PETER. [Convinced.] Respectful in a perfectly friendly way. [To FREDERIK.] You can’t ask more than that.  Thank you, dear, that’s all I wanted.  Run along. [Glad to escape, CATHERINE leaves the room.] He was only respectful in a perfectly friendly way. [Slaps FREDERIK on the back.] You’re satisfied now, I hope?

FREDERIK.  No, I am not.  If she hasn’t noticed what he has in mind, I have.  When I came into this room a few moments ago,—­it was as plain as day.  He’s trying to make love to her under our very eyes.  I saw him.  I wish you would ask him to stay in his office and attend to his own business. [JAMES now re-enters on his way to the gardens.]

PETER.  James, it has just occurred to me—­that—­[James pauses.] What was your reason for wanting to give up your position?  Had it anything to do with my little girl?

JAMES.  Yes, sir.

PETER.  You mean that—­you—­you love her?

JAMES. [In a low voice.] Yes, sir.

PETER.  O-ho! [FREDERIK gives PETER a glance as though to say, “Now, do you believe it?"

JAMES.  But she doesn’t know it, of course; she never would have known it. 
I never meant to say a word to her.  I understand, sir.

PETER.  James!  Come here ... here!... [Bringing JAMES up before him at the desk.] Get your money at the office.  You may have that position in Florida.  Good-bye, James.

JAMES.  I’m very sorry that ...  Good-bye, sir.

FREDERIK.  You are not to tell her that you’re going.  You’re not to bid her good-bye.

PETER. [To FREDERIK.] Sh!  Let me attend to—­

JAMES. [Ignoring FREDERIK.] I’m sorry, Mr. Grimm, that—­
[His voice falters.

PETER. [Rising.] James, I’m sorry, too.  You’ve grown up here and—­Tc!  Tc!  Good fortune to you—­James.  Get this notion out of your head, and perhaps one day you’ll come back to us.  We shall see. [Shakes hands with JAMES, who leaves the room too much overcome to speak.

DR. MACPHERSON. [Who has entered, saying carelessly to JAMES as he passes him.] Hy’re you, Jim?  Glad Jim’s back.  One of the finest lads I ever brought into this world.

The DOCTOR is a man of about PETER’S age, but more powerfully built.  He has the bent shoulders of the student and his face is exceedingly intellectual.  He is the rare type of doctor who forgets to make out his bills.  He has a grizzled grey beard, and his hair is touched with grey.  He wears silver-rimmed spectacles.  His substantial but unpressed clothing is made by the village tailor.

PETER.  Good-morning, Andrew.

FREDERIK.  Good-morning, Doctor.

DR. MACPHERSON. [Casts a quick, professional glance at PETER.] Peter, I’ve come over to have a serious word with you.  Been on my mind all night. [Brings down a chair and sits opposite PETER.] I—­er—­Frederik ... [FREDERIK, who is not a favourite of the DOCTOR’S, takes the hint and leaves the room.] Peter, have you provided for everybody in this house?