(_alone_). Gracious, how her eyes shine! What is she tip to? She's not going to elope with the old Colonel, I hope! Well, whatever she is up to, she will carry it through. There is only one person who could ever be a match for her. Oh, Mr. Conrad, if only I could speak! [_EXIT_.] SCENE II _Editorial room of the Union. Enter_ BOLZ _through the door on the left, directly afterward_ MILLER. BOLZ (_at middle door_). In here with the table! MILLER (_carries small table, all set, with wine-bottles, glasses and plates, to the foreground on the left; brings up five chairs while he speaks_). Mr. Piepenbrink sends his regards, with the message that the wine is yellow-seal, and that, if the Doctor drinks any healths, he must not forget Mr. Piepenbrink's health. He was very jolly, the stout gentleman. And Madam Piepenbrink reminded him that he ought to subscribe for the _Union_. He commissioned me to see to it. BOLZ (_who meanwhile has been turning over papers at the work-table on the right, rising_). Let's have some wine! [MILLER _pours some in a glass_.] In honor of the worthy vintner! [_Drinks._] I treated him scandalously, but he has proved true-hearted. Tell him his health was not forgotten. There, take this bottle along!--Now, get out! [_Exit_ MILLER. BOLZ _opening the door on the left_.] Come, gentlemen, today I carry out my promise. [_Enter_ KÄMPE, BELLMAUS, KÖRNER.] This is the lunch I agreed to give. And now, my charming day-flies, put as much rose-color into your cheeks and your humors as your wits will let you. [_Pouring out_.] The great victory is won; the _Union_ has celebrated one of the noblest of triumphs; in ages still to come belated angels will say with awe: "Those were glorious days," and so on--see continuation in today's paper. Before we sit down, the first toast-- KÄMPE. The member-elect-- BOLZ. No, our first toast is to the mother of all, the great power which produces members--the newspaper, may she prosper! ALL. Hurrah! [_Clink glasses_.] BOLZ. Hurrah! And secondly, long live--hold on, the member himself is not here yet. KÄMPE. Here he comes. _Enter_ OLDENDORF. BOLZ. The member from our venerable town, editor-in-chief and professor, journalist, and good fellow, who is angry just now because behind his back this and that got into the paper--hurrah for him! ALL. Hurrah! OLDENDORF (_in a friendly tone_.) I thank you, gentlemen. BOLZ (_drawing_ OLDENDORF _to the front_). And you are no longer vexed with us? OLDENDORF. Your intention was good, but it was a great indiscretion. BOLZ. Forget all about it! (_Aloud_.) Here, take your glass and sit down with us. Don't be proud, young statesman! Today you are one of us. Well, here sits the editorial staff! Where is worthy Mr. Henning--where tarries our owner, printer and publisher, Gabriel Henning? KÄMPE. I met him a little while ago on the stairs. He crept by me as shyly as though he were some one who had been up to mischief. BOLZ.