THE FATHER. Why, I thought you'd understand that from the beginning. THE MANAGER. More real than I? THE FATHER. If your reality can change from one day to another.... THE MANAGER. But everyone knows it can change. It is always changing, the same as anyone else's. THE FATHER (_with a cry_). No, sir, not ours! Look here! That is the very difference! Our reality doesn't change: it can't change! It can't be other than what it is, because it is already fixed for ever. It's terrible. Ours is an immutable reality which should make you shudder when you approach us if you are really conscious of the fact that your reality is a mere transitory and fleeting illusion, taking this form today and that tomorrow, according to the conditions, according to your will, your sentiments, which in turn are controlled by an intellect that shows them to you today in one manner and tomorrow ... who knows how?... Illusions of reality represented in this fatuous comedy of life that never ends, nor can ever end! Because if tomorrow it were to end ... then why, all would be finished. THE MANAGER. Oh for God's sake, will you _at least_ finish with this philosophizing and let us try and shape this comedy which you yourself have brought me here? You argue and philosophize a bit too much, my dear sir. You know you seem to me almost, almost.... (_Stops and looks him over from head to foot_). Ah, by the way, I think you introduced yourself to me as a--what shall ... we say--a "character," created by an author who did not afterward care to make a drama of his own creations. THE FATHER. It is the simple truth, sir. THE MANAGER. Nonsense! Cut that out, please! None of us believes it, because it isn't a thing, as you must recognize yourself, which one can believe seriously. If you want to know, it seems to me you are trying to imitate the manner of a certain author whom I heartily detest--I warn you--although I have unfortunately bound myself to put on one of his works. As a matter of fact, I was just starting to rehearse it, when you arrived. (_Turning to the actors_): And this is what we've gained--out of the frying-pan into the fire!