et out of the
house!

SCHMOCK.

And how about the interest? If I can have it at five per cent. I
should like it.

ADELAIDE.

The gentleman makes you a present of the money.

SCHMOCK.

He makes me a present of the money? It's a miracle! I tell you what,
Colonel, if I don't succeed with the money it remains a gift, but if I
work my way up with it I return it. I hope I will work my way up.
COLONEL. Do just as you like about that.

SCHMOCK.

I like to have it that way, Colonel.--Meanwhile I thank you, and may
some other joy come to make it up to you. Good day, Sir and Madam.

ADELAIDE.

We must not forget the lunch. [_Rings,_ KORB _enters_.] Dear Korb!
[_Talks in a low tone to him_.]

SCHMOCK.

O please, do not go to that trouble!

[_Exeunt_ SCHMOCK _and_ KORB.]

COLONEL.

And now, dear lady, explain this whole conversation; it concerns me
intimately enough.

ADELAIDE.

Senden spoke tactlessly to outsiders about his relations with you and
your household. This young man had overheard some of it, and also had
notes written by Senden in his possession, which contained unsuitable
expressions. I thought it best to get these notes out of his hands.

COLONEL.

I want you to let me have those letters, Adelaide.

ADELAIDE (_entreating_).

Why, Colonel?

COLONEL.

I won't get angry, girl.

ADELAIDE.

Nor is it worth while to do so. But still I beg you won't look at
them. You know enough now, for you know that he, with his associates,
does not merit such great confidence as you have latterly reposed in
him.

COLONEL (_sadly_).

Well, well! In my old days I have had bad luck with my acquaintances.

ADELAIDE.

If you put Oldendorf and this one (_pointing to the letters_) in the
same class you are quite mistaken.

COLONEL.

I don't do that, girl. For Senden I had no such affection, and that's
why it is easier to bear it when he does me an injury.

ADELAIDE (_gently_).

And because you loved the other one, that was the reason why yesterday
you were so--

COLONEL.

Say it, mentor--so harsh and violent!

ADELAIDE.

Worse than that, you were unjust.

COLONEL.

I said the same thing to myself last night, as I went to Ida's room
and heard the poor thing cry. I was a hurt, angry man and was wrong in
the form--but in the matter itself I was, all the same, right. Let him
be member of Parliament; he may be better suited for it than I. It is
his being a newspaper writer that separates us