“Would it not do you good to go into the country in the summer?” asked Reyer. “I don’t mean that you should travel from one place to the other, that would fatigue you too much. But you might make a little stay in some quiet, cool spot amidst some cheerful surroundings.”
Her thoughts went back to the Horze. Oh, if she had been Otto’s wife, then grateful coolness, shade, affection would have been hers.
“I don’t know of such a place,” she answered languidly.
“Perhaps I might know of something for you. I know some very nice kind people in Gelderland. They have a little country seat surrounded by magnificent pine forests.”
“In Heaven’s name,” screamed Eline passionately, “no pine forests!”
“But country life would strengthen you.”
“It is impossible to strengthen me. Pray, Mr. Reyer, let me lie where I am.”
“Do you sleep better now?”
“Oh yes, fairly well.”
It was not true. She never slept at night, and by day she slumbered just a little, she dozed just a little. The drops had no more effect, and only brought her into a continual whirling ecstasy, a condition full of listlessness and terror, in which she either [[307]]raved like an actress, or dragged herself groaning along the floor. Reyer looked at her penetratingly.