the Real-play; what goes on behind the curtain is the Play-play.
Upon the sides of the curtain, Right and Left, is painted a
representation of an attic room in a tenement house. The curtain
becomes thin, practically nothing at center, so the audience sees
the main action of the Play-play clearly. At Right in the Real-play
is a window opening on a fire-escape, and in front of the window a
cot where the child sleeps. At Left in the Real-play is a window, an
entrance door, a flat-topped desk and two chairs. This setting of
the Real-play remains unchanged throughout the four acts._

_The scenes of the Play-play change with each act. For Act I the set
is a drawing-room in a wealthy old New York home, entrances
Right-center and Left. Both front and rear scenes are lighted by
many small lights, which can be turned off a few at a time, so that
one scene or the other fades slowly. When the Real-play is in full
light, the Play-play is dark and invisible. When the front scene is
entirely dark, we see the Play-play, slightly veiled at the sides.
In case of some rude interruption, the dream is gone in a flash, and
the reality of the garret surrounds us. The text calls for numerous
quick changes of three of the characters from the Real-play to the
Play-play and back. Dialogue and business have been provided at
these places to permit the changes._

AT RISE.--_The Real-play, showing_ PEGGY _putting_ BILL _to bed; she
is young and pretty, he is a bright but frail child._

_Bill._ Say, Peggy!

_Peggy._ Well, Bill?