_MARIE and GOLISCH the cowherd drag a wooden chest down the stairs that lead to the loft. LOTH comes from the house. He is dressed for travelling and goes slowly and thoughtfully diagonally across the yard. Before he turns into the path that leads to the inn, he comes upon HOFFMANN, who is hurrying toward him through the gateway._ HOFFMANN [_In top hat and kid gloves._] Don't be angry with me. [_He obstructs LOTH'S way and grasps both of his hands._] I take it all back herewith ... Mention any reparation you demand ... I am ready to give you any!... I'm most truly, most sincerely sorry. LOTH That helps neither of us very much. HOFFMANN Oh, if you would just ... Look here, now...! A man can't well do more than that. I assure you that my conscience gave me no rest! I turned back just before reaching Jauer.... That should convince you of the seriousness of my feeling. Where were you going? LOTH To the inn--for the moment. HOFFMANN Oh, that's an affront you simply can't offer me ... no, you mustn't--simply, I believe that I did hurt you badly, of course. And probably it's not the kind of thing that can be wiped out with just a few words. Only don't rob me of any chance ... of every possibility to prove to you ... D'you hear? Now turn back and stay at least--at least until to-morrow. Or till ... till I come back. I want to talk it all over with you at leisure. You can't refuse me that favour. LOTH If you set so much store by it all.... HOFFMANN A great deal!... on my honour!... I care immensely. So come, come! Don't run away! [_He leads LOTH, who offers no further resistance, back into the house._ _The dismissed maid and the boy have, in the meantime, placed the chest on a wheelbarrow and GOLISCH has put on the shoulder strap._ MARIE [_Slipping a coin into GOLISCH'S hand._] There's somethin' fer you. GOLISCH [_Refusing it._] Keep yer penny. MARIE Aw! Ye donkey! GOLISCH Well, I don't care. [_He takes the coin and puts it into his leathern purse._ MRS. SPILLER [_Appears at one of the windows of the house and calls out:_] Marie. MARIE What d'ye want now? MRS. SPILLER [_Appearing almost immediately at the door of the house._] The madame's willing to keep you, if you promise.... MARIE A stinkin' lot I'll promise her. Go on, Golisch! MRS. SPILLER [_Approaching._] The madame is willing to increase your wages, if you.... [_Whispering suddenly._] What d'ye care, girl! She just gits kinder rough now an' then. MARIE [_Furiously._] She c'n keep her dirty money to herself!--[_Tearfully._] I'd rather starve! [_She follows GOLISCH, who has preceded her with the wheelbarrow._] Naw, just to think of it!--It's enough to make you.... [_She disappears, as does MRS. SPILLER._