BOLZ. To do anything against your wishes is horrible to me, son of
perdition though I be. So my saint wills and commands that Oldendorf
do not become member of Parliament?

ADELAIDE. I will it and command it, Mr. Devil!

BOLZ. It is hard. Up in your heaven you have so many gentlemen to
bestow on Miss Ida; why must you carry off a poor devil's one and only
soul, the professor?

ADELAIDE. It is just the professor I want, and you must let me have
him.

BOLZ. I am in despair. I would tear my hair were the place not so
unsuitable. I dread your anger. The thought makes me tremble that you
might not like this election.

ADELAIDE. Well, try to stop the election, then.

BOLZ. That I cannot do. But so soon as it is over I am fated to mourn
and grow melancholy over your anger. I shall withdraw from the
world--far, far to the North Pole. There I shall end my days sadly,
playing dominoes with polar bears, or spreading the elements of
journalistic training among the seals. That will be easier to endure
than the scathing glance of your eyes.

ADELAIDE (_laughing_). Yes, that's the way you always were. You made
every possible promise and acted exactly as you pleased. But before
starting for the North Pole, perhaps you will make one more effort to