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 [_With a deep sigh._] Maybe you're right--perhaps certainly. _Hasty steps are heard descending the stairs. In the next moment HOFFMANN rushes in._ HOFFMANN Doctor, I beg you, for heaven's sake ... she is fainting ... the pains have stopped ... won't you at last ... DR. SCHIMMELPFENNIG I'm coming up. [_To LOTH significantly._] We'll see each other later. Mr. Hoffmann, I must request you ... any interference or disturbance might prove fatal ... I would much prefer to have you stay here. HOFFMANN You ask a great deal, but ... well! DR. SCHIMMELPFENNIG No more than is right. [_He goes._ _HOFFMANN remains behind._ HOFFMANN [_Observing LOTH._] I'm just trembling in every limb from the excitement. Tell me, are you leaving? LOTH Yes. HOFFMANN Now in the middle of the night?