Truitje closed the door and went back to the kitchen; and the two sisters were left alone.
"Come in, Adolphine."
"I'm not disturbing you?"
"Of course not. I'm glad to see you again."
She forced a note of geniality into her voice.
"We haven't met for years," said Adolphine, in hesitating excuse.
"Not for ever so long. I go to the Hague so seldom. Here's Mamma."
The old woman was in the conservatory, gazing out of the window.
"Mamma!" said Adolphine, with emotion. "Mamma!"
She went nearer: