"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."
