[_Entering through the door at the right. He has a number of letters in his hand._] Well, here I am again.--Edward, see to it that these letters reach the post-office before eight o'clock. [_He hands the letters to the servant, who withdraws._] Well, dear people, now we can eat! Outrageously hot here! September and such heat! [_He lifts a bottle of champagne from the cooler. _] Veuve Cliquot! Edward knows my secret passions! [_He turns to LOTH._] You've had quite a lively argument, eh? [_Approaches the table, which has now been laid and which groans under delicacies. Rubbing his hands._] Well, that looks very good indeed! [_With a sly look in LOTH'S direction._] Don't you think it does?--By the way, sister! We're going to have company: William Kahl. He has been seen in the yard. _HELEN makes a gesture of disgust._ HOFFMANN My dear girl! You almost act as if I ... How can I help it? D'you suppose I invited him? [_Heavy steps are heard in the outer hall._] Ah! "Misfortune strides apace!" _KAHL enters without having first knocked. He is twenty-four years old: a clumsy peasant who is evidently concerned, so far as possible, to make a show not only as a refined but, more especially, as a wealthy man. His features are coarse; his predominant expression is one of stupid cunning. He wears a green jacket, a gay velvet waist-coat, dark trousers and patent-leather top-boots. His head-covering is a green forester's hat with a cock's feather. His jacket has buttons of stag's horn and stag's teeth depend from his watch-chain. He stammers._ KAHL G-good evening everybody! [_He sees LOTH, is much embarrassed and, standing still, cuts a rather sorry figure._ HOFFMANN [_Steps up to him and shakes hands with him encouragingly._] Good evening, Mr. Kahl. HELEN [_Ungraciously._] Good evening. KAHL [_Strides with heavy steps diagonally across the room to HELEN and takes her hand._] Evenin' t'you, Nellie. HOFFMANN [_To LOTH._] Permit me to introduce our neighbour's son, Mr. Kahl. [_KAHL grins and fidgets with his hat. Constrained silence._ HOFFMANN Come, let's sit down, then. Is anybody missing? Ah, our mama! Miele, request Mrs. Krause to come to supper. [_MIELE leaves by the middle door._ MIELE [_Is heard in the hall, calling out._] Missus! Missus!! You're to come down--to come'n eat! [_HELEN and HOFFMANN exchange a look of infinite comprehension and laugh. Then, by a common impulse, they look at LOTH._ HOFFMANN [_To LOTH._] Rustic simplicity! _MRS. KRAUSE appears, incredibly overdressed. Silk and costly jewels. Her dress and bearing betray hard arrogance, stupid pride and half-mad vanity._ HOFFMANN Ah, there is mama! Permit me to introduce to you my friend Dr. Loth. MRS. KRAUSE