The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries - novelonlinefull.com
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COLONEL.
I think it will do. Take it; but not a word--
BLUMENBERG.
You will let me send it at once to press. [_At the door._] Schmock!
[SCHMOCK _appears at the door, takes the ma.n.u.script and exit quickly._]
SENDEN.
Blumenberg is keeping the sheet up to the mark, but, as he has enemies, he has to fight hard to defend himself.
COLONEL (_amused_).
Enemies? Who does not have them? But journalists have nerves like women. Everything excites you; every word that any one says against you rouses your indignation! Oh come, you are sensitive people!
BLUMENBERG.
Possibly you are right, Colonel. But when one has opponents like this _Union_--
COLONEL.
Oh, yes, the _Union_. It is a thorn in the flesh to both of you. There is a great deal in it that I cannot praise; but, really when it comes to sounding an alarm, attacking, and pitching in, it is cleverer than your paper. The articles are witty; even when they are on the wrong side one cannot help laughing at them.
BLUMENBERG.
Not always. In today's attack on the best articles the _Coriola.n.u.s_ has published in a long time I see no wit at all.
COLONEL.
Attack on what articles?
BLUMENBERG.
On yours, Colonel. I must have the paper somewhere about me.
[_Searches, and gives him a copy of the Union._]
COLONEL.
Oldendorf's paper attacks my articles! [_Reads._] "We regret such lack of knowledge--"
BLUMENBERG.
And here--
COLONEL.
"It is an unpardonable piece of presumption"--What! I am presumptuous?
BLUMENBERG.
And here--
COLONEL.
"One may be in doubt as to whether the navete of the contributor is comical or tragical, but at all events he has no right to join in the discussion"--[_Throwing down the paper._] Oh, that is contemptible! It is a low trick!
_Enter_ IDA _and_ OLDENDORF _from the garden._
SENDEN (_aside_).
Now comes the cloud-burst!
COLONEL.
Professor, your newspaper is making progress. To bad principles is now added something else--baseness.
IDA (_frightened_).
Father!
OLDENDORF (_coming forward_).
Colonel, how can you justify this insulting expression?
COLONEL (_holding out the paper to him_).
Look here! That stands in your paper! In your paper, Oldendorf!
OLDENDORF.
The tone of the attack is not quite as calm as I could have wished--
COLONEL.
Not quite so calm? Not really?
OLDENDORF.
In substance the attack is justified.
COLONEL.
Sir! You dare say that to me!
IDA.
