With the best will in the world, I—. [LOTH arises from the sofa in the dim foreground and approaches the two.] Hallo, Loth, there you are too!

DR. SCHIMMELPFENNIG

[Surprised in the extreme.] Well, I'll be—!

LOTH

I heard that you were here. I would have looked you up to-morrow without fail.

[They shake hands cordially. HOFFMANN takes the opportunity to mash down a glass of brandy at the side-board and then to creep back upstairs on tiptoe.

DR. SCHIMMELPFENNIG

So you've evidently forgotten—ha, ha, ha—that ridiculous old affair?

[He lays aside his hat and cane.

LOTH