BOLZ (_who has meanwhile been conversing with_ MRS. PIEPENBRINK _but
has listened attentively--to_ MR. PIEPENBRINK). There, you see the
gentlemen cannot desist from talking politics after all. (_To_
PIEPENBRINK.) Did you not mention Professor Oldendorf?

PIEPENBRINK. Yes, my jolly Doctor, just casually.

BOLZ. When you talk of him I heartily pray you to say good things
about him; for he is the best, the noblest man I know.

PIEPENBRINK. Indeed? You know him?

KLEINMICHEL. Are you possibly a friend of his!

BOLZ. More than that. Were the professor to say to me today: "Bolz, it
will help me to have you jump into the water," I should have to jump
in, unpleasant as it would be to me just at this moment to drown in
water.

PIEPENBRINK. Oho! That is strong!

BOLZ. In this company I have no right to speak of candidates for
election. But if I did have a member to elect he should be the
one--he, first of all.

PIEPENBRINK. But you are very much prejudiced in the man's favor.

BOLZ. His political views do not concern me here at all. But what do I
demand of a member? That he be a man; that he have a warm heart and a