The Dutch do not shake hands; they simply extend a wooden member, which you clasp, and the greeting is over.

I had to go through this performance in perfect silence with about seven or eight children of various ages, a grown-up daughter, and eight or ten men, most of whom followed us into the poky little room which appeared to serve as a living-room for the whole family.

Although past ten o'clock, the remains of breakfast were still on the table, and were not appetizing to look at.

We sat down on chairs placed in a circle, the whole party commencing to chatter volubly, and scarcely a word being intelligible to me.

Presently the _vrow_ brought me a cup of coffee in a cracked cup and saucer.