of heavy footsteps, in the garret, under the roof . . ."
"And then it goes downstairs."
"Yes . . . then it goes downstairs."
"Uncle had the garret examined."
"Addie has been up there, with Guy."
"They found nothing."
"It can't be a rat."
"It's quite unaccountable."
"I'm getting so used to it," said Marietje.
"It sometimes comes down the little staircase."
"Aunt Constance is afraid of the little staircase."
"She doesn't like the house at all."
"But Uncle does and Addie does."
"Mathilde was so frightened!"
"Uncle and Addie wouldn't like to leave the house."
"And it's a nice house," said Gerdy. "I . . . I'm frightened myself lately . . . and yet I'm fond of the house."
"I love the house too," said Adeletje. "It's so brown, so dark . . . like something safe and something very dear . . . around us all. I should be very sorry to leave the house. I shall never marry—shall I?—because I'm ugly and delicate . . . and I shall always remain with Uncle and Aunt. . . ."
Gerdy took her in her arms.
"You won't," Adeletje went on. "You'll marry one day, Gerdy . . . and so will Marietje."
"Oh, stop!" said Gerdy. "Do stop, Adeletje! . . . What are you talking about marriage! . . . I'm ugly as well; nobody likes me!"
"Listen!" said Marietje.
"What did you hear?"
"The sound . . . I thought."
"I hear nothing."
