He leaves
and returns shortly, serving tea and coffee._
LOTH
This mixture, as you call him, happened to resemble an old friend of my
student days most remarkably. In fact, I could have taken my oath that it
was a certain--Schimmelpfennig.
HOFFMANN
[_Sitting down at the breakfast table._] That's quite
right--Schimmelpfennig.
LOTH
Quite right? You mean?
HOFFMANN
That his name is really Schimmelpfennig.
LOTH
Who? The doctor here?
HOFFMANN
Yes, certainly, the doctor.
LOTH
Now that is really strange enough. Then of course, it's he?
HOFFMANN
Well, you see, beautiful souls find each other on sea and shore. You'll
pardon me, won't you, if I begin? We were just about to sit down to
breakfast. Do take a seat yourself. You haven't had breakfast anywhere
else, have you?
LOTH
No.
HOFFMANN
Very well. Then sit down. [_Remaining seated himself he draws out a chair
for LOTH hereupon addressing EDWARD, who enters with tea and coffee._]
Ah, by the way, is Mrs. Krause coming down?
EDWARD
The madame and Mrs. Spiller are taking their breakfast upstairs.
HOFFMANN
Why, that has never before ...
HELEN
[_Pushing the dishes to rights.
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