“Come,” she said, very gently, very kindly, patting Addie’s head softly with her trembling fingers. “Get up ... Addie ... and go ... to ... papa.”
He rose, mechanically.
“Léonie, what were you doing here?” asked Van Oudijck, hoarsely.
“Here? I was with Mrs. van Does.”
“And he?” pointing to Addie.
“He?... He happened to be calling.... Mrs. van Does had to go out.... Then he asked leave to speak to me.... And then he asked me ... for Doddie’s hand....”
They were again all three silent.
“And you, Otto?” she now asked, more harshly. “What brought you here?”
He looked at her sharply.
“Is there anything you want to buy of Mrs. van Does?” she asked.