FREDERIK. Oh, wouldn't he! The class to which he belongs presumes to think of anything. I believe he has been making love to Catherine.
PETER. [After a slight pause, goes to the dining-room door and calls.]
Katie! Katie!
FREDERIK. [Hastily.] Don't say that I mentioned it. [CATHERINE enters.
PETER. Katie, I wish to ask you a question. I—[He laughs.]
Oh, it's absurd. No, no, never mind.
CATHERINE. What is it?
PETER. I can't ask you. It's really too absurd.
CATHERINE. [Her curiosity aroused.] What is it, Uncle?… Tell me … tell me….
PETER. Has James ever—
CATHERINE. [Taken back and rather frightened—quickly.] No….
PETER. What?… How did you know what I … [FREDERIK gives her a shrewd glance; but PETER, suspecting nothing, continues.] I meant … has James shown any special interest in you?