Aunt Philomela was rising from the table. How was that? He had no memory of the intermediate courses.
“You agree, boy?” demanded Dr. Merriweather.
“Oh, certainly,” faltered Barnes, “I agree heartily.”
CHAPTER XIV
OUTSIDE THE DUTCH DOOR
Before leaving, Dr. Merriweather found an opportunity to draw Barnes one side.
“Boy,” he said, “I didn’t realize until to-night to how great an extent Mr. Van Patten’s condition is due to his mental state. He is already wonderfully improved.”
“You mean you think there is now hope for him?”
“I don’t want to put it too strongly—but there’s a chance.”
“You’ve told the others?”
“No. We’ll wait a while before we do that. But I wanted you to know and to thank you.”