Busying herself with plates and spoons, the mother continued: “U neemt een beetje avondeten?”
“Nouw! Of ik!” said Enderby with enthusiasm—and they brought him eatables all sorts.
These dainties caught my eye in spite of myself; and I wondered why none had been given to me. It was now going on to ten; and I had had nothing since early breakfast, except a glass of lemonade, a cup of tea and two small schuimpjes.
The old lady was observant, and must have detected famine in my eye, for with a glance at the clock she called softly to Truitje: “Probeer nouw is.”
To me she said, “Wil Mijnheer nog thee?”
The secret was mine now, and I didn’t hesitate.
“Of ik!” I replied.
OPEN SESAME.
There was a scream of delight from all quarters! My kom was turned right-side up and filled to the brim with fresh warm tea. I was the centre of interest at once. Cupboards flew open on all sides, like pistol-shots, and everybody was waiting to help me. It was who would give me most.
“Ham en een broodje?”