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. I wonder how things like that are brought about in the brain?
LOTH
What is it that has occurred to you so suddenly?
HOFFMANN
It's about you.—I thought of your be—… No, maybe it's tactless to speak of your heart's secrets in the presence of a young lady.
HELEN
Perhaps it would be better for me to….