Van Weller. How old is your master?
Frans. I think he is twenty-eight.
Van Weller. The same! the same! How long have you been in his service?
Frans. We grew up together.
Van Weller. Then you knew his father?
Frans. Certainly. It was he who used to call me “vagabond,” when——
Van Weller. That is not what I am asking. How long is it since the old gentleman died?
Frans (considering). Fifteen or sixteen years.
Van Weller. Did he die of an illness?
Frans. He certainly did not die of health.