MRS. BATHOLOMMEY.  I must confess that I’m very glad.  Of course, I’m happy to stay and chaperone Catherine; but poor Mr. Batholommey has been alone at the parsonage for ten days ... ever since your dear uncle ... [Pauses, unwinding yarn, then unburdening her mind.] I didn’t think at first that Catherine could persuade herself to marry you.

FREDERIK. [Sharply.] I don’t understand you, Mrs. Batholommey.

MRS. BATHOLOMMEY.  I mean she seemed so averse to—­to an immediate marriage; but of course it was your uncle’s last request, and that influenced her more than anything else.  So it’s to be a June wedding, after all; he has his wish.  You’ll be married in ten days from the time he left us. [Remembering.] Some more letters marked personal came for him while you were out.  I put them in the drawer—­[Points to desk.] with the rest.  It seems odd to think the postman brings your uncle’s letters regularly, yet he is not here.

FREDERIK. [Looking towards the door of the office.] Did Hartman come?

MRS. BATHOLOMMEY.  Yes.  He seemed rather surprised that you’d sent for him.

FREDERIK.  Did you—­er—­tell him that we intend to leave to-morrow?

MRS. BATHOLOMMEY.  I spoke of your wedding trip,—­yes.

FREDERIK.  Did he seem inclined to stay?

MRS. BATHOLOMMEY.  He didn’t say.  He seemed very much agitated. [MARTA enters, carrying a night lamp.] We’ll pack Miss Catherine’s things to-night, Marta. [She notices the lamp.] The night lamp for William? [Looks up towards the door of his room.] Go in very quietly.  He’s asleep, I think. [MARTA goes up the stairs and into WILLIAM’S room.] By the way, Mr. Batholommey was very much excited when he heard that your uncle had left a personal memorandum concerning us.  We’re anxious to hear it read. [FREDERIK, paying no attention to her words, is glancing at the wedding presents.] We’re anxious to hear it read.

JAMES. [Entering.] Did you wish to see me?

FREDERIK. [Offering his hand to JAMES.] How do you do, Hartman?  I’m very glad you consented to come back.  My uncle never went into his office again after you left.  There is some private correspondence concerning matters of which I know nothing; it lies on your old desk....  I’m anxious to settle everything to-night.

MRS. BATHOLOMMEY leaves the room.

JAMES.  Very well.  I have no doubt but that I can get through with it by midnight.

FREDERIK.  If you care to remain longer with the firm, I—­er—­

JAMES.  No, thank you.

FREDERIK.  I appreciate the fact that you came on my uncle’s account.  I have no ill-feeling against you, Hartman.

JAMES.  I’m not refusing to stay because of any ill-feeling.  I’m going because I know that you’ll sell out before your uncle’s cold in his grave.  I don’t care to stay to see the old place change hands.