Page:Dr Adriaan (1918).djvu/126

120 "Constance," said Adolphine, taking her hand, "it is so kind of you . . . and I am so grateful. . . ."

Her voice trembled as she spoke.

"My dear, what a fuss you make!" said Constance. "I'm your sister and Marietje is my niece. But . . ."

"But what?"

"It certainly is kind . . . of Henri."

"Yes, it's very nice of your husband."

"You see, it's his house."

"Yes . . . and he had so many calls on him," said Adolphine, humbly. "Constance, won't you let me pay something . . . for Marietje's keep? So much a month, I mean . . . until she's a little better. . . ."

"You'd better not bother to do that, Adolphine."

"You have so many expenses."

"Yes, but you've plenty of use for your money too."

"What I mean is . . . it's your husband's money."

"I know. But Henri would rather you didn't pay anything . . . really."

"Really?"

"I'm sure of it. If you or Van Saetzema wrote him a line . . . he'd like that."

"Of course I shall. I shall thank him myself."

"And you'll come and see the child whenever you like, won't you, Adolphine?"

"Yes, Constance, I will. . . . What a pity it is that you don't live in the Hague!"

"Why?"

"Oh, the Hague is so much our town, our family town; and your house, now that Mamma is so old, is certainly the house . . . of the family, the centre, so to speak. . . ."