“Yes, and if appearances are all against them!”
“Indeed,” said van Rheijn tartly, “am I to suppose that, where a woman’s good name is concerned, you would go by appearances?”
“They say that MʻBok Kârijâh has been employed.”
“Oh! if that filthy hag has a finger in the pie, then—”
“They say!” exclaimed van Rheijn contemptuously, “they say!—and pray who are they?”
“Well—everybody—”
“At all events I am not one of them,” replied van Rheijn.
“No more am I,” added Grashuis.
“Hush,” whispered van Rheijn, “I am sure Laurentia can hear all we say; just look how she pricks her ears.”
“How very dignified van Beneden looks in his gown,” said Grashuis anxious to change the subject and slightly raising his voice.