"But you did promise Uncle Peter you'd marry me, yes?"
Her answering "Yes" was barely audible.
Frederik continued insistently:
"And he died believing you, yes?"
Kathrien merely nodded; she could not look at him, could not speak. After a moment she went on, her eyes still averted:
"That's what makes me try to live up to it. Still, I cannot help feeling that if Oom Peter knew how hard everything seems—how alone I feel——"
"You are not alone while I am here, lievling——"
Kathrien smiled pathetically.
"You don't understand, Frederik. You mean to be kind—and you are kind. And I thank you for it; but if only my mother had lived! As long as dear Oom Peter was here he was father, mother, everything to me. I felt no lack; but now—oh, I want my mother to turn to——"