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shoulder and said : * You mustn't speak of that.
Your father has appeared before the highest judge,
and whatever wrong he may have done from our
human point of view he has long since atoned for.
It is your duty, as his son, to think of him with
respect. But we will pass judgment on what you
have done. I'm glad you've confessed your trans-
gressions, that signifies that you understand the
difference between right and wrong, and that you
have the will to improve. Previously, when you
weren't sorry, you hadn't understood that, but now
your conscience has awakened. Give me your hand
and promise me solemnly that from now on you'll
be a good boy. But right is right, and wrong-doing
brings punishment. Because of the money you've
taken, others have had to go short. You'll go with-
out pocket-money for three months, and when the
Fair comes—no money for that.'
He said : * Thank you, Uncle,' and went to bed.
A deep sigh rose from his breast as he listened to the
sound of scrubbing in the passage below.
The others noticed that Werendonk asked about
him in a friendly tone of voice if he hadn't arrived
home, and looked at him with a smile when they
were sitting at meals; also that Floris was more
diligent with his homework, and answered cheerfully
when he was spoken to. He was always punctual,
he waited patiently if Frans wanted him to go out,
and walked slowly beside him.