"But the family...?"
"Were against it. I myself discussed with Mamma van Lowe whether if wouldn't be better to advise them not to ..."
"And?..."
"Well, Mamma is the mother, you see. When all is said, Constance is her daughter. We all of us gave way. And then it is so very long ago that...."
"I must say," said Mr. Van Raven, emphasizing his words, "that it was very generous of you all."
"Yes, Van Naghel took a very generous view of the case," said Van Saetzema, who looked up greatly to his brother-in-law—a minister, an excellency—flattering him, keeping on friendly terms with him.
"And we all did, all of us, as Van Naghel thought right."
"Still, one never knows," said Mr. Van Raven, thoughtfully. "But, forgive me: she is your sister-in-law; and it is very generous, most generous of you...."
Two aunts of Adeline's stopped the fair-haired little mother:
"Adelientje!"