PETER. [Looking after FREDERIK.] Very capable young fellow, Frederik. I was a happy man, James, when I heard that he had won the prize for botany at Amsterdam College. I had to find out the little I know by experience.
JAMES. [Impulsively.] Yes, and I'll wager you've forgotten more than— [Catching a warning glance from CATHERINE, he pauses.
PETER. What?
JAMES. Nothing, sir. I—
CATHERINE. [Tugging at PETER'S coat—speaking to him apart, as JAMES busies himself at the desk.] Uncle Peter, I think you're unfair to James. We used to have him to dinner very often before he went away. Now that he's back, you treat him like a stranger.
PETER. [Surprised.] Eh? I didn't know that I—[Petting CATHERINE.] A good, unselfish girl. She thinks of everybody. [Aloud.] James, will you have dinner with us to-day?
JAMES. [Pleased and surprised.] Thank you, sir—yes, sir.
PETER. It's a roast goose—cooked sweet, James. [Smacks his lips.] Fresh green herbs in the dressing and a Figaro pudding. Marta brought over that pudding receipt from Holland.
MARTA, an old family servant, has entered with the air of having forgotten to wind the clock. She smiles happily at PETER'S allusion to her puddings, attends to the old clock, and passes of with CATHERINE. PETER sits at the desk, glancing over the mail.
PETER. Katie's blossoming like a rose. Have you noticed how she's coming out lately, James?