Every single one came slowly back, except Frick; he had cleared the space to the top of the stairs, and was now making his quickest time on record down the flight.
"You are not to cheer; I see you want to," and Doctor Fisher gave a little laugh.
"Yes, sir," Curtis Park answered for the rest.
"Well, you——"
"Doctor Fisher"—it was Mrs. Sterling who interrupted, and she smiled—"I should very much like to hear that cheer now."
"Ma'am!" exclaimed the little doctor, gazing at her over his spectacles.
"Oh, it would do me good, I assure you," said Mrs. Sterling, leaning back in a satisfied way against her pillows. "So, if you please, boys, let me hear it at once"—smiling at them.
And they gave it then and there, the poor mother in all this confusion getting time to recover herself.
And then three more for the little doctor. And then one of the boys, the least likely to have courage to propose it, piped out:
"Let's give her three"—pointing to the hostess.