“Yes,” said Adolphine sentimentally, “on New Year’s Eve we ought all to be here.”

“Just so,” said Uncle Ruyvenaer. “I agree.”

“Then, if you’ve had a quarrel....”

“You make it up again....”

“And start quarrelling again, with renewed courage, on the first of January,” grinned Jaap.

“But—I’ve always said so—what Constance has not got is ... a heart,” Adolphine continued, pathetically.

“Do you know what I think?” said Floortje, sinking her voice.

“What?”

“That she encourages Marianne.”

“What for?”