“And you,” she said to Van Vreeswijck, maliciously, “you sha’n’t know the secret ever!...”


[1] The title borne by the unmarried daughters of Dutch noblemen.

Chapter XVII

The men remained behind to smoke; Constance went to the drawing-room with Adeline and Marianne.

“You’re looking so happy to-night, Aunt Constance,” said Marianne. “Don’t you think so, Aunt Adeline? Tell me why.”

The girl herself looked happy, radiant as though with visible rays, a great light flashing from her sparkling eyes.

“Yes, Auntie’s looking very well,” said the simple little fair-haired woman.

“That’s because I think it so nice to have all of you with me.”