[A conflict is going on in CATHERINE’S mind.  She walks to the chair by the fireplace and sits—­her back to the audience.  He approaches her and lays a tender hand on her shoulder.] I know what you’re thinking....  Katie, I want you to break that very foolish promise I asked you to make.  You’re almost tempted to.  Break it!  Break it at once; then—­[Glancing smilingly towards the door through which he came—­as though he wished to leave—­like a child longing to go back to play.] then I could—­take the journey back in peace....  I can’t go until you do—­and I ...  I long to go....  Isn’t my message any clearer to you? [Reading her mind.] You have a feeling ... an impression of what I’m saying; but the words ... the words are not clear....  Mm ... let me see....  If you can’t understand me—­there’s the Doctor, he’ll know how to get the message—­ he’ll find the way....  Then I can hurry back ... home....

CATHERINE. [Helplessly—­changing her position like a tired child.] Oh, I’m so alone.

PETER. [Cheerily.] Not alone at all—­not at all.  I shall drop in very often ... and then, there’s your mother. [Suddenly remembering.] Oh, yes, I had almost forgotten.  I have a message for you, Katie.... [He seats himself in a chair which is almost in front of her.] I’ve met your mother. [She sits in a reverie. PETER continues with the air of a returned traveller relating his experiences.] She heard that I had crossed over and there she was—­waiting for me.  You’re thinking of it, aren’t you?  Wondering if we met....  Yes, that was the first interesting experience.  She knew me at once.  “You were Peter Grimm,” she said, “before you knew better”—­that’s what they call leaving this world—­“to know better.”  You call it “dying.” [Confidentially.] She’s been here often, it seems, watching over you.  I told her how much I loved you and said that you had a happy home.  I spoke of your future—­of my plans for you and Frederik.  “Peter Grimm,” she said, “you’ve over-looked the most important thing in the world—­love.  You haven’t given her her right to the choice of her lover—­her right!” Then it came over me that I’d made a terrible mistake ... and at that minute, you called to me. [Impressively.] In the darkness surrounding all I had left behind, there came a light ... a glimmer where you stood ... a clear call in the night....  It seemed as though I had not been away one second ... but in that second, you had suffered....  Now I am back to show you the way....  I am here to put my hand on your dear head and give you your mother’s blessing; to say she will be with you in spirit until she holds you in her arms—­you and your loved husband—­[CATHERINE turns in her chair and looks towards the door of the room in which JAMES is working. PETER catches the thought.]—­ yes, James, it’s you....  And the message ended in this kiss. [Prints a kiss on her cheek.] Can’t you think I’m with you, dear child?  Can’t you think I’m trying to help you?  Can’t you even hope?  Oh, come, at least hope!  Anybody can hope.