Constance went to the Nieuwe Uitleg next morning; the landlady, shaking her head, let her in; Dr. van der Ouwe met her in the passage:
"I thank you for coming, mevrouw. It won't do for Ernst to remain here any longer; I should like to take him down to Nunspeet, with one of you, as soon as possible, to-morrow. But it won't be an easy matter . . . poor fellow!"
"I'll do my best," said Constance, doubtfully.
"Then I'll leave you alone with him. You won't be nervous? No, you're not nervous. He's quite quiet, poor fellow. Don't be afraid: I shall be near."
Constance went upstairs, with her heart thumping in her breast. She tapped softly at the door and received no answer:
"Ernst!" she called; and her voice was not very steady. "Ernst . . ."
But there was no reply.
She slowly opened the door. The door-handle grated into her very soul; and before entering she asked once more:
"Ernst. . . . May I come in?"
He still did not answer and she walked into the
