“Do you disapprove of my choice, mother dear?” asked Anna.
“Disapprove,” said Laurentia, gravely, “no, my child, it is not I who disapprove.”
“Oh! yes; I know that papa is not at all fond of Mr. van Nerekool!”
Mrs. van Gulpendam made no reply to this exclamation.
“Have you loved him long?” asked she at length.
“Yes, mamma; my love for him has grown without my knowing it.”
“Come now, Anna,” said Laurentia, with a sad incredulous smile, “come now.”
“I do assure you,” pleaded the girl, “it was altogether without my knowledge.”
“How then, and when did you discover that you were in love with him?” persisted her mother.
“You know, mamma, do you not? that he used to visit here frequently—very frequently.”