She grew uncomfortable, fearing that they were suggesting something improper which she did not understand:
"I don't know," she said, "and I don't care."
"Then you shouldn't call it a silly name."
But now Marietje was really interested and so she asked Caroline, a little later:
"Do you know why the boys call Addie the Italian?"
"Because they're silly," said Caroline.
"No, there must be some reason, but they wouldn't tell me."
Now Carolientje was puzzled in her turn and she asked her mother, later:
"Why are the boys always calling Addie the Italian, Mamma?"
"I don't know," said Adolphine, sharply.