PETER. I agree with you now, James.

CATHERINE. You musn't say that, James.

JAMES. But I will say it--I will speak my mind. I don't care how fond you
were of your uncle or how much he did for you--it wasn't right to ask this
of you. It wasn't fair. The whole thing is the mistake of a _very_
obstinate old man.

CATHERINE. James!

JAMES. I loved him, too; but he _was_ an obstinate old man. Sometimes I
think it was the Dutch blood in his veins.

PETER. A very frank, outspoken fellow. I like to hear him talk--now.

JAMES. Do you know why I was sent away? Why I quarrelled with your uncle?
I said that I loved you ... he asked me.... I didn't tell him because I
had any hopes--I hadn't.... I haven't now.... [_Struck._] But in spite of
what I'm saying ... I don't know what makes me think that I ... I could
take you in my arms and you would let me ... but I do think it.

CATHERINE. [_Retreats, backing towards_ PETER.] No!... Don't touch me,
James--you mustn't! Don't!... Don't!

PETER _pushes her into_ JAMES' _arms, without touching her. She exclaims_
"Oh, James!" _and fairly runs towards_ JAMES _as though violently
propelled. In reality, she thinks that she is yielding to an impulse. As
she reaches him, she exclaims_ "No," _and turns back, but_ JAMES, _with
outstretched arms, catches her._