PETER.  However, to be on the safe side, I’ll take that nip of plum brandy. [Then thinking aloud.] Not yet ...  Not yet ...  I’m not ready to die yet.  I have so much to live for. ...  When I’m older ...  When I’m a little old leaf ready to curl up, eh, Fritz? [He drains the glass.  Goes up to the peg, takes dawn his hat, looks at it as though remembering WILLIAM’S words, then puts it back on the peg.  He shows no sign of taking DR. MACPHERSON’S verdict to heart—­in fact, he doesn’t believe it.] Frederik, get me some small change for the circus—­enough for William and me.

FREDERIK.  Are you going ... after all? ...  And with that child?

PETER.  Why not?

FREDERIK. [Suddenly showing feeling.] That little tattler?  A child that listens to everything and just told you ...  He shouldn’t be allowed in this part of the house.  He should be sent away.

PETER. [Astonished.] Why do you dislike him, Frederik?  He’s a fine little fellow.  You surprise me, my boy ... [CATHERINE enters and goes to the piano, running her hands softly over the keys—­playing no melody in particular. PETER sits in his big chair at the table and picks up his pipe. FREDERIK, with an inscrutable face, now strikes a match and holds it to his uncle’s pipe.  PETER thoughtfully takes one or two puffs; then speaking so as not to be heard by CATHERINE.] Frederik, I want to think that after I’m gone, everything will be the same here ... just as it is now.

FREDERIK.  Yes, sir. [Sitting near PETER.

PETER.  Just as it is ... [FREDERIK nods assent.  PETER smokes.  The room is very cheerful.  The bright midday sunshine creeps through the windows,—­ almost causing a haze in the room—­and resting on the pots and vases and bright flowers on the tables.

CATHERINE. [Singing.] “The bird so free in the heavens”—­

PETER. [Looking up—­still in thought—­seeming not to hear the song.] And my charities attended to. [FREDERIK nods assent.

CATHERINE.  “Is but the slave of the nest;
  For all must toil as God wills it,—­
  Must laugh and toil and rest.”

PETER. [Who has been thinking.] Just as though I were here.

CATHERINE.  “The rose must blow in the garden”—­

PETER.  William, too.  Don’t forget him, Frederik.

FREDERIK.  No, Uncle.

CATHERINE.  “The bee must gather its store;
  The cat must watch the mouse-hole;
  The dog must guard the door.”

PETER. [As though he had a weight off his mind.] We won’t speak of this again.  It’s understood. [Smokes, listening with pleasure as CATHERINE finishes the song.

CATHERINE. [Repeats the chorus.]
  “The cat must watch the mouse-hole;
  The dog must guard the door. 
  La la, La la,” &c.

At the close of the song, PETER puts down his pipe and beckons to CATHERINE.