"Oh, Father, I really wasn't thinking of that. I do worry about money sometimes, because of Lily, who married on nothing: what have Frits and Lily to live on? And because of my boys. I don't care about money myself."
It was almost true; it had become true as the years went on. Since she had grown older, she thought of money more for her children's sake; motherliness had developed in her soul, even though that soul remained material and small.
"Yes," said Harold Dercksz, "I know."
"You are so depressed, Father."
"I am just the same as usual."
"No, Uncle Daan has made you depressed. I can see it."
He was silent and on his guard.
"You never speak out, Father. Is there nothing I can do for you? What's depressing you?"
"Nothing, dear."
"Yes, there is; yes, there is. Tell me what's depressing you."