“At Dr. Holsma’s, and ate breakfast there?”
“Why, certainly. Where else?”
“And did he use the good manners I’ve taught him?”
“Of course, Juffrouw! But——”
“And is he now in the carriage with the doctor?”
“Why, Juffrouw—naturally!”
“Listen, my dear,” continued the proud mother, “I am going to tell you something; but you need not repeat it to anybody else. Don’t you know, that’s an unusual child!”
“Yes,” sighed Kaatje, thoroughly convinced, “I know it.”
“You know it, don’t you? And do you know why? I’m going to tell you. He’s an unusual child, because—Pietro, move away a little, and you, too, Mina. Trudie, you can stay where you are, but pay attention to your knitting!—he’s an unusual child, don’t you know, because, before he was born, you understand——”
“Oh, Juffrouw!”