JAMES. Of course, every happy being is bound by its nature to lead its own life—that it may be a free being. Evidently I didn't make my meaning clear. [Giving PETER another letter to sign.
PETER. Free? Happy? James, you talk like an anarchist! You surprise me, sir. Where do you get these extraordinary ideas?
JAMES. By reading modern books and magazines, sir, and of course—
PETER. I thought so. [Pointing to his books.] Read Heine. Cultivate sentiment. [Signing the letter.] Happy? Has it ever occurred to you that Katie is not happy?
JAMES. No, sir, I can't truthfully say that it has.
PETER. I imagine not. These are the happiest hours of her life. Young … in love … soon to be married.
JAMES. [After a long pause.] Is it settled, sir?
PETER. No, but I'll soon settle it. Anyone can see how she feels towards
Frederik.
JAMES. [After a shorter pause.] Isn't she very young to marry, sir?
PETER. Not when she marries into the family; not when I am in the house—[Touching his chest.] to guard her—to watch over her. Leave it to me. [Enthusiastically.] Sit here, James. Take one of Frederik's cigars. [JAMES politely thanks him, but doesn't take one.] It's a pleasure to talk to some one who's interested; and you are interested, James?