I never have seen Mees drinking—and father very seldom formerly. Ah well—I can’t put a cork in his mouth, nor lead him around by a rope. [Looks through the window.] Gone, of course—to the Rooie. Horrid old drunkard. How old is Kneirtje today?
Jo.
Sixty-one. Young for her years, isn’t she, eh? Sit down and tell me [Merrily.] when are you going to be married?
Marietje.
That depends on the length of the voyage. You know we would like to marry at once [Smiles, hesitates.] because—because——Well, you understand. But Mees had to send for his papers first—that takes two weeks—by that time he is far out at sea; now five weeks—five little weeks will pass quickly enough.
Jo.
[Joyfully confidential.] We shall be married in December.
Marietje.
That’s about the same——Are you two!——Now?——I told you everything——