FREDERIK.  I’ll find out how much it’s worth.  I shall have everything appraised. [Sets his watch by the clock. MRS. BATHOLOMMEY gives him a look and joins her husband at the door.

COLONEL LAWTON.  Good-night. [Exit, closing the door.

MRS. BATHOLOMMEY. [As REV.  MR. BATHOLOMMEY goes out—­calling after him.] Henry, Catherine wants you to come back for supper. [MRS. BATHOLOMMEY leaves the room too disgusted for words. FREDERIK goes into the office.

PETER. [Now alone.] We live and learn ... and oh! what I have learned since I came back.... [He goes to his own particular peg in the vestibule and hangs up his hat.  He glances at the wedding presents.  Presently he sees the flowers which CATHERINE has placed on the desk.  With a smile, he touches the flowers. MARTA enters with another lamp, which she places on a table.  As PETER’S eyes rest on MARTA, he nods and smiles in recognition, waiting for a response.] Well, Marta?...  Don’t you know your old master?...  No?...  No?... [She winds the clock and leaves the room.] I seem to be a stranger in my own house ... yet the watch-dog knew me and wagged his tail as I came in. [He stands trying to comprehend it all.] Well!  Well!

FREDERIK. [Looking at his watch, re-enters from the office and goes to the ’phone, which presently rings. FREDERIK instantly lifts the receiver as though not wishing to attract attention.  In a low voice.] Yes ...  I was waiting for you.  How are you, Mr. Hicks? [Listens.] I’m not anxious to sell—­no.  I prefer to carry out my dear old uncle’s wishes. [PETER eyes him—­a faint smile on his lips.] If I got my price?  Well ... of course in that case ...  I might be tempted.  To-morrow?  No, I can’t see you to-morrow.  I’m going to be married to-morrow, and leave at once for New York.  Thank you. [Listens.] To-night?  Very well, but I don’t want it known.  I’ll sell, but it must be for more than the price my uncle refused.  Make it ten thousand more and it’s done. [Listens.] You’ll come to-night?...  Yes, yes.... [Listens at the ’phone.] The dear old man told you his plans never failed, eh?  God rest his soul! [Laughing indulgently.] Ha!  Ha!  Ha!

PETER.  Ha!  Ha!  Ha!

FREDERIK. [Echoing HICKS’ words.] What would he say if he knew?  What could he say?  Everything must change.

A far-away rumble of thunder is heard—­the lightning flickers at the window and a flash is seen on the telephone which tinkles and responds as though from the electric shock.  Exclaiming “Ugh," FREDERIK drops the receiver—­which hangs down.

PETER. [The storm passes as he speaks into the receiver without touching the telephone.] Good-evening, my friend.  We shall soon meet—­face to face.  You won’t be able to carry this matter through.... [Looking into space as though he could see the future.] You’re not well and you’re going out to supper to-night; ... you will eat something that will cause you to pass over....  I shall see you to-morrow....  A happy crossing!