PETER. [Who knows the history by heart, has listened, his eyes almost suffused—repeating each word to himself, as she reads. He has lived over each generation down to the present and nods in approval as she reaches this point.] The foundation of our house. And here we are prosperous and flourishing—after seven generations. We'll print it, eh, Fritz?
FREDERIK. Certainly, sir. By all means let us print it.
PETER. And now we are depending upon you, Frederik, for the next line in the book. [To CATHERINE —slyly—as she closes the book.] If my sister could see Frederik, what a proud mother she would be!
JAMES. [Turning from the 'phone to PETER.] Old man Hicks himself has come to the 'phone. Says he must speak to Mr. Peter Grimm.
FREDERIK. I'd make short work of him, Uncle.
PETER. [At the 'phone.] How are you, my old friend?… How are your plum trees? [Listens.] Bad, eh? Well, we can only pray and use Bordeaux Mixture…. No…. Nonsense! This business has been in my family for seven generations. Why sell? I'll see that it stays in the family seven generations longer! [Echoing.] Do I propose to live that long? N—no; but my plans will. [Looks towards FREDERIK and CATHERINE.] How? Never mind. Good-morning. [Hangs up the receiver.
JAMES. Sorry to disturb you, sir, but some of these letters are—
FREDERIK. I'm off.
PETER. [Who has lifted a pot of tulips to set it in the sun—standing with the pot in his hands.] And remember the saying: [A twinkle in his upraised eyes.] "Thou, O God, sellest all good things at the price of labour." [Smells the tulips and sets them down.
FREDERIK. [Goes briskly towards the door.] That's true, sir. I want to speak to you later, Uncle—[Turning, looking at JAMES.] on a private matter. [He goes off looking at his watch, as though he had a hard day's work before him.