DR. MACPHERSON. [Suddenly noticing that CATHERINE seems more cheerful.] What's happened? I left you in tears and here you are—all smiles.
CATHERINE. Yes, I—I am happier—for some reason…. For the last few minutes I—I've had such a strange feeling.
DR. MACPHERSON. That's odd: so have I! Been as restless as a hungry mouse.
Something seemed to draw me down here—can't explain it.
PETER. I'm beginning to be felt in this house.
DR. MACPHERSON. Catherine, I have the firm conviction that, in a very short time, I shall hear from Peter. [Sitting at the table.
PETER. I hope so. It's high time now.
DR. MACPHERSON. What I want is some positive proof; some absolute test; some—er—[Thinks.
CATHERINE has seated herself at the table.—Unconsciously they both occupy the same seats as in the first act.
PETER. The trouble is with other people, not with us. You want us to give all sorts of proofs; and here we are just back for a little while—very poorly put together on the chance that you'll see us at all.
DR. MACPHERSON. Poor old Peter—bless his heart! [His elbow on the table as though he had been thinking over the matter. CATHERINE sits quietly listening.] If he kept that compact with me, and came back,—do you know what I'd ask him first? If our work goes on.