This page has been validated.
SMALL SOULS
265
“Yes, I heard them saying so all over the room.”
“Not really?”
“Yes, as I moved about among the people, I heard it whispered on every side, like a rumour: ‘Have you noticed the satin of Floortje’s dress? . . . I say, did you notice the satin of Floortje’s dress? . . .’”
Adolphine looked vaguely in front of her, not knowing what to believe:
“Well, that frock cost . . . a hundred and twenty guilders!” she said, lying to the extent of forty guilders; and, radiant, she went on and talked to Mrs. Bruys, the wife of the editor of the Fonograaf:
“And, mevrouw, what do you say to my party?”
“Paul,” said Adeline, in gentle reproach, “I was really frightened that Adolphine would notice. . . .”
