THE STEP-DAUGHTER (_to Manager_). Worse? Worse? Listen! Stage this drama for us at once! Then you will see that at a certain moment I ... when this little darling here ... (_Takes the Child by the hand and leads her to the Manager_): Isn't she a dear? (_Takes her up and kisses her_). Darling! Darling! (_Puts her down again and adds feelingly_): Well, when God suddenly takes this dear little child away from that poor mother there; and this imbecile here (_seizing hold of the Boy roughly and pushing him forward_) does the stupidest things, like the fool he is, you will see me run away. Yes, gentleman, I shall be off. But the moment hasn't arrived yet. After what has taken place between him and me (_indicates the Father with a horrible wink_), I can't remain any longer in this society, to have to witness the anguish of this mother here for that fool.... (_indicates the Son_). Look at him! Look at him! See how indifferent, how frigid he is, because he is the legitimate son. He despises me, despises him (_pointing to the Boy_), despises this baby here; because ... we are bastards (_goes to the Mother and embraces her_). And he doesn't want to recognize her as his mother--she who is the common mother of us all. He looks down upon her as if she were only the mother of us three bastards. Wretch! (_She says all this very rapidly, excitedly. At the word "bastards" she raises her voice, and almost spits out the final "Wretch!"_). THE MOTHER (_to the Manager, in anguish_). In the name of these two little children, I beg you.... (_She grows faint and is about to fall_). Oh God! THE FATHER (_coming forward to support her as do some of the actors_). Quick a chair, a chair for this poor widow! THE ACTORS. Is it true? Has she really fainted? THE MANAGER. Quick, a chair! Here! (_One of the actors brings a chair, the others proffer assistance. The Mother tries to prevent the Father from lifting the veil which covers her face_). THE FATHER. Look at her! Look at her! THE MOTHER. No, no; stop it please! THE FATHER (_raising her veil_). Let them see you! THE MOTHER (_rising and covering her face with her hands, in desperation_). I beg you, sir, to prevent this man from carrying out his plan which is loathsome to me. THE MANAGER (_dumbfounded_). I don't understand at all. What is the situation? Is this lady your wife? (_to the Father_). THE FATHER. Yes, gentlemen: my wife! THE MANAGER. But how can she be a widow if you are alive? (_The actors find relief for their astonishment in a loud laugh_). THE FATHER. Don't laugh! Don't laugh like that, for Heaven's sake. Her drama lies just here in this: she has had a lover, a man who ought to be here. THE MOTHER (_with a cry_). No! No!