The Return of Peter Grimm eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 140 pages of information about The Return of Peter Grimm.

The Return of Peter Grimm eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 140 pages of information about The Return of Peter Grimm.

[He opens the door, carrying a big bottle in his hand; hailing the BATHOLOMMEYS cheerfully.] Good-morning, good people. [He puts the jug on the sideboard and hangs up the key.  The BATHOLOMMEYS look sadly at PETER.  MRS. BATHOLOMMEY in the fore-ground tries to smile pleasantly, but can only assume the peculiarly pained expression of a person about to break terrible news.

REV.  MR. BATHOLOMMEY. [Rising to the occasion—­warmly grasping PETER’S hand.] Ah, my dear friend!  Many thanks for the flowers William brought us, and the noble cheque you sent me.  We’re still enjoying the vegetables you generously provided.  I did relish the squash.

PETER. [Catching a glimpse of MRS. BATHOLOMMEY’S gloomy expression.] Anything distressing you this morning, Mrs. Batholommey?

MRS. BATHOLOMMEY.  No, no....  I hope you’re feeling well—­er—­I don’t mean that—­I—­

REV.  MR. BATHOLOMMEY. [Cheerily.] Of course, she does; and why not, why not, dear friend?

PETER.  Will you have a glass of my plum brandy?

MRS. BATHOLOMMEY. [Stiffly.] No, thank you.  As you know, I belong to the
W.C.T.U.

PETER.  Pastor?

REV.  MR. BATHOLOMMEY. [Tolerantly.] No, thank you.  I am also opposed to er—­

PETER.  We’re going to drink to spooks—­the Doctor and I.

MRS. BATHOLOMMEY. [With a startled cry.] Oh! [Lifts her handkerchief to her eyes.] How can you!  And at a time like this.  The very idea—­you of all people!

PETER. [Coming down with two glasses—­handing one to the DOCTOR.] You seem greatly upset, Mrs. Batholommey.  Something must have happened.

REV.  MR. BATHOLOMMEY.  Nothing, nothing, I assure you.  My wife is a trifle nervous to-day.  We must all keep up our spirits, Mr. Grimm.

PETER.  Of course.  Why not? [Looking at MRS. BATHOLOMMEY—­struck.] I know why you’re crying.  You’ve been to a church wedding. [To the DOCTOR, lifting his glass.] To astral envelopes, Andrew. [They drink.

MRS. BATHOLOMMEY. [With sad resignation.] You were always kind to us, dear Mr. Grimm.  There never was a kinder, better, sweeter man than you were.

PETER.  Than I was?

REV.  MR. BATHOLOMMEY.  Rose, my dear!

MRS. BATHOLOMMEY.  What will become of William? [Weeps.

PETER.  William?  Why should you worry over William?  I am looking after him. 
I don’t understand—­

MRS. BATHOLOMMEY. [Seeing that she has gone too far.] I only meant—­it’s too bad he had such an M—­

PETER.  An M—?

MRS. BATHOLOMMEY. [In pantomime—­mouthing the word so that WILLIAM cannot hear.] Mother ...  Annamarie.

PETER.  Oh! ...

MRS. BATHOLOMMEY.  She ought to have told you or Mr. Batholommey who the
F—­ was.

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The Return of Peter Grimm from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.