in that particular way, it would be impossible for him to turn out anything less than a perfectly peeled potato.I keep on working. I glance up for a second, but that's all the time I need. Mrs. van D. is trying to attract Dussel's attention. She starts by looking in his direction, but Dussel pretends not to notice. She winks, but Dussel goes on peeling. She laughs, but Dussel still doesn't look up. Then Mother laughs too, but Dussel pays them no mind. Having failed to achieve her goal, Mrs. van D. is obliged to change tactics. There's a brief silence. Then she says, "putti, why don't you put on an apron? Otherwise, I'll have to spend all day tomorrow trying to get the spots out of your suit!""I'm not getting it dirty."Another brief silence. "putti, why don't you sit down?'"I'm fine this way. I like standing up!"Silence."putti, look out, du spritzt schon!".* [*Now you're splashing!]"I know, Mommy, but I'm being careful."Mrs. van D. casts about for another topic. "Tell me, putti, why aren't the British carrying out any bombing raids today?""Because the weather's bad, Kerli!""But yesterday it was such nice weather and they weren't flying then either.""Let's drop the subject.""Why? Can't a person talk about that or offer an opinion?'"Well, why in the world not?""Oh, be quiet, Mammichen!"* [*Mommy]"Mr. Frank always answers his wife."Mr. van D. is trying to control himself. This remark always rubs him the wrong way, but Mrs. van D.'s not one to quit: "Oh, there's never going to be an invasion!"Mr. van D. turns white, and when she notices it, Mrs. van D. turns red, but she's not about to be deterred: "The British aren't doing a thing!"The bomb bursts. "And now shut up, Donnerwetter noch mal!* [*For crying out loud!"]Mother can barely stifle a laugh, and I stare straight ahead.Scenes like these are repeated almost daily, unless they've just had a terrible fight. In that case, neither Mr. nor Mrs. van D. says a word.It's time for me to get some more potatoes. I go up to the
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