Summary

In Part II, Chapter 18, Jas watches Dad dump the milk. Now the cows are sick, all the milk is worthless. Jas remembers Dad saying: "Death always comes wearing clogs," feeling the closeness of death (180). She is holding Dieuwertje when the vet comes in. He and Jas talk about the cows' fevers. Then he asks her about her coat. Jas does not like having to answer questions. Then he asks if she misses Matthies. Jas says yes. It is the first time she has been asked. The vet tells her she is the prettiest girl he has ever seen (185). Jas feels something she has never felt before.

In Chapter 19, the vet joins the family for coffee. Ever since their conversation, Jas has become fascinated with him. No one at the table talks. Because the family has turned almost entirely...