DR. SCHIMMELPFENNIG
Well, as I said … and I've already gathered a lot of very significant material that will be of some service to me! Sh! I've got the bad habit of raising my voice. [He falls silent, listens, goes to the door and comes back.] But what took you among these gold farmers?
LOTH
I would like to study the local conditions.
DR. SCHIMMELPFENNIG
[In a repressed tone.] What a notion! [Still more softly.] I can give you plenty of material there too.
LOTH
To be sure. You must be thoroughly informed as to the conditions here.
How do things look among the families around here?
DR. SCHIMMELPFENNIG
Miserable! There's nothing but drunkenness, gluttony, inbreeding and, in consequence,—degeneration along the whole line.