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336 stand some knocking about. I'm glad you're better too. . . ."

Constance made a sign to Ernst: he got up, good and obedient as a child. And they left Gerrit alone.

Adeline was sitting in the other room, with both doors open, because Gerrit's big fire was too much for her and also because she didn't want the children to be running in and worrying him.

"Ernst is looking well," she said, glancing up at him.

Then her hands felt for Constance' hands and she began to cry, sobbing very quietly lest Gerrit should hear.

"Hush, Adeline, hush!"

"He won't get better!"

"Yes, he will, he'll get quite well. Ernst is better too."

"But he . . . he's lost all his strength . . . he's so weak! . . ."

"He'll get well and strong again. . . ."

"What day of the week is it, Constance? . . ."

"It's Sunday, Adeline. . . . I'm going with Ernst to Mamma's for a minute or two. How glad Mamma will be to see him! . . . Are you coming to Mamma's this evening, Sissy?"

Adeline shook her head:

"No," she said, "I can't. I daren't leave Gerrit alone yet. . . ."