THE FATHER. Then why not turn author now? Everybody does it. You don't want any special qualities. Your task is made much easier by the fact that we are all here alive before you.... THE MANAGER. It won't do. THE FATHER. What? When you see us live our drama.... THE MANAGER. Yes, that's all right. But you want someone to write it. THE FATHER. No, no. Someone to take it down, possibly, while we play it, scene by scene! It will be enough to sketch it out at first, and then try it over. THE MANAGER. Well ... I am almost tempted. It's a bit of an idea. One might have a shot at it. THE FATHER. Of course. You'll see what scenes will come out of it. I can give you one, at once.... THE MANAGER. By Jove, it tempts me. I'd like to have a go at it. Let's try it out. Come with me to my office (_turning to the Actors_). You are at liberty for a bit, but don't stop out of the theatre for long. In a quarter of an hour, twenty minutes, all back here again! (_To the Father_): We'll see what can be done. Who knows if we don't get something really extraordinary out of it? THE FATHER. There's no doubt about it. They (_indicating the Characters_) had better come with us too, hadn't they? THE MANAGER. Yes, yes. Come on! come on! (_Moves away and then turning to the actors_): Be punctual, please! (_Manager and the Six Characters cross the stage and go off. The other actors remain, looking at one another in astonishment_). LEADING MAN. Is he serious? What the devil does he want to do? JUVENILE LEAD. This is rank madness. THIRD ACTOR. Does he expect to knock up a drama in five minutes? JUVENILE LEAD. Like the improvisers! LEADING LADY. If he thinks I'm going to take part in a joke like this.... JUVENILE LEAD. I'm out of it anyway. FOURTH ACTOR. I should like to know who they are (_alludes to Characters_). THIRD ACTOR. What do you suppose? Madmen or rascals! JUVENILE LEAD. And he takes them seriously! L'INGÉNUE. Vanity! He fancies himself as an author now. LEADING MAN. It's absolutely unheard of. If the stage has come to this ... well I'm.... FIFTH ACTOR. It's rather a joke. THIRD ACTOR. Well, we'll see what's going to happen next. (_Thus talking, the actors leave the stage; some going out by the little door at the back; others retiring to their dressing-rooms._ _The curtain remains up._ _The action of the play is suspended for twenty minutes_). ACT II. _The stage call-bells ring to warn the company that the play is about to begin again._ THE STEP-DAUGHTER _comes out of the Manager's office along with_ THE CHILD _and_ THE BOY. _As she comes out of the office, she cries_:--