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160 “Nice people, those relations of yours, though they are barons and diplomatists!”

“Oh, we don’t look upon them as relations! Mamma said so distinctly.”

“And so,” said Mr. Van Raven to Van Naghel and Van Saetzema, “you think they came to live here merely. . .”

“Because they were feeling very lonely in Brussels.”

“But the family. . .?”

“Were against it. I myself discussed with Mamma van Lowe whether it wouldn’t be better to advise them not to. . .”

“And? . . .”

“Well, Mamma is the mother, you see. When all is said, Constance is her daughter. We all of us gave way. And then it is so very long ago that. . .”

“I must say,” said Mr. Van Raven, emphasizing his words, “that it was very generous of you all.”

“Yes, Van Naghel took a very generous view of the case,” said Van Saetzema, who looked up greatly to his brother-in-law—a minister, an excellency—flattering him, keeping on friendly terms with him. “And we all did, all of us, as Van Naghel thought right.”

“Still, one never knows,” said Mr. Van Raven, thoughtfully. “But, forgive me: she is your sister-in-law; and it is very generous, most generous of you. . . .”