(Enter Kate, L. U. E.) Kate (coming down C.). Father, I--Dr. Endicott! Dr. E. (L.). Kate! Kate. I thought my father was alone; excuse my intrusion. (Aside.) It is hard to remember how dishonorable he was when I see him as now. But I must. Dr. E. Do not go, I was about leaving. May I ask to be favored with an interview, at any time possible to you? Kate. I regret to be obliged to say no to your request. Mr. G. Why, what do you mean, Kate? Kate. What I say, father. Dr. E. I appeal to your sense of justice. Is it right to refuse me all explanation? Kate. Can you say you _need_ one? Dr. E. I can. Kate (aside). His eyes meet mine unfalteringly. Can there have been a mistake? But no, that is impossible. (Aloud.) As you will. I will see you to-morrow at this hour. Dr. E. I thank you. Pardon me, Mr. Grovenor, but as this is a matter that concerns me very nearly I could do no otherwise than speak in your presence--my only opportunity. I will send the medicine for you very soon. To-morrow at this hour, Kate, I hope to clear up all your doubts. (Exit, L. U. E. Kate looks after him.) Mr. G. What cursed nonsense is all this? Kate. Nothing, father, only Dr. Endicott asked me to be his wife. Mr. G. The devil he did. Kate. And I refused. Mr. G. What! refused? why, you are a bigger fool than most women! Kate. Thank you, father. But in a matter like that, you must allow even a woman has the right to choose. Mr. G. And are you expecting a prince, that the doctor, a fine, handsome man, is not good enough for you? It is not every one who would want you, with your unfeminine ideas! Kate. Well, father, I think I can manage to exist unmarried. Mr. G. Exist? on what? I have no property to leave you. Kate. Then at least I shall escape taxation without representation. Mr. G. There you go again with your crazy ideas! I declare I have no patience with you. What was that he meant about an explanation? Kate. That I am not at liberty to tell, as it is a secret that concerns others. Mr. G. A secret? Ah, well, it will come out soon enough, then. No woman yet ever kept a secret. Kate. We shall see. Mr. G. Well, Kate, I will not deny you have always been a good girl; I believe you never teased me for money in your life, but you were a fool to refuse the doctor. However, there is no accounting for a woman's whims, and you may think better of it. Kate. Let us dismiss that subject. I came here, father, to beg you to let me help you. I know you are ill and need rest. I know you are oppressed by many cares, while I--I have absolutely nothing to fill my time. I feel I could help you. Forget I am a woman, if need be, and let me try. Mr. G. I know you mean right, child, but if I should agree to your proposition, you would be more bother than you were worth; don't you see you would, you goose? Kate. At first I might until I learned your way. But that would not be long; at least let me try.