The Return of Peter Grimm | Page 9

Why do you wish to ship me off to Florida?
FREDERIK. I don't understand you, Hartman. I don't wish to ship you
off. I am merely thinking of your future. You seem to have changed
since--
JAMES. We've all grown up, as you just said. [JAMES has laid some
mail on the desk, and is about to leave the room, when FREDERIK
speaks again, but in a more friendly manner.
FREDERIK. The old man's aging; do you notice it?
JAMES. Your uncle's mellowing, yes; but that's only to be expected.
He's changing foliage with the years.
FREDERIK. He's growing as old-fashioned as his hats. In my opinion,
this would be the time to sell.
JAMES. [Astonished.] Sell? Sell a business that has been in his family
for--why, it's his religion!
FREDERIK. It's at the height of its prosperity. It would sell like that!
[Snapping his fingers.] What was the last offer the old man refused
from Hicks, of Rochester, Jim?
JAMES. [Noticing the sudden friendliness--looking at FREDERIK,
half-amused, half-disgusted.] Can't repeat correspondence, Mr. Grimm.
[Amazed.] Good heavens! You surprise me! Would you sell your great,
great grandfather? I learned to read by studying his obituary out in the
peach orchard: "Johann Grimm, of Holland, an upright settler." There
isn't a day your uncle doesn't tell me that you are to carry on the work.

FREDERIK. So I am, but it's not my religion. [Sarcastically..] Every
man can't be blessed like you with the soul of a market gardener--a
peddler of turnips.
JAMES. [Thinking--ignoring FREDERIK.] He's a great old man--your
uncle. It's a big name--Grimm--Peter Grimm. The old man knows his
business--he certainly knows his business. [Changing.] God! It's an
awful thought that a man must die and carry all that knowledge of
orchids to the grave! I wonder if it doesn't all count somewhere.... I
must attend to the mail.
PETER GRIMM enters from the gardens. He is a well-preserved man of
sixty, very simple and plain in his ways. He has not changed his style
of dress in the past thirty years. His clothing, collar, tie, hat and shoes
are all old-fashioned. He is an estimable man, scrupulously honest,
gentle and sympathetic; but occasionally he shows a flash of Dutch
stubbornness.
FREDERIK. I ran over from the office, Uncle Peter, to make a
suggestion.
PETER. Yes?
FREDERIK. I suggest that we insert a full-page cut of your new tulip in
our mid-summer floral almanac.
PETER. [Who has hung up his hat on his own particular peg, affably
assenting.] A good idea!
FREDERIK. The public is expecting it.
PETER. You think so, my boy?
FREDERIK. Why, Uncle, you've no idea of the stir this tulip has
created. People stop me in the street to speak of it.
PETER. Well, well, you surprise me. I didn't think it so extraordinary.
FREDERIK. I've had a busy morning, sir, in the packing house.

PETER. That's good. I'm glad to see you taking hold of things, Fritz.
[Humourously, touching FREDERIK affectionately on the shoulder.]
We mustn't waste time; for that's the stuff life's made of. [Seriously.]
It's a great comfort to me, Frederik, to know that when I'm in my little
private room with James, or when I've slipped out to the
hothouses,--you are representing me in the offices--young Mr. Grimm....
James, are you ready for me?
JAMES. Yes, sir.
PETER. I'll attend to the mail in a moment. [Missing CATHERINE, he
calls according to the household signal.] Ou--oo! [He is answered
byCATHERINE, who immediately appears from her room, and comes
running downstairs.] Catherine, I have news for you. I've named the
new rose after you: "Katie--a hardy bloomer." It's as red as the ribbon
in your hair.
CATHERINE. Thank you, Uncle Peter, thank you very much. And now
you must have your cup of coffee.
PETER. What a fine little housewife! A busy girl about the house, eh,
Fritz? Is there anything you need to-day, Katie?
CATHERINE. No, Uncle Peter, I have everything I need, thank you.
PETER. Not everything,--not everything, my dear. [Smiling at
FREDERIK. JAMES, ignored, is standing in the background.] Wait!
Wait till I give you a husband. I have my plans. [Looking from
FREDERIK to CATHERINE.] People don't always know what I'm
doing, but I'm a great man for planning. Come, Katie, tell me, on this
fine spring morning, what sort of husband would you prefer?
CATHERINE. [Annoyed,--with girlish impatience.] You're always
speaking of weddings, Uncle Peter. I don't know what's come over you
of late.
PETER. It's nesting time, ... spring weddings are in the air; besides, my
grandmother's linen-chest upstairs must be used again for you

[Impulsively drawing CATHERINE to him.], my house fairy. [Kisses
her.] There, I mustn't tease her. But I leave it to Fritz if I don't owe her
a fine husband--this girl of mine. Look what