“Yes.”
“I am glad to know you, Mr. Barnes. Very glad!” John shook hands with him heartily, noting with approval his frank, open countenance and his honest, homely manner. “I have heard a lot about you, and I like all that I have heard.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“We are all of us very fond of Maria,” continued John. “I wonder if you realize what a lucky fellow you are. There are not many girls like Maria.”
“Thank you, sir,” responded Mr. Barnes heartily. “One of ’em is enough for me.”
Dr. Crossett, followed by Nellie and Mrs. Mooney, whom he had found patiently waiting in the kitchen, came into the room, the Doctor holding Nellie by the hand and looking at her with pride.
“John!” He cried out in surprise and joy, and took his hand as he listened to John’s warm greeting. “I am so glad to see you, my boy, and look, look at little Nellie here. Her arm is well. I have never seen a cure more complete.” His eyes fell upon Barnes, who was shuffling from one foot to another in an agony of embarrassment. “Ah!” The Doctor knew him at once. “Maria! A sailor! Not the famous Mr. Barnes?”
“Yes, sir,” answered Maria proudly.
“I am glad to see you.” The Doctor took his hand as cordially as he would that of an old friend. “You know, Mr. Barnes, I had my doubts about there really being any such person. I feared you were a Mrs. Harris.”
“No, sir; Barnes is my right name.”