PIEPENBRINK. Well, he's a tremendously fine man! [_Rising_.] Here's to the health of Professor Oldendorf! [_All rise and touch glasses_.] BOLZ (_bowing pleasantly to all--to_ MRS. PIEPENBRINK). I see warm sympathy shining in your eyes, dear madam, and I thank you for it. Mr. Piepenbrink, I ask permission to shake your hand; you are a fine fellow. [_Slaps him on the back and embraces him_.] Give me your hand, Mr. Kleinmichel! [_Embraces him_.] And you, too, Mr. Fritz Kleinmichel! May no child of yours ever sit in the fire, but if he does may there ever be a gallant man at hand to pull him out. Come nearer, I must embrace you, too. MRS. PIEPENBRINK (_much moved_). Piepenbrink, we have veal-cutlets tomorrow. What do you think? [_Converses with him in a low tone_.] ADELAIDE. His spirits are running away with him! SENDEN. He is unbearable! I see that you are as indignant as I am. He snatches away our people; it can no longer be endured. BOLZ (_who had gone the rounds of table, returning and standing in front of_ MRS. PIEPENBRINK). It really isn't right to let it stop here. Mr. Piepenbrink, head of the house, I appeal to you, I ask your permission--hand or mouth? ADELAIDE (_horrified, on the right toward the front_). He is actually kissing her! PIEPENBRINK. Sail in, old man, courage! MRS. PIEPENBRINK. Piepenbrink, I no longer know you! ADELAIDE (_at the moment when_ BOLZ _is about to kiss_ MRS. PIEPENBRINK _crosses the stage, passing them casually, as it were, and holds her bouquet between_ BOLZ _and_ MRS. PIEPENBRINK. _In a low tone, quickly to_ BOLZ). You're going too far! You are being watched! [_Passes to the rear on the left, and exit_.] BOLZ. A fairy interferes! SENDEN _(who has already been haranguing some of the other guests, including_ BLUMENBERG, _noisily pushes forward at this moment--to those at the table_). He is presumptuous; he has thrust himself in! PIEPENBRINK (_bringing down his hand on the table and rising_). Oho! I like that! If I kiss my wife or let her be kissed, that is nobody's concern whatever! Nobody's! No man and no woman and no fairy has a right to put a hand before her mouth. BOLZ. Very true! Splendid! Hear! Hear! SENDEN. Revered Mr. Piepenbrink, no offense against you! The company is charmed to see you here. Only to Mr. Bolz we will remark that his presence is causing scandal. So completely opposed are his political principles that we must regard his appearing at this fête as an unwarrantable intrusion! BOLZ. My political principles opposed? In society I know no other political principle than this--to drink with nice people and not to drink with those whom I do not consider nice. With you, Sir, I have not drunk. PIEPENBRINK _(striking the table_). That was a good one! SENDEN _(hotly)_. You thrust yourself in here! BOLZ _(indignantly)_. Thrust myself in? PIEPENBRINK. Thrust himself in? Old man, you have an entrance ticket, I suppose?