"But it can't do any harm if our monkey goes with us, Doctor," said Marjon. "He is quite still and obedient." Slowly shaking his head, the doctor made a prolonged "m-m-m" with his compressed lips, as if to say that he did not himself think it so hazardous. "I have not yet seen the patient. We will ask the junior physician if he may receive callers. But only ten minutes--not longer, mind." Dr. Cijfer vanished with the doorkeeper, and again the trio waited a considerable time. Then the doorkeeper returned with a man-nurse in white jacket and apron. The latter led them down long halls, three times unlocking different doors and gratings with the key that he carried in his hand, until it seemed to Johannes as if they were pressing deeper and deeper into realms of error and constraint. But it was still there--sadly still--not, as Johannes had expected it to be, noisy with ravings. Now and then a patient in a dark blue uniform came toward them, carrying a pail or a basket. He would look back at them suspiciously, and then go farther on, softly muttering. At last they came to a dismal reception-room with a little wooden table and four rush-seated chairs. It was lighted from above, and there was no outlook. There they were left by themselves in painful suspense. After what again seemed to be a very long time a different door of the same little room was opened by another nurse; and then, at last, Little Johannes could rest again on the bosom of his beloved brother. But even before Johannes could reach him, Keesje had sprung to his shoulder and received the first greeting. "Hey, Markus, do you greet Kees before you do us?" said Marjon, laughing through her tears. "Are you jealous?" asked Markus. "He has become such a good comrade of mine." Drawing Keesje up to him, he sat down, while Johannes and Marjon kneeled, one on each side. The two young people regarded him a long while without saying anything; yet it did them good. "Only ten minutes," sighed Johannes, "and I have so much to ask and to say." "Do not be uneasy," said Markus. "I shall not be here long. "Is it not frightful here?" asked Marjon. "It is the most sorrowful place on earth. But it is without deceit; and I am happy here, for I can do much to comfort." "But it is fearfully unjust to put you here, with crazy folks," said Marjon. "Those miserable creatures!" and she clenched her slender little hand. "It is only a small part of the great wrong. They act according to their understanding." "Markus," said Johannes, "I want to ask you this: I saw poor Heléne in the kingdom of the Evil One. Do you know whom I mean? You do? What does that signify? And will she be saved?" "I know whom you mean, Johannes; but do not forget that we are all in the kingdom of the Evil One. Only in the heart of the Father are we free. The Father allows Waan to have power over all who are away from Him--even over me. "But not for ever, Markus."