don’t like my own back; and yet my coat sits well, doesn’t it? A dress-coat is a very tricky thing. Nowadays, there is hardly a tailor who can cut a good dress-coat. Yes, my waistcoat is very smart: just look at it. The buttons are smart, aren’t they? They are uncut sapphires. Yes, you have a smart little brother. . . . Come, take my arm and let’s walk round the room. Have you heard: they’re all furious, the Ruyvenaers, the Saetzemas, Karel and Cateau, because they were not asked to the first party? The idea was to give it before the signing of the contract, but Otto’s arrival came and upset it. He’s another failure, that Otto, with his little tissue-paper wife. . . . Look at those Van Ravens, Connie. They’re hanging on for all they’re worth to Van Naghel and Bertha, lest they should be degraded at being seen with the Saetzemas. . . . Tell me, Connie: are you glad to be back? Are you really fond of all these relations? . . . I don’t believe I have that family-affection which you and Mamma have; and Bertha; and Dorine. Bertha has it in her own house; Dorine and Mamma go scattering kindnesses broadcast over all the children and grandchildren. . . . I say, Connie, this is what people call enjoying themselves, because two of them are going to get married. But look all round: there’s not a soul really enjoying himself. And that’s what Van Naghel and Bertha spend a couple of thousand guilders on: giving them some dinner and a dance and letting them gaze at my Luxury, with Floortje dancing on top of Marianne. Look
