“Oh tell me—where is she?”
“Never,” was the quiet reply.
“Is she in Java? Is she in India?”
“I will not give you the slightest clue.”
“Has she gone to Europe? Oh, I beg and pray you, have pity upon me and deliver me from this fearful suspense?”
“I will tell you nothing at all. Do you understand me, Mr. van Nerekool? nothing at all.”
“Can I not in any way move you to pity?”
“No, Mr. van Nerekool, I intend to remain true to my word and, moreover—”
“But, madam,” interrupted van Nerekool vehemently, “you must take pity upon my wretchedness!”
“Moreover,” continued Mrs. Steenvlak calmly, “I feel certain that in acting as I am doing, and in keeping absolute silence, I am preventing much future misery.”