And in this way a good deal of petty illusion arises.

Although we may be well aware of the general untrustworthiness of this society behaviour, such is the force of association and habit, that the bland tone and flattering word irresistibly excite a momentary feeling of gratification, an effect which is made all the more easy by the co-operation of the recipient's own wishes, touched on in the last chapter.
Among all varieties of this deception, that of the stage is the most complete.

The actor is a man who has elaborately trained himself in the simulation of certain feelings.

And when his acting is of the best quality, and the proper bodily attitude, gesture, tone of voice, and so on, are hit off, the force of the illusion completely masters us.

For the moment we lose sight of the theatrical surroundings, and see the actor as really carried away by the passion which he so closely imitates.