“Our government has vowed to remain neutral in any armed conflict,” the professor said, fixing his glasses in place again, “just as we did in the Great War. Only last month, Hitler assured our leaders that he’ll respect our neutrality. It’s in his best interest for us to remain neutral.” The professor’s words didn’t seem to soothe Mr. Jacobs. The news had aged him even more, his body capsizing as he sank deeper into his chair.

“My wife and family are still in Germany.”

“I’m so sorry,” Professor Huizenga said. “I’ll do everything I can to bring them here as quickly as possible.” He leaned forward, his gaze holding Mr. Jacobs’s. “What happened to you in Germany can’t happen here. Our government will keep us out of Europe’s mess.”

Ans glanced at Miriam and saw panic on her face. The room fell silent.

Eloise stood, rising from her seat as if sleepwalking. “I apologize to everyone, but I’m feeling very tired.” Her voice was strangely flat. “I know you’ve had a long day too. Perhaps we should all say good night.”

Ans rose and took Eloise’s arm.

Miriam and her father also stood. “Thank you for the meal and for all you’re doing for us,” Mr. Jacobs said.

“Would it bother you if I played my violin in my room?” Miriam asked.

“Not at all,” Eloise said. “I think it would be lovely.”

“I’ll join you in a moment, dear,” Professor Huizenga said.

Ans helped Eloise climb the stairs and get ready for bed. Neither of them mentioned the upsetting news. The faint sound of a violin drifted down from Miriam’s bedroom upstairs, the tune haunting and plaintive.

“Those poor people . . . ,” Eloise murmured. “What they must have endured.”

Ans nodded, remembering Miriam’s timid smile as they’d walked Leiden’s peaceful streets and the way she’d glowed when she talked of the man she loved. She had seemed as happy to be in beautiful Leiden as Ans was. “Can I get you anything else?” Ans asked when Eloise was in bed.

“No. You may go. And leave the light on, please. I need to sleep with it on.”

“Good night, then.”

It was too early for bed. Ans went downstairs again to the front room, where Professor Huizenga was listening to a Dutch news program. He switched it off and looked up. “Does Eloise seem all right?”

“She’s a bit shaky. She wants to sleep.”

“Did she take her medicine?”

Ans nodded. “I can only imagine how upsetting the news must be for her.”

“Yes, and for the Jacobses as well. I’ll need to help Professor Jacobs get settled at the university tomorrow, so I’m glad you’ll be here for Eloise. We’ll need to watch her closely.”