"You're a funny chap," said Va der Welcke.
"But it is not your fault. It is your parents' fault."
"If you only knew," Addie repeated, "how devotedly I love you ... and Mamma!... And all of them here a bit too!... If I had my children here, then.... Perhaps, perhaps they will come back later ... very much later, with ... with Mathilde.... Look here, if that ever happens, we must all of us ... behave differently to her."
"Yes, my dear boy."
"Or try to."
"Yes, old fellow, I know what you mean. We'll all do it ... for your sake."
"You see, she is my wife. I ... I am to blame for everything. If you will try...."
"Yes."
"If she comes back.... Perhaps she won't come...."
"Do you want her to?"