It couldn't be helped: I had to
give this banquet. What are you going to do as a business man? Tit for
tat. The mine officials are used to that sort of thing.--Well, I've got
time enough to smoke another cigar--quite in peace, too.
[_He carries the cigar end to a cuspidor, sits down on the sofa again
and lights his cigar._]
LOTH
[_Stands at the table and turns the leaves of a deluxe volume._] "The
Adventures of Count Sandor."
HOFFMANN
You'll find that trash among all the farmers in the neighbourhood.
LOTH
[_Still turning the leaves._] How old is your sister-in-law?
HOFFMANN
She was twenty-one last August.
LOTH
Is she in delicate health?
HOFFMANN
Don't know. I hardly think so, though. Does she make that impression on
you?
LOTH
She really looks rather worried than ill.
HOFFMANN
Well, if you consider all the miseries with her step-mother ...
LOTH
She seems to be rather excitable, too.
HOFFMANN
In such an environment ... I should like to see any one who wouldn't
become excitable.
LOTH
She seems to possess a good deal of energy.
HOFFMANN
Stubbornness.
LOTH
Deep feeling, too?
HOFFMANN
Too much at times .
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