CATHERINE.  Yes, it is true.  I believe Uncle Peter Grimm was in this room to-night.

FREDERIK. [Not surprised—­glancing towards the spot where PETER stood when he thought he saw him.] Oh!  You, too?  Did you see him, too?

MRS. BATHOLOMMEY. [Incredulously.] Impossible!

CATHERINE.  I don’t care what anyone else may think—­people have the right to think for themselves; but I believe he has been here—­he is here.  Uncle Peter, if you can hear me now, give me back my promise—­or—­or I’ll take it back!

PETER. [Gently—­smilingly—­relieved.] I did give it back to you, my dear; but what a time I have had getting it across!

CURTAIN.

ACT III.

The third act takes place at twenty minutes to twelve on the same night.

The fire is out.  The table on which PETER took his coffee in the first act is now being used by the DOCTOR for WILLIAM’S medicines, two bottles, two glasses, two teaspoons, a clinical thermometer, &c. WILLIAM, who has been questioned by the DOCTOR, is now asleep upstairs. PETER’S hat hangs on the peg in the shadow.  Although the hour is late, no one has thought of going to bed. FREDERIK is waiting at the hotel for the lawyer whom HICKS was to send to arrange for the sale of PETER GRIMM’S nurseries, but he has not arrived.  The DOCTOR, full of his theories, is seated before the fire, writing the account of PETER GRIMM’S return, for the American Branch of the “London Society for Psychical Research.”  It is now a fine, clear night.  The clouds are almost silvery and a hint of the moon is showing.

DR. MACPHERSON. [Reading what he has written.] “To be forwarded to the ‘London Society for Psychical Research’:  Dr. Hyslop:  Dear Sir:  This evening at the residence of Peter—­” [Pauses and inserts “the late” and continues to read after inserting the words.] “—­the late Peter Grimm—­ the well-known horticulturist of Grimm Manor, New York, certain phenomena were observed which would clearly indicate the return of Peter Grimm, ten days after his decease.  While he was invisible to all, three people were present besides myself—­one of these, a child of eight, who received the message.  No spelling out by signals nor automatic writing was employed, but word of mouth.” [A rap sounds.] Who will that be at this hour?... [Looks at the clock.] Nearly midnight. [Opening the door.] Yes?

A VOICE. [Outside.] Telegram for Frederik Grimm.

DR. MACPHERSON.  Not in.  I’ll sign. [He signs and, receiving the telegram, sets it against a candle-stick on the desk and resumes his seat.  Reads:] “I made a compact with Peter Grimm, while he was in the flesh, that whichever went first was to return and give the other some sign; and I propose to give positive proof—­” [He hesitates—­thinks—­then repeats.] “positive proof that he kept this compact and that I assisted in the carrying out of his instructions.”