She clasped the child to her, kissed him fiercely:
"I'm going out, Addie. You're very good, but I'm going out: I want air."
"Shall I go with you?"
"No, stay with Papa...."
She could not bear to see them together at this first moment of his return; after the past ten days, she must harden herself again to seeing him caress the child; and now, now she was running away, so that she might not see it. She put on her hat; kissed Addie once more, to show that she was not angry with him, was never angry with him; and went out.
"Papa," said Addie.
Van der Welcke looked gloomy, apprehensive.
"Why do you say those things to her, Papa?"
"My boy!" He drew a deep breath, embraced his son. "Addie," he said, "you've grown bigger than ever. How broad you're getting! You're quite a big chap, Addie; almost too big for your father to kiss and take on his knee."
"No, Daddy; I'm your own boy."