Page:Dr Adriaan (1918).djvu/109

Rh "Well?"

"If you and Papa approved . . . I could observe and treat her best here."

Constance suddenly stiffened.

"I don't know, Addie," she said. "I don't know that Papa would agree to that."

How tactless it was of him to say this in Adolphine's presence! She regretted that she had not told Adolphine, before lunch, in her sitting-room, that the house was full, quite full. But he continued, quietly:

"I should like to ask Papa. Marietje could have Guy's room and Guy the little room next to it."

"That's too small for Guy. You must remember, he's got work to do."

He was conscious of the reluctance in her words. Nevertheless he said:

"Guy could do his work in my study. I am never there in the mornings."

"No, no," said Adolphine, joining in. "No, Addie, it wouldn't do. Your mother's busy enough as it is. . . ."

"It's not that I'm so busy," said Constance, "but . . ."

"Well, Mamma?"

"Our weekly books, you know. . . ."

He had never known his mother so hard or so cruel. And he now said:

"Of course, Mamma, if you think it can't be done . . . I'll see what I can do for Aunt Adolphine . . . somewhere in the neighbourhood. Perhaps Marietje could go and live in a family at Zeist."

"Do you think you know some one there?" asked Adolphine, mournfully.

But suddenly Constance felt very yielding. She