The Return of Peter Grimm

by David Belasco

FREDERIK. Yes, you did promise Uncle Peter you'd marry me, didn't you?

CATHERINE. Yes.

FREDERIK. And he died believing you?

CATHERINE. Yes.

FREDERIK. Then it all comes to this: are you going to live up to your promise?

CATHERINE. That's it. That's what makes me try to live up to it. [Wiping her eyes.] But you know how I feel…. You understand….

FREDERIK. Perfectly; you don't quite know your own mind…. Very few young girls do, I suppose. I love you and in time you'll grow to care for me. [MARTA re-enters from WILLIAM'S room and closing the door comes down the stairs and passes off.] What are we to do with that child?

CATHERINE. He's to stay here, of course.

FREDERIK. The child should be sent to some institution. What claim has he on you—on any of us?

CATHERINE. Why do you dislike him?