[_Has gently forced HELEN down upon the sofa and now sits, pressed close, beside her. In his consolations the sensual element betrays itself more and more strongly._] Nellie! Look at me; let those things be. Let me be your consolation, I needn't talk to you about your sister. [_He embraces her more firmly. Passionately and feelingly._] Oh, if she were what you are!... But as it is ... tell me: what can she be to me? Did you ever hear of a man, Nellie, of a cultured man whose wife--[_he almost whispers_]--is a prey to such an unhappy passion? One is afraid to utter it aloud: a woman--and--brandy ... Now, do you think I am any happier?... Think of my little Freddie! Well, am I, when all's said, any better off than you are?... [_With increasing passion._] And so, you see, fate has done us one kindness anyhow. It has brought us together. And we belong together. Our equal sorrows have predestined us to be friends. Isn't it so, Nellie? [_He puts his arms wholly around her. She permits it but with an expression which shows that she forces herself to mere endurance. She has grown quite silent and seems, with quivering tension of soul, to be awaiting some certainty, some consummation that is inevitably approaching._ HOFFMANN [_Tenderly._] You should consent to my plan; you should leave this house and live with us. The baby that is coming needs a mother. Come and be a mother to it; otherwise--[_passionately moved and sentimentally_]--it will have no mother. And then: bring a little, oh, only a very little brightness into my life! Do that! Oh, do that! [_He is about to lean his head upon her breast. She jumps up, indignant. In her expression are revealed contempt, surprise, loathing and hatred._ HELEN Oh, but you are, you are ... Now I know you thoroughly! Oh, I've felt it dimly before. But now I am certain. HOFFMANN [_Surprised, put out of countenance._] What? Helen ... you're unique--really. HELEN Now I know that you're not by one hair's breadth better ... indeed, you're much worse--the worst of them all here! HOFFMANN [_Arises. With assumed coldness._] D'you know, your behaviour to-day is really quite peculiar. HELEN [_Approaches him._] You have just one end in view. [_Almost whispering._] But you have very different weapons from father and from my stepmother, or from my excellent betrothed--oh, quite different. They are all lambs, all of them, compared to you. Now, now, suddenly, that has become clear as day to me. HOFFMANN [_With hypocritical indignation._] Helen, you seem really not to be in your right mind; you're, suffering under a delusion.... [_He interrupts himself and strikes his forehead._] Good Lord, of course! I see it all. You have ... it's very early in the day, to be sure, but I'd wager ... Helen! Have you been talking to Alfred Loth this morning? HELEN