THE SON. Yes, but haven't you yet perceived that it isn't possible to live in front of a mirror which not only freezes us with the image of ourselves, but throws our likeness back at us with a horrible grimace? THE FATHER. That is true, absolutely true. You must see that. THE MANAGER (_to second Lady Lead and Juvenile Lead_). He's right! Move away from them! THE SON. Do as you like. I'm out of this! THE MANAGER. Be quiet, you, will you? And let me hear your mother! (_To Mother_). You were saying you had entered.... THE MOTHER. Yes, into his room, because I couldn't stand it any longer. I went to empty my heart to him of all the anguish that tortures me.... But as soon as he saw me come in.... THE SON. Nothing happened! There was no scene. I went away, that's all! I don't care for scenes! THE MOTHER. It's true, true. That's how it was. THE MANAGER. Well now, we've got to do this bit between you and him. It's indispensable. THE MOTHER. I'm ready ... when you are ready. If you could only find a chance for me to tell him what I feel here in my heart. THE FATHER (_going to Son in a great rage_). You'll do this for your mother, for your mother, do you understand? THE SON (_quite determined_). I do nothing! THE FATHER (_taking hold of him and shaking him_). For God's sake, do as I tell you! Don't you hear your mother asking you for a favour? Haven't you even got the guts to be a son? THE SON (_taking hold of the Father_). No! No! And for God's sake stop it, or else ... (_General agitation. The Mother, frightened, tries to separate them_). THE MOTHER (_pleading_). Please! please! THE FATHER (_not leaving hold of the Son_). You've got to obey, do you hear? THE SON (_almost crying from rage_). What does it mean, this madness you've got? (_They separate_). Have you no decency, that you insist on showing everyone our shame? I won't do it! I won't! And I stand for the will of our author in this. He didn't want to put us on the stage, after all! THE MANAGER. Man alive! You came here.... THE SON (_indicating Father_). _He_ did! I didn't! THE MANAGER. Aren't you here now? THE SON. It was his wish, and he dragged us along with him. He's told you not only the things that did happen, but also things that have never happened at all. THE MANAGER. Well, tell me then what did happen. You went out of your room without saying a word? THE SON. Without a word, so as to avoid a scene! THE MANAGER. And then what did you do? THE SON. Nothing ... walking in the garden.... (_hesitates for a moment with expression of gloom_). THE MANAGER (_coming closer to him, interested by his extraordinary reserve_). Well, well ... walking in the garden....