“Sure to be. Yes, from Paris: ‘J’arrive ce soir.’”
Van der Welcke grew serious:
“And high time too. What business had Mamma to go rushing abroad like that?... One’d think we were well off.... What did you do about those bills, Addie?”
“I went to the shops and said that mevrouw was out of town and that they’d have to wait.”
“I see. That’s all right.... Can you meet Mamma at the station?”
“Yes. The train’s due at six.... Then we’ll have dinner afterwards, with Mamma.”
“I don’t know.... I think I’d better dine at the club.”
“Come, Father, don’t be silly!”
“No,” said Van der Welcke, crossly, “don’t bother me. I’ll stay on at the Witte.”
“But don’t you see that means starting off with a manifestation? Whereas, if you wait in for Mamma peacefully and we all have dinner together, then things’ll come right of themselves. That’ll be much easier than if you go staying out at once: Mamma would only think it rude.”