II.


As a broad-shouldered man, with a frank, smiling face, stepped into the
cheerful light of the room, his head almost touched the ceiling.

"There you are, mother!" he cried.

He threw his hat into a corner and began to empty his pockets with great
care, placing the paper bags on the table.

"Dolf, I was sure you'd do it; you've forgotten the pint of milk," cried
maman Nelle when everything was spread out.

Dolf drew back, and made a grimace as if he really would have to go back
to the shop. But, at the same time, he winked to Riekje to let her know
that it was a joke. Nelle, who had not seen this, struck the palm of her
left hand with her right fist, complaining bitterly.

"What are we to do without milk, Dolf? I must go to town myself. These
big lads think of nothing but their love, Tobias."

"If I produced the milk from under Riekje's chair, would you kiss me,
mother?" Dolf broke in, heartily laughing, and throwing one arm round
his mother's neck, while he held the other hidden behind his back.

"Be quiet, bad boy," said Nelle, half in anger, half jokingly; "how can
there be any milk under Riekje's chair?"