“Do you think so, now?”
“I always did think so. I’m an old admirer of yours, you know. Don’t you remember last year, when I actually proposed to you?”
But she did not seem to like his tone now, and went away for the time being. But a little later he came upon her again. Frederik had led out his lady, the dancing had begun, and no one took any notice of a couple talking together.
Said Elise, “Oh, by the way, I’ve heard from an old acquaintance of yours, Jomfru van Loos.”
“Have you, though?”
“She heard I was going to be married, and wants to come and keep house for me. I believe she’s a very good housekeeper. But of course you know her better than I do.”
“She is very clever, yes. But she can’t come and keep house for you.”
“Oh...?”
“Seeing I’ve wired her this evening offering her another post. She’s engaged to me now.”
Proud Elise started at that, and looked hard at him. “I thought it was over between you,” she said.