conferences, the main points of which Daddy had discussed in detail with Mr. Kleiman, were due to be held, but now there isn’t time to explain everything thoroughly to Mr. Kugler.
The gentlemen who had been expected duly arrived; even before they came Daddy was trembling with anxiety as to how the talks would go. “If only I could be there, if only I was downstairs,” he cried. “Why don’t you go and lie with one ear pressed against the floor, then you’ll be able to hear everything.” Daddy’s face cleared, and at half past ten yesterday morning Margot and Pim (two ears are better than one!) took up their positions on the floor. The talks were not finished in the morning, but by the afternoon Daddy was not in a fit state to continue the listening campaign. He was half paralysed from remaining in so unusual and uncomfortable a position. I took his place at half past two, as soon as we heard voices in the passage.
Margot kept me company. The talk at times was so long winded and boring that quite suddenly I fell asleep on the cold hard linoleum floor. Margot did not dare to touch me for fear they might hear us, and talking was out of the question. I slept for a good half hour and then woke up with a shock, having forgotten every word of the important discussions. Luckily Margot had paid more attention.
Yours, Anne
Friday, 2 April, 1943
Dear Kitty, Oh dear, I’ve got another terrible black mark against my name. I was lying in bed yesterday evening waiting for Daddy to come and say my prayers with me, and wish me good night, when Mummy came into my room, sat on my bed, and asked very nicely, “Anne, Daddy can’t come yet, shall I say your prayers with you tonight?” “No, Mummy,” I answered.
