PETER. [_Pausing, taking off his eye-glasses and holding them on his
thumb. Philosophically._] How prettily Nature accomplishes her will--
making a girl doubly beautiful that a young man may yield his freedom the
more easily. Wonderful! [_During the following, he glances over letters._]
A young girl is like a violet sheltered under a bush, James; and that is
as it should be, isn't it?

JAMES. No, sir, I don't think so.

PETER. [_Surprised._] What?

JAMES. I believe people should think for themselves--not be....

PETER. Go on.

JAMES. --er--

PETER. Well?

JAMES. [_Remembering his promise to_ CATHERINE.] Nothing.

PETER. Go on, James.

JAMES. I mean swallowed up.

PETER. Swallowed up? Explain yourself, James.

JAMES. I shouldn't have mentioned it.