Splendid! And it must be a really fine one, this yellow one here with violet points. And the third one--how shall we christen that? IDA (_stretching out her hand entreatingly to her father_). "Edward Oldendorf." COLONEL. What! The professor? The editor? Oh no, that will not do! It was bad enough for him to take over the paper; but that he now has allowed himself to be led by his party into running for Parliament--that I can never forgive him. IDA. Here he comes himself. COLONEL (_aside_). It used to be a pleasure to me to hear his footstep; now I can hardly keep from being rude when I see him. _Enter_ OLDENDORF. OLDENDORF. Good morning, Colonel! IDA (_with a friendly greeting_). Good morning, Edward. Help me to admire the new dahlias that father has grown. COLONEL. But do not trouble the professor. Such trifles no longer interest him; he has bigger things in his head. OLDENDORF. At all events I have not lost my ability to enjoy what gives you pleasure. COLONEL (_grumbling to himself_). You have not given me much proof of that. I fear you take pleasure in doing the very things that vex me. You are doubtless quite busy now with your election, Mr. Future Member of Parliament! OLDENDORF. You know, Colonel, that I myself have less than any one else to do with it. COLONEL. Oh, I don't believe that! It is the usual custom in such elections, I imagine, to pay court to influential persons and shake hands with the voters, to make speeches, scatter promises, and do all the other little devil's tricks. OLDENDORF. You yourself do not believe, Colonel, that I would do anything discreditable? COLONEL. Not? I am not so sure, Oldendorf. Since you have turned journalist, edit your _Union_ and daily reproach the State with its faulty organization, you are no longer what you used to be. OLDENDORF (_who up to this point has been conversing with_ IDA _about the flowers, but now turns to the_ COLONEL). Does what I now say or write conflict with my former views? It would be hard to convince me of that. And still less can you have noticed any change in my feelings or in my conduct toward you. COLONEL (_obdurate_). Well, I don't see what reason you would have for that. I am not going to spoil my morning by quarreling. Ida may try to straighten things out with you. I am going to my flowers. [_Takes the box and exit toward the garden._] OLDENDORF. What has put your father in such a bad humor? Has something in the newspaper vexed him again? IDA. I do not think so. But it annoys him that now in politics you again find it necessary to advocate measures he detests and attack institutions he reveres. (_Shyly._) Edward, is it really impossible for you to withdraw from the election? OLDENDORF. It is impossible. IDA. I should then have you here, and father could regain his good humor; for he would highly appreciate the sacrifice you were making for him, and we could look forward to a future as peaceful as our past has been. OLDENDORF.