CATHERINE. [Retreats, backing towards PETER.] No!… Don't touch me,
James—you mustn't! Don't!… Don't!
PETER pushes her into JAMES' arms, without touching her. She exclaims "Oh, James!" and fairly runs towards JAMES as though violently propelled. In reality, she thinks that she is yielding to an impulse. As she reaches him, she exclaims "No," and turns back, but JAMES, with outstretched arms, catches her.
JAMES. You love me. [Draws her to him.
CATHERINE. Don't make me say that, James.
JAMES. I will make you say it! You do love me.
CATHERINE. No matter if I do, that won't alter matters.
JAMES. What? What?
CATHERINE. No, no, don't say any more…. I won't hear it. [She stands free of JAMES—then turns and walks to the stairs.] Good-bye, Jim.
JAMES. Do you mean it? Are you really going to sacrifice yourself because of—Am I really losing you?… Catherine! Catherine!
CATHERINE. [In tears—beseechingly.] Please don't…. Please don't….