THE STEP-DAUGHTER (_forcing herself to conquer her indignation and nausea_). Stop! Stop! It's I who must thank you. There's no need for you to feel mortified or specially sorry. Don't think any more of what I've said. (_Tries to smile_). I must forget that I am dressed so.... THE MANAGER (_interrupting and turning to the Prompter_). Stop a minute! Stop! Don't write that down. Cut out that last bit. (_Then to the Father and Step-Daughter_). Fine! it's going fine! (_To the Father only_). And now you can go on as we arranged. (_To the actors_). Pretty good that scene, where he offers her the hat, eh? THE STEP-DAUGHTER. The best's coming now. Why can't we go on? THE MANAGER. Have a little patience! (_To the actors_): Of course, it must be treated rather lightly. LEADING MAN. Still, with a bit of go in it! LEADING LADY. Of course! It's easy enough! (_To Leading Man_): Shall you and I try it now? LEADING MAN. Why, yes! I'll prepare my entrance. (_Exit in order to make his entrance_). THE MANAGER (_to Leading Lady_). See here! The scene between you and Madame Pace is finished. I'll have it written out properly after. You remain here ... oh, where are you going? LEADING LADY. One minute. I want to put my hat on again (_goes over to hat-rack and puts her hat on her head_). THE MANAGER. Good! You stay here with your head bowed down a bit. THE STEP-DAUGHTER. But she isn't dressed in black. LEADING LADY. But I shall be, and much more effectively than you. THE MANAGER (_to Step-Daughter_). Be quiet please, and watch! You'll be able to learn something. (_Clapping his hands_) Come on! come on! Entrance, please! (_The door at rear of stage opens, and the Leading Man enters with the lively manner of an old gallant. The rendering of the scene by the actors from the very first words is seen to be quite a different thing, though it has not in any way the air of a parody. Naturally, the Step-Daughter and the Father, not being able to recognize themselves in the Leading Lady and the Leading Man, who deliver their words in different tones and with a different psychology, express, sometimes with smiles, sometimes with gestures, the impression they receive_). LEADING MAN. Good afternoon, Miss.... THE FATHER (_at once unable to contain himself_). No! no! (THE STEP-DAUGHTER _noticing the way the_ LEADING MAN _enters, bursts out laughing_). THE MANAGER (_furious_). Silence! And you please just stop that laughing. If we go on like this, we shall never finish.