"I have come from the station."
"I didn't expect you till to-morrow," said Mathilde, faintly, in spite of herself.
"I finished earlier. Emilie is much more peaceful.... How are the children?"
"All right."
"Where have you been this evening?"
"I went and had tea at Johan's sister's.... Johan was seeing me home."
"But now that Van der Welcke's here ... to see you home...." said Erzeele.
"Not at all," replied Addie. "Come a little way farther."
They walked on, Mathilde between the two men. Addie talked conventionally. They hardly answered. Meanwhile he observed them. His curiosity roused him, gave him a sudden new interest, as though he was treating a case of serious illness.
"I'll say good-bye here," said Erzeele, as they turned down the side-street.