“Yes, about nothing ... you know ... small talk....”
“You really needn’t apologize, Mr. Brauws. You had already said so many delightful things last night that I can quite understand....”
“Yes, but I have said nothing this morning and....”
“You wouldn’t know what to say ... about nothing. But please don’t trouble ... and make yourself at home. Henri will be down in a minute; he is very worried at not being ready.”
In fact, they heard Van der Welcke upstairs, dressing excitedly; he was rushing madly round his room and shouting:
“Addie! Addie! Pick me out a tie! Do be quick, boy!”
And Constance rose to go. Brauws stopped her:
“Mevrouw,” he said, hurriedly, “Hans asked me to dinner.”
“And you refused....”
“Well, you see, I’m such a bear. Don’t be angry and don’t let Hans be angry either and let me come and dine with you one day.”