But even before Johannes could reach him, Keesje had sprung to his shoulder and received the first greeting.
"Hey, Markus, do you greet Kees before you do us?" said Marjon, laughing through her tears.
"Are you jealous?" asked Markus. "He has become such a good comrade of mine."
Drawing Keesje up to him, he sat down, while Johannes and Marjon kneeled, one on each side. The two young people regarded him a long while without saying anything; yet it did them good.
"Only ten minutes," sighed Johannes, "and I have so much to ask and to say."
"Do not be uneasy," said Markus. "I shall not be here long.
"Is it not frightful here?" asked Marjon.
"It is the most sorrowful place on earth. But it is without deceit; and I am happy here, for I can do much to comfort."
"But it is fearfully unjust to put you here, with crazy folks," said Marjon. "Those miserable creatures!" and she clenched her slender little hand.
"It is only a small part of the great wrong. They act according to their understanding."