“Here he is, Doctor.” She showed him into the room where Dr. Barnhelm was standing waiting to greet him.
“Martin!”
The two men clasped hands warmly. Dr. Barnhelm was greatly affected, but knowing how gladly his friend had made any sacrifice that had been necessary to hurry to him, he tried to say as little as possible.
“It is all wrong, Paul. You should not have left your work.”
“La! I needed a change; the sea air has made me young again. Now—you?”
“I—I am well.”
“So? You do not look it.” He turned gravely to Maria. “You have done well. He needed me.”
“Yes, sir.” She was content. She knew now how great a liberty she had taken, but he had told her that she had done well, and she was happy. She smiled at him through her tears as she turned to go, but his voice stopped her.
“Maria!”
“Yes, Doctor.”