DR. SCHIMMELPFENNIG

_Fright_fully! [Watching the drifting smoke of his cigar.] In other years I was a pessimist, so to speak, by presentiment….

LOTH

Have you had very special experiences in the meantime?

DR. SCHIMMELPFENNIG

That's just it. My shingle reads: Specialist for Diseases of Women.—The practice of medicine, I assure you, makes a man terribly wise … terribly … sane …; it's a specific against all kinds of delusions.

LOTH

[Laughing.] Well, then we can fall back into our old tone at once. I want you to know … I haven't caught on to your tricks at all. Less than ever now … But I am to understand, I suppose, that you've exchanged your old hobby?

DR. SCHIMMELPFENNIG

Hobby?