JACK. At first I couldn’t, but there is a difference, I begin to see
it, a very subtle difference; watch how it moves; aren’t its joints a
little stiff and so on?
WALTER (_quick step to him_). You thick-headed-addle-pated numskull!
(_JACK in fright falls headlong backwards over sofa L., STELLA runs
and crouches R., then they rise on knees and wave to pacify him._)
JACK. Gently, gently!
STELLA. Oh, please, Mr. Davidson, please don’t be so angry; we are both
awfully interested in you and really sorry for you. It must be terrible
to be born full grown.
WALTER. Am I mad, or are you?
JACK. _You_ are.
WALTER. That’s settled.
STELLA. Of course, you think you’re real, but we _know_. You’re only a
made thing, like a cheese or a pudding.
WALTER (_hand to head_). You honestly say and believe that I am my own
invention? (_They nod solemnly._)
WALTER. Am I myself, or am I the thing I made?
JACK. You are the thing you made.
WALTER. Then where is myself--the other fellow?
JACK. Your esteemed creator left home before you began to exist,
changed coats and went.
WALTER. Changed coats? I never changed coats at all!
JACK. }
} What?
STELLA. }
WALTER. The moment I tried to, the figure rose up and stunned me.
STELLA (_up to him, throws arms round him_). It’s Walter!
(_Enter MRS. ANDERSON with telegram D. in F., and gives it. JACK opens
it._)
MRS. ANDERSON (_seeing WALTER_). Ow! Ow! Lawk a floury me!
(_Exit._)