Maria had been made very happy by the doctors and John’s kindness to her lover, but she had no idea of allowing him to bore them, and she knew that these two would have many things to say to one another.
“Now, Mr. Barnes, you go along with Nellie and Mrs. Mooney. They are friends of mine. You can come back here for me about half past seven.”
“I’ll be here,” he answered. “Good day, good day, gentlemen.”
“Good day, Doctor. Go on, Nellie!” Mrs. Mooney took her two charges to the door, then turned for a final look at Dr. Crossett. “You see, Doctor,” she nodded proudly toward Nellie, “you had it right. Just as good as any of ’em!”
“Excuse me, Doctor.” Maria followed them to the door. “He shouldn’t have come here at all, but you know what men are.”
When the door closed, and John found himself alone with Dr. Crossett, he turned to him inquiringly.
“Well, Doctor, what do you think?”
“Of him?”
“Yes.”
“Sit down, my boy. I must talk with you.”