.. I'd like to
brush up a bit first.
HOFFMANN
In a moment--everything that's necessary ... [_EDWARD, a servant in
livery, enters._] Edward, take this gentleman to the guest chamber.
EDWARD
Very, well, sir.
HOFFMANN
[_Pressing LOTH'S hand._] I wonder if you'd mind coming down to supper in
about fifteen minutes--at most.
LOTH
That's ample time. See you later.
HOFFMANN
Yes, see you later.
[_EDWARD opens the door and lets LOTH precede him. Both go out.
HOFFMANN scratches the back of his head, looks thoughtfully at the
floor and then approaches the door at the right. He has just touched
the knob when HELEN, who has entered hastily by the glass door, calls
to him._
HELEN
Brother! Who was that?
HOFFMANN
That was one of my college chums, in fact, the oldest of them, Alfred
Loth.
HELEN
[_Quickly._] Has he gone again?
HOFFMANN
No; he's going to eat supper with us. Possibly ... yes, possibly he may
spend the night here.
HELEN
Heavens! Then I shan't come to supper.
HOFFMANN
But Helen!
HELEN
What is the use of my meeting cultivated people! I might just as well get
as boorish as all the rest here!
HOFFMANN
Oh, these eternal fancies! In fact you will do me a real favour if you
will order the arrangements for supper.
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