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Rh "Yes, but I have said nothing this morning and . . ."

"You wouldn't know what to say . . . about nothing. But please don't trouble . . . and make yourself at home. Henri will be down in a minute; he is very worried at not being ready."

In fact, they heard Van der Welcke upstairs, dressing excitedly; he was rushing madly round his room and shouting:

"Addie! Addie! Pick me out a tie! Do be quick, boy!"

And Constance rose to go. Brauws stopped her:

"Mevrouw," he said, hurriedly, "Hans asked me to dinner."

"And you refused . . ."

"Well, you see, I'm such a bear. Don't be angry and don't let Hans be angry either and let me come and dine with you one day."

"So you're inviting yourself?"

"Yes."

"Very well; we shall be delighted to see you. When will you come?"

"Whenever you like."

"To-morrow?"

"With great pleasure."

"Would you rather come alone, or shall I ask Van Vreeswijck to meet you?"

"Yes, certainly, Van Vreeswijck . . ."

"And nobody else."