LOTH
[With a deep sigh.] Maybe you're right—perhaps certainly.
Hasty steps are heard descending the stairs. In the next moment HOFFMANN rushes in.
HOFFMANN
Doctor, I beg you, for heaven's sake … she is fainting … the pains have stopped … won't you at last …
DR. SCHIMMELPFENNIG
I'm coming up. [To LOTH significantly.] We'll see each other later. Mr. Hoffmann, I must request you … any interference or disturbance might prove fatal … I would much prefer to have you stay here.
HOFFMANN
You ask a great deal, but … well!