FREDERIK. To-morrow's the day, dear.
CATHERINE. [Very subdued.] Yes….
FREDERIK. A June wedding—just as Uncle Peter wished.
CATHERINE. [As before.] Yes…. Just as he wished. Everything is just as he…. [With a change of manner—earnestly—looking at FREDERIK.] Frederik, I don't want to go away. I don't want to go to Europe. If only I could stay quietly here in—[Tears in her voice as she looks round the room.]—in my dear home.
FREDERIK. Why do you want to stay in this old cottage—with its candles and lamps and shadows? It's very gloomy, very depressing.
CATHERINE. I don't want to leave this house…. I don't want any home but this. [Panic-stricken.] Don't take me away Frederik. I know you've never really liked it at Grimm's Manor. Are you sure you'll want to come back to live here?
FREDERIK. [As though speaking to a child.] Of course. I'll do anything you ask.
CATHERINE. I—I've always wanted to please … [After a slight pause, finding it difficult to speak his name.] Uncle Peter…. I felt that I owed everything to him…. If he had lived … if I could see his happiness at our marriage—it would make me happy; [Pathetically.] but he's gone … and … I'm afraid we're making a mistake. I don't feel towards you as I ought, Frederik. I've told you again and again; but I want to tell you once more: I'm willing to marry you … but I don't love you—I never shall.
FREDERIK. How do you know?
CATHERINE. I know … I know…. It seems so disloyal to speak like this after I promised him; but—