Elsa looked at him out of the corners of her eyes; probably by this time she had learnt the real cause of the disturbance.
“I am sorry, Heer Adrian,” she said, “but your mother is not very well this morning.”
“Indeed; I only hope she hasn’t caught the plague from the Jansen woman; but that doesn’t account for everybody running about with their hands full, like ants in a broken nest, especially as it is not the time of year when women turn all the furniture upside down and throw the curtains out of the windows in the pretence that they are cleaning them. However, we are quiet here for a while, so let us talk.”
Elsa became suspicious. “Your mother wants me, Heer Adrian,” she said, turning towards the door.
“Let her rest, Elsa, let her rest; there is no medicine like sleep for the sick.”
Elsa pretended not to hear him, so, as she still headed for the door, by a movement too active to be dignified, he placed himself in front of it, adding, “I have said that I want to speak with you.”
“And I have said that I am busy, Heer Adrian, so please let me pass.”
Adrian remained immovable. “Not until I have spoken to you,” he said.
Now as escape was impossible Elsa drew herself up and asked in a cold voice:
“What is your pleasure? I pray you, be brief.”