morning, Professor, you come just at the right moment.

OLDENDORF (_hastily_).

Colonel, there is a report in town that Mr. von Senden's party have
put you up as their candidate. I ask for your own assurance that you
would not accept such a nomination.

COLONEL.

And, supposing the proposition had been made to me, why should I not
accept as well as you? Yes, rather than you; for the motives that
would determine me are sounder than your reasons.

OLDENDORF.

So there is some foundation then to the rumor?

COLONEL.

To be frank, it is the truth. I have accepted. You see in me your
opponent.

OLDENDORF.

Nothing so bad has yet occurred to trouble our relations. Colonel,
could not the memory of a friendship, hearty and undisturbed for
years, induce you to avoid this odious conflict?

COLONEL.