THE SON. It's easy for them to put me always in the wrong. But imagine, gentlemen, the position of a son, whose fate it is to see arrive one day at his home a young woman of impudent bearing, a young woman who inquires for his> father, with whom who knows what business she has. This young man has then to witness her return bolder than ever, accompanied by that child there. He is obliged to watch her treat his father in an equivocal and confidential manner. She asks money of him in a way that lets one suppose he must give it her, _must_, do you understand, because he has every obligation to do so. THE FATHER. But I have, as a matter of fact, this obligation. I owe it to your mother. THE SON. How should I know? When had I ever seen or heard of her? One day there arrive with her (_indicating Step-Daughter_) that lad and this baby here. I am told: "This is _your_ mother too, you know." I divine from her manner (_indicating Step-Daughter again_) why it is they have come home. I had rather not say what I feel and think about it. I shouldn't even care to confess to myself. No action can therefore be hoped for from me in this affair. Believe me, Mr. Manager, I am an "unrealized" character, dramatically speaking; and I find myself not at all at ease in their company. Leave me out of it, I beg you. THE FATHER. What? It is just because you are so that.... THE SON. How do you know what I am like? When did you ever bother your head about me? THE FATHER. I admit it. I admit it. But isn't that a situation in itself? This aloofness of yours which is so cruel to me and to your mother, who returns home and sees you almost for the first time grown up, who doesn't recognize you but knows you are her son.... (_pointing out the Mother to the Manager_). See, she's crying! THE STEP-DAUGHTER (_angrily, stamping her foot_). Like a fool! THE FATHER (_indicating Step-Daughter_). She can't stand him you know. (_Then referring again to the Son_): He says he doesn't come into the affair, whereas he is really the hinge of the whole action. Look at that lad who is always clinging to his mother, frightened and humiliated. It is on account of this fellow here. Possibly his situation is the most painful of all. He feels himself a stranger more than the others. The poor little chap feels mortified, humiliated at being brought into a home out of charity as it were. (_In confidence_)--: He is the image of his father. Hardly talks at all. Humble and quiet. THE MANAGER. Oh, we'll cut him out. You've no notion what a nuisance boys are on the stage....