She did not get the brandy from me! Get
rid of the Spiller woman, I tell you. Oh, if only I were a man!
HOFFMANN
[_Sighing._] Oh, if only it were over and done with!--[_Speaking from the
door to the right._] Anyhow, sister, do me the favour and have the
supper-table really appetising. I'll just attend to a little matter
meanwhile.
HELEN
[_Rings the electric bell. MIELE enters._] Miele, set the table, and tell
Edward to put champagne on ice and open four dozen oysters.
MIELE
[_With sullen impudence._] You c'n tell him yer-self. He don't take
orders from me. He's always sayin' he was hired by Mr. Hoffmann.
HELEN
Then, at least, send him in to me.
[_MIELE goes. HELEN steps in front of the mirror and adjusts various
details in her toilet. In the meantime EDWARD enters._
HELEN
[_Still before the mirror._] Edward, put champagne on ice and open
oysters. Mr. Hoffmann wishes it.
EDWARD
Very well, Miss.
[_As EDWARD leaves, a knocking is heard at the middle door._
HELEN
[_Startled._] Dear me! [_Timidly._] Come in! [_Louder and more firmly._]
Come in!
LOTH
[_Enters without bowing._] Ah, I beg pardon. I didn't mean to intrude.
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