(THE FATHER, MANAGER _and_ STEP-DAUGHTER _go back into the office again (off) for a moment. At the same time,_ THE SON _followed by_ THE MOTHER, _comes out_). THE SON (_looking at the three entering office_). Oh this is fine, fine! And to think I can't even get away! (THE MOTHER _attempts to look at him, but lowers her eyes immediately when he turns away from her. She then sits down_. THE BOY _and_ THE CHILD _approach her. She casts a glance again at the Son, and speaks with humble tones, trying to draw him into conversation_). THE MOTHER. And isn't my punishment the worst of all? (_Then seeing from the Sons manner that he will not bother himself about her_). My God! Why are you so cruel? Isn't it enough for one person to support all this torment? Must you then insist on others seeing it also? THE SON (_half to himself, meaning the Mother to hear, however_). And they want to put it on the stage! If there was at least a reason for it! He thinks he has got at the meaning of it all. Just as if each one of us in every circumstance of life couldn't find his own explanation of it! (_Pauses_). He complains he was discovered in a place where he ought not to have been seen, in a moment of his life which ought to have remained hidden and kept out of the reach of that convention which he has to maintain for other people. And what about my case? Haven't I had to reveal what no son ought ever to reveal: how father and mother live and are man and wife for themselves quite apart from that idea of father and mother which we give them? When this idea is revealed, our life is then linked at one point only to that man and that woman; and as such it should shame them, shouldn't it? THE MOTHER _hides her face in her hands. From the dressing-rooms and the little door at the back of the stage the actors and_ STAGE MANAGER _return, followed by the_ PROPERTY MAN, _and the_ PROMPTER. _At the same moment_, THE MANAGER _comes out of his office, accompanied by the_ FATHER _and the_ STEP-DAUGHTER. THE MANAGER. Come on, come on, ladies and gentlemen! Heh! you there, machinist! MACHINIST. Yes sir? THE MANAGER. Fix up the white parlor with the floral decorations. Two wings and a drop with a door will do. Hurry up! (THE MACHINIST _runs off at once to prepare the scene, and arranges it while_ THE MANAGER _talks with the_ STAGE MANAGER, _the_ PROPERTY MAN, _and the_ PROMPTER _on matters of detail_). THE MANAGER (_to Property Man_). Just have a look, and see if there isn't a sofa or divan in the wardrobe.... PROPERTY MAN. There's the green one. THE STEP-DAUGHTER. No no! Green won't do. It was yellow, ornamented with flowers--very large! and most comfortable! PROPERTY MAN. There isn't one like that.