_Enter_ IDA, ADELAIDE. IDA. Was not that Edward's voice? COLONEL. Yes, my child. ADELAIDE. And he has gone away again! Has anything happened? COLONEL. Well, yes, girls. To make a long story short, Oldendorf does not become member for this town, but I. ADELAIDE} (_together_.) You, Colonel? IDA } You, father? IDA. Has Edward withdrawn? ADELAIDE. Is the election over? COLONEL. Neither one nor the other. Oldendorf has proved his much-vaunted devotion to us by not withdrawing, and election day is not yet past. But from what I hear there is no doubt that Oldendorf will be defeated. IDA. And you, father, have come out before everybody as his opponent? ADELAIDE. And what did Oldendorf say to that, Colonel? COLONEL. Don't excite me, girls! Oldendorf was stubborn, otherwise he behaved well, and as far as that is concerned all is in order. The grounds which determined me to make the sacrifice are very weighty. I will explain them to you more fully another time. The matter is decided; I have accepted; let that suffice for the present. IDA. But, dear father-- COLONEL. Leave me in peace, Ida, I have other things to think of. This evening I am to speak in public; that is, so to say, the custom at such elections. Don't worry, my child, we'll get the better of the professor and his clique. [_Exit_ COLONEL _toward the garden_. IDA _and_ ADELAIDE _stand facing each other and wring their hands._] IDA. What do you say to that? ADELAIDE. You are his daughter--what do _you_ say? IDA. Not possible!--Father! Scarcely had he finished explaining to us thoroughly what petty mantles ambition assumes in such elections-- ADELAIDE. Yes, he described them right vividly, all the little wraps and cloaks of vanity. IDA. And within an hour he lets them throw the cloak about himself. Why, it is terrible! And if father is not elected? It was wrong of Edward not to give in to father's weakness. Is that your love for me, Professor? He, too, never thought of me! ADELAIDE. Shall I tell you what? Let us hope that they both fail. These politicians! It was bad enough for you when only one was in politics; now that both have tasted of the intoxicating drink you are done for. Were I ever to come into a position to make a man my master, I should impose upon him but one condition, the wise rule of conduct of my old aunt: Smoke tobacco, my husband, as much as you please; at most it will spoil the walls; but never dare to look at a newspaper--that will spoil your character. [KORB _appears at the door_.] What news do you bring, Korb? KORB (_hastily, mysteriously_). It isn't true! ADELAIDE (_the same_). What isn't true? KORB. That he has a fiancée. He has no idea of it. His friend says he has but one lady-love. ADELAIDE (_eagerly_). Who is she? KORB. His newspaper. ADELAIDE (_relieved_). Ah, indeed. (_Aloud_.) One can see by that how many falsehoods people tell. It is good, dear Korb. [_Exit_ KORB.] IDA. What isn't true?