JAMES. But she doesn't know it, of course; she never would have known it.
I never meant to say a word to her. I understand, sir.
PETER. James! Come here … here!… [Bringing JAMES up before him at the desk.] Get your money at the office. You may have that position in Florida. Good-bye, James.
JAMES. I'm very sorry that … Good-bye, sir.
FREDERIK. You are not to tell her that you're going. You're not to bid her good-bye.
PETER. [To FREDERIK.] Sh! Let me attend to—
JAMES. [Ignoring FREDERIK.] I'm sorry, Mr. Grimm, that— [His voice falters.
PETER. [Rising.] James, I'm sorry, too. You've grown up here and—Tc!
Tc! Good fortune to you—James. Get this notion out of your head, and
perhaps one day you'll come back to us. We shall see. [Shakes hands with
JAMES, who leaves the room too much overcome to speak.
DR. MACPHERSON. [Who has entered, saying carelessly to JAMES as he passes him.] Hy're you, Jim? Glad Jim's back. One of the finest lads I ever brought into this world.
The DOCTOR is a man of about PETER'S age, but more powerfully built. He has the bent shoulders of the student and his face is exceedingly intellectual. He is the rare type of doctor who forgets to make out his bills. He has a grizzled grey beard, and his hair is touched with grey. He wears silver-rimmed spectacles. His substantial but unpressed clothing is made by the village tailor.
PETER. Good-morning, Andrew.