CATHERINE.  Thank you, James.

JAMES. [Still holding her hand.] It’s good to be back, Catherine.  It’s good to see you again.

He is still holding her hand when FREDERIK GRIMM_ enters.  He is the son of PETER’S dead sister, and has been educated by_ PETER to carry on his work.  He is a graduate of Amsterdam College, Holland, and, in appearance and manner, suggests the foreign student.  He has managed to pull through college creditably, making a specialty of botany. PETER has given him the usual trip through Europe, and FREDERIK has come to his rich uncle to settle down and learn his business.  He has been an inmate of the household for a few months.  He poses as a most industrious young man, but is, at heart, a shirker.

FREDERIK.  Where’s Uncle?

JAMES.  Good-morning, Frederik.  Your uncle’s watching father spray the plum trees.  The black knot’s after them again.

FREDERIK.  I can hardly keep my eyes open.  Uncle wakes me up every morning at five—­creaking down the old stairs. [Eyeing CATHERINE admiringly.] You’re looking uncommonly pretty this morning, Kitty. [CATHERINE edges away and runs upstairs to her room.

FREDERIK.  Hartman!

JAMES.  Yes?

FREDERIK.  Miss Catherine and you and I are no longer children—­our positions are altered—­please remember that.  I’m no longer a student home for the holidays from Amsterdam College.  I’m here to learn the business which I am expected to carry on.  Miss Catherine is a young lady now, and my uncle looks upon her as his daughter.  You are here as my uncle’s secretary.  That’s how we three stand in this house.  Don’t call me “Frederik,” and hereafter be good enough to say, “Miss Grimm.”

JAMES. [Amiably.] Very well.

FREDERIK.  James:  there’s a good opportunity for a young man like you in our Florida house.  I think that if I spoke for you—­

JAMES.  Why do you wish to ship me off to Florida?

FREDERIK.  I don’t understand you, Hartman.  I don’t wish to ship you off.  I am merely thinking of your future.  You seem to have changed since—­

JAMES.  We’ve all grown up, as you just said. [JAMES has laid some mail on the desk, and is about to leave the room, when FREDERIK speaks again, but in a more friendly manner.

FREDERIK.  The old man’s aging; do you notice it?

JAMES.  Your uncle’s mellowing, yes; but that’s only to be expected.  He’s changing foliage with the years.

FREDERIK.  He’s growing as old-fashioned as his hats.  In my opinion, this would be the time to sell.

JAMES. [Astonished.] Sell?  Sell a business that has been in his family for—­why, it’s his religion!

FREDERIK.  It’s at the height of its prosperity.  It would sell like that! [Snapping his fingers.] What was the last offer the old man refused from Hicks, of Rochester, Jim?