Not always. In today's attack on the best articles the _Coriolanus_ has published in a long time I see no wit at all. COLONEL. Attack on what articles? BLUMENBERG. On yours, Colonel. I must have the paper somewhere about me. [_Searches, and gives him a copy of the Union._] COLONEL. Oldendorf's paper attacks my articles! [_Reads._] "We regret such lack of knowledge--" BLUMENBERG. And here-- COLONEL. "It is an unpardonable piece of presumption"--What! I am presumptuous? BLUMENBERG. And here-- COLONEL. "One may be in doubt as to whether the naïveté of the contributor is comical or tragical, but at all events he has no right to join in the discussion"--[_Throwing down the paper._] Oh, that is contemptible! It is a low trick! _Enter_ IDA _and_ OLDENDORF _from the garden._ SENDEN (_aside_). Now comes the cloud-burst! COLONEL. Professor, your newspaper is making progress. To bad principles is now added something else--baseness. IDA (_frightened_). Father! OLDENDORF (_coming forward_). Colonel, how can you justify this insulting expression? COLONEL (_holding out the paper to him_). Look here! That stands in your paper! In your paper, Oldendorf! OLDENDORF. The tone of the attack is not quite as calm as I could have wished-- COLONEL. Not quite so calm? Not really? OLDENDORF. In substance the attack is justified. COLONEL. Sir! You dare say that to me! IDA. Father! OLDENDORF. Colonel, I do not comprehend this attitude, and I beg you to consider that we are speaking before witnesses. COLONEL. Do not ask for any consideration. It would have been your place to show consideration for the man whose friendship you are otherwise so ready to claim. OLDENDORF. But, first of all, tell me frankly what is your own connection with the articles attacked in the _Coriolanus_? COLONEL. A very chance connection, too insignificant in your eyes to deserve your regard. The articles are by me! IDA. Heavens! OLDENDORF (_vehemently_). By you? Articles in the paper of this gentleman? IDA (_entreating him_). Edward! OLDENDORF (_more calmly_). The _Union_ has attacked not you but an unknown person, who to us was merely a partisan of this gentleman. You would have spared us both this painful scene had you not concealed from me the fact that you are a correspondent of the _Coriolanus_. COLONEL. You will have to stand my continuing not to make you a confidant of my actions. You have here given me a printed proof of your friendship, which does not make me long for other proofs. OLDENDORF (_taking up his hat_). I can only say that I deeply regret the occurrence, but do not feel myself in the least to blame. I hope, Colonel, that, when you think the matter over calmly, you will come to the same conclusion. Good-by, Miss Ida. Good day to you. [_Exit as far as centre door._] IDA (_entreating_). Father, don't let him leave us that way! COLONEL. It is better than to have him stay. _Enter_ ADELAIDE.