[He beckons to HELEN, who in her excitement has drawn aside, and the girl, fighting down her tears, returns to her place.
HOFFMANN
[Interrupting the painful silence that has followed, to LOTH.] Ah, yes … what were we talking about? To be sure, of good old alcohol. [He raises his glass.] Well, mother, let us have peace. Come,—we'll drink a toast in peace, and honour alcohol by being peaceful. [MRS. KRAUSE, although somewhat rebelliously, clinks glasses with him.] What, Helen, and your glass is empty…. I say, Loth, you've made a proselyte.
HELEN
Ah … no … I….
MRS. SPILLER
But, dear Miss Helen, that looks sus—
HOFFMANN
You weren't always so very particular.