THE MANAGER. Are we going to begin this second act or not? THE STEP-DAUGHTER. I'm not going to talk any more now. But I must tell you this: you can't have the whole action take place in the garden, as you suggest. It isn't possible! THE MANAGER. Why not? THE STEP-DAUGHTER. Because he (_indicates the Son again_) is always shut up alone in his room. And then there's all the part of that poor dazed-looking boy there which takes place indoors. THE MANAGER. Maybe! On the other hand, you will understand--we can't change scenes three or four times in one act. THE LEADING MAN. They used to once. THE MANAGER. Yes, when the public was up to the level of that child there. THE LEADING LADY. It makes the illusion easier. THE FATHER (_irritated_). The illusion! For Heaven's sake, don't say illusion. Please don't use that word, which is particularly painful for us. THE MANAGER (_astounded_). And why, if you please? THE FATHER. It's painful, cruel, really cruel; and you ought to understand that. THE MANAGER. But why? What ought we to say then? The illusion, I tell you, sir, which we've got to create for the audience.... THE LEADING MAN. With our acting. THE MANAGER. The illusion of a reality. THE FATHER. I understand; but you, perhaps, do not understand us. Forgive me! You see ... here for you and your actors, the thing is only--and rightly so ... a kind of game.... THE LEADING LADY (_interrupting indignantly_). A game! We're not children here, if you please! We are serious actors. THE FATHER. I don't deny it. What I mean is the game, or play, of your art, which has to give, as the gentleman says, a perfect illusion of reality. THE MANAGER. Precisely--! THE FATHER. Now, if you consider the fact that we (_indicates himself and the other five Characters_), as we are, have no other reality outside of this illusion.... THE MANAGER (_astonished, looking at his actors, who are also amazed_). And what does that mean? THE FATHER (_after watching them for a moment with a wan smile_). As I say, sir, that which is a game of art for you is our sole reality. (_Brief pause. He goes a step or two nearer the Manager and adds_): But not only for us, you know, by the way. Just you think it over well. (_Looks him in the eyes_). Can you tell me who you are? THE MANAGER (_perplexed, half smiling_). What? Who am I? I am myself. THE FATHER. And if I were to tell you that that isn't true, because you are I...? THE MANAGER. I should say you were mad--! (_The actors laugh_).