"What a nice lad that boy of yours is, Constance."
"My Addie? Yes."
"A bit dignified for his years, but otherwise a fine little chap."
"He's always very good to me. We both dote on him."
"You must let him come to us often. Our house is one big nursery; and he'll keep young among that troop of mine."
"Very well, Gerrit, gladly. It's very kind of you."
"What is he going to be?"
"Van der Welcke wants him to go to the university first and then into the diplomatic service."
"Is that his line?"
"I don't know.... He's a little too stiff, perhaps.... But he's so young still."