really a--Ha!--delightful experience. What is it, after all? A nap from
which we waken rested, refreshened ... a sleep from which we spring up
like children tumbling out of bed--ready to frolic through another world.
I was an old man a few days ago; now I'm a boy. I feel much younger than
you--much younger. [_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