“People never know each other well. Still....”
“What?”
“I don’t know.... May I tell you something about myself from time to time? Perhaps it won’t interest you as much as, from politeness, you wish me to think; but ... when I’ve done it ... I shall feel relieved.... Heavens, how difficult words are!”
“And yet you are accustomed to speak for hours!...”
“That’s a different thing. Then some one else is speaking inside me. When I myself am speaking, in everyday life, I find words difficult.”
“Then don’t make the least effort, but tell me ... gradually.”
“What did Addie think? I should like to know.”
“He was disappointed, but he did not say much.”
“He’s a serious boy, isn’t he? Tell me about him.”
She felt no more fear and talked about Addie. Brauws laughed, gently and kindly, at the pride that kept shining from her: