Mummy can hardly hold back her laughter. I look straight in front of me.
This sort of thing happens nearly every day unless they have just had a very bad quarrel, because then they both keep their mouths shut.
I have to go up to the attic to fetch some potatoes. Peter is busy there debusing the cat. He looks up, the cat notices— pop—he has disappeared through the open window into the gutter. Peter swears. I laugh and disappear.
Yours, Anne
Friday, 20 August, 1943
Dear Kitty, The men in the warehouse go home sharp at half past five and then we are free.
Half past five. Bep comes to give us our evening freedom. Immediately we begin to make some headway with our work. First, I go upstairs with Elli, where she usually begins by having a bit from our second course.
Before Bep is seated, Mrs. van Daan begins thinking of things she wants. It soon comes out: “Oh, Elli, I have only one little wish. Bep winks at me; whoever comes upstairs, Mrs. van Daan never misses a single opportunity of letting them know what she wants. That must be one of the reasons why none of them like coming upstairs.
Quarter to six. Bep departs. I go two floors down to have a look around.
First to the kitchen, then to the private office, after that the coalhole, to open the trap door for Mouschi. After a long tour of inspection I land up in Kugler’s room. van Daan is looking in all the drawers and portfolios to find the days post. Peter is fetching the warehouse key and Boche, Pim is hauling the typewriters upstairs; Margot is looking for a quiet spot to do her
