On his first voyage. And so brave; as he stood there, waving, when the ship—[Sobs loudly.]
Bos.
It can’t be helped, Truus. It is a visitation. There hasn’t been a storm like that in years. Think of Hengst with four children, and Jacob and Gerrit—And, although it’s no consolation, I will hand you your boy’s wages today, if you like. Both of you go home now and resign yourselves to the inevitable—take her with you—she seems——
Marietje.
[With trembling sobs.] I don’t want to go home. I want to die, die——
Clementine.
[Supporting her.] Cry, Marietje, cry, poor lamb——
[They go off.]
Bos.
[Angrily walking back and forth.] What’s the matter with you? Are you too lazy to put pen to paper today? You needn’t answer! Have you the Widows’ and Orphans’ fund at hand? Well!