PETER.  Give me the Book. [CATHERINE brings the Bible to PETER as the garden bell rings outside.

FREDERIK.  Noon.

PETER. [Opening the Book at the history of the family—­points to the closely written page.] Under my name I want to see this written:  “Married:  Catherine and Frederik.”  I want to see you settled, Katie—­ [Smiling] settled happily for life. [He takes her hand and draws FREDERIK towards his chair.  CATHERINE, embarrassed, plays with a rose in her belt.] Will you?...

CATHERINE.  I ...  I don’t know....

PETER. [Taking the rose and her hand in his own] I know for you, my dear.  Make me happy.

CATHERINE.  There’s nothing I wouldn’t do to make you happy, Uncle, but—­

FREDERIK.  You know that I love you, Kitty.

PETER.  Yes, yes, yes. That’s all understood.  He has always loved you. 
Everybody knows it.

CATHERINE.  Uncle...

PETER.  Make it a June wedding.  We have ten days yet. [Slipping her hand in FREDERIK’S, taking the rose, and tapping their clasped hands with the flower as he speaks.

FREDERIK.  Say yes, Kitty.

CATHERINE. [Nervously] I couldn’t in ten days....

FREDERIK.  But—­

PETER. [To FREDERIK.] Who is arranging the marriage, you or I?  Say a month, then, Katie....  Promise me.

CATHERINE. [Her lips set.] If you have set your heart on it, I will,
Uncle Peter ...  I will ...  I promise.

PETER. [Takes a ring of his hand.] The wedding ring—­my dear mother’s. [Gives it to CATHERINE.] You’ve made me very happy, my dear. [He kisses CATHERINE. Then, releasing her, he nods to FREDERIK to follow his example. PETER turns his back on the young people and smokes.

FREDERIK.  Catherine ... [Dreading his embrace, she retreats towards PETER and, as she touches him, his pipe falls to the floor.  She looks at him, startled. FREDERIK, struck, looking intently at PETER who sits motionless.

CATHERINE.  Uncle Peter ...  Uncle!  What is it?  What’s the matter? [Runs to the door—­calling across the street.] Doctor!  There he is—­just going out. [Calls.] Come back.  Come back, Doctor. [To FREDERIK.] I felt it.  I felt something strange a minute ago.  I felt it.

FREDERIK. [Taking PETER’S hand.] Uncle Peter!

CATHERINE. [Coming back to PETER and looking at him transfixed.] Uncle
Peter!  Answer me! ...  It’s Katie!

The DOCTOR enters hurriedly.

DR. MACPHERSON.  Is it ...  Peter? [He goes quickly to PETER and listens to his heart. CATHERINE and FREDERIK on either side of him.  The DOCTOR with tender sympathy takes CATHERINE in his arms.