FREDERIK enters. Until the entrance of FREDERIK, PETER has had hope in his face, but now he begins to feel apprehensive.
FREDERIK. [Throwing his hat and coat on a chair.] I have some work to do—more of my uncle's unopened mail; then I'll join you, Hartman. We must—er—make haste.
JAMES looks at CATHERINE, then at FREDERIK. CATHERINE gives him an imploring glance—urging him not to speak. FREDERIK has gone to PETER'S desk.
JAMES. I'll come back later. [Goes towards the hall.
FREDERIK. Catherine, have you asked James to be present at the ceremony to-morrow?
CATHERINE. No.
FREDERIK. James, will you—
JAMES. I shall be leaving early in the morning.
FREDERIK. Too bad! [Exit JAMES.
FREDERIK lights the desk candles, takes the mail out of the drawer—opens two letters—tears them up after barely glancing at them—then sees CATHERINE still standing at the foot of the stairs—her back to him. He lays the cigar on the desk, crosses, and, taking her in his arms, kisses her.