THE MANAGER. Well then, we'll have it in the garden. Everything shall happen in the garden; and we'll group the other scenes there. (_Calls a stage hand_). Here, a back-cloth with trees and something to do as a fountain basin. (_Turning round to look at the back of the stage_). Ah, you've fixed it up. Good! (_To Step-Daughter_). This is just to give an idea, of course. The Boy, instead of hiding behind the doors, will wander about here in the garden, hiding behind the trees. But it's going to be rather difficult to find a child to do that scene with you where she shows you the flowers. (_Turning to the Youth_). Come forward a little, will you please? Let's try it now! Come along! come along! (_Then seeing him come shyly forward, full of fear and looking lost_). It's a nice business, this lad here. What's the matter with him? We'll have to give him a word or two to say. (_Goes close to him, puts a hand on his shoulders, and leads him behind one of the trees_). Come on! come on! Let me see you a little! Hide here ... yes, like that. Try and show your head just a little as if you were looking for someone.... (_Goes back to observe the effect, when the Boy at once goes through the action_). Excellent! fine! (_Turning to Step-Daughter_). Suppose the little girl there were to surprise him as he looks round, and run over to him, so we could give him a word or two to say? THE STEP-DAUGHTER. It's useless to hope he will speak, as long as that fellow there is here.... (_Indicates the Son_). You must send him away first. THE SON (_jumping up_.) Delighted! delighted! I don't ask for anything better. (_Begins to move away_). THE MANAGER (_at once stopping him_). No! No! Where are you going? Wait a bit! (_The Mother gets up alarmed and terrified at the thought that he is really about to go away. Instinctively she lifts her arms to prevent him, without, however, leaving her seat_). THE SON (_to Manager who stops him_). I've got nothing to do with this affair. Let me go please! Let me go! THE MANAGER. What do you mean by saying you've got nothing to do with this? THE STEP-DAUGHTER (_calmly, with irony_). Don't bother to stop him: he won't go away. THE FATHER. He has to act the terrible scene in the garden with his mother. THE SON (_suddenly resolute and with dignity_). I shall act nothing at all. I've said so from the very beginning (_to the Manager_). Let me go!