Van Oudijck became red and angry:
“To the band? But you might have asked my leave first!” he exclaimed, in a sudden temper.
Doddie pouted.
“I don’t like you to go out, without my knowing where you go. You were out this afternoon too, when I wanted you to come for a walk with me.”
“Well, doesn’t matter then!” said Doddie, bursting into tears.
“You can go if you want to,” said Van Oudijck, “but I insist on your asking me first.”
“No, I don’t care about it now,” said Doddie, in tears. “Doesn’t matter! No band.”
They could hear the first strains in the distance, coming from the Concordia garden.
Van Oudijck returned to his office. Doddie and Theo flung themselves into two rocking-chairs in the verandah and swung furiously to and fro, skating with the chairs over the smooth marble.
“Come,” said Theo, “let’s go. Addie expects you.”