“I’m glad you’ve all come,” he said feebly. “I want a kiss, mamma.”
She gave it and bent over him, softly smoothing his hair. “Mother’s darling, mother’s dear little man,” she said in trembling tones, pressing kisses on his forehead, cheek and lips.
“There, Vi dear, that will do,” the doctor said gently. “Let the rest of us have our turn. Are you quite easy and comfortable, Ned, my boy?” laying a finger on his pulse as he spoke.
“Yes, uncle. Give me a kiss, and then let papa and Grace do it.”
“Be very quiet and good, my son; do just as uncle tells you, and you will soon be well, I think,” the captain said in cheery tones when he had given the asked-for caress.
Then Grace took her turn, saying:
“My dear little brother, get well now as fast as you can.”
Then the doctor banished them all from the room, bidding them leave him to his care and that of the old mammy who had again and again proved herself a capital nurse in the family connection.