THE STEP-DAUGHTER (_going over to the Manager_). Allow me? (_Puts down the Manager's arm which is restraining the Son_). Well, go away then, if you want to! (_The Son looks at her with contempt and hatred. She laughs and says_). You see, he can't, he can't go away! He is obliged to stay here, indissolubly bound to the chain. If I, who fly off when that happens which has to happen, because I can't bear him--if I am still here and support that face and expression of his, you can well imagine that he is unable to move. He has to remain here, has to stop with that nice father of his, and that mother whose only son he is. (_Turning to the Mother_). Come on, mother, come along! (_Turning to Manager to indicate her_). You see, she was getting up to keep him back. (_To the Mother, beckoning her with her hand_). Come on! come on! (_Then to Manager_). You can imagine how little she wants to show these actors of yours what she really feels; but so eager is she to get near him that.... There, you see? She is willing to act her part. (_And in fact, the Mother approaches him; and as soon as the Step-Daughter has finished speaking, opens her arms to signify that she consents_). THE SON (_suddenly_). No! no! If I can't go away, then I'll stop here; but I repeat: I act nothing! THE FATHER (_to Manager excitedly_). You can force him, sir. THE SON. Nobody can force me. THE FATHER. I can. THE STEP-DAUGHTER. Wait a minute, wait.... First of all, the baby has to go to the fountain.... (_Runs to take the Child and leads her to the fountain_). THE MANAGER. Yes, yes of course; that's it. Both at the same time. (_The second Lady Lead and the Juvenile Lead at this point separate themselves from the group of actors. One watches the Mother attentively; the other moves about studying the movements and manner of the Son whom he will have to act_). THE SON (_to Manager_). What do you mean by both at the same time? It isn't right. There was no scene between me and her. (_Indicates the Mother_). Ask her how it was! THE MOTHER. Yes, it's true. I had come into his room.... THE SON. Into my room, do you understand? Nothing to do with the garden. THE MANAGER. It doesn't matter. Haven't I told you we've got to group the action? THE SON (_observing the Juvenile Lead studying him_). What do you want? THE JUVENILE LEAD. Nothing! I was just looking at you. THE SON (_turning towards the second Lady Lead_). Ah! she's at it too: to re-act her part (_indicating the Mother_)! THE MANAGER. Exactly! And it seems to me that you ought to be grateful to them for their interest.