"David!"
"Why, David!"
The cries came gladly from the two women as he bounded over the sill and extended his hand, first to the older woman, then to Phœbe.
"I just had to stop in here for a minute! Then I must run up the hill to mother. This place looks too good to pass by. How are you? You're both looking fine."
"Ach, we're well," Aunt Maria had to answer, Phœbe remaining speechless. "But why, David! You got two legs and no crutches! I thought you lost a leg."
"I did," he said, smiling, "but Uncle Sam gave me another one."
"Why, abody'd hardly know it. Ain't, Phœbe, he just limps a little? Now I bet your mom'll be glad to see you—to have you back again, I mean."
"Yes. I can't wait to get up the hill. I must go now. I'll be down later, Phœbe," he added.
"All right," she said quietly.
"Ach, Phœbe," Aunt Maria exclaimed after he left, "did you hear me? I almost give it away that his mom can see. Abody can be awful dumb still! But won't he be glad when he knows that she ain't blind! She can see him again. Ach, Phœbe, it's lots of nice people in the world, for all. It makes abody feel good to know them two are havin' a happy time."