LOTH
Then, to be sure--I understand many things--No, everything, rather ...
everything! [_After a heavy silence._] Then her life here, Helen's life, is a ... how shall I express it? I have no words for it; it's ...
DR. SCHIMMELPFENNIG
Utterly horrible. I can judge of that. And I understood from the beginning how you should cling to her. But, as I said ...
LOTH
It's enough. I understand ... But doesn't...? Couldn't one perhaps persuade Hoffmann to do something? She ought to be removed from all this foulness.
DR. SCHIMMELPFENNIG
Hoffmann?
LOTH
Yes, Hoffmann.
DR. SCHIMMELPFENNIG
You don't know him. I don't believe that he has ruined her already, but he has ruined her reputation even now.
LOTH
[_Flaring up._] If that's true, I'll murder...! D'you really believe that? Do you think Hoffmann capable...?
DR. SCHIMMELPFENNIG
Of anything! I think him capable of anything that might contribute to his own pleasure.
LOTH
Then she is--the purest creature that ever breathed ...
_LOTH slowly takes up his hat and cane and hangs his mallet over his shoulder._
DR. SCHIMMELPFENNIG
What do you think of doing, Loth?
LOTH
... I mustn't meet her ...
DR. SCHIMMELPFENNIG
So you're determined?
LOTH
Determined to what?
DR. SCHIMMELPFENNIG
To break the connection.
LOTH
How is it possible for me to be other than determined?
DR. SCHIMMELPFENNIG
I may add, as a physician, that cases are known in which such inherited evils have been suppressed. And of course you would give your children a rational up-bringing.
LOTH
Such cases may be known.
DR. SCHIMMELPFENNIG
And the chances are not so small but that ...
LOTH
That kind of thing can't help me, Schimmel. There are just three possibilities in this affair: Either I marry her and then ... no, that way out simply doesn't exist. Or--the traditional bullet. Of course, that would mean rest, at least. But we haven't reached that point yet awhile; can't indulge in that luxury just yet. And so: live! fight!--Farther, farther! [_His glance falls on the table and he observes the writing-materials that have been placed there by EDWARD. He sits down, hesitates and says:_] And yet...?
DR. SCHIMMELPFENNIG
I promise you that I'll represent the situation to her as clearly as possible.
LOTH
Yes, yes! You see--I can't do differently. [_He writes, places his paper in an envelope and addresses it. Then he arises and shakes hands with SCHIMMELPFENNIG._] For the rest--I depend on you.
DR. SCHIMMELPFENNIG
You're coming over to my house, aren't, you? Let my coachman drive you right over.
LOTH
Look here! Oughtn't one to try, at least, to get her out of the power of this ... this person? ... As things are she is sure to become his victim.
DR. SCHIMMELPFENNIG
My dear, good fellow! I'm sorry for you. But shall I give you a bit of advice? Don't rob her of the--little that you still leave her.
LOTH