THE MANAGER. Well then. We've got the furniture right more or less. Bring that little table a bit further forward. (_The stage hands obey the order. To Property Man_): You go and find an envelope, if possible, a pale blue one; and give it to that gentleman (_indicates Father_). PROPERTY MAN. An ordinary envelope? MANAGER _and_ FATHER. Yes, yes, an ordinary envelope. PROPERTY MAN. At once, sir (_exit_). THE MANAGER. Ready, everyone! First scene--the Young Lady. (_The Leading Lady comes forward_). No, no, you must wait. I meant her (_indicating the Step-Daughter_). You just watch-- THE STEP-DAUGHTER (_adding at once_). How I shall play it, how I shall live it!... LEADING LADY (_offended_). I shall live it also, you may be sure, as soon as I begin! THE MANAGER (_with his hands to his head_). Ladies and gentlemen, if you please! No more useless discussions! Scene I: the young lady with Madame Pace: Oh! (_looks around as if lost_). And this Madame Pace, where is she? THE FATHER. She isn't with us, sir. THE MANAGER. Then what the devil's to be done? THE FATHER. But she is alive too. THE MANAGER. Yes, but where is she? THE FATHER. One minute. Let me speak! (_turning to the actresses_). If these ladies would be so good as to give me their hats for a moment.... THE ACTRESSES (_half surprised, half laughing, in chorus_). What? Why? Our hats? What does he say? THE MANAGER. What are you going to do with the ladies' hats? (_The actors laugh_). THE FATHER. Oh nothing. I just want to put them on these pegs for a moment. And one of the ladies will be so kind as to take off her mantle.... THE ACTORS. Oh, what d'you think of that? Only the mantle? He must be mad. SOME ACTRESSES. But why? Mantles as well? THE FATHER. To hang them up here for a moment Please be so kind, will you? THE ACTRESSES (_taking off their hats, one or two also their cloaks, and going to hang them on the racks_). After all, why not? There you are! This is really funny. We've got to put them on show. THE FATHER. Exactly; just like that, on show. THE MANAGER. May we know why? THE FATHER. I'll tell you. Who knows if, by arranging the stage for her, she does not come here herself, attracted by the very articles of her trade? (_Inviting the actors to look towards the exit at back of stage_): Look! Look!