HOFFMANN
[_Carelessly._] And then, I suppose, you will describe what you've seen
down there?
LOTH
Yes, my work is to be primarily descriptive.
HOFFMANN
I'm awfully sorry, but I've nothing to do with that side of things. So
you just want to write about the miners, eh?
LOTH
That question shows how little of an economist you are.
HOFFMANN
[_Whose vanity is stung._] I beg your pardon! I hope you don't think ...
Why? I don't see why that isn't a legitimate question?... And, anyhow: it
wouldn't be surprising. One can't know everything.
LOTH
Oh, calm yourself. The matter stands simply thus: if I am to study the
situation of the miners in this district, it is of course unavoidably
necessary that I touch upon all the factors that condition their
situation.
HOFFMANN
Writings of that kind are sometimes full of frightful exaggerations.
LOTH
That is a fault which I hope to guard against.
HOFFMANN
That will be very praiseworthy. [_He has several times already cast brief
and searching glances at HELEN, who hangs with naive devoutness upon
LOTH'S lips. He does so again now and continues._] I say ... it's just
simply too queer for anything--how things will suddenly pop into a man's
mind.
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