Answer:
The real news that Stein receives is that his family is dead.
Step-by-step explanation:
Elizier and his son meets up with a relative from Antwerp, his name is Stein. He tries to find out if Elizier has heard any news from his wife and children, Elizier lies to his that he makes contact with his family regularly and that they are all well and alive.
Elizier lies to Stein about his family so that he could find the will to stay alive because Stein sees no reason to live if his family is no more. Life would be worthless without his wife and children.