“Will Mr. van Nerekool take tea or coffee?” said a silvery voice interrupting the threatened explanation.
The young man turned at once. “Good evening, Miss Anna,” said he most heartily. “How are you? But I need not ask, you look like a fresh-blown Devonshire rose, so charming, so—”
“Will you take tea or coffee?” said Anna, demurely, with an arch smile at the young man’s compliments.
“Did you make the coffee yourself, Miss Anna?”
“Oh, no,” replied the still smiling girl, “our cook always makes it.”
“And the tea?” asked van Nerekool also with a smile.
“Yes, that is my department, Mr. van Nerekool.”
“I will take a cup of tea if you please.”
“Our cook makes most excellent coffee, I assure you,” cried Mrs. van Gulpendam.
“I don’t doubt it,” replied the young man, with a slight bow. “I do not for a moment question her talent, madam; but, if you will allow me, I prefer a cup of tea. It reminds one of home, you know. If you please, Miss Anna, may I ask you for a cup of tea?”