Death Comes

Better not say anything to Marie about that. Try to remember more later. Could be interesting.

Siem and Bertus are heading to the dzong.

"Siem, I've been meaning to talk to you about Jack. I think you understand that Maartje was never quite reconciled to the idea of him staying with us long term. She is concerned, much more than I am, about his being Catholic, and about one of the girls eventually getting involved with him."

"Yes, I can see that. As a matter of fact a few days ago I saw him kissing Truusje."

"What! Kissing Truusje? What did she do? But she's only eight! And heavens sakes, he's not even ten yet!"

"Well, that's why I just let it pass. They're just kids, playing house you might say."

"Lord, lord. That's not how I remember playing house. Siem, playing house is pretend eating breakfast and pretend going to work, and, and spanking dolls. That kissing game is quite another game; I don't like it a bit. And Maartje would have his guts for garters!"

"Hey, didn't you play doctor and nurse with other kids?"

"No, did you?"

"Why sure. I think most kids do. A little nakedness, some touchy feely giggling, that's all. Nothing there to worry about. Nothing actually sexual happens."

"I can see you had a different childhood than I did. If boys and girls getting naked together is not sexual, I don't know what I could call it. But it fits right in with what I meant to ask you. Since Maartje feels the way she does, and now I can't say I blame her much, what would you think about taking Jack to Holland. He fits into your family much better than into ours. You are all Catholic, and so is he."