"Ah! Dolf, dear Dolf, there are times when I think it would almost be better to be up there now, so that I might tell the good Virgin all you have done for me."
"Riekje, I am sad when you are sad: you do not wish to make me unhappy about you this evening?"
"No, Dolf dear, I would give my life to save you one moment's pain."
"Then show me your beautiful white teeth, Riekje, and turn round and smile at me."
"As you will, my Dolf, for all my joys and sorrows are yours. I have only you in the world."
"Since that is so, Riekje, I wish to be everything to you; your father, your husband, and your child. Tell me, Riekje, I am your baby, am I not? There will be two of us to love our mother."
Riekje took Dolf's head in her hands, and kissed his cheeks; she paused from time to time as one pauses when drinking sweet liqueur to enjoy the flavor, and then drinks again. Then she put her lips to his ear and whispered:
"Dolf, my darling Dolf, will you love it?"
Dolf raised his hand solemnly.
"I call God to witness, Riekje, I shall love it as if it were my own flesh and blood."