Vincent saw him to the door with a lighted candle, and Etienne walked to the steps, supported between Georges and Paul.
“Vere, be careful now. Don’t catch cold standing at the door, and don’t you take any notice; they misjudge you, but I will take your part——”
Vincent nodded smilingly at Georges and Paul, and closed the door.
“Deuced pleasant chap, that Vere!” stammered Etienne. [[96]]
CHAPTER XI.
After four o’clock the Verstraetens were generally at home, and to-day about that time the house happened to be stormed with visitors. Betsy and Eline had just looked in, and met the Eekhofs, and the Hydrechts, Emilie de Woude, and Frédérique; later on came Madame van der Stoor and little Cateau.
Eline, with her hand on Cateau’s shoulder, bent over the photograph at which the latter was looking.
She felt conscious of a strong impression on Cateau by her grace and geniality, and as, in her need for affection, she was always glad to create sympathy, she nurtured Cateau’s love as a precious flower. But that longing for affection was not unmingled with a touch of proud triumph towards Frédérique, in whom, ever since St. Nicholas’ Eve, she suspected, she knew not why, a secret aversion towards herself.
While Cateau was speaking to her, in her pleasant little voice, Eline just glanced round at Frédérique in order to see if she noticed the sympathetic admiration of her little friend. But Frédérique was too much engaged joking with the young Eekhofs.