Quite right. No doubt the baby's outfit from Hertzog. [_He looks at the package and takes the bill._] Yes, these are the things from Hertzog. HELEN This whole box full. Oh, that's overdoing! _HOFFMANN pays the carrier._ PARCEL POST CARRIER [_Still in his sing-song._] I wish you a good evening. [_Exit._ HOFFMANN Why is that overdoing? HELEN Why, because there's enough here to fit out at least three babies. HOFFMANN Did you take a walk with my wife? HELEN What am I to do if she's so easily tired? HOFFMANN Nonsense! Easily tired! She makes me utterly wretched! An hour and a half ... I wish, for goodness' sake, she would do as the doctor orders. What is the use of having a doctor, if.... HELEN Then put your foot down and get rid of that Spiller woman! What am I to do against an old creature like that who always confirms her in her own notions! HOFFMANN But what can I do--a man--a mere man? And, furthermore, you know my mother-in-law! Don't you? HELEN [_Bitterly._] I do. HOFFMANN Where is she now? HELEN Spiller has been getting her up in grand style ever since Mr. Loth came. She will probably go through one of her performances at supper. HOFFMANN [_Once more absorbed in his own thoughts and pacing the room, violently._] This is the last time, I give you my word, that I'm going to await such things in this house--the last time, so help me! HELEN Yes, you're lucky. You can go where you please. HOFFMANN In my house the wretched relapse into that frightful vice would most certainly not have occurred. HELEN Don't make me responsible for it. She did not get the brandy from me! Get rid of the Spiller woman, I tell you. Oh, if only I were a man! HOFFMANN [_Sighing._] Oh, if only it were over and done with!--[_Speaking from the door to the right._] Anyhow, sister, do me the favour and have the supper-table really appetising. I'll just attend to a little matter meanwhile. HELEN [_Rings the electric bell. MIELE enters._] Miele, set the table, and tell Edward to put champagne on ice and open four dozen oysters. MIELE [_With sullen impudence._] You c'n tell him yer-self. He don't take orders from me. He's always sayin' he was hired by Mr. Hoffmann. HELEN Then, at least, send him in to me. [_MIELE goes. HELEN steps in front of the mirror and adjusts various details in her toilet. In the meantime EDWARD enters._ HELEN [_Still before the mirror._] Edward, put champagne on ice and open oysters. Mr. Hoffmann wishes it. EDWARD Very well, Miss. [_As EDWARD leaves, a knocking is heard at the middle door._ HELEN [_Startled._] Dear me! [_Timidly._] Come in! [_Louder and more firmly._] Come in! LOTH [_Enters without bowing._] Ah, I beg pardon. I didn't mean to intrude. My name is Loth. _HELEN bows. Her gesture smacks of the dancing school._ HOFFMANN