"But your beautiful gold chain, Kaatje! Your silver buckles! I am sure you must have ten pair, at the least."
"Well, but, all this is less than many a maid has that has been at service a shorter time than I have. To a poor maid-servant, I say, it seems like being rich to have I don't know how many loaded ships between China and the Texel."
"They belong as much to Mr. Vanderput as to us, you know. Is Mr. Vanderput here to-day?"
"To be sure. He is to be at the burial-feast; and Miss Gertrude----."
"Gertrude! Is Gertrude here?" cried Christian, sitting up with a jerk which alarmed his attendant for the consequences. "O, if she will stay the whole day, it will be as good as the pastor having come back."
"She crossed from Saardam on purpose. She will tell you about the angels, if any body can; for she lives in heaven as much as the pastor himself, they say."
"She is an angel herself," quietly observed Gertrude's little adorer. Katrina went on with her list.
"Then there is Fransje Slyk and her father. He looks as if he knew what a funeral should be, and as grave as if he had been own brother to the departed. I cannot say as much for Fransje."
"I had rather have Fransje's behaviour than her father's, though I do not much like her," said Christian. "Mr. Slyk always glances round to see how other people are looking, before he settles his face completely."
"Well; you will see how he looks to-day. These are all who will stay till evening, I believe, except Mr. Visscher."