MRS. BATHOLOMMEY. I'll ask her. [Exit into dining-room.
CATHERINE. If not, who had the picture?… And why weren't we all told?… Who tore it up? Did you, William? [WILLIAM shakes his head, meaning "No."] Who has been at the desk? No one save Frederik … Frederik … and surely he—[She pauses—perplexed.
MRS. BATHOLOMMEY. [Re-entering.] No, Marta hasn't heard a word; and, only a few minutes ago, she asked Frederik if some message hadn't come, but he said "No, nothing." I didn't tell her of the picture.
CATHERINE. [Looking at the picture.] I wonder if there was any message with it.
MRS. BATHOLOMMEY. I remember the day that picture came … the day your uncle died…. It was in a long blue envelope—the size of the picture…. I took it from the postman myself because every one was distracted and rushing about. It dropped to the floor and as I picked it up I thought I knew the writing; but I couldn't remember whose it was…. It was directed to your uncle…. [Looking from the desk to the waste-basket.] There's the envelope [Holding up a scrap of blue envelope.] and paper; … some one has burned it.
CATHERINE. Annamarie wrote to my uncle …
DR. MACPHERSON. [Not understanding.] But what could Peter have to say to me concerning Annamarie? [Making a resolution—rising.] We're going to find out. You may draw the curtains, Catherine, if you please. [CATHERINE draws the curtains. The DOCTOR turns the lights down and closes the door. A pause.] Peter Grimm …
PETER. Yes, Andrew?…
DR. MACPHERSON. [Not hearing.] If you have come back … if you are in the room … and the boy speaks truly—give me some sign … some indication …
PETER. I can't give you a sign, Andrew…. I have spoken to the boy … the boy …