"I never learnt how," said Paul, secretly fearing the gravy.
"Give it to me, Hans," said Brauws.
They were silent round the table; the wind howled outside.
"The gas is burning badly," said Constance.
"How nice-looking Mary is growing now that she's down here!" said Paul. "There, you needn't go blushing: your old uncle may surely pay you a compliment."
"Well, Uncle Paul, I'm not as young as all that myself: I'm getting on for thirty."
"And you, Klaasje," said Paul, "you're eating like a grown-up person."
"I do eat nicely now, don't I, Auntie?" said Klaasje, proudly.
Constance nodded to her with a smile.
"Only Gerdy ... she's not doing well," thought Paul. "How pale she looks!... Ah, well! Perhaps it'll all come right later for the poor child.... He or another.... Love, it's a strange thing: I never felt it."