Constance glad at seeing him, at finding him looking so well and in such good spirits.
"Mamma, you're hopeless!" he exclaimed.
"Did you really never think that there was no money left?"
"No," said Constance, humbly.
And they both started laughing again. He shook his head, considered her incorrigible:
"And I've got some bills too, for the things you bought when you went away."
"Oh, yes!" she said, remembering. "But they can wait."
"I told them that you were abroad and that they'd have to wait."
"Of course," said she.
And they arrived in the Kerkhoflaan in excellent spirits.
"Well, Truitje, have you looked after the master and Master Addie nicely?"
"I did the best I could, ma'am . . . But it's just as well you're back again . . ."
"Well, Constance?"
"Well, Henri?"
"Did you have a good time?"
"Yes."
"You're looking well."
"Thanks. . . . Oh, have you waited dinner for me?"
"Well, of course!"
