HEFFTERDINGT.
No, madam. I had, once in my life, a strong, an intense desire. It was to have you for my wife. I need only look at you to see that I was presumptuous. Since then I have put the wish away from me.
MAGDA.
Ah, Pastor, I believe you're paying court to me now.
HEFFTERDINGT.
Madam, if it were not discourteous--
MAGDA.
Oh, then even a shepherd of souls may be discourteous!
HEFFTERDINGT.
I should commiserate you on the atmosphere which has surrounded you.