_
HOFFMANN
Won't you drink something? Whatever you say? Beer? Wine? Brandy? Coffee?
Tea? Everything's in the house.
[_HELEN comes reading from the conservatory. Her tall form, somewhat
too plump, the arrangement of her blond, unusually luxuriant hair,
the expression of her face, her modern gown, her gestures--in brief,
her whole appearance cannot quite hide the peasant's daughter._
HELEN
Brother, you might.... [_She discovers LOTH and withdraws quickly._] Oh,
I beg pardon.
[_Exit._
HOFFMANN
Stay here, do!
LOTH
Your wife?
HOFFMANN
No; her sister. Didn't you hear how she addressed me?
LOTH
No.
HOFFMANN
Good-looking, eh? But now, come on. Make up your mind. Coffee? Tea? Grog?
LOTH
No, nothing, thank you.
HOFFMANN
[_Offers him cigars._] Here's something for you then. No!... Not even
that?
LOTH
No, thank you.
HOFFMANN
Enviable frugality! [_He lights a cigar for himself and speaks the
while._] The ashes ... I meant to say, tobacco ... h-m ... smoke of
course ... doesn't bother you, does it?
LOTH
No.
HOFFMANN
Ah, if I didn't get that much ... Good Lord, life anyhow!--But now, do me
a favour; tell me something.
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