been smuggled over the border; in addition no one is allowed into Zealand without a special permit, so if they thought we were there, he couldn’t try and look us up.
Yours, Anne
Sunday, 27 September, 1942
Dear Kitty, Just had a big bust-up with Mummy for the umpteenth time; we simply don’t get on together these days and Margot and I don’t hit it off any too well either. As a rule we don’t go in for such outbursts as this in our family.
Still, it’s by no means always pleasant for me. Margot’s and Mummy’s natures are completely strange to me. I can understand my friends better than my own mother—too bad!
We often discuss post-war problems, for example, how one ought to address servants.
Mrs. van Daan had another tantrum. She is terribly moody. She keeps hiding more of her private belongings. Mummy ought to answer each van Daan ‘disappearance’ with a Frank ‘disappearance.’ How some people do adore bringing up other people’s children in addition to their own. The van Daans are that kind. Margot doesn’t need it, she is such a goody-goody, perfection itself, but I seem to have enough mischief in me for the two of us put together. You should hear us at mealtimes, with reprimands and cheeky answers flying to and fro. Mummy and Daddy always defend me stoutly.
I’d have to give up if it weren’t for them. Although they do tell me that I mustn’t talk so much, that I must be more retiring and not poke my nose into everything, still I seem doomed to failure. If Daddy wasn’t so patient, I’d be afraid I was going to turn out to be a terrific disappointment to my parents and they are pretty lenient with me.
