CATHERINE. [As though accepting the explanation.] Oh … [Flurried.] Why, Uncle Peter!… Uncle Peter!… whatever put this notion into your head?
PETER. It's all nonsense, of course, but—
CATHERINE. I've always known James…. We went to school together…. James has shown no interest he ought not to have shown, Uncle Peter,—if that's what you mean. He has always been very respectful in a perfectly friendly way.
PETER. [Convinced.] Respectful in a perfectly friendly way. [To FREDERIK.] You can't ask more than that. Thank you, dear, that's all I wanted. Run along. [Glad to escape, CATHERINE leaves the room.] He was only respectful in a perfectly friendly way. [Slaps FREDERIK on the back.] You're satisfied now, I hope?
FREDERIK. No, I am not. If she hasn't noticed what he has in mind, I have. When I came into this room a few moments ago,—it was as plain as day. He's trying to make love to her under our very eyes. I saw him. I wish you would ask him to stay in his office and attend to his own business. [JAMES now re-enters on his way to the gardens.]
PETER. James, it has just occurred to me—that—[James pauses.] What was your reason for wanting to give up your position? Had it anything to do with my little girl?
JAMES. Yes, sir.
PETER. You mean that—you—you love her?
JAMES. [In a low voice.] Yes, sir.
PETER. O-ho! [FREDERIK gives PETER a glance as though to say, "Now, do you believe it?"