The house is the body of the Colonel; Arnolphe, who wants to get in, is the Vital Principle.

The heart and brain act the parts of Alain and Georgette.

'Open the door!' says one.--'Open it yourself!' says the other.

And the Vital Principle waits outside." "Monsieur," replied Doctor Nibor smiling, "you forget the ending of the scene.

Arnolphe gets angry, and cries out: 'Whichever of you two doesn't open the door, shan't have anything to eat for four days!' And forthwith Alain hurries himself, Georgette runs and the door is opened.