Nor can I withdraw, lest I harm the good cause. We are no further now
than in the beginning. (_Aside_.) Obstinate fellow!

[_Both walk up and down on opposite sides of the stage._]

You have not the least chance whatever of being elected, Oldendorf; my
friends are sure of having the majority of the votes. You are exposing
yourself to a public defeat. (_Kindly_.) I should dislike having you
of all people beaten by me; it will cause gossip and scandal. Just
think of it! It is perfectly useless for you to conjure up the
conflict.

OLDENDORF.

Even if it were such a foregone conclusion as you assume, Colonel, I
should still have to hold out to the end. But as far as I can judge
the general sentiment, the result is by no means so certain. And
think, Colonel, if you should happen to be defeated--

COLONEL (_irritated_).

I tell you, that will not be the case.

OLDENDORF.

But if it should be? How odious that would be for both of us! How
would you feel toward me then! I might possibly welcome a defeat in my
heart; for you it would be a terrible mortification, and, Colonel, I
dread this possibility.