[Scene: A stage only half set for a morning rehearsal and dimly lighted. Sud, a successful playwright, enters in a hurry carrying a leather bag of manuscripts.]
Stage Hand. Good morning, Mr. Sud.
Sud. Good morning, Gus. Just set two doors; that'll be all I'll need this morning. We're rehearsing for lines. [Steps down stage and calls front.] Joe, I'm expecting a young man, it's all right, let him in.
Wouldby [from auditorium back]. I'm here now, Mr. Sud.
Sud. Come up, Mr. Wouldby. Some more border lights, please.
Wouldby. It's very good of you to let me in.
Sud. I was fond of your father. I am glad to see his son.
Wouldby. I have written a play, too.
Sud. Too bad, too bad, you make the price of paper go up.
Wouldby. It must be wonderful to be the master playwright of our day. Everybody knows Mr. Thomas Pinikles Sud.