THE MANAGER (_walking backwards towards footlights_). Fine! fine! Damned good! And then, of course--curtain! THE FATHER (_going towards him excitedly_). Yes, of course, because that's the way it really happened. THE MANAGER (_convinced and pleased_). Oh, yes, no doubt about it. Curtain here, curtain! (_At the reiterated cry of_ THE MANAGER, THE MACHINIST _lets the curtain down, leaving_ THE MANAGER _and_ THE FATHER _in front of it before the footlights_). THE MANAGER. The darned idiot! I said "curtain" to show the act should end there, and he goes and lets it down in earnest (_to the Father, while he pulls the curtain back to go on to the stage again_). Yes, yes, it's all right. Effect certain! That's the right ending. I'll guarantee the first act at any rate. ACT III. _When the curtain goes up again, it is seen that the stage hands have shifted the bit of scenery used in the last part, and have rigged up instead at the back of the stage a drop, with some trees, and one or two wings. A portion of a fountain basin is visible. The Mother is sitting on the Right with the two children by her side. The Son is on the same side, but away from the others. He seems bored, angry, and full of shame. The Father and The Step-Daughter are also seated towards the Right front. On the other side (Left) are the actors, much in the positions they occupied before the curtain was lowered. Only the Manager is standing up in the middle of the stage, with his hand closed over his mouth in the act of meditating._ THE MANAGER (_shaking his shoulders after a brief pause_). Ah yes: the second act! Leave it to me, leave it all to me as we arranged, and you'll see! It'll go fine! THE STEP-DAUGHTER. Our entry into his house (_indicates Father_) in spite of him (_indicates the Son_).... THE MANAGER (_out of patience_). Leave it to me, I tell you! THE STEP-DAUGHTER. Do let it be clear, at any rate, that it is in spite of my wishes. THE MOTHER (_from her corner, shaking her head_). For all the good that's come of it.... THE STEP-DAUGHTER (_turning towards her quickly_). It doesn't matter. The more harm done us, the more remorse for him. THE MANAGER (_impatiently_). I understand! Good Heavens! I understand! I'm taking it into account. THE MOTHER (_supplicatingly_). I beg you, sir, to let it appear quite plain that for conscience sake I did try in every way.... THE STEP-DAUGHTER (_interrupting indignantly and continuing for the Mother_) ... to pacify me, to dissuade me from spiting him. (_To Manager_). Do as she wants: satisfy her, because it is true! I enjoy it immensely. Anyhow, as you can see, the meeker she is, the more she tries to get at his heart, the more distant and aloof does he become.