THE STEP-DAUGHTER. Magnificent? Certainly! When certain suggestions are made to one in language of that kind, the effect is certain, since it seems almost a joke. One feels inclined to laugh when one hears her talk about an "old signore" "who wanta talka nicely with you." Nice old signore, eh, Madame? MADAME PACE. Not so old my dear, not so old! And even if you no lika him, he won't make any scandal! THE MOTHER (_jumping up amid the amazement and consternation of the actors who had not been noticing her. They move to restrain her_). You old devil! You murderess! THE STEP-DAUGHTER (_running over to calm her Mother_). Calm yourself, mother, calm yourself! Please don't.... THE FATHER (_going to her also at the same time_). Calm yourself! Don't get excited! Sit down now! THE MOTHER. Well then, take that woman away out of my sight! THE STEP-DAUGHTER (_to Manager_). It is impossible for my mother to remain here. THE FATHER (_to Manager_). They can't be here together. And for this reason, you see: that woman there was not with us when we came.... If they are on together, the whole thing is given away inevitably, as you see. THE MANAGER. It doesn't matter. This is only a first rough sketch--just to get an idea of the various points of the scene, even confusedly.... (_Turning to the Mother and leading her to her chair_): Come along, my dear lady, sit down now, and let's get on with the scene.... (_Meanwhile, the_ STEP-DAUGHTER, _coming forward again, turns to Madame Pace_). THE STEP-DAUGHTER. Come on, Madame, come on! MADAME PACE (_offended_). No, no, _grazie_. I not do anything witha your mother present. THE STEP-DAUGHTER. Nonsense! Introduce this "old signore" who wants to talk nicely to me (_addressing the company imperiously_). We've got to do this scene one way or another, haven't we? Come on! (_to Madame Pace_). You can go! MADAME PACE. Ah yes! I go'way! I go'way! Certainly! (_Exits furious_). THE STEP-DAUGHTER (_to the Father_). Now you make your entry. No, you needn't go over here. Come here. Let's suppose you've already come in. Like that, yes! I'm here with bowed head, modest like. Come on! Out with your voice! Say "Good morning, Miss" in that peculiar tone, that special tone.... THE MANAGER. Excuse me, but are you the Manager, or am I? (_To the Father, who looks undecided and perplexed_): Get on with it, man! Go down there to the back of the stage. You needn't go off. Then come right forward here. (THE FATHER _does as he is told, looking troubled and perplexed at first. But as soon as he begins to move, the reality of the action affects him, and he begins to smile and to be more natural. The actors watch intently_).