. This evening we have
to introduce their candidate to our citizen guests. It is high time,
or all is lost.

COLONEL (_hesitating_).

Senden, you put a knife to my throat!

[SENDEN, _from the door, motions the gentlemen in the garden to come
in_.]

BLUMENBERG.

We venture to urge you, knowing that so good a soldier as you,
Colonel, makes up his mind quickly.

COLONEL (_after struggling inwardly_).

Well, so be it, gentlemen, I accept! Tell the committee I appreciate
their confidence. This evening we will talk over details.

BLUMENBERG.

We thank you, Colonel. The whole town will be rejoiced to hear of your
decision.

COLONEL.

Good-by until this evening.

[_Exeunt the visitors_;

COLONEL _alone, thoughtfully_.]

I fear I ought not to have accepted so quickly; but I had to do the
minister of war that favor. What will the girls say to it? And
Oldendorf?

[_Enter_ OLDENDORF.]

There he is himself.

[_Clears his throat_.]

He will be astonished. I can't help it, he must withdraw. Good
morning, Professor, you come just at the right moment.

OLDENDORF (_hastily_).

Colonel, there is a report in town that Mr. von Senden's party have
put you up as their candidate. I ask for your own assurance that you
would not accept such a nomination.

COLONEL.

And, supposing the proposition had been made to me, why should I not
accept as well as you? Yes, rather than you; for the motives that
would determine me are sounder than your reasons.

OLDENDORF.

So there is some foundation then to the rumor?

COLONEL.

To be frank, it is the truth. I have accepted. You see in me your
opponent.

OLDENDORF.

Nothing so bad has yet occurred to trouble our relations. Colonel,
could not the memory of a friendship, hearty and undisturbed for
years, induce you to avoid this odious conflict?

COLONEL.

Oldendorf, I could not act otherwise, believe me. It is your place now
to remember our old friendship. You are a younger man, let alone other
relationships; you are the one now to withdraw.

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