he said,c we have heard of your association with our
nephew, and that's not surprising, since the whole
town is talking about it. We don't know if your
parents have brought you up with sound principles,
but you are old enough to know for yourself that it
is not right to go out walking with a young man unless
your association has been approved. You are
causing a scandal. But the moral attitude in this
house is your parents' business. In short, we have
come to tell your father that he must forbid it,
because our nephew is not behaving himself as he
ought at present. I won't say that you are to
blame for this, but, after all, it is you who have
caused him to lose his head. Therefore, our
urgent request is : Leave him alone. Before he
knew you Floris went regularly to Church, the
domine was pleased with him, and now he is set on
the path of godlessness. I hope you have under-
stood.'
She held her head bent over her breast, a tear
rolled down her cheek. * You mustn't take it to
heart so,' said Frans, * my brother didn't mean it
like that.' Then she began to sob, and the three
brothers looked at her.
Gerbrand sighed; he said in a quiet and
friendly tone : * If you love him, perhaps we can
see about it later. With an upright heart every-
thing will come right, I can tell you that, my
child.'